Day 3 – Monday, January 12: Gezer, Beth Shemesh, Azekah, Beit Guvrin, Lachish, Beersheba
Today was the first full day here in Israel. We were greeted by partly sunny skies, with temps in the 50s (with highs in the mid 60s in the afternoon). Following breakfast at 6:30, we loaded the bus at 7:20 and left by 7:35. We read from Joshua 10 as we departed the hotel en route to our first site of the day in the Shephelah (lowlands) of Judah.
Tel Gezer
Our first stop was Tel Gezer. This off-the-beaten-path site located along the Aijalon Valley was both a Canaanite and Israelite city, full of walls, towers, and gates. We saw the replica of the “Gezer Calendar.” We also recalled Solomon’s reference to the “seasons of life” from Ecclesiastes 3. From the observation mound we saw the Aijalon Valley mentioned in Joshua 10. Among the Middle Bronze ruins most of us used the steel stairway to see the water system (175 steps down). This water system was originally used by Canaanites (dating to around 1600 BC). 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.
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. Further west down the valley was the Philistine city of Timnah where Samson’s first wife was from (only 4 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! We also referred to the story of 2 Kings 14 about Amaziah and Jehoash battling here.
Tel Azekah
Continuing south, we climbed the site of Azekah. On the drive to the top, we could see biblical Gath (the hometown of Goliath) to the west only about 5-6 miles away. This ancient city that has been excavated in recent years is located along the Elah Valley. Azekah is mentioned in the story of 1 Samuel 17 (the Philistines camped on the ride between Azekah and Socoh further east. It was in the narrow part of the valley (“gai”) where David battled Goliath. David faced the battle with this giant in the confidence of the Lord!
“Today was our first full day of the trip. Already we have made many biblical connections with the land through archaeology and historical geography. Our introduction to the ‘physical settings’ of the land has been amazing!”
Beit Guvrin
While we enjoyed our own “bag lunch” on the bus, we continued our drive south to the site of Beit Guvrin. In the days of the Old Testament, the site was called Mareshah. It was the home of Micah, the prophet. Together we walked to one of literally 1000s of caves carved out of the soft limestone of this area. This large caved, called the “Bell Cave” was so interesting to see. Shlomo sang a song for us, after which we read portions of Micah 1 and 5. We then joined our voices and sang a few worship songs ourselves.
Lachish
Our last site of the day was Lachish. When we arrived, we first saw a 15 minute movie in the newly-constructed (from last year) about the siege of Lachish by the Assyrians. From here we climbed the site.
Lachish was first a Canaanite city taken by Joshua in two days (Joshua 10). Later, it became an important well-fortified city under the leadership of Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11). The Judean city saw two destructions, one at the hands of the Assyrians in 701 BC (2 Kings 20, Isaiah 36), and later by the Babylonians in 587 BC. We saw a replica of the Lachish Letter #4, one of about 18-20 ostraca (pottery with inscriptions). It mentions Azekah and Lachish as two Judean cities holding out. Jeremiah 34:7 says the same thing. Among the ruins we saw the double walls and gates (including the inner chamber gate where there was a “cultic – high place”), the Assyrian siege ramp, and the palace.
Beersheba
From Lachish we drove about 55 minutes to Beersheba where we checked in to our hotel about 4:30. We enjoyed dinner together, followed by a brief gathering to prepare for the next two days. It was a great first day!
Day 4 – Tuesday January 13: Beersheba, Sde Boker, Wilderness of Zin, Arad, Judean Desert
