Day 15 – Friday, March 22: City of David, Southern Excavations, Herodium, Bethlehem

 

Today was another full day here in Jerusalem. We had to adjust our plans a few times, given the fact that today was Friday. The day included adventure (Hezekiah’s Tunnel & Drainage Tunnel), walking (through Old City), and archaeology (City of David, Herodium). We had full sun, but with cooler temps in the high 50s. We read from Psalm 48 as we left the hotel.

 

City of David/Hezekiah Tunnel

We started the day by driving today’s Mt. Zion and walking (because of closed roads) to the City of David. After gathering on the observation tower, we saw a 3-D movie before walked down through the excavations (“Area G”). We saw David’s palace, city walls, and 7th-6th BC house structures (one of them was excavated/uncovered by Dr. John in June-July, 1982). We all continued through Warren’s Shaft (2 Samuel 5). The upper part of this discovery was probably used by David but not the vertical 52 foot shaft. Finally, we descended down to the Canaanite/Jebusite pool to the Gihon Spring. Many in the group braved the waters of the 1,710 foot-long Hezekiah’s Tunnel (2 Kings 20, 2 Chronicles 32), while others took the “dry” Jebusite tunnel built 100s of years earlier. Both groups met at the Pool of Siloam where we read John 9 in dramatic fashion. More of the pool as been exposed.

 

Southern Steps

From the Pool of Siloam most of us walked up to the SW corner of the Temple through the Drainage Channel. It was a tight squeeze for a few. 🙂 Once we all gathered, we walked on the Herodian pavement used no doubt by Jesus. The SW corner of the Temple may have been the pinnacle where Jesus was tempted (Mt. 4). We walked up the southern steps used by commoners in Jesus’ day. Jesus Himself would have used these steps to enter the Temple. We recalled the many mentioned in the NT who used these steps (Luke 2, 18; John 2; Mark 13; and Acts 2, etc…). Before leaving the steps, we considered how God wants us to be His spiritual temple (2 Corinthians 3).

 

Herodium

Because of blocked roads, we walked to the Jaffa Gate where we met David. We drove 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.

 
“Today was our second full day here in Jerusalem. The day was once again filled with archaeology, biblical connections, tunnel adventures, walking, and inspirational moments. God gave us another beautiful sunny day.”
Jerusalem Temple Steps March 2024 Israel Tour John DeLancey

Bethlehem

Our last stop, Bethlehem, was a challenge to get there. However, we made it an olive wood factory and story (Nissan Brothers). These olive wood products were impressive and so well crafted. While in Bethlehem, we recalled that “just at the right time, God sent His Son…” (Galatians 4). It was here in Bethlehem that Jesus was born (Micah 5, Luke 2).

We drove back to our hotel for dinner and a free evening. It was another great day here in Israel’s ancient and modern capital city!

 

Day 16 – Saturday, March 23: Garden Tomb, Drive to Southern Border & Cross into Jordan (for most), Free Afternoon (for some)

Jerusalem City of David March 2024 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Jerusalem Herodian Pavement March 2024 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Herodium March 2024 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Jerusalem Hezekiah's Tunnel March 2024 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Jerusalem Temple Steps March 2024 Israel Tour John DeLancey
Herodium Dead Sea March 2024 Israel Tour John DeLancey

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