Day 13 – Friday, March 31: The “Shephelah” (Lowlands) of Judah: Gezer, Beth Shemesh, Socoh/Azekah, Beit Guvrin, Lachish, Garden Tomb, Flights Home
Today was our last day here in Israel. Because we changed around our itinerary for various reasons, we spent most of the day in the Shephelah (“Lowlands”) of Judah. Temperatures rebounded in the lowlands today, with partly sunny skies and temps in the low 60s (however Jerusalem at the end of the day was cooler).
Gezer/Aijalon Valley
Following breakfast many of us checked out of our hotel since we are flying home tonight. We drove westward from Jerusalem to the Shephelah (lowlands). We passed by three proposed places for biblical Emmaus. Our first site of the morning 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. After bombarding the local Ikea to use their restrooms, 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!
Azekah/Elah Valley
Azekah was the next 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!
Beit Guvrin
Following grabbing a bit to eat at a local gas station, we visited 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.
“Today was our last day of the trip. Bitter sweet. What a great way to end this tour with four sites in the Shephelah (lowlands) followed by the Garden Tomb back in Jerusalem. God provided us safety, great weather, and life-changing encounters with Him in the land!”
Garden Tomb
We returned to Jerusalem to visit the Garden Tomb. This is an alternative location for the crucifixion and burial site of Jesus. We saw the rocky scarp (Golgotha) and the proposed tomb. A special time of worship and Communion followed. We worship the Person, not the place. What a great way to end our trip together!
With many of us flying home tonight, we enjoyed our farewell dinner in a local restaurant inside the Old City in the Armenian Quarter. We shared in good conversation, thankful to God for the great experiences we encountered. Those who had night flights back to the States were then driven to the airport, while others we taken back to the hotel. The end of a great trip!
Day 14 – Saturday, April 1: Flight to the U.S. & Canada, Arrival Home
