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.
Friday, July 6, 2012
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).
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Israel Day 1-2 – Up, Up and away
Our journey began Sunday, June 17 … where else, but in church. This is where the planning began, and where our group is from. We left the church parking lot on the church bus at 3:00 p.m. (I want to thank Don Gullett for driving us) for our trip to the airport, and our 5:50 flight to Philadelphia to meet our tour leader John Delancey and the tour group.
Our flight to Israel left at 9:15 p.m. We were served dinner, then the blinds were closed and we were encouraged to sleep. During that time we did look out the window, and saw New York City, Long Island, Boston, Cape Cod, and Newfoundland. I tried to sleep. It is hard when you are squeezed into a tight space sitting up. I drifted in and out, half an hour here, an hour there (I had a gps tracker in front of me on the plane with the time). I managed to sleep about 5 hours of our 10 hour flight.
I cracked the window after dawn over France. It was green and I enjoyed seeing the farms from 38,000 feet in the air. I looked again, and saw the Mediterranean Sea just south of Rome. It was beautiful. I could not take my eyes off the terrain. The girls looked also, at Naples, the coast, the mountains, and the boot of Italy. We flew over Greece, saw Corinth, then Mount Olympus and the islands of the Aegean Sea.
Then there was Israel. A circle over Lod (Biblical Lydda - Acts 9:38), and the landing at the airport. We walked down the Ramp, and were greeted by a larger than life Mezuzah Passing through immigration, we met our Israeli tour guide Shlomo Ben-Asher.
Then we were off through Tel-Aviv for our first stop in the old city of Joppa. In Joppa we walked the narrow streets of the old city. We saw the supposed home of Simon the Tanner (Acts 9:43). (We were told te buildings dated from the 19th Century). We climbed the steps for a great view of the Mediterranean where we could see Andromeda Rock. We came back out to the plaza where we saw the fountains and the statue of Jonah’s whale.
Returning to our bus, we traveled north to Netanya where we spent the night. Denise & I had a room by the pool on the first floor. Chelsea and Sarah had a room on the 15th floor with a great view. We ate dinner – lots of fresh salads, and then went to the beach for a dip in the sea and an opportunity to collect some interesting rocks.
Our flight to Israel left at 9:15 p.m. We were served dinner, then the blinds were closed and we were encouraged to sleep. During that time we did look out the window, and saw New York City, Long Island, Boston, Cape Cod, and Newfoundland. I tried to sleep. It is hard when you are squeezed into a tight space sitting up. I drifted in and out, half an hour here, an hour there (I had a gps tracker in front of me on the plane with the time). I managed to sleep about 5 hours of our 10 hour flight.
I cracked the window after dawn over France. It was green and I enjoyed seeing the farms from 38,000 feet in the air. I looked again, and saw the Mediterranean Sea just south of Rome. It was beautiful. I could not take my eyes off the terrain. The girls looked also, at Naples, the coast, the mountains, and the boot of Italy. We flew over Greece, saw Corinth, then Mount Olympus and the islands of the Aegean Sea.
Then there was Israel. A circle over Lod (Biblical Lydda - Acts 9:38), and the landing at the airport. We walked down the Ramp, and were greeted by a larger than life Mezuzah Passing through immigration, we met our Israeli tour guide Shlomo Ben-Asher.
Then we were off through Tel-Aviv for our first stop in the old city of Joppa. In Joppa we walked the narrow streets of the old city. We saw the supposed home of Simon the Tanner (Acts 9:43). (We were told te buildings dated from the 19th Century). We climbed the steps for a great view of the Mediterranean where we could see Andromeda Rock. We came back out to the plaza where we saw the fountains and the statue of Jonah’s whale.
Returning to our bus, we traveled north to Netanya where we spent the night. Denise & I had a room by the pool on the first floor. Chelsea and Sarah had a room on the 15th floor with a great view. We ate dinner – lots of fresh salads, and then went to the beach for a dip in the sea and an opportunity to collect some interesting rocks.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Israel Day 0 - Is it a Calling
For a many years I did not have the desire to go to Israel. Why was that? Perhaps it was because I did not have the money. Perhaps it was because I did not have the Biblical background to take it in. Perhaps it was just because the calling was not there yet.
Israel has been a part of my life for years. From the beginning of my life I have heard stories about the land. I have studied the Bible. As a boy I planted trees in Israel. I have prayed for the people. I have watched the struggles of the young nation as its boundaries are constantly challenged. I went to school to learn more about the Bible and events in Israel from the beginning of time. I have taught about the people and the land (even making relief maps). But yet, there was not the driving call to go to the land.
About eight years ago watching a video on Israel, the desire did come. I began to see how events and geography are tied together. In a video by Ray Vanderlaan I saw how close Nazareth (Where Jesus grew up), Megiddo (Where the last battle will take place) and Mt. Carmel (Where Elijah challenged the prophets of Jezebel) were actually located. I knew it was time to go and see the land for myself.
I began talking to others from my church who wanted to go. But things were not coming together. Other ministers from the area made several trips to Israel, and I had the opportunity to go. But the time was not yet.
Then a member of the church, Tagg Murn, came and said, I know who should take us to Israel. I followed up by looking at John Delancey and Biblical Israel Tours. I found in John someone who loves the Bible, who loves the land, who has the experience because he has been to the land many times, and a man who loves to teach about what we are seeing and connect the Bible and the land. It was time to go.
John came to Peninsula and told us more about the trip. He gave us two books (a devotional and a book that told us the history, the Bible stories, and the archeological finds from each of the places we would visit), and told us what it would take to go to Israel.
Of course I wanted Denise to go. Chelsea and Sarah wanted to go also. The Lord helped us find the money to go to Israel, and we signed up. We also began asking people to go with us. Tagg and Lisa came. Good friends Michael and Inae Parrish joined us. Kenny and Todd Fields also came on the trip. Nancy Rogers, a friend of Denise’s parents who we have known for years came from Great Bend. John opened the trip to others, and a group of 44 people from all over the United States (and two from England) formed to complete the trip.
As the group formed, I began reading. John gave me a third book: Regions on the Run, an atlas, which helped me really understand the land and why things happened where they did. This took me well beyond the old relief maps that I had made in classes. I took the travel agenda and the study book John had given us, and began to look at where we would go day by day. I wrote notes, and looked for more information where I had questions. Then I began to look at the places we would pass between each of the places we were visiting. I made notes, uploaded it to my Kindle and prepared to go. All this served well on the trip. As we traveled, I could look at my notes. Some things were already in my mind through the preparation. I could spend time seeing, experiencing, and learning more. I was able to take pictures (our group had hearing units that allowed us to hear what was being said, while we wandered a bit). The time had come and we were ready to go.
Israel has been a part of my life for years. From the beginning of my life I have heard stories about the land. I have studied the Bible. As a boy I planted trees in Israel. I have prayed for the people. I have watched the struggles of the young nation as its boundaries are constantly challenged. I went to school to learn more about the Bible and events in Israel from the beginning of time. I have taught about the people and the land (even making relief maps). But yet, there was not the driving call to go to the land.
About eight years ago watching a video on Israel, the desire did come. I began to see how events and geography are tied together. In a video by Ray Vanderlaan I saw how close Nazareth (Where Jesus grew up), Megiddo (Where the last battle will take place) and Mt. Carmel (Where Elijah challenged the prophets of Jezebel) were actually located. I knew it was time to go and see the land for myself.
I began talking to others from my church who wanted to go. But things were not coming together. Other ministers from the area made several trips to Israel, and I had the opportunity to go. But the time was not yet.
Then a member of the church, Tagg Murn, came and said, I know who should take us to Israel. I followed up by looking at John Delancey and Biblical Israel Tours. I found in John someone who loves the Bible, who loves the land, who has the experience because he has been to the land many times, and a man who loves to teach about what we are seeing and connect the Bible and the land. It was time to go.
John came to Peninsula and told us more about the trip. He gave us two books (a devotional and a book that told us the history, the Bible stories, and the archeological finds from each of the places we would visit), and told us what it would take to go to Israel.
Of course I wanted Denise to go. Chelsea and Sarah wanted to go also. The Lord helped us find the money to go to Israel, and we signed up. We also began asking people to go with us. Tagg and Lisa came. Good friends Michael and Inae Parrish joined us. Kenny and Todd Fields also came on the trip. Nancy Rogers, a friend of Denise’s parents who we have known for years came from Great Bend. John opened the trip to others, and a group of 44 people from all over the United States (and two from England) formed to complete the trip.
As the group formed, I began reading. John gave me a third book: Regions on the Run, an atlas, which helped me really understand the land and why things happened where they did. This took me well beyond the old relief maps that I had made in classes. I took the travel agenda and the study book John had given us, and began to look at where we would go day by day. I wrote notes, and looked for more information where I had questions. Then I began to look at the places we would pass between each of the places we were visiting. I made notes, uploaded it to my Kindle and prepared to go. All this served well on the trip. As we traveled, I could look at my notes. Some things were already in my mind through the preparation. I could spend time seeing, experiencing, and learning more. I was able to take pictures (our group had hearing units that allowed us to hear what was being said, while we wandered a bit). The time had come and we were ready to go.
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