DAY 3 – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18: TEL GEZER, BETHSHEMESH, AZEKAH, BEIT GUVRIN, LACHISH, BEERSHEBA
Today was our first full day herein Israel. Following a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, we drove south out of Tel Aviv and spent the entire day in the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah. Many biblical connections were made with the five biblical sites wee visited. The weather was also perfect, with full sun and temps near 70. We read from Psalm 44 as we left the hotel at 7:35.
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. We saw the replica of the “Gezer Calendar.” We also read from Ecclesiastes 3 about the “seasons of life.” From the observation mound we saw the Aijalon Valley mentioned in Joshua 10. Among the Middle Bronze ruins many of us used the new steel stairway down to the bottom of the water system (175 steps down). Even Victoria supported my the unique one-wheel chair provided by the Luke 5 Adventures team made it to the bottom and back. This water system was originally used by Canaanites. We then left these Canaanite ruins and continued to the Israelite (Iron Age) area to see ancient house structures and a chambered gate dating to Solomon (1 Kings 9). Walking back to the bus we saw the Canaanite high place and standing stones.
Beth Shemesh
From here we continued south to visit the site of Beth Shemesh. Located along the Sorek Valley, Bethshemesh was a prominent Israelite town known for their many water cisterns. Across the valley is Zorah, the hometown of Samson. Further west down the valley was the Philistine city of Timnah where Samson’s first wife was from (only 3.5 miles away). We also read the narrative of 1 Samuel 6 about the Ark of the Covenant being returned to Israel by the Philistines living in Ekron. We could see the story unfold right before our very eyes!
Azekah
Continuing south, we climbed the site of Azekah. This ancient city that has been excavated in recent years is located along the Elah Valley. Azekah is mentioned in the story of 1 Samuel 17 (the Philistines camped on the ride between Azekah and Socoh further east. It was in the narrow part of the valley where David battled Goliath. David faced the battle with this giant in the confidence of the Lord!
Beit Guvrin
Following grabbing a bit to eat at a local gas station, 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. In the Bell Cave, Shlomo played an Israeli tune on his recorded. We then read from Micah 1 and 5, reflecting upon the prophet’s words of mourning and hope. We also blended out voices in a couple of songs as well.
“Today was our first full day here in Israel. The weather was perfect and we visited many sites with biblical connections. This included the story of David and Goliath as we overlooked the Elah Valley from Azekah. Wow, the Bible is already coming to life!”
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 in 701 BC (2 Kings 20, Isaiah 36), and later by the Babylonians in 587 BC. We saw a replica of the Lachish Letter #4, one of about 18-20 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 about 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 19: BEERSHEBA, SDE BOKER, ZIN CANYON, ARAD, HANOKDIM
