DAY 11 – THURSDAY, JANUARY 26: JERUSALEM, MT. OF OLIVES, HERODIUM, BETHLEHEM/SHEPHERDS’ FIELDS, PROMENADE

 

Today was our first full day in Jerusalem and surrounding area. The sun was once again shining bright all day, without a cloud in the sky. Temps were in the mid 60s. After breakfast, we left the hotel around 7:35, reading Psalm 125:1-2 as we departed for the Mt. of Olives.

 

Mt. of Olives/Gethsemane

Our first stop of the day was the Mt. of Olives. We drove around the north side of the Old City, passing the Damascus and Herod Gates on the way. Cresting the Mt. of Olives we drove to a spectacular view across the Kidron Valley of the Old City and Temple Mount below. From here we walked down to Dominus Flavet, a small chapel where we enjoyed singing a few songs together. Here we read from Luke 19 (Palm Sunday), Acts 1 (Christ’s ascension), and Zechariah 14 (about the return of Christ). Continuing down the slope towards the Church of All Nations (the traditional Garden of Gethsemane), we walked up to an olive tree park where we considered the passion of Jesus (Luke 22).

 

Herodium

Our next stop took us south and a bit east of Jerusalem to Herodium. This was a palace-fortress built by Herod the Great. He was also buried in 4 BC. The site was incredible, with many new renovations and displays. Inside the well-preserved official’s chamber where we saw a wonderful presentation. We then walked up through the royal arches to the top where we saw the bathhouse, synagogue, impressive frescoes, and a great view of Jerusalem. We left the site by walked down through the cistern system.

 
“Jerusalem sure is an amazing city! There is so much Biblical history about this ancient capital of Israel. The views of the Old City were incredible from the Mt. of Olives this morning. It was special to know that Jesus will one day return to this place!”
Chapel of the Shepherds Jan 23 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Bethlehem/Shepherd’s Fields

Just to the west of Herodium is Bethlehem. After lunch, we visited an olive wood factory and story. These olive wood products were impressive. In Beit Sahour (an eastern adjacent Arab town), we enjoyed singing Christmas carols in the Shepherds’ Fields. We read from Micah 5 and Luke 2 about the birth of Jesus. It was “just at the right time God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4).

 

Promenade

Driving back towards Jerusalem, we made a brief stop at the Promenade that winds around on the west and south end of the Old City. We then returned to our hotel for dinner and another walk.

 

DAY 12 – FRIDAY, JANUARY 28: WESTERN WALL/TUNNEL, SOUTH WALL EXCAVATIONS, CITY OF DAVID, HEZEKIAH’S TUNNEL, YAD VASHEM

Jerusalem Mt. of Olives Jan 23 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Herodium cistern Jan 23 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Herodium Jan 23 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Jerusalem Promenade Jan 23 Israel Tour John DeLancey

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