A bronze incense shovel and bronze jug were recently unearthed in archaeological excavations at Magdala, a 2000-year-old Jewish community on the shore of the Sea of Galilee and the site traditionally known as birthplace of Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus' followers. The Israel Antiquities Authority has been leading excavations at the site for several years and previously uncovered the remains of a first-century synagogue, along with the famous Magdala Stone, which depicts a carving of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and a menorah. These latest finds were discovered lying exposed on the floor of some ancient storehouses. The incense shovel fits the description given in Exodus 27:1-3: 'You shall make the altar...you shall make pots for it to receive its ashes, and shovels and basins and forks and fire pans; all its utensils you shall make of bronze.' According to the chief archaeologist, 'The incense shovel that was found is one of ten others that are known in the country from the Second Temple period.'
Off-site Links:
- http://www.antiquities.org.il/Article_eng.aspx?sec_id=25&subj_id=240&id=4190
- http://www.timesofisrael.com/2200-year-old-bronze-artifacts-found-at-biblical-site/
