DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19: TEL GEZER, BETHSHEMESH, SOCOH, BEIT GUVRIN, LACHISH
Today was our first full day herein Israel. Following negative Covid results, we loaded up the bus after breakfast (served in our rooms) for the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah. We would have a quite rainy and cold day, yet thankful for the few breaks of “no-rain” throughout the day. Temps were in the 50s.
Gezer
Our first stop was Tel Gezer. Located on the Aijalon Valley, this was both a Canaanite and Israelite city, full of walls, towers, and gates. With the strong rain upon us upon arrival, we walked directly to the water system where we were out of the rain. The impressive new steel stairway allowed us go to the bottom (175 steps down). This water system was originally used by Canaanites. We ascended back up to see the Solomonic gate (1 Kings 9). Walking back to the bus we saw the Canaanite high place and standing stones.
Beth Shemesh
The rain continued as we visited Beth Shemesh. Located on the Sorek Valley, this city was privileged to see the Ark of the Covenant returned to them by the Philistines from Ekron (1 Samuel 6). Before this, this was the area where Samson grew up (in Zorah across the valley). Further west down the valley was Timnah where Samson’s first wife was from (only 3.5 miles away).
Socoh
Continuing south, we climbed the site of Socoh. This ancient city, not excavated yet, is located along the Elah Valley. Socoh is mentioned in the story of 1 Samuel 17 where the Philistine camp was located. It was in the narrow part of the valley below Socoh where David battled Goliath.
Beit Guvrin
The rain held back when we visited the columbarium and the Bell Cave of Beit Guvrin. This area is known for all the underground soft limestone caves. Also in this area is the site of Mareshah, the home of Micah, the prophet. We read from Micah 1 and 5, reflecting upon the prophet’s words of mourning and hope. We ate lunch at a gas station outside the Late Roman site of Beit Guvrin. Following a bite to eat, we saw the amphitheater here.
“We connected to many biblical sites today. Even though the weather was a bit cold and rainy, we saw everything we planned to see. This is certainly a ‘non-touristy’ trip that goes to many off-the-beaten-track sites.”
Lachish
Our last site of the day was Lachish. This was a Canaanite city taken by Joshua in two days (Joshua 10). Later, it became an important well-fortified city under the leadership of Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11). The Judean city saw two destructions, one at the hands of the Assyrians (2 Kings 20, Isaiah 36), and late by there Babylonians. We saw a replica of the Lachish Letter #4, one of about 20 ostraca (pottery with inscriptions). It mentions Azekah and Lachish as two Judean cities holding out. Jeremiah 34:7 says the same thing. Among the ruins we saw the double walls and gates, the Assyrian siege ramp, and the palace.
Beersheba
From Lachish, we drove 50 minutes to Beersheba where we checked in to our hotel. We enjoyed dinner together, followed by a brief gathering. It was a great first day!
DAY 4 – THURSDAY, JANUARY 20: BEERSHEBA, SDE BOKER, ZIN CANYON, ARAD, HANOKDIM
