Pomegranate

Recently discovered at Shiloh Excavations were directed by Dr Scott Stripling with an archaeological team has completed four seasons of excavations at the site of biblical Shiloh. Among the finds was a ceramic pomegranate (FC tracing board).

A bit of History

When the Israelites arrived in the land, they set up there the ancient wilderness tent shrine (the Tent of Meeting: Heb. Ohel-Mo'ed). There Joshua and Eleazar divided the land among the tribes who had not yet received their allocation (Joshua 18:1–10) and dealt with the allocation of cities to the Levites (Joshua 21:1–8). Subsequently, Shiloh became one of the leading religious shrines in ancient Israel, a status it held until shortly before David's elevation of Jerusalem. Shiloh also significant because in the bible, 1 Samuel 1–3, the sanctuary at Shiloh was administered by the Aaronite high priest Eli and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. According to this account, this is the temple where Samuel was dedicated to God by his mother Hannah at the steps.

Sacred Pomegranates

Pomegranates adorned the robe of the high priest who entered the Holy of Holies. (The Holy of Holies is a term in the Bible which refers to the inner sanctuary of the Tabernacle where God's presence appeared). Exodus 28:33-34 Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn (well known to Royal Arch Masons) around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. Exodus 39:24-26 They made pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen around the hem of the robe. And they made bells of pure gold and attached them around the hem between the pomegranates. The bells and pomegranates alternated around the hem of the robe to be worn for ministering, as the Lord commanded Moses

It is traditional to consume pomegranates on Rosh Hashana (the first of the Jewish High Holy Days specified by Leviticus 23:23 –32) because, with its numerous seeds, the pomegranate symbolizes fruitfulness. Pomegranate are said to have 613 seeds, which corresponds with the 613 commandments of the Torah. Additionally, Pomegranates are one of the Seven Species of fruits and grains enumerated in the Hebrew Bible (Deuteronomy 8:8) as special products of the Land of Israel.

When Solomon described the decorations of the first temple we read; And he made the pillars; and two rows round about upon the one net-work, to cover the chapiters that (were) upon the top, with pomegranates; and so he did for the other chapiter.. (I Kings 7:18). The Pomegranate is a Biblical sign of blessing. In Christian theology, the high priest would have put aside the symbolism of the law on the day of atonement as he entered into the Holy of Holies to sprinkle the blood on the Mercy Seat. Christ blood was the fulfilment of the law!

The pomegranate is a fruit that is made up mostly of seeds and contains very little pulp. Therefore, it symbolizes a fruit with the unselfish desire to grant further blessing in the world without being too concerned with itself and its own needs. That is why it has the "crown of Royalty” at the top. Most fruits are made up of pulp and seeds. The pulp of the fruit is what the fruit uses to sustain and "feed" itself. The seeds of the fruit are what the fruit uses to bring new fruit into the world. The seeds, then, are all about granting further blessing. In 2018, the team discovered a ceramic pomegranate near a large East/West wall dating to Iron Age I, a period when the tabernacle was in operation at Shiloh. It is believed that this is part of a massive building was from the time of Samuel. Amazingly, the Shiloh Pomegranate was discovered in situ (literally "on site" or "in position) at Shiloh excavations 2018 so we do do have a clear understanding of its origin.