Day 5 – Tuesday, May 9: Hippos/Susita, Qatzrin, Syrian Border, Caesarea Philippi, Dan
We enjoyed another day of sun and great weather, with high temperatures in the low 80s. We spent most of the day in the Golan Heights. We looked both the Syrian and Lebanese borders up north. Following breakfast we left the hotel at 7:35. We read from Matthew 4 (the calling of for of the disciples) as we began our drive to our first stop of the day.
Hippos/Sussita
We traveled around the north end of the lake, passing by traditional sites connected with Jesus. We also passed by two possible locations for Bethsaida, the home of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1). The Feeding of the 5,000 took place in a remote area near this fishing village. We then turned south on the east side towards Hippos/Sussita. On the way we made a brief stop to see the cliffs mentioned in Mark 5. At Hippos (a Decapolis city), we saw many Roman ruins. During the Byzantine Period (4th-6th centuries AD), there were no less than a half a dozen churches were built here. With a great view of the lake, we read the transformational story of the demoniac from Mark 5. We also enjoyed singing a few worship songs together.
Katzrin
Further north is Katzrin. Here is an ancient Talmudic Village that dates from the 3rd-7th centuries AD. The pomegranate trees were in full bloom. Among the ruins we saw the synagogue and house structures, including a partially-restored house. However, in the completely reconstructed stone house we gathered to hear the story of Mark 2. We could see the story unfolding before our very eyes!
Syrian Border
Continuing northward, we stopped for a brief stop to look over into Syria. The view into Syria, including the city of Kuneitra, was fairly good. Shlomo talked about the 1967 and 1973 wars and the significance of Israel maintaining control of the Golan Heights.
“We spent almost the entire day in the Golan Heights. We encountered a lot of ancient and modern history, with many biblical connections once again. The trip has been amazing so far! We are learning so much about the Bible!”
Caesarea Philippi
Driving past the partially snow-capped Mt. Hermon (Psalm 42, 89, 133, Song of Songs 4) we drove down off the Golan Heights we visited Caesarea Philippi. This was a pagan city in the days of Jesus that included temples to Augustus, Zeus (Jupiter), and Nemesis. The Pan deity was especially honored here. With several niches dedicated to him. It was good to see that recent excavations of the Augustus Temple revealed amazing mosaics and other structures. The Banias Spring begins here, one of the three tributaries of the Upper Jordan River. It was in the region of this city that Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16).
Tel Dan
Our last site of the day was Tel Dan. We walked through the beautiful nature preserve along the Dan Spring. We stopped by the water to hear Shlomo play another song on his recorder. We also read from (and sang) Psalm 42, As the Deer. We continued our walk to the culture center. Here, Jeroboam built an altar and set a golden calf on the high place. Sitting on the steps of the high place, we read from Judges 18 and 1 Kings 12. We also overlooked the border with Lebanon. Before leaving, we saw the Canaanite mud brick gate (Abraham’s gate?) and the 9th century BC Israelite gate complex. Just outside this gate was where the famous Dan Inscription was found.
We drove south along the Huleh Valley back to our hotel, passing the large 200 acre Canaanite city of Hazor on the way (Joshua 11). Once again, we enjoyed a huge dinner and a free evening.
Day 6 – Wednesday, May 10: Arbel, Yardenit, Magdala, Bethsaida, Chorazin, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride
