The Hebrew inscription on this medallion describes rewards for those who perform good deeds. Image: Jim HabermanDig unearths 4th century biblical mosaic
A monumental synagogue structure dating to the Late Roman and Byzantine periods (c. 4th-6th centuries CE) has been discovered during archaeological excavations at Huqoq in Israel’s Galilee.
Huqoq is an ancient Jewish village located approximately two to three miles west of Capernaum and the second season of excavations has revealed portions of a stunning mosaic floor decorating the interior of the synagogue building.
The mosaic is of the highest quality and includes a scene depicting Samson placing torches between the tails of foxes (Judges 15).
His story, recounted in the Bible’s Book of Judges, mentions Delilah, a Philistine woman who worked to undermine Samson. She cut his hair after she persuaded Samson to reveal that his long hair was the secret to this strength.
Jodi Magness, a professor of early Judaism in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said that the image is a reference to Samson exacting revenge on the Philistines by sending out flame-laden foxes to burn their crops.
She said the only other images of Samson in synagogues are at one nearby place in Galilee known as Wadi Hamam, where Samson is seen “smiting” the Philistines with the jawbone of an ass. Another is in what is now modern Turkey, depicting scenes from Samson’s life.
The Hebrew inscription on this medallion describes rewards for those who perform good deeds. Image: Jim Haberman
Why Samson is portrayed and apparently revered in two synagogues close to each other, Magness plans to find out.
In another part of the mosaic, two human (apparently female) faces flank a circular medallion with a Hebrew inscription that refers to rewards for those who perform good deeds.
“This discovery is significant because only a small number of ancient (Late Roman) synagogue buildings are decorated with mosaics showing biblical scenes, and only two others have scenes with Samson (one is at another site just a couple of miles from Huqoq),” says Magness.
“Our mosaics are also important because of their high artistic quality and the tiny size of the mosaic cubes. This, together with the monumental size of the stones used to construct the synagogue’s walls, suggest a high level of prosperity in this village, as the building clearly was very costly.”
Source: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
More Information
Jodi Magness (personal website)
2012 excavation website
I don't think that is a picture of Samson with a halo. I think that is a picture of one of the three Angels who visited Abraham. Of what religion was Abraham? At his time, Zoroastrians mention angelic spirits. Oval face, brown hair, roman nose, eyes looking out of the picture, to my mind it can only be Raphael.