Day 13 – Monday, September 15: Eastern Gate, St. Anne’s Church, Pools of Bethesda, Shiloh, the “Shephelah” (Lowlands) of Judah: Gezer, Beth Shemesh, Socoh
Today was our last full day here in Israel, and it was a good one! We began in the Old City before driving to Shiloh and than to the Lowlands (Shephelah). The weather was perfect again, with full sun and highs in the 80s. We read from John 5 was we left the hotel at 7:30.
Eastern Gate, St. Anne’s Church, Pools of Bethesda
We drove to the NE corner of the Old City and walked to the Eastern Gate. This gate has been closed since 810 AD, with it open only a short time during the Crusader Period. It is also referred to as the Golden Gate. Its other name was the Shushan Gate (out of which the Escape Goat was taken to the Judean Desert). In 1969 an arch was found below the gate on the south side. This was probably a supporting arch for a staircase leading into the gate.
We then entered the Old City of Jerusalem through the St. Stephen’s Gate (also called the Lion’s and Jericho Gate) and went to the St. Anne’s Church. This is a Crusader Church that is known for it’s 7-8 second echo. We had the entire church to ourselves where we enjoyed singing a number of songs together. How incredible our worship was! On the same grounds is the Pool of Bethesda. We recalled the miracle recorded in John 5 while overlooking the steps of this double-pool. Following this visit, we walked back out of the Old City where David picked us up.
Shiloh
Next, we drove into the Hill Country of Ephraim to Shiloh. On the way, we drove throw the Hill Country of Samaria. When we arrived, we made our way up this ancient site where the Tabernacle once stood here for over 300 years. It was destroyed by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4). We watched a short movie about the events that took place here. We also read from 1 Samuel 3 (the call of Samuel) and Jeremiah 7. Among the ruins we saw a massive Middle Bronze wall that was incorporated into the Israelite site. Other structures, including perhaps the Holy of Holies area (as proposed by archaeologist Dr. Scott Stripling) could also be seen. It was young Samuel who said, “Hineni” (“Here I am!”) when God called Him into service.
Gezer
In the early afternoon, we descended west to the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah. On our way we stopped at a gas-station restaurant honoring Elvis Presley (HA)! It was a fun and unique place with wonderful hamburgers and fries!
Continuing from here, our first stop was Tel Gezer. Located on the Aijalon Valley, this was both a Canaanite and Israelite city, full of walls, towers, and gates. We saw the replica of the “Gezer Calendar.” We also recalled Ecclesiastes 3 about the “seasons of life.” From the observation mound we saw the Aijalon Valley mentioned in Joshua 10 (i.e. the sun standing still over the Valley of Aijalon….) Among the Middle Bronze ruins many of us used the new steel stairway down to the bottom of the water system (175 steps down). This water system was originally used by Canaanites. We then left these Canaanite ruins and continued to the Israelite (Iron Age) area to see ancient house structures and a chambered gate dating to Solomon (1 Kings 9). Walking back to the bus we saw the Canaanite high place and standing stones.
“Today was our last full day of the trip. We visited sites in the Old City, Shiloh, and the Lowlands. We even ate hamburgers at ‘Elvis’ Place (who would have thought! HA). It was an amazing trip in every way! We learn so much and had life-changing experiences! Praise be to God!”
Beth Shemesh
From here we continued south to visit the site of Beth Shemesh. Located along the Sorek Valley, Beth Shemesh was a prominent Israelite town known for their many water cisterns. Across the valley is Zorah, the hometown of Samson (Judges 13-16). Further west down the valley was the Philistine city of Timnah where Samson’s first wife was from (only 3.5 miles away). We also read the narrative of 1 Samuel 6 about the Ark of the Covenant being returned to Israel by the Philistines living in Ekron. We could see the story unfold right before our very eyes! The battle between Amaziah and Joash also took place here (2 Chronicles 25).
Socoh
Our last site on our way back to Jerusalem was Tel Socoh. We climbed some of the slope of this ancient city that is located along the heart of the Elah Valley. Socoh is mentioned in the story of 1 Samuel 17 (the Philistines camped on the ride between Azekah and Socoh). King Saul and the Israelites camped on the small ridge on the north side of the valley. It was in this narrow part (in Hebrew, gai) of the valley where David battled Goliath. David faced the battle with this giant in the confidence of the Lord! We can face our battles with the same confidence!
We returned back to the Hill Country of Judah by taking a unique two-land road back to Jerusalem and our hotel. At 6:30 we enjoyed our “farewell dinner.” Rick Ricart, owner of iTT and two representatives from Amiel Tours (our Israel agency) joined us. At 8:30, the North Carolina group bussed to the airport for their 12:45 a.m. site. Nine of us will fly home on a 11 a.m. flight tomorrow morning.
Day 14 – Tuesday, September 16: Arrive Home
