Day 8 – Sunday, February 26: Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, the “Shephelah” – Lowlands of Judah: Gezer, Beth Shemesh, Azekah
Today was another wonderful day here in Israel. We were blessed with perfect weather once again (sun and temps in the mid 60s). In the morning the two groups went to two different sites. We connected back together about noon for the rest of the day.
Yad Vashem
Both buses left the hotel at 7:20. Our bus drove to western Jerusalem to visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum and Memorial. It is named after Isaiah 56:5 (“To them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name…”). We first entered the Valley of the Communities, marking all the towns and cities where Jews were killed throughout Europe. We then heard Shlomo’s testimony about how he lost 12 family members in Vilna, Poland. We then walked through the museum on our own, followed by a visit lastly through the Children’s Memorial. 1.5 million children were killed. It was a somber experience.
Shiloh
The second bus drove north into the Hill Country of Samaria and to the biblical site of Shiloh. Located about 20 miles north of Jerusalem, this was the location of Tabernacle for over 300 years until it was destroyed by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4). At the site we saw a hologram of the Tabernacle and an impressive video presentation. By the ruins we read from 1 Samuel 3 (“Hineni” – “Here I am” was said here by young Samuel!), and Jeremiah 7.
Israel Museum
Both buses converged in West Jerusalem at the Israel Museum. We saw three things here: A 1:50-scaled model of 2nd Temple Period Jerusalem, the Shrine of the Book (where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display), and the archaeological wing of the museum itself. In the museum we saw highlights of artifacts, such as the Dan Inscription, the incense shovels from Tel Dan, the silver amulet from a Hinnom tombs, the Arad Holy of Holies, the Pilate Inscription, Herod’s bathhouse and sarcophagus, and many more. We ended with seeing a 1,900 year old “pie plate.” 🙂
Gezer/Aijalon Valley
About 1:30 in the afternoon we drove westward from Jerusalem to the Shephelah (lowlands). We passed by three proposed places for biblical Emmaus. Our first site of the afternoon was Tel Gezer. It is located in the Aijalon Valley. Dr. John excavated here in 2017. This was a Canaanite and Israelite/Judean city. We saw city walls and gates, including one built by Solomon (1 Kings 9). We descended the impressive water system. Leaving the site we saw the standing stones most likely from the Canaanite Period.
Beth Shemesh/Sorek Valley
Further south is the Sorek Valley where the city of Beth Shemesh is located. We climbed the tel (ancient mound) to see the view of the valley. The stories of Samson (Judges 13-16) and the return of the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 6) unfolded before our very eyes!
“Today was the second last full day here in Israel. One bus went to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum this morning, while the other bus went to Shiloh, about 20 miles north of Jerusalem. We all enjoyed the Israel Museum and the biblical sites and stories in the Shephelah/Lowlands of Judah.”
Azekah/Elah Valley
Azekah was the last site of the day. Located along the Elah Valley, we climbed this site to see where David and Goliath battled. On the way we saw the location of Gath (the hometown of Goliath) just 5-6 miles to the west. David was armed only with five stones but he found his confidence in the Lord. We read the story from 1 Samuel 17. We could see the story happening right before our eyes!
We returned to the Hill Country of Judah and to our hotel in Jerusalem for a late dinner and an optional walk to the Promenade. We have one more day of the Israel portion of our trip.
Day 9 – Monday, February 27: Old City, Pools of Bethesda, Holy Sepulcher Church, City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Southern Wall Excavations, Western Wall, Garden Tomb
