Day 14 – Saturday, April 2: Kiriath Jearim, Beth Shemesh, Azekah, Farewell Dinner, Flight Home
Today was an interesting day, with one big surprise. The group handled it so very well, knowing that God is in control. After a good night’s sleep, we opened up our emails and saw our Covid PCR Test results. Unfortunately, a number of us tested positive. After a second Antigen Test (required for the flight home) in the morning, a total of nine in our group had to stay back in Jerusalem, while 14 of us drove towards Tel Aviv about 1:30 p.m. We pray that God will take care of these nine dear friends as they now following Israel’s protocol for a few extra days and await the next step in their eventual journey home.
Kiriath Jearim (Abu Gosh)
After the arrangements were made for the nine staying behind, the rest of us loaded the bus and drove west. Our first stop was Kiriath Jearim. Here the Ark of the Covenant was brought for 20 years .We read from 1 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 16 about David taking the Ark to Jerusalem. The chapel here was closed, but the view of there Judean hills was wonderful! On the way out of Abu Gosh, we stopped at the “Elvis” gas station. An Elvis impersonator was doing his thing! 🙂
The Shephelah
Continuing westward, we descended to the Shephelah, the lowlands of Judah. Our first intended site to visit was Tel Gezer in the Aijalon Valley (Joshua 10). However, because of an event happening here, we were detoured on dirt roads. We were not able to get to the site.
We returned to the main road, driving south to the Sorek Valley and the site of Beth Shemesh. We recalled the life of Samson (Judges 13-16) and the story of the return of the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 6).
Our last site of the day was Azekah. This biblical site is located along the Elah Valley. Climbing the site we first looked west where we could see Gath (the home of Goliath) five/six miles away. Looking east we could see the topography of the story of 1 Samuel 17. It was here where David defeated Goliath.
“I am so grateful for this trip. It truly was a journey of a lifetime! Words cannot express how this trip will change the way I read the Bible the rest of my life! What a joy it was to be here in Israel! Thanks to Dr. John for an excellent trip.”
Jaffa
We drove to the coastline of Israel for our final dinner in Jaffa. Following an excellent meal, we drove to the airport for our night flight home. Although the trip ended with this “Covid surprise,” it was a great trip that brought to life the Biblical text!
(Note: at present, we are awaiting boarding our flight home).
Day 15 – Sunday, April 3: Arrive back in the U.S.
