The Magdala Stone Excavation in Galilee

I have been following a remarkable discovery in Israel lately that has me completely intrigued.  A town from the time of Jesus has been found named Magdala, and is being excavated.  This is the same Magdala mentioned in the New Testament where Mary Magdalene is from.  It was a small fishing village known for its fish salting operations, about a week’s walk from Jerusalem.  Recently several articles have been published about finds there, including an in depth article in Smithsonian Magazine 

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/ist/?next=/history/unearthing-world-jesus-180957515/

http://www.timesofisrael.com/2200-year-old-bronze-artifacts-found-at-biblical-site/  

http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/12/09/world/middleeast/magdala-stone-israel-judaism.html?emc=edit_th_20151209&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=25411900&_r=2&referer

Recent finds include a reading stone and a bronze incense shovel and jar similar to those used in the Temple for burning incense.  The reading stone is known as the “Magdala Stone” and was found in the center of what was thought to be a small synagogue and used as a Torah scroll stand.  What is amazing to me about the Magdala Stone are the carvings on each side of the stone.   I love anything having to do with the Tabernacle or Temple, and the symbolism of the coming redemptive work of the Messiah, Jesus.  The images are related to the Temple in Jerusalem. 

On the front side, a carving of the Lampstand with 7 arms for holding lamps that burned pure olive oil.  Surrounding it on either side appear to be urns which may have held the olive oil for its lamps.  On each corner and side of the stone there appears a series of columns and arches.  It is believed these represent the various partitions and walls of the Temple.  In the Tabernacle, the Lampstand was on the south side of the Holy of Holies and the Showbread Table was on the north side.  In front of the veil which separated the Holy of Holies from the Sanctuary, the Altar of Incense was placed. 

In each of the 4 archways on the side of the stone is depicted what appears to be stalks of grain, with the first archway depicting a jar.  This possibly represents the Showbread Table, with the grain symbolizing the twelve loaves of bread, and the jar symbolizing the wine (libation) on the table. 

The back of the stone depicts two archways with what appear to be spoked chariot wheels with flames underneath them.  This may actually represent the Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat which resided behind the veil in the Holy of Holies.  This of course was the place where God dwelt with His people on Earth, and where the High Priest offered sacrifices on behalf of mankind’s sin.  Jews are very reverential about speaking the name of God, writing the name of God, or even depicting God in artwork.  The flaming wheels it has been suggested represents Elijah’s fiery chariot, which is a direct reference to God. 

Finally, the top of the stone has elaborate carvings on it which include what appear to be stalks of grain, hearts, and some type of rosette or flower.  The rosette may represent the almond flower bud of the Lampstand, the lilies depicted on the basin (Laver) in the courtyard where the priests ritually washed, or even the pomegranates which ordained the Priests garments.

What is interesting is how elements of the Tabernacle and Temple were incorporated by someone on the Magdala Stone.  This stone was then installed in a synagogue, in an area where Jesus was known to frequent, and the Bible states several times that Jesus spoke to the Jews in the Synagogues around Galilee (Mt.4:23).  It is very possible that Jesus stood in front of this very stone and taught in the synagogue of the small town of Magdala.  Here He encountered Mary Magdalene and possibly cast the seven demons (Mk.16:9) out of her within a few feet of this very stone.  Mary became one of His strongest followers, present even as He was crucified and one of the first to speak with Him after His resurrection.  On the stone we have depictions of the Lampstand, symbolic of Jesus the light of the world (Jn.14:6).  The wine and grain (bread) which Jesus Himself incorporated in the Lord’s Supper to remind of us of His blood and His body.  And lastly, the fiery wheels of Elijah (2 Kings 2:11), which remind us of a man who was taken up into heaven without dying, just as many Christ followers will experience (I believe very soon) in the Rapture.   Stay alert and watchful, for we do not know when the Bridegroom comes for us!  Make sure you have enough oil to keep your lamps lit throughout the long night (Mt. 25:1).