Day 9 – Saturday, May 13: Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Shepherds’ Fields, Bethlehem, Herodium
This was our first day in Jerusalem. This capital city of Israel is full of history and archaeology that connects us to the Bible. The weather was perfect, with partly sunny skies and highs in the low 70s. We read from Psalm 125:1-2 as we left the hotel at 7:40.
Mt. of Olives/Gethsemane
Our first stop of the day was the Mt. of Olives. We drove around the north side of the Old City, passing the Damascus and Herod Gates on the way. Cresting the Mt. of Olives we drove to a spectacular view across the Kidron Valley of the Old City and Temple Mount below. From here we walked down to Dominus Flavet, a small chapel where we enjoyed singing a few songs together. Here we read from Luke 19 (Palm Sunday), Acts 1 (Christ’s ascension), and Zechariah 14 (about the return of Christ). Continuing down the slope towards the Church of All Nations (the traditional Garden of Gethsemane), we walked up to an olive tree park where we considered the passion of Jesus (Luke 22). Somewhere on these slopes Jesus prayed, “Not my will but Yours be done!”
Bethlehem/Shepherd’s Fields
Just to the south of Jerusalem is the area of Bethlehem. We began In Beit Sahour (an eastern adjacent Arab town) and visited the Shepherds’ Fields. We descended down into a large cave where we read from Micah 2, 4, and 5 and Luke 2 about the birth of Jesus. It was “just at the right time God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4). We also sang a few carols in the Chapel of the Shepherds.
After lunch, we drove into Bethlehem and visited an olive wood factory and story (Nissan Brothers). These olive wood products were impressive and so well crafted.
“Standing on the Mt. of Olives and looking down to the Old City of Jerusalem, the City of David, and the Temple Mount was incredible. To be here in Israel’s ancient and present capital is a really special yet humbling experience.”
Herodium
We drove back through Beit Sahour and a few miles further south to Herodium. This was a palace-fortress built by Herod the Great. He was also buried in 4 BC. The site was incredible, with many new renovations and displays. Inside the well-preserved official’s chamber where we saw a wonderful presentation. We then walked up through the royal arches to the top where we saw the bathhouse, synagogue, impressive frescoes, and a great view of Jerusalem. We left the site by carefully walking down through the cistern system.
From Herodium we drove back to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner and a free evening.
Day 10 – Sunday, May 14: Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, the ‘Shephelah” (Lowlands): Gezer, Beth Shemesh, Azekah
