Some people have asked me to share the “Best” thing about the trip. I can say the high point of my trip was when I looked out the window and saw the blue waters of the Mediterranean. We were 38,000 feet at the time, so that is definitely the high point of the trip. (I also enjoyed Italy, Greece and the Aegean Islands from the air).But to share the “best” part of the trip is something I really can not do. The “Best” thing does not exist, because there were so many things I really enjoyed.
I traveled to Israel with friends (Mike & Inae Parrish, Tag & Lisa Murn, Kenny & Todd Fields; Nancy Rogers) and Family (Denise, Chelsea & Sarah), and have shared experiences with them that will never be forgotten.
John Delancey, our Biblical guide was fantastic. He shared great Biblical insight and brought the Bible and the places visited to life. His experience made the trip. There were no dry spots or unplanned time. There were no “glitches.” The trip was well planned, and John was always there. I would recommend him (website: http://www.biblicalisraeltours.com/). You can see archives of our trip under June 2012.
Shlomo Ben-Asher was also a great part of the trip. His family moved to Israel in 1938, 10 years before there nation was born. They were part of the Zionist movement that lived on the Kibbutz. Shlomo has a passion for what he has done for 29 years, he travels in order to gain a greater knowledge base and and keep himself on the cutting edge as a guide. He brought us into the culture sharing for his Jewish background and shared with us the Christian sites through years of experience. Some of his songs are still with me.
The food was outstanding. Fresh fruit and vegetables were served at every meal. We ate cheeses and eggs at breakfast. The fresh dates were fantastic.
It was a gift to be able to walk in the very places experienced by those of the Bible. We walked in Jabin’s Palace, we saw where Herod and Pontus Pilate lived, and we walked around the shrine of Jeroboam in Dan. We walked the Herodian streets, climbed through the tunnels of Hezekiah, saw the caves of Qumran, visited the heights of Masada, and sailed the Sea of Galilee.
We swam in the Mediterranean, the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan, the springs at Sachni where we heard and saw the “Sanhedrin,” the pools of Ein Gedi, and in the Dead Sea.
We saw antelope, coneys, peacocks, muskrats and catfish up close. (See Sarah’s video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0RBpjlJ1EU&feature=share). We saw the headwaters (roaring) of the Jordan River, climbed Mt. Arbel. Looked out from the Mt Precipice at Nazareth, saw Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, and experienced many of the landscapes of Israel.
I went to the Western Wall where I spent time in prayer, and where I prayed with others. We also visited the pool of Siloam and of Bethesda.
I bargained with the Bedouin, Palestinian, and Jewish merchants. We were served coffee in the back room of one of the shops under the arches of the Joppa Gate. We saw celebrations like Bar Mitzvahs at our motel, the Dung Gate and at the Western Wall. We saw dancers at the Bar Mitzvahs and as we walked Ben Yahouda Street.
We enjoyed an unplanned (by our guides) but panned (by God) detour through Modi’in where the Chanukah story was told, Chelsea and Sarah led singing on the bus, and where Sarah and a few others had “A great thing happened there” experience.
And the trip continues. As Daniel Dye read the scripture on the Transfiguration Sunday morning, I saw it, because we visited the land and experienced the Lord.
What is the “best” part of the trip … I think it is all BEST!
Take time to view a few of our pictures. There are two collections –
Jerusalem – https://plus.google.com/photos/115544123164287975321/albums/5761726037763508785?authkey=CKjs4fbz6MOBsQE
The rest of Israel - https://plus.google.com/u/1/photos/115544123164287975321/albums/5761026986035271169?authkey=COqExoL17_GkVw
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Israel Day 10 – The Finale
Today was our “free” day in Jerusalem. That means we slept in a little. Our internal clock was not exactly right … or we had awaken up early so many days that we did not sleep in. The day started with breakfast, and then I went with Nancy Rogers and Sarah to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We entered and walked to the right. We saw a stone outcropping, and then began to see the various chapels. The first was the Saint Helena Chapel. It was one floor down to the chapel, and a second floor down to a cave and the old quarry.
We continued around to various other chapels. Near the Franciscan Chapel I asked a priest if he knew where one of Denise’s ancestors was buried – Fulk IV, King of Jerusalem. He showed me a room where the sword and other artifacts of Geffory of Boullon were kept.
We continued on to the Jaccobite Chapel. There was an old altar there, and behind the altar there were two tombs, said to be the tombs of Joseph of Arimathea and Nichodemus. From there we saw the Stone of Unction and Calvary. The church was very beautiful. Areas dated to AD 340. Some places were very ornate. It was a great experience.
Following our walk in the Church, we went to meet Denise and Chelsea. They were walking toward us from the Jaffa Gate. We did some shopping, some bartering, then met the larger group as an Orthodox Jew shared his faith at his shop called Shoreshim. He talked about his deep love for God.
We ate lunch in the Jewish quarter. I had Latkes. Chelsea & I went to see the Karaite Synagogue (said to be the oldest Synagogue in Jerusalem). After all were finished with lunch Nancy Rogers and I went to see the Upper Room and the Tomb of David. Following this we walked back to the motel. Once all were settled I visited St. George Cathedral in Jerusalem.
Abut 4:30 p.m. our group boarded the bus again for dinner in Joppa. There was a fire on the highway so we took the back road through Modi’n, the home of the Maccabees. Shlomo told us Chanukah stories and we sang Chanukah songs. We even stopped in Modi’n for a restroom stop.
Then on to Joppa. The place we started is the place we finished. We ate a great dinner in Joppa, and then headed to the airport. Following check-in (Security found my bottle of water from the Dead Sea … also the residue of the Dead Sea on my sandles), we headed home. We had a great time, and are talking about wanting to go back in two years. Do you want to join us??
We continued around to various other chapels. Near the Franciscan Chapel I asked a priest if he knew where one of Denise’s ancestors was buried – Fulk IV, King of Jerusalem. He showed me a room where the sword and other artifacts of Geffory of Boullon were kept.
We continued on to the Jaccobite Chapel. There was an old altar there, and behind the altar there were two tombs, said to be the tombs of Joseph of Arimathea and Nichodemus. From there we saw the Stone of Unction and Calvary. The church was very beautiful. Areas dated to AD 340. Some places were very ornate. It was a great experience.
Following our walk in the Church, we went to meet Denise and Chelsea. They were walking toward us from the Jaffa Gate. We did some shopping, some bartering, then met the larger group as an Orthodox Jew shared his faith at his shop called Shoreshim. He talked about his deep love for God.
We ate lunch in the Jewish quarter. I had Latkes. Chelsea & I went to see the Karaite Synagogue (said to be the oldest Synagogue in Jerusalem). After all were finished with lunch Nancy Rogers and I went to see the Upper Room and the Tomb of David. Following this we walked back to the motel. Once all were settled I visited St. George Cathedral in Jerusalem.
Abut 4:30 p.m. our group boarded the bus again for dinner in Joppa. There was a fire on the highway so we took the back road through Modi’n, the home of the Maccabees. Shlomo told us Chanukah stories and we sang Chanukah songs. We even stopped in Modi’n for a restroom stop.
Then on to Joppa. The place we started is the place we finished. We ate a great dinner in Joppa, and then headed to the airport. Following check-in (Security found my bottle of water from the Dead Sea … also the residue of the Dead Sea on my sandles), we headed home. We had a great time, and are talking about wanting to go back in two years. Do you want to join us??
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Israel Day 9 – Temple Mount and more
This morning we left early for our place in line to see the Temple Mount, occupied by the Dome of the Rock and Al Asca Mosques. We were second in line to enter at opening. After entering the mount we sat between the two Mosques for an orientation. Then we moved up to the plaza around the Dome of the Rock for a Bible lesson. Chelsea and I wandered to get some pictures of the grounds. The area was most interesting considering the history of the area as a place of worship and prophecies of the future.
We exited through a tunnel toward the Western Wall plaza (the "Kotel"). On the Plaza by the Western Wall there was a group dancing the Hora. Many of the group went down to the wall. I shared with several the Siddur books. As a group the men prayed at the wall. I then went into the covered area under Wilson’s Arch where more groups were praying and where there are shelves of Siddurs.
After prayers at the Western Wall we traveled past Bethlehem to Herodium. This is a mountain which was hollowed out and Herod’s palace built in the bowl. The top was a fantastic look out to communities south of Bethlehem and to the walls of Jerusalem to the north. Recently the tomb of King Herod was discovered on the side of the mountain facing Jerusalem.
After lunch at a Kibbutz, we returned to the City of David which is just south of Temple Mount. We entered an area where we could look down on a recently unearthed Palace of David. This palace is at the top of a steep hill (protection for the Jebusites) which rises above Gihon Spring. We walked down the stairs of the hill, where se could see other houses from a pavilion. They are built stair-step fashion with one home on top of another. If the walls of one home fail, the homes on top collapse. Excavations have told us who lived in several homes and showed what life was like in the City of David.
From the excavations we continued to descend into a water tunnel built by the Canaanites. At the end of this we descended to Hezekiah’s Tunnel. This is a 1,720 foot tunnel which carries water under the mountain to the pool of Siloam. Water begins about knee deep at the beginning of the tunnel and then gets shallower as it descends. There are curves in the tunnel, you can see how it was hand chiseled. And there is a marker where teams tunneling from each side met.
We exited at the Pool of Siloam. We did a mini-drama from John 9, which tells the story of how Jesus healed the blind man. John DeLancey told us how water was drawn from the Pool of Siloam and brought up to the Temple along a stepped walkway during the Feast of Tabernacles. When we departed the Pool of Siloam we walked part of this walkway, and then the recently excavated water drainage tunnel under the walkway. We exited under Robinson’s arch at the South-West corner of Temple Mount.
There is a huge archeological dig around the south end of the Temple. We walked through the digs to steps at the south side of the Temple leading up to the Hulda Gate and the Triple Gate. We walked the stairs to experience how worshippers entered the Temple in the days of Jesus.
On our way home we stopped at Gordon’s Golgotha and the Garden Tomb. This is the place commonly seen in pictures of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. After entering the tomb, which was empty, we went to a small chapel and held a communion service.
After dinner Chelsea, Sarah and I went into Jerusalem to see a Light show at the Tower of David, but it was sold out. We waited to see if there were any no-shows, and saw an antiquities store, and then a souvenir shop recently opened by two brothers. One of the brothers was trying to learn English, and invited us into the back room (under stone arches of the Jaffa Gate) for a cup of coffee. We enjoyed the conversation.
No seats were available so we left the Old City and walked towards Ben Yehuda Street. We walked through Alrov Mamilla Avenue, a newly opened upscale mall which combines the old and new Jerusalem. We took pictures at some of the musical statues. Then walked down to Ben Yehuda Street.
At Ben Yehuda Street we saw a clown dancer and took some video. We ate ice cream, and then walked home through the Orthodox neighborhood. We were further in this time, and the streets were narrow. Most of the people were in traditional clothing, and the girls commented that this is what it must have looked like in Eastern Europe. We enjoyed the evening.
We exited through a tunnel toward the Western Wall plaza (the "Kotel"). On the Plaza by the Western Wall there was a group dancing the Hora. Many of the group went down to the wall. I shared with several the Siddur books. As a group the men prayed at the wall. I then went into the covered area under Wilson’s Arch where more groups were praying and where there are shelves of Siddurs.
After prayers at the Western Wall we traveled past Bethlehem to Herodium. This is a mountain which was hollowed out and Herod’s palace built in the bowl. The top was a fantastic look out to communities south of Bethlehem and to the walls of Jerusalem to the north. Recently the tomb of King Herod was discovered on the side of the mountain facing Jerusalem.
After lunch at a Kibbutz, we returned to the City of David which is just south of Temple Mount. We entered an area where we could look down on a recently unearthed Palace of David. This palace is at the top of a steep hill (protection for the Jebusites) which rises above Gihon Spring. We walked down the stairs of the hill, where se could see other houses from a pavilion. They are built stair-step fashion with one home on top of another. If the walls of one home fail, the homes on top collapse. Excavations have told us who lived in several homes and showed what life was like in the City of David.
From the excavations we continued to descend into a water tunnel built by the Canaanites. At the end of this we descended to Hezekiah’s Tunnel. This is a 1,720 foot tunnel which carries water under the mountain to the pool of Siloam. Water begins about knee deep at the beginning of the tunnel and then gets shallower as it descends. There are curves in the tunnel, you can see how it was hand chiseled. And there is a marker where teams tunneling from each side met.
We exited at the Pool of Siloam. We did a mini-drama from John 9, which tells the story of how Jesus healed the blind man. John DeLancey told us how water was drawn from the Pool of Siloam and brought up to the Temple along a stepped walkway during the Feast of Tabernacles. When we departed the Pool of Siloam we walked part of this walkway, and then the recently excavated water drainage tunnel under the walkway. We exited under Robinson’s arch at the South-West corner of Temple Mount.
There is a huge archeological dig around the south end of the Temple. We walked through the digs to steps at the south side of the Temple leading up to the Hulda Gate and the Triple Gate. We walked the stairs to experience how worshippers entered the Temple in the days of Jesus.
On our way home we stopped at Gordon’s Golgotha and the Garden Tomb. This is the place commonly seen in pictures of the Crucifixion and Resurrection. After entering the tomb, which was empty, we went to a small chapel and held a communion service.
After dinner Chelsea, Sarah and I went into Jerusalem to see a Light show at the Tower of David, but it was sold out. We waited to see if there were any no-shows, and saw an antiquities store, and then a souvenir shop recently opened by two brothers. One of the brothers was trying to learn English, and invited us into the back room (under stone arches of the Jaffa Gate) for a cup of coffee. We enjoyed the conversation.
No seats were available so we left the Old City and walked towards Ben Yehuda Street. We walked through Alrov Mamilla Avenue, a newly opened upscale mall which combines the old and new Jerusalem. We took pictures at some of the musical statues. Then walked down to Ben Yehuda Street.
At Ben Yehuda Street we saw a clown dancer and took some video. We ate ice cream, and then walked home through the Orthodox neighborhood. We were further in this time, and the streets were narrow. Most of the people were in traditional clothing, and the girls commented that this is what it must have looked like in Eastern Europe. We enjoyed the evening.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Israel Day 8 – Full Day in Jerusalem
Today was our first full day in Jerusalem. Here are some pictures: https://plus.google.com/photos/115544123164287975321/albums/5761726037763508785?authkey=CKjs4fbz6MOBsQE
During the morning our goal was to walk the Via Dolorosa, or the traditional route Jesus took once he was arrested at the Mt. of Olives and taken to see Pilate. Accordingly the bus dropped us off at the ridge of the Mount of Olives. We took many pictures of Jerusalem from this traditional place, from the ridge to a Jewish Cemetery below the ridge to Dominus Flavet (the church of tears). At Dominus Flavet we saw tombs that were unearthed from the first century. We read from Luke 19, Acts 1, and Zechariah 14.
We walked from there to the Garden of Gethsemane where we saw the ancient olive trees and the Church of All Nations.
We continued down hill entering the Old City through the Lion's (St. Stephen's) Gate. Just inside the gate we went past St. Anne’s Church to see the Pools of Bethesda. We walked down into the pools where we saw the five covered colonnades (John 5). Next we went inside the St. Anne's Church. This is the traditional birthplace of Mary (as recorded in the apocryphal Gospel of James) and the home of her parents Joachim and Anne. We sat in the church and John explained to us the acoustics of the church. The ceiling holds the sound for eight seconds. We sang Allelujah and then Amazing Grace – and heard our voices singing back to us. The sound was very beautiful.
We continued to walk the Via Dolorosa, stopping at several "stations" of the cross to remember Christ's journey to Calvary. We stopped at the Church of the Condemnation and the Church of Flagellation then continued down the road to the Ecce Homo Church where we went down stairs to a Roman floor that has been uncovered. It was supposed that this was the place that Pilate used as his seat of judgment because it was close to the Roman fortress of Antonia, however, the seat of Judgment has been uncovered near the Jaffa Gate. The area we visited is thought to be the marketplace during the time of Emperor Hadrian. Part of the triple arched entrance still exists as an arch over the street.
We continued down the Via Dolorosa to see the places that Jesus fell, the place he met his mother, the place where Simon the Cyrene helped him carry the cross, and the location where Veronica wiped his face. (of course none of this is known for sure, and in the case of Veronica, it is not even Biblical).
We followed the Via Dolorosa past the Coptic Monastery and to the entrance of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We did not go in, that would wait a couple of days. Instead we went to the Muristan marketplace and ate lunch. After lunch we exited the Old City through the Jaffa Gate and rode the bus to the Israeli Museum.
At the Israeli Museum we first saw the scale model of Jerusalem during the second Temple period. The various areas of the city were explained. Then we went into the Archaeological Museum, where Shlomo explained that this museum is equivalent to the Smithsonian. He showed us a couple of exhibits, and then told us we had 20 minutes to see the rest of the Museum. Impossible!! I tried to snap pictures as fast as possible. This is a place I will need to return in the future without a guide limiting my time.
Following the museum we went to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.. Shlomo shared stories of his family from a book he has written, “Legacy Interrupted.” We saw the Hall of Remembrance which was very visual, and the Holocaust History Museum, which was a picture of anti-Semitism and the sufferings of the Jewish people leading up to and during the Hitler era. The museum showed how they piled discrimination with persecution with torture and death. It showed the movements of the German army to annihilate the Jewish people, even as they were losing the war.
After a time of reflection, we went to the motel and ate dinner. Then Chelsea and I went to Ben Yehuda Street to go shopping. I found a Mezuzah and a Kippah, and was able to bargain for both. We saw a group of Syrian protesters march down the street. We walked back by the Orthodox neighborhood on the Street of the Prophets.
During the morning our goal was to walk the Via Dolorosa, or the traditional route Jesus took once he was arrested at the Mt. of Olives and taken to see Pilate. Accordingly the bus dropped us off at the ridge of the Mount of Olives. We took many pictures of Jerusalem from this traditional place, from the ridge to a Jewish Cemetery below the ridge to Dominus Flavet (the church of tears). At Dominus Flavet we saw tombs that were unearthed from the first century. We read from Luke 19, Acts 1, and Zechariah 14.
We walked from there to the Garden of Gethsemane where we saw the ancient olive trees and the Church of All Nations.
We continued down hill entering the Old City through the Lion's (St. Stephen's) Gate. Just inside the gate we went past St. Anne’s Church to see the Pools of Bethesda. We walked down into the pools where we saw the five covered colonnades (John 5). Next we went inside the St. Anne's Church. This is the traditional birthplace of Mary (as recorded in the apocryphal Gospel of James) and the home of her parents Joachim and Anne. We sat in the church and John explained to us the acoustics of the church. The ceiling holds the sound for eight seconds. We sang Allelujah and then Amazing Grace – and heard our voices singing back to us. The sound was very beautiful.
We continued to walk the Via Dolorosa, stopping at several "stations" of the cross to remember Christ's journey to Calvary. We stopped at the Church of the Condemnation and the Church of Flagellation then continued down the road to the Ecce Homo Church where we went down stairs to a Roman floor that has been uncovered. It was supposed that this was the place that Pilate used as his seat of judgment because it was close to the Roman fortress of Antonia, however, the seat of Judgment has been uncovered near the Jaffa Gate. The area we visited is thought to be the marketplace during the time of Emperor Hadrian. Part of the triple arched entrance still exists as an arch over the street.
We continued down the Via Dolorosa to see the places that Jesus fell, the place he met his mother, the place where Simon the Cyrene helped him carry the cross, and the location where Veronica wiped his face. (of course none of this is known for sure, and in the case of Veronica, it is not even Biblical).
We followed the Via Dolorosa past the Coptic Monastery and to the entrance of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. We did not go in, that would wait a couple of days. Instead we went to the Muristan marketplace and ate lunch. After lunch we exited the Old City through the Jaffa Gate and rode the bus to the Israeli Museum.
At the Israeli Museum we first saw the scale model of Jerusalem during the second Temple period. The various areas of the city were explained. Then we went into the Archaeological Museum, where Shlomo explained that this museum is equivalent to the Smithsonian. He showed us a couple of exhibits, and then told us we had 20 minutes to see the rest of the Museum. Impossible!! I tried to snap pictures as fast as possible. This is a place I will need to return in the future without a guide limiting my time.
Following the museum we went to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial.. Shlomo shared stories of his family from a book he has written, “Legacy Interrupted.” We saw the Hall of Remembrance which was very visual, and the Holocaust History Museum, which was a picture of anti-Semitism and the sufferings of the Jewish people leading up to and during the Hitler era. The museum showed how they piled discrimination with persecution with torture and death. It showed the movements of the German army to annihilate the Jewish people, even as they were losing the war.
After a time of reflection, we went to the motel and ate dinner. Then Chelsea and I went to Ben Yehuda Street to go shopping. I found a Mezuzah and a Kippah, and was able to bargain for both. We saw a group of Syrian protesters march down the street. We walked back by the Orthodox neighborhood on the Street of the Prophets.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Israel Day 7 - The Dead Sea
This day was the Sabbath in Israel, and many shops and attractions would be shut down in Jerusalem, so, our group went a different direction … to the Dead Sea. Because the day was going to be hot we started out early, eating breakfast and then leaving by 7:15a.m. We drove down the road (4,000 feet) from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. The terrain was very sandy. This was the Judean wilderness. One could literally see how Jesus could be tempted to turn these rocks into bread.
Our first stop was at Ein Gedi. Ein Gedi is a nature preserve. We saw the trees along the road. There were Coneys in the trees and also atop some of the rocks. Normally Coneys run when they see you. When I walked up next to one, I noticed it was panting, affected by the heat. It did not run, but it did walk. We were also able to get close to antelope.
From the entrance we walked down a valley between the hills on a rock path. There were caves along this rock path. This was the place David hid from King Saul (1 Samuel 24). There was a stream there, a rare bit of moisture in a barren wilderness. Grass and other plants were growing, more and more the further we hiked into the canyon. Up stream at the 2nd water falls the pool was deep enough to take a dip. Many took their shoes off and got into the water.
We traveled further south to Masada. This was King Herod’s desert fortress. It was built to withstand attacks. The top of the mountain (fortress) sits 1,000 feet above the Dead Sea. There is a path up to the top, called the snake path because of its curves. John & Sue DeLancey ran the path (20 minutes). As they arrived, the path was closed for heat. The rest of the group took a cable car to the top. The view was amazing.
Some believe that Jonathan, one of the Maccabees built the original fortress upon the mountain. King Herod greatly expanded it, knowing it would be a place of safety for him. There were storehouses that contained food for years. There was a 1,440,000 cubic feet cistern on top of the mountain which would catch what little rain fell (and we were told about a huge rain storm that comes every several years). Herod could be protected for years if his people ever turned against him. They did not.
What did happen, though, is that at the time Jerusalem fell, a group of Zealots displaced the small Roman garrison upon the mountain and fortified it. The Romans tried to remove them as they worked to end the resistance. But the fortress was too strong, and 967 Zealots were occupying the top. The Romans eventually sent 10,000 and 15,000 troops commanded by Roman General Silva to conquer the Zealots. The Romans built a retaining wall and 8 separate camps around this fortress to lay siege, but the fortress was too well stocked. Finally the Romans built a ramp up the back side of the fortress, and after 3 years of confrontation, entered, only to find the Jews had committed suicide rather than suffer at the hands of the Romans. Shlomo read a passage from Josephus which contained the impassioned speech by their leader.
From Masada, we headed north to Qumran, after lunch several of us took an optional hike up the mountain to see the caves. This is the place where in 1947 a shepherd boy found the Dead Sea Scrolls. Several climbed through one of the caves, which was several caves chiseled together to form one larger unit.
Following our hike John and Shlomo shared how the scrolls were written, and what went on in the Qumran community. Following our tour we went to the Dead Sea to “swim,” or should I say float. To get in, you wade out to mid thigh, then you lay back. We floated. We floated beyond where we could stand up, and then someone said, “Try to put your feet down.” We managed to do it, but this was difficult because of the mineral content of the water. It felt much like a water bed as I lay and rested in the water.
On the return trip to Jerusalem we visited Jericho. We saw a sycamore tree. (Luke 19) We visited the Tel at Jericho and saw the layers of city and excavations including the clay wall from Joshua’s time period. (Joshua 6) We saw a fountain which proclaimed Jericho as the world’s oldest city, 1300 feet below sea level.
On our way we pulled off the main road to find an overlook where we could see the old road from Jericho to Jerusalem. (Luke 10) This area is also known as Wadi Qelt. Below us at the location we stopped there was St. George's monastery. This monastery is built into the rock. It is very beautiful.
Our first stop was at Ein Gedi. Ein Gedi is a nature preserve. We saw the trees along the road. There were Coneys in the trees and also atop some of the rocks. Normally Coneys run when they see you. When I walked up next to one, I noticed it was panting, affected by the heat. It did not run, but it did walk. We were also able to get close to antelope.
From the entrance we walked down a valley between the hills on a rock path. There were caves along this rock path. This was the place David hid from King Saul (1 Samuel 24). There was a stream there, a rare bit of moisture in a barren wilderness. Grass and other plants were growing, more and more the further we hiked into the canyon. Up stream at the 2nd water falls the pool was deep enough to take a dip. Many took their shoes off and got into the water.
We traveled further south to Masada. This was King Herod’s desert fortress. It was built to withstand attacks. The top of the mountain (fortress) sits 1,000 feet above the Dead Sea. There is a path up to the top, called the snake path because of its curves. John & Sue DeLancey ran the path (20 minutes). As they arrived, the path was closed for heat. The rest of the group took a cable car to the top. The view was amazing.
Some believe that Jonathan, one of the Maccabees built the original fortress upon the mountain. King Herod greatly expanded it, knowing it would be a place of safety for him. There were storehouses that contained food for years. There was a 1,440,000 cubic feet cistern on top of the mountain which would catch what little rain fell (and we were told about a huge rain storm that comes every several years). Herod could be protected for years if his people ever turned against him. They did not.
What did happen, though, is that at the time Jerusalem fell, a group of Zealots displaced the small Roman garrison upon the mountain and fortified it. The Romans tried to remove them as they worked to end the resistance. But the fortress was too strong, and 967 Zealots were occupying the top. The Romans eventually sent 10,000 and 15,000 troops commanded by Roman General Silva to conquer the Zealots. The Romans built a retaining wall and 8 separate camps around this fortress to lay siege, but the fortress was too well stocked. Finally the Romans built a ramp up the back side of the fortress, and after 3 years of confrontation, entered, only to find the Jews had committed suicide rather than suffer at the hands of the Romans. Shlomo read a passage from Josephus which contained the impassioned speech by their leader.
From Masada, we headed north to Qumran, after lunch several of us took an optional hike up the mountain to see the caves. This is the place where in 1947 a shepherd boy found the Dead Sea Scrolls. Several climbed through one of the caves, which was several caves chiseled together to form one larger unit.
Following our hike John and Shlomo shared how the scrolls were written, and what went on in the Qumran community. Following our tour we went to the Dead Sea to “swim,” or should I say float. To get in, you wade out to mid thigh, then you lay back. We floated. We floated beyond where we could stand up, and then someone said, “Try to put your feet down.” We managed to do it, but this was difficult because of the mineral content of the water. It felt much like a water bed as I lay and rested in the water.
On the return trip to Jerusalem we visited Jericho. We saw a sycamore tree. (Luke 19) We visited the Tel at Jericho and saw the layers of city and excavations including the clay wall from Joshua’s time period. (Joshua 6) We saw a fountain which proclaimed Jericho as the world’s oldest city, 1300 feet below sea level.
On our way we pulled off the main road to find an overlook where we could see the old road from Jericho to Jerusalem. (Luke 10) This area is also known as Wadi Qelt. Below us at the location we stopped there was St. George's monastery. This monastery is built into the rock. It is very beautiful.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Israel Day 6 – Traveling South
This day we packed and left our kibbutz to travel south down the Jordan Valley. We drove through Tzemach Junction, Degania Alef, and then stopped at the Kinneret Cemetary. We visited the grave of Rachel (last name not on the tombstone because she is so well known). Rachel is a poet who lived 1890-1931. Shlomo read her poetry, and we took our last look at the Sea of Galilee before heading south.
We stopped at Bet She’an. This is the most impressive archeological site we visited. The ruins are immense. We started by looking at the map of the city. Then we walked on the Cardo, “Palladius Street,” a 500 foot long colonnaded street. On the upper side there were mosaics left from the shops that were once there. The lower side was the Agora, a concourse surrounded by porticoes in the center of the city. Beyond this we visited the bath house with its pools and public lavatories. We also saw the Theater built about the time of Jesus. This is a 7,000 seat theater with three levels. (1 Samuel 31:8-13)
After Bet She’an we traveled south to the foot of Mt. Gilboa where there are springs. We swam at Sachni, a series of natural pools fed by hot springs There are at least three pools to swim in. We swam the Middle and upper pool. In the upper pool there is a cave at the top end where people can gather out of the sun. When we were swimming we spotted three men (later joined by a fourth) in the late 50’s or early 60’s who were arguing about whether breakfast was kosher. They weighed the options and foods and service. At times they got animated and loud (which was amplified by the cave). Chelsea & I decided that this is what must have occurred in meetings of the Sanhedrin.
Following our swim we headed south. The landscape became more and more barren. There were date farms and other farms with crops that do well in arid conditions. At times there was only sand as we traveled. We drove by Jericho, and then began a climb up to Jerusalem. Along the way we saw Bedouin villages. Some had sheep, a few camels and donkeys were to be seen. The Bedouins built their villages out of scrap materials.
At the top of the mountain (we climbed about 4000’) we began seeing apartments. The Bus driver began to play "The Holy City." Then we went through a tunnel (under Mt. Scopus), and when we came out we saw the walled city of Jerusalem and the Dome of the Rock. We took pictures, and continued to travel to Bethlehem.
After crossing the border, we traveled through Bethlehem to lunch. Following lunch, we visited the Church of Nativity. This church was built in AD 333. We were able to see the entrance of the church, the pillars, some of the flooring which has been restored, however, just when we were next in line to enter the area with the nativity we were told a mass would be starting. Rather than waiting an hour we left.
We went to a shop in Bethlehem to look at souvenirs. They did not have anything I was looking for, so I went outside. There were Palestinian “merchants” outside with cheaper goods. I did purchase some postcards from one of these “merchants.” When Chelsea joined me, one of the men noticed her. He saw her beauty, and offered me 15 camels for her. I put him off. He came up to 25 camels. I told him I was not interested. Finally he offered 45 camels, which I was told was a very good price.
Upon leaving Bethlehem, we departed for our motel in Jerusalem. We checked in, at dinner, and went with part of the group on an optional walk. We were only a few blocks from the Damascus Gate of the walled city, and entered there on the north, and walked to the south side of the city to visit the Western Wall. It was packed with ultra-orthodox Jews, celebrating the evening of Sabbath. I went in to pray also, as did Chelsea and Sarah. It was a great experience.
We stopped at Bet She’an. This is the most impressive archeological site we visited. The ruins are immense. We started by looking at the map of the city. Then we walked on the Cardo, “Palladius Street,” a 500 foot long colonnaded street. On the upper side there were mosaics left from the shops that were once there. The lower side was the Agora, a concourse surrounded by porticoes in the center of the city. Beyond this we visited the bath house with its pools and public lavatories. We also saw the Theater built about the time of Jesus. This is a 7,000 seat theater with three levels. (1 Samuel 31:8-13)
After Bet She’an we traveled south to the foot of Mt. Gilboa where there are springs. We swam at Sachni, a series of natural pools fed by hot springs There are at least three pools to swim in. We swam the Middle and upper pool. In the upper pool there is a cave at the top end where people can gather out of the sun. When we were swimming we spotted three men (later joined by a fourth) in the late 50’s or early 60’s who were arguing about whether breakfast was kosher. They weighed the options and foods and service. At times they got animated and loud (which was amplified by the cave). Chelsea & I decided that this is what must have occurred in meetings of the Sanhedrin.
Following our swim we headed south. The landscape became more and more barren. There were date farms and other farms with crops that do well in arid conditions. At times there was only sand as we traveled. We drove by Jericho, and then began a climb up to Jerusalem. Along the way we saw Bedouin villages. Some had sheep, a few camels and donkeys were to be seen. The Bedouins built their villages out of scrap materials.
At the top of the mountain (we climbed about 4000’) we began seeing apartments. The Bus driver began to play "The Holy City." Then we went through a tunnel (under Mt. Scopus), and when we came out we saw the walled city of Jerusalem and the Dome of the Rock. We took pictures, and continued to travel to Bethlehem.
After crossing the border, we traveled through Bethlehem to lunch. Following lunch, we visited the Church of Nativity. This church was built in AD 333. We were able to see the entrance of the church, the pillars, some of the flooring which has been restored, however, just when we were next in line to enter the area with the nativity we were told a mass would be starting. Rather than waiting an hour we left.
We went to a shop in Bethlehem to look at souvenirs. They did not have anything I was looking for, so I went outside. There were Palestinian “merchants” outside with cheaper goods. I did purchase some postcards from one of these “merchants.” When Chelsea joined me, one of the men noticed her. He saw her beauty, and offered me 15 camels for her. I put him off. He came up to 25 camels. I told him I was not interested. Finally he offered 45 camels, which I was told was a very good price.
Upon leaving Bethlehem, we departed for our motel in Jerusalem. We checked in, at dinner, and went with part of the group on an optional walk. We were only a few blocks from the Damascus Gate of the walled city, and entered there on the north, and walked to the south side of the city to visit the Western Wall. It was packed with ultra-orthodox Jews, celebrating the evening of Sabbath. I went in to pray also, as did Chelsea and Sarah. It was a great experience.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Israel Day 5 – Walking where Jesus walked
The morning started out with a great breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt, grains and some herring. Jesus ate fish for breakfast (John 21:9)
After breakfast we boarded the bus and traveled to Mt. Arbel. This is a beautiful place overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the villages of Jesus’ Galilee ministry. This was also the location of a major battle between Herod and the Galilean Zealots who lived in caves in the sheer rock cliffs of the mountain.
After taking in the view and hearing the drama of the Zealot’s battle, our tour leader John DeLancey called us under a Carob Tree. He explained how he had camped at this location in his early days in Israel. He shared with us this was a celebration of his 25th anniversary and made a vow of recommitment to his wife. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSGi6hZkJ5g
From the mountain we descended toward the Sea of Galilee to see the place where Jesus shared his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). There is a beautiful garden and a church at this location. The garden has beautiful Bougainvillea bushes. Looking down the hill there is a natural amphitheater where a person can speak and be heard by several thousand people. Today there is a banana grove in this bowl. We were told to view the banana trees as people standing in the valley. Pictures are at my photo album - https://plus.google.com/u/1/photos/115544123164287975321/albums/5761026986035271169?authkey=COqExoL17_GkVw
From here we traveled uphill to the ruins of Chorazin. Jesus had words of condemnation for Korazim (Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13) Here we saw the ritual bath (mikvah) and the Synagogue.
Then we traveled to the town of Capernaum where Jesus spent much of his ministry (Mt 4:13; 8:5; 17:24). There are extensive ruins here including a white synagogue. Although this synagogue was built after the times of Jesus, there is a visible foundation that could date to Jesus’ times. We also walked in the chapel with a glass floor which looks down to the ome of Peter where his mother-in-law was healed.
We drove a short distance to Tabgha and the chapel of multiplication where Jesus multiplied two fish and five loaves to feed 5,000 people (Mt 14:15-21). There are seven springs in the area so it is also called the Heptapegon.
From there we traveled to Kibbutz Ginnosar for lunch, to view the Jesus Boat, and for a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. The Jesus boat was discovered during a drought in the area when the level of the sea was low. Tow amateur archeologists found a nail, which was attached to wood. Further investigation found there was a boat completely buried in the mud. The museum shows the steps take to preserve the wood and keep it from falling apart. The boat is on display in the museum. It is made of 12 kinds of wood (mostly repairs).
One of our group members, Christian Stillman wrote “The Jesus Boat Book: Living Proof of a Modern Day Miracle in Galilee.” Christian shared the story of the boat and the people who discovered the boat.
From here we boarded our boat for a ride on the Sea of Galilee. We were able to see the ancient Biblical cities. We also saw the sailboats out on the beautiful day on the lake. Windsurfing is a popular sport in Israel. On the boat we sang songs and enjoyed the cool breeze.
From Ginnosar we traveled through Tiberias to the Jordan River, a location called Yardenit where we held a baptismal service. I assisted John as we baptized 14 people. This is a beautiful section of the Jordan with emerald green waters. There were muskrats and catfish swimming in the river.
We went back to our Kibbutz to swim in the Sea of Galilee and eat dinner. Jamie Cowan, a Rabbi Chelsea knew in Richmond, Va, ate dinner and spoke during devotions with our group. Jamie now lives in the Jezreel Valley.
After breakfast we boarded the bus and traveled to Mt. Arbel. This is a beautiful place overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the villages of Jesus’ Galilee ministry. This was also the location of a major battle between Herod and the Galilean Zealots who lived in caves in the sheer rock cliffs of the mountain.
After taking in the view and hearing the drama of the Zealot’s battle, our tour leader John DeLancey called us under a Carob Tree. He explained how he had camped at this location in his early days in Israel. He shared with us this was a celebration of his 25th anniversary and made a vow of recommitment to his wife. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSGi6hZkJ5g
From the mountain we descended toward the Sea of Galilee to see the place where Jesus shared his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). There is a beautiful garden and a church at this location. The garden has beautiful Bougainvillea bushes. Looking down the hill there is a natural amphitheater where a person can speak and be heard by several thousand people. Today there is a banana grove in this bowl. We were told to view the banana trees as people standing in the valley. Pictures are at my photo album - https://plus.google.com/u/1/photos/115544123164287975321/albums/5761026986035271169?authkey=COqExoL17_GkVw
From here we traveled uphill to the ruins of Chorazin. Jesus had words of condemnation for Korazim (Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13) Here we saw the ritual bath (mikvah) and the Synagogue.
Then we traveled to the town of Capernaum where Jesus spent much of his ministry (Mt 4:13; 8:5; 17:24). There are extensive ruins here including a white synagogue. Although this synagogue was built after the times of Jesus, there is a visible foundation that could date to Jesus’ times. We also walked in the chapel with a glass floor which looks down to the ome of Peter where his mother-in-law was healed.
We drove a short distance to Tabgha and the chapel of multiplication where Jesus multiplied two fish and five loaves to feed 5,000 people (Mt 14:15-21). There are seven springs in the area so it is also called the Heptapegon.
From there we traveled to Kibbutz Ginnosar for lunch, to view the Jesus Boat, and for a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. The Jesus boat was discovered during a drought in the area when the level of the sea was low. Tow amateur archeologists found a nail, which was attached to wood. Further investigation found there was a boat completely buried in the mud. The museum shows the steps take to preserve the wood and keep it from falling apart. The boat is on display in the museum. It is made of 12 kinds of wood (mostly repairs).
One of our group members, Christian Stillman wrote “The Jesus Boat Book: Living Proof of a Modern Day Miracle in Galilee.” Christian shared the story of the boat and the people who discovered the boat.
From here we boarded our boat for a ride on the Sea of Galilee. We were able to see the ancient Biblical cities. We also saw the sailboats out on the beautiful day on the lake. Windsurfing is a popular sport in Israel. On the boat we sang songs and enjoyed the cool breeze.
From Ginnosar we traveled through Tiberias to the Jordan River, a location called Yardenit where we held a baptismal service. I assisted John as we baptized 14 people. This is a beautiful section of the Jordan with emerald green waters. There were muskrats and catfish swimming in the river.
We went back to our Kibbutz to swim in the Sea of Galilee and eat dinner. Jamie Cowan, a Rabbi Chelsea knew in Richmond, Va, ate dinner and spoke during devotions with our group. Jamie now lives in the Jezreel Valley.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Israel Day 4 – Going North
After a great breakfast we traveled north along the east side of the Sea of Galilee. This is the region of Decapolis, ten Greek cities. The area would be a foreign and prohibited country yet, except that Israel took possession of this territory from Jordan and Syria in the wars. We saw on this road the region of the Gerasenes where Jesus cast the demons out of a man and into pigs that went running into the sea.
After traveling up the road we stopped at Hazor, a national park and site of archeological digs. At this site we saw the palace of Jabin (see yesterday’s blog). They have uncovered the old ruins, and restored the walls about half way up. Hazor is on the travel route from Babylon to Egypt through the Jordan Valley. Joshua conquered the city from the Canaanites. Solomon fortified this city along with Megiddo.
From here we continued to go north to Dan, one of the three sources of the Jordan River. While much of the Jordan is an anemic creek, the Dan River is a rushing, mighty force. The water pours out of the rock, and there is much lush vegetation. We enjoyed walking along the river, and on rocks in the river to see this area. There are fig trees along the way that tower overhead and provide great shade. Within the park are two ruins. One of these is the city of Dan. Jeroboam set up a center of worship here to compete with the Temple. Golden calves were placed in the Temple, which has been uncovered. We also saw a Canaanite city of Laish at this site. The gate has been uncovered, with a roof placed overhead to prevent deterioration.
From Dan, it is only a short way to Banias Spring on the Hermon River. At this spot there was built a temple to Pan and other gods of the Romans. This site is also called Caesarea Philippi. We sat along the beautiful spring and listened as Pastor John told how Jesus said, “Upon this Rock I will build my church.” We walked among the carved out temples, and up to an old foundation before we exited the park.
From Banias Spring, we traveled up the mountain to Nimrod, a crusader fortress built 1227. This fortress was built to control the road from the Jordan Valley past Hula valley to Syria. The fort is located high on a hill, with huge walls. We saw the fortress inside and out.
We ate lunch at a Druze diner on the slopes of Mt. Hermon. We were served Falafels.
From this point we traveled south to Fortress Bental. This fortress is on an extinct volcano. Actually there are a chain of volcanoes in the are that form the Golan boundary between Syria and Israel. The place is strategic. In the area we visited there is a steep ridge with farms below on broad plains. Before 1967 the Syrians were launching rockets off the mountain deep into Israel. Since the capture, there has been safety. We were able to look into Syria and also see the fortifications of the mountain. This was a place of intense fighting.
I was wounded there myself. While looking at the metal sculpture, I was stung by a bee. Dr. Tagg was close by to render emergency aid. My finger barely swelled.
We traveled from this place of engagement to Katzrin, a village from the Talmudic period. There are several houses which have been restored and furnished with period accessories. We visited both the homes and the Synagogue.
As we headed back to the Sea of Galilee we visited a new site, Bethsaida, where it was supposed that Peter lived. A house was excavated which continued fishing gear, and the town is close enough to the sea of Galilee that fishermen could have lived there.
After traveling up the road we stopped at Hazor, a national park and site of archeological digs. At this site we saw the palace of Jabin (see yesterday’s blog). They have uncovered the old ruins, and restored the walls about half way up. Hazor is on the travel route from Babylon to Egypt through the Jordan Valley. Joshua conquered the city from the Canaanites. Solomon fortified this city along with Megiddo.
From here we continued to go north to Dan, one of the three sources of the Jordan River. While much of the Jordan is an anemic creek, the Dan River is a rushing, mighty force. The water pours out of the rock, and there is much lush vegetation. We enjoyed walking along the river, and on rocks in the river to see this area. There are fig trees along the way that tower overhead and provide great shade. Within the park are two ruins. One of these is the city of Dan. Jeroboam set up a center of worship here to compete with the Temple. Golden calves were placed in the Temple, which has been uncovered. We also saw a Canaanite city of Laish at this site. The gate has been uncovered, with a roof placed overhead to prevent deterioration.
From Dan, it is only a short way to Banias Spring on the Hermon River. At this spot there was built a temple to Pan and other gods of the Romans. This site is also called Caesarea Philippi. We sat along the beautiful spring and listened as Pastor John told how Jesus said, “Upon this Rock I will build my church.” We walked among the carved out temples, and up to an old foundation before we exited the park.
From Banias Spring, we traveled up the mountain to Nimrod, a crusader fortress built 1227. This fortress was built to control the road from the Jordan Valley past Hula valley to Syria. The fort is located high on a hill, with huge walls. We saw the fortress inside and out.
We ate lunch at a Druze diner on the slopes of Mt. Hermon. We were served Falafels.
From this point we traveled south to Fortress Bental. This fortress is on an extinct volcano. Actually there are a chain of volcanoes in the are that form the Golan boundary between Syria and Israel. The place is strategic. In the area we visited there is a steep ridge with farms below on broad plains. Before 1967 the Syrians were launching rockets off the mountain deep into Israel. Since the capture, there has been safety. We were able to look into Syria and also see the fortifications of the mountain. This was a place of intense fighting.
I was wounded there myself. While looking at the metal sculpture, I was stung by a bee. Dr. Tagg was close by to render emergency aid. My finger barely swelled.
We traveled from this place of engagement to Katzrin, a village from the Talmudic period. There are several houses which have been restored and furnished with period accessories. We visited both the homes and the Synagogue.
As we headed back to the Sea of Galilee we visited a new site, Bethsaida, where it was supposed that Peter lived. A house was excavated which continued fishing gear, and the town is close enough to the sea of Galilee that fishermen could have lived there.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Israel Day 3 – From Sea to Shining Sea
We began the day with a great breakfast overlooking the Mediterranean. Breakfast in Israel is Kosher (Ge 7:2; Lev 11; Dt 14:1-21). One of the things that means is that meat and milk are not served in the same meal (Ex 23:19; 34:36; Dt 14:21). Breakfast is a dairy meal. There was also fruit, vegetables, breads, eggs and fish. This was similar every day.
After packing the bus (and taking a picture next to a bronze Fiddler on the Roof), we were off to the north.
Our first stop was at Caesarea. King Herod built this port city as a place for his palace. We visited the Theater, where we learned the difference between a Theater (for speakers and meetings) and an Amphitheatre (for sporting events). We were also shown the mechanics of the sound system, which included places for large stone jars to amplify a speaker’s voice.
We visited the ruins of the Palace, which is built into the Mediterranean and takes advantage of the breezes to cool the building. There is also a fresh water pool in the middle of the Mediterranean. On the top end of Caesarea is a crusader fortress. There are shops built into this fortress. Following our visit to the city, we saw the Aqueduct and picked up some shells.
From Caesarea we traveled up Mount Carmel through the Yokne’am Pass to the Muhraqa Carmelite Chapel on Mount Carmel. This, by tradition, is the place where Elijah met the prophets of Baal and called fire down from heaven. We went up to the roof, where we could look out over all of Jezreel Valley. The acoustics of the chapel are very beautiful.
After the Carmelite Chapel we traveled roads on Mt. Carmel to Megiddo Pass and Tel Megiddo. Here John explained to us trade routes through the area and why Megiddo Pass was so valuable. We find constant battles in this area. In 1468 BC Pharaoh Thutmose III defeated a Canaanite army here. Joshua also captured the city. Deborah and Barak fought King Jabin and Sisera here. Solomon conquered and fortified Megiddo, and so forth, many battles including the final battle have and will be fought here. We walked the Tel and saw many gates and layers of history. We also had a great panoramic view of Mt. Carmel, Nazareth, Mt Tabor, Mt. Moreh and Mt. Gilboa where King Solomon died.
Leaving Megiddo we crossed Jezreel Valley and climbed the road into Nazareth. We stopped at the Precipitous, where John read us Luke 4:13-30. This site was another great view of the valley and it’s recent wheat harvest.
We left Nazareth, traveled through Cana to the Sea of Galilee. We stopped to view the Sea of Galilee from Sea Level (clearly marked on the road). The Sea of Galilee is 700’ below sea level. From there, we traveled to Ma’agan Kibbutz, our home for the next three nights. This Kibbutz raises wonderful fruit, including dates. These were served at every meal. There were also peacocks … see Sarah’s video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0RBpjlJ1EU&feature=share. You will see a Peacock, and a muskrat from the Jordan River.
At this kibbutz there is a beach where we had devotions and went swimming. At night from the beach we could see cities all around the lake (Mt 5:14).
After packing the bus (and taking a picture next to a bronze Fiddler on the Roof), we were off to the north.
Our first stop was at Caesarea. King Herod built this port city as a place for his palace. We visited the Theater, where we learned the difference between a Theater (for speakers and meetings) and an Amphitheatre (for sporting events). We were also shown the mechanics of the sound system, which included places for large stone jars to amplify a speaker’s voice.
We visited the ruins of the Palace, which is built into the Mediterranean and takes advantage of the breezes to cool the building. There is also a fresh water pool in the middle of the Mediterranean. On the top end of Caesarea is a crusader fortress. There are shops built into this fortress. Following our visit to the city, we saw the Aqueduct and picked up some shells.
From Caesarea we traveled up Mount Carmel through the Yokne’am Pass to the Muhraqa Carmelite Chapel on Mount Carmel. This, by tradition, is the place where Elijah met the prophets of Baal and called fire down from heaven. We went up to the roof, where we could look out over all of Jezreel Valley. The acoustics of the chapel are very beautiful.
After the Carmelite Chapel we traveled roads on Mt. Carmel to Megiddo Pass and Tel Megiddo. Here John explained to us trade routes through the area and why Megiddo Pass was so valuable. We find constant battles in this area. In 1468 BC Pharaoh Thutmose III defeated a Canaanite army here. Joshua also captured the city. Deborah and Barak fought King Jabin and Sisera here. Solomon conquered and fortified Megiddo, and so forth, many battles including the final battle have and will be fought here. We walked the Tel and saw many gates and layers of history. We also had a great panoramic view of Mt. Carmel, Nazareth, Mt Tabor, Mt. Moreh and Mt. Gilboa where King Solomon died.
Leaving Megiddo we crossed Jezreel Valley and climbed the road into Nazareth. We stopped at the Precipitous, where John read us Luke 4:13-30. This site was another great view of the valley and it’s recent wheat harvest.
We left Nazareth, traveled through Cana to the Sea of Galilee. We stopped to view the Sea of Galilee from Sea Level (clearly marked on the road). The Sea of Galilee is 700’ below sea level. From there, we traveled to Ma’agan Kibbutz, our home for the next three nights. This Kibbutz raises wonderful fruit, including dates. These were served at every meal. There were also peacocks … see Sarah’s video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0RBpjlJ1EU&feature=share. You will see a Peacock, and a muskrat from the Jordan River.
At this kibbutz there is a beach where we had devotions and went swimming. At night from the beach we could see cities all around the lake (Mt 5:14).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
