The traditional site of Dalmanutha

Posted on June 25, 2013 | 1 comment

Many tourists stop at Tabgha (Seven Springs, or Heptapegon) to see the mosaic of loaves and fish in the new Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes. This church was built in 1982, but we know that a chapel was built at the site as early as the 4th century A.D. I will not engage in a discussion of whether this is the correct location for the feeding of the multitudes by Jesus.

Rarely does anyone have the opportunity to take the path from the church to the lake shore. This is private property. In the photo below, first notice that the water level is low. The green growth is covered when the water level is high. Notice also a path in the middle of the photos. This path leads from the church to the lake (when the water is high).

Traditional site of Dalmanutha (east of Tabgha). Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Traditional site of Dalmanutha (east of Tabgha). Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Only twice have I been able to reach the lake shore at this point. As one approaches the water there is a sign with the word Dalmanutha on it. I met Bargil Pixner in the book shop of the church in 1994 and have an inscribed copy of his with Jesus through Galilee according to the fifth Gospel. At least once in the book he mentions the Seven Springs as “Ma-gadan, Tabgha“ (p. 37). The enlarged map in the back of the book marks the area as Ma-gadan (Dalmanutha).

Dalmanutha sign in 1994. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Sign at traditional site of Dalmanutha in 1994. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Sign at traditional site of Dalmanutha. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Sign at traditional site of Dalmanutha in 2009. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Here is the view from “Dalmanutha” toward Mount Arbel and the Horns of Hattin.

View from Dalmanutha toward Mount Arbel. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins 1994.

View from traditional Dalmanutha toward Mount Arbel. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins 1994.

I doubt that this identification is correct but thought it was significant enough to pass along.

We pointed out in a previous post here that Dalmanutha is mentioned only once in the Gospels.

And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha. (Mark 8:10 ESV)

The parallel account in Matthew 15:32-39 says that Jesus came to the region of Magadan.

And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.  (Matthew 15:39 ESV)

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In search of Dalmanutha

Posted on June 24, 2013 | 3 comments

After the feeding of the four thousand, Jesus went to the district of Dalmanutha.

And immediately he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha. (Mark 8:10 ESV)

This is the only Biblical reference to a place called Dalmanutha. Where was it? When we read the parallel account in Matthew 15:32-39, we learn that Jesus came to the region of Magadan.

And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan.  (Matthew 15:39 ESV)

Todd Bolen, at Bible Places Blog, notes that some scholars equate Dalmanutha with Magadan/Magdala. He says,

Mendel Nun has proposed that Dalmanutha be identified with a small anchorage north of Magdala (Anchor Bible Dictionary 2:4). Dalmanutha may not be a proper name but simply the Aramaic word for harbor.

In an article on “Ancient Harbors Of The Sea Of Galilee,” Gordon Franz discusses the location of Magdala/Dalmanutha. Perhaps Dalmanutha “is a transliteration of the Syrian word for harbor.” Or, the term may derive from the harbor that existed here. Franz describes the harbor:

It consisted of two parts; an open dock for loading and unloading during the summer, and a basin, with a 70 m breakwater to protect the ships from the winter storms. (Bible and Spade (1991) Volume 4, 04. p. 120.)

This new discussion about Dalmanutha has been prompted by a recent lecture by Dr. Ken Dark at the Centre for the Study of Christian Origins in the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh. Helen Bond reports here that Dark spoke of mapping the area around Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. Notice the summary of Dark’s comments on Dalmanutha:

A new research project is synthesising existing data and using air- and satellite-photography to re-examine the area, combined with the first extensive archaeological survey of the Ginosar valley. The latter has identified a very large, but previously-unrecognised, Late Hellenistic, Roman-period, and later, settlement between the modern town of Migdal (on the western side of the valley) and the coast, just south of Kibbutz Ginosar.  It is hard to imagine that a Roman-period coastal community of this size is nowhere mentioned in textual sources, and the site might be identified with one of the unlocated toponyms known from the Bible, perhaps the Dalmanutha of Mark 8:10.

The aerial photo below shows the general area under consideration. Magdala is on the left of the photo. On the right you can see the museum at Nof Ginosaur where the Roman Boat is shown. Part of the building is hidden behind the wing strut of the airplane.

Aerial view of the Plain of Genessaret from Magdala on the south (left) to Nof Ginosaur on the north (right). Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Aerial view of the Plain of Genessaret from Magdala on the south (left) to Nof Ginosaur on the north (right). Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The green strip between the water and the land is covered by water this year. You see two places where the growth has been cleared away to make room for a beach.

So, we have several options for the location or meaning of Dalmanutha. In a post to follow I will show you the traditional site of Dalmanutha.

HT: Bible Places Blog; Larry Hurtado’s Blog

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Facebook site for Tell el-Amarna

Posted on June 21, 2013 | 1 comment

Some archaeological projects have Facebook pages. Check out this one on the Egyptian site of Tell el-Amarna here.

Amarna Letter from the Egyptian ruler of Jerusalem to Amenophis III. Pergamum Museum, Berlin. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Amarna Letter from the Egyptian ruler of Jerusalem to Amenophis III. Pergamum Museum, Berlin. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

This letter dates to the reign of Amenophis III (1391-1353 B.C.).

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Calf and sanctuary found at Ashkelon

Posted on June 19, 2013 | 3 comments

Professor Lawrence E. Stager of Harvard writes about the discovery of the silver calf at Ashkelon in the summer of 1990.

In the waning days of the season, on the outskirts of the Canaanite city, we excavated an exquisitely crafted statuette of a silver calf, a religious icon associated with the worship of El or Baal in Canaan and, later, with the Israelite God, Yahweh. The calf lay buried in the debris on the ancient rampart that had protected the city in the Middle Bronze Age (c. 2000–1550 B.C.). (BAR 17:02 (March/April 1991), ed. Hershel Shanks (Biblical Archaeology Society, 1991).

In Life in Biblical Israel, by King and Stager, the calf is dated “around 1600 B.C.E. (p. 173). This bull calf and the pottery shrine in which it was found is now in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Silver calf and sanctuary found at Ashkelon. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Bronze and silver calf and sanctuary found at Ashkelon. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Bible students recall the golden calf made by Aaron at Mount Sinai (Exodus 32:4).

They made a calf in Horeb and worshiped a metal image. (Psalm 106:19 ESV)

We also know about the golden calves erected by Jeroboam I at Dan and Bethel (1 Kings 12:28-30). In the prophet Hosea we find references to calves in Samaria (8:5-6) and Beth-aven (10:5).

Stager calls attention to a significant reference in Hosea 13:1.

When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel, but he incurred guilt through Baal and died. And now they sin more and more, and make for themselves metal images, idols skillfully made of their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. It is said of them, “Those who offer human sacrifice kiss calves!”  (Hosea 13:1-2 ESV)

The discoveries of archaeology often shed light on biblical accounts and help us to see the reality of them.

For a photo of a bull from the Samaria region, see here.

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Ashkelon excavation underway

Posted on June 18, 2013 | 1 comment

‘Tis the season for archaeological digs. At Ashkelon, the Leon Levy Expedition runs from June 8 – July 19 this year. It is sponsored by Harvard’s Semitic Museum, Boston College, Wheaton College, and Troy University.

I have two young friends, Trent and Rebekah, who are working in the dig. They will not be writing up any marvelous new discoveries that might be made. This is always reserved for the directors of a dig to announce, and then later to publish. My friends are sharing some general information about their participation in the dig as time permits. They are there as part of Dr. Daniel Master’s team from Wheaton College.

Trent has allowed me to use one of his photos of Grid 51. This is the Grid he has been working in during the past week. He informs me that this is about 1/4 mile southwest of the Canaanite Gate, and belongs to the Persian period. At the time Ashkelon was an important port aligned with Tyre and occupied by Phoenicians.

Grid 51 of the current Ashkelon excavation. Photo by Trent Dutton.

Grid 51 of the current Ashkelon excavation. Photo by Trent Dutton.

Notice that the Mediterranean Sea is visible to the west. The photo below shows the view south toward Gaza and Egypt and may include Grid 51.

View south along the beach at Ashkelon. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

View south along the beach at Ashkelon. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

According to 1 Samuel 6:17 there were five important Philistine cities: Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron. Ashkelon had a long history including occupation by Canaanites, Egyptians, Philistines, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, Crusaders, and finally by Mamelukes.

If you would like to follow what Trent and Rebekah are able to share, see their blog here.

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Posted in Archaeology, Bible Places, Bible Study, blog, Israel, Old Testament, Photography, Travel

Overview of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade

Posted on June 13, 2013 | 4 comments

The Haas Promenade is fairly easy to reach from the Hebron Road (Derech Hevron) on the south side of Jerusalem. From there one has a beautiful view of the Old City of Jerusalem and the surrounding area. Those who know the city will enjoy this photo more than those who do not.

View of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

View of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

In this photo you can see the entirety of the southern wall of the Old City. From left to right notice the Church of the Dormition, the Dome of the Rock, the depression of the Kidron Valey, Mount Scopus, and the Mount of Olives. You can see the three towers of Olivet.

Because I have not been posting very much lately, and to show my appreciation for those of you who subscribe and continue to visit the blog, I have linked the image above to one large enough to use in PowerPoint presentations. I hope you and your viewers will enjoy.

As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 125:2 ESV)

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“Extinct” frog alive and well in Hula Valley

Posted on June 7, 2013 | Leave a comment

The Hula painted frog was declared extinct in 1996. But, an Israeli park ranger recently found one. Researchers have caught a total of 14 of these frogs since then. Read the story in the Smithsonian’s Smart News here.

There is no word whether this might have been the frog mentioned  in the account of the plagues the LORD sent on Egypt (Exodus 8). 🙂

He sent swarms of biting insects against them, as well as frogs that overran their land. (Psalm 78:45 NET)

A portion of the Hula Lake/Agamon Lake restoration project. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

A portion of the Hula Lake/Agamon Lake restoration project. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

See here for more info on the Lake Hula restoration project.

HT: Alan Cornett

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Samaria neglected and vandalized

Posted on June 6, 2013 | 6 comments

Back in April I noted here the difficulty of getting to the biblical site of Samaria in Sebastia.

The hill Samaria was bought by Omri, king of Israel, to serve as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 16:23-24). After a visit to Samaria in December, 2009, I posted a photo of the hill of Samaria suitable for use in teaching. I thought I would share this with you today. Samaria was built on a hill surrounded by a deep valley and then mountains.

The Hill of Samaria. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The Hill of Samaria. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Samaria was destroyed by the Assyrians in 721 B.C. By New Testament times Samaria had been rebuilt by Herod the Great, and was visited by Peter and John (Acts 8).

A few days ago Todd Bolen (Bible Places Blog) called attention to an Associated Press article reporting that the archaeological site of Samaria is neglected, and is being vandalized. You can go directly to the AP report here or here.

Samaria has gotten caught in a virtual “no man’s land.” The site is in the West Bank but is designated as a National Park by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. There is no indication that the Parks Authority has any concern for the site. (It is a political issue.) This leaves the site open to neglect and vandalization. Every time I have been there boys or men have approached me to sell me coins from the site. (If you go to my earlier post on Samaria, take a look at the comments by Outremer (Tom Powers) about the political situation at Samaria.)

Back to the most recent visit. I did get a fairly good photo of the steps leading up to the Temple of Augustus built by Herod the Great. Of course, the temple has been gone for centuries. Herod built this temple over the the palace area of the ancient northern kingdom of Israel. Doesn’t anyone respect the past?

Steps of the Temple of Augustus at the site of N.T. Samaria. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Steps of the Temple of Augustus at the site of N.T. Samaria. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

The view of the mountains that surround Samaria is impressive (cf. Amos 3:9).

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A synagogue on the island of Delos

Posted on June 5, 2013 | Leave a comment

In the previous post we mentioned that there were numerous synagogues used by Jews of the Diaspora. Paul visited synagogues in many of the cities where he preached.

During his Spring travels, Dr. Carl Rasmussen visited the Greek island of Delos. Delos is one of those places that can only be reached with much effort. Carl has graciously granted permission for me to use a couple of his photos here. The first one shows a view to the west, southwest, showing various rooms of the synagogue. Note the “Moses Seat” in the upper right of the photo. The entrance is visible in the lower left.

Delos synagogue. Photo by HolyLandPhotos.

Delos synagogue. Photo by Carl Rasmussen, HolyLandPhotos.

The second photo shows a close up of the “Moses Seat” and the marble seats on each side. You may click on the photos for larger images provided by Dr. Rasmussen at the HolyLandPhotos’ Blog.

Delos synagogue. Photo by Carl Rasmussen, HolyLandPhotos.

Delos synagogue. Photo by Carl Rasmussen, HolyLandPhotos.

This large synagogue dates to the mid-second century B.C. Two inscriptions found in 1979-80 indicate that the worshipers here (Israelites) were likely Samaritans who revered Argarizein (Mount Gerizim). (See Kraabel, “New Evidence of the Samaritan Diaspora has been Found on Delos.” BA 47:1; 1984).

The Moses Seat. We commonly identify a special seat like the one in this synagogue as the Seat of Moses. Jesus may have made reference to such a seat (Matthew 23:2-3). For more information about the “Moses Seat” see here. Michael White suggests at least the possibility that this seat may be a “Proedrion, either for the major donor (or patron) or for the leader of the group” (HTR 80:2 (1987). I don’t see that this changes the fact that a reader and teacher of the Law might sit here.

If you have any interest in the synagogues scattered over the Mediterranean world, you will want to visit the HolyLandPhotos’ Blog here.

Tradition has it that Delos is the birthplace of Apollo, the son of Zeus, and his twin sister Artemis.

Marble head of Apolls from Perga. Second century A.D. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Marble head of Apolls from Perga. Second century A.D. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins in the Antalya Archaeological Museum.

An article by Gordon Franz a few years ago piqued my interest in Delos. He wrote on “The Synagogue On The Island Of Delos And The Epistle Of James” in Bible and Spade (18:3; 2005). Franz provides the history and geography of the island. He includes a photo of the “Samaritan inscription,” and then proceeds to use the synagogue of Delos to illustrate two passages from the Epistle of James. He discusses James 2:2-4 and selected verses from James 3.

For those who have an interest in visiting Delos, Prof. Rasmussen explains exactly how to reach the synagogue from the Delos Museum. Rasmussen is author of the Zondervan Atlas of the Bible, and provides nearly 4000 thousand photos at the Holy Land Photos archive.

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The synagogue — a place of study and discussion

Posted on June 4, 2013 | 2 comments

The origin of the synagogue is difficult to determine, but it is generally held that it arose during the time of the Babylonian exile. Synagogues did not become common until the intertestamental period. The term intertestamental is used by many writers to describe the period between the close of the Old Testament (about 425 B.C.) and the coming of John the Baptist in the early first century A.D. Others use the term interbiblical, or the longer phrase, between the testaments.

With the destruction of the Temple (586 B.C.), sacrifices ceased. Prayer and the study of the sacred Scriptures, however knew no geographical limitations. The Book of Ezekiel describes the elders of Israel gathering in the prophet’s house (8:1; 20:1-3) (Charles Pfeiffer, Between the Testaments, 59).

In the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I sat in my house, with the elders of Judah sitting before me, the hand of the Lord GOD fell upon me there. (Ezekiel 8:1 ESV)

In the seventh year, in the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month, certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the LORD, and sat before me. And the word of the LORD came to me: “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD, Is it to inquire of me that you come? As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. (Ezekiel 20:1-3 ESV)

The word synagogue is of Greek origin. It simply refers to a gathering of the people, or a congregation. “The Hebrew word for such a gathering is keneseth, the name used for the parliament in the modern state of Israel” (Pfeiffer, 59).
After the rebuilding of the Temple (520–516 B.C.), the synagogue continued to fill the spiritual needs of the Jews of the Diaspora. There were synagogues in many of the cities visited by Paul: Damascus (Acts 9:2); Salamis (13:5); Antioch of Pisidia (13:14); Thessalonica (17:1); Corinth (18:4); Ephesus (19:8), and others. Only ten families were needed to compose a synagogue.

In 1898 a partial inscription mentioning a “synagogue of the Hebrews” was found at Corinth. It was published by Benjamin Powell in 1903 and identified as having come from the synagogue where Paul preached. McRay says that further study showed that it should be dated considerably later than the time of Paul. (Archaeology and the New Testament, p. 319).

Synagogue Inscription displayed in Corinth Museum. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

Synagogue Inscription displayed in Corinth Museum. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.

A small plaque mounted underneath the inscription at the Corinth Museum reads, “Inscription from a late Roman synagogue.”

One rabbinic tradition has it that there were 480 synagogues in Jerusalem alone. Even the small villages of Galilee had synagogues at the time of Jesus (Mt. 4:23; 9:35).

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