Day 6 – Thursday, November 12: Hippos/Sussita, Chorazim (with trail walk), Upper Galilee & “Hill 713”
Today was another beautiful day. We enjoyed sunny skies again, with highs in the 70s. It was another day of a focus on Yeshua/Jesus as we spent time on both sides of the lake. We even enjoyed a brand new partial walk from Chorazim to Capernaum. We read from Mark 2 (the calling of Levi) as we left the hotel at 7:30.
Hippos/Sussita
We first traveled north to the northern end of the lake, passing by once again the location of Bethsaida, the home of Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1). We then turned south as we drove on the east side of the lake. We made a brief stop at the only “cliff” area on this side. No doubt this is where Mark 5 took place. We continued to Hippos/Sussita. Here 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 (which most likely happened down near the lakeshore). The view across to the west side of the lake was really good!
Chorazin
Driving back to the northwest corner of the lake and located up on a hill is Chorazin. The visible ruins from this archaeological site are primarily from a 3rd century AD. We saw a wine press as well as the synagogue. During Covid, archaeologists excavated below the 3rd century level of the synagogue and exposed most likely the 1st century level. Chorazin was one of three cities condemned by Jesus because of their unbelief (Matthew 11). We also read from Matthew 23:2 about the Moses Seat found here about 75 years ago.
Chorazin-Capernaum Trail Hike
Since last year, a brand new trail that connects Chorazin with Capernaum was made. After seeing the site of Chorazin, this new trail led us to a turnstile where the trail begins. Many in the group continued on the trail. We descended down a steeper hill where we gathered together to read the rest of Matthew 23. We could see where the trail continues all the way to the shoreline. However, because of the trail being marked with many thistles, and due to time, we returned back to the site of Chorazin. It was amazing, however, to be on this trail, no doubt the same route everyone used 2000 years ago inn the days of Jesus.
“Today was outlast day in the north. Again, we visited sites around the Sea of Galilee, connecting to the life and ministry of Jesus at every turn! It was another fantastic day in every way!”
“Hill 713” (Mitzpe Ha-Yammim)
We returned to Magdala for an incredible fish lunch. It was very good! To end the day we dropped off some of there group at the hotel for some free time and a relaxing afternoon, while 15 of us stayed on the bus and drove to the Upper Galilee. Specifically we hiked to what Pastor John calls “Hill 713” (named this by Jim Monson, John’s historical-geography professor from his Jerusalem days. In Hebrew the viewpoint is called Mitzpe Ha-Yammim, meaning the “view of two seas”). We arrived at the trailhead at about 3:25 p.m. The hike (.8 miles in length) took us to a stunning view about 25 minutes later. Located on part of the Meron Range, this viewpoint provides the very best view of the entire Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, Tiberias, the Lower Galilee areas, Mt. Tabor, the Hills of Samaria, the Carmel Range and even the Mediterranean Sea!! In other words, the entire width of Israel can be seen from here! Visibility was about 8.5-9 (scale of 10)!
We hiked back to the bus for the drive back to Nof Ginnosar. We arrived at 5:30 p.m., in plenty of time for 6:30 dinner. This was our last day here in the north! We travel south to the Dead Sea tomorrow!
Day 7 – Friday, November 13: Beth Shean, Shiloh, Jericho, Judean Desert/Wadi Qelt
