Day 4 – Wednesday, March 22: Hippos, Qatzrin, Syrian Border, Caesarea Philippi, Dan
Today we traveled to the Golan Heights. It was another great full day with impressive archaeological sites with biblical connections. We are making wonderful new friends on this too. Weather-wise, we had partly sunny skies once again, with highs in the 60s. We read from Matthew 4 as we left the hotel following breakfast.
Hippos/Sussita
We first drove around the northern end of the lake before turning south on the eastern side. We made a brief stop at the lone cliff area on the eastern side where perhaps where Mark 5 took place. From here we ascended to the top of the site of Hippos/Sussita, one of the Decapolis cites. This is an impressive archaeological sites with ruins that date from the 2nd century BC to the 8th century AD. The ruins we saw were primarily from the Late Roman period. A number of Byzantine churches were discovered here. With a stunning view of the entire lake below us, we read the story of transformation from Mark 5 as we concluded our visit.
Katzrin
We drove north on the eastern side of the lake before turning east to Katzrin. A Talmudic Village was here (from about the 3rd-8th centuries AD). We saw a synagogue and other house structures. We also walked through a completely-restored stone house no doubt quite similar to the type of houses used in Jesus’ day. In the synagogue we read from the story of the forgiven paralytic from Mark 2. We could see the story unfolding before our eyes!
Syrian Border
As we drover further north to the Syrian border, From here we could see over the border to a city inside Syria called Kuneitra. Each of our guides shared a brief word on the 1967 and 1973 wars that took place here, as well as the current situation in Syria. We enjoyed some apples and snacks too that David purchased for us from the grocery store (this was an nice and quick version of “lunch” today).
“Today was another great day. We traveled up through the Golan Heights. There are so many biblical connections that we are learning with the land. It has been an incredible trip so far, and we’re only through our second full day here in Israel”
Caesarea Philippi/Banias
Driving through a few Druze towns, we could see Mt. Hermon (Psalm 133) at a distance. It is the highest peak in the region (Syria has a peak of 9,200, Israel 7,300, and Lebanon the lower northern slopes). We also passed by the Saar Waterfalls as we descended off the Golan Heights to the archaeological site of Caesarea Philippi. This was a very pagan city in the days of Jesus and through the Roman Period. The city enjoyed the waters of the Banias Spring, one of the three tributaries of the Jordan. We read from Matthew 16 where Jesus asked His disciples the “final exam” question, “Who do you say I am?” Among the ruins we saw what is left of the Temples of Augustus, Zeus/Jupiter, Nemesis, the Shrine of the Dancing Goats, and the niches dedicated to Pan, the promiscuous shepherding god of the Greeks and Romans.
Dan Nature Preserve & Archaeological Site
Our last site to visit was the nature preserve and Tel Dan. The Dan Spring served this ancient city originally called Laish. We walked along the river to a quite place where we heard Shlomo play a song on his recorder. We also enjoyed reading and singing Psalm 42 before we walked to the archaeological ruins of the high place. We read from Judges 18 and 1 Kings 12 about the patterns of disobedience displayed here. Leaving the site of Dan we saw the Israelite gate and where the famous Dan Inscription was found in July, 1993.
We drove back to our hotels for dinner. An optional gathering followed dinner down on the shoreline of the lake.
Day 5 – Thursday, March 23: Arbel, Yardenit, Magdala, Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitudes, Ancient Boat, Boat Ride
