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Days 1 & 2 – Sunday/Monday, March 20-21: Depart U.S.A. / Arrival in Israel

Our day of departure finally came. For many in our group of 32, we’ve waited since the postponed trip during COVID last year for this day! Following the completion of our Entry Form and Covid test, we boarded our flight(s) to Israel. Most flew out of either Newark or JFK for our night flight to Tel Aviv. We landed at the Ben Gurion Airport where we went through the Passport procedures, picked up our luggage, and then got yet another Covid test before leaving the airport.

Shlomo (our guide) and David (our driver) were waiting for us in the bus parking lot. Leaving the airport we drove along the canal of the Aijalon (Joshua 10) to Netanya, located north of Tel Aviv. Traffic was slow all the way. Arriving at the hotel we checked in. Dinner was served in our rooms while we “quarantine” until the morning. We all are looking forward to our first full day tomorrow!

Day 3 – Tuesday, March 22: Caesarea, Mt. Carmel, Megiddo, Precipice of Nazareth, Tiberias

Today was our first full day here in Israel. The weather was perfect, with sunny skies and highs in the low 60s. We left the hotel at 7:30 following breakfast and negative Covid test results. We read from Psalm 44:8 as we departed.

Caesarea Maritima

Our first site to see was Caesarea. We drove about 20 minutes north and arrived at this city built by King Herod over a 12 year period in 22-10 BC. In the theater we read from Acts 10 (Peter & Cornelius), 12 (Agrippa 1), 21 (Philip), and 26 (Paul, who spent two years here). The Good News of Christ was proclaimed by these men. Leaving the theater, we saw the palace area (protoreaum), the hippodrome, and the later Crusader part of the city. This was where the massive harbor was located (Paul sailed in and out of this harbor a few times).

Mt. Carmel

Driving across the Sharon Plain, we began our ascent up the Carmel Range. Arriving at Muhraha (a Carmelite chapel), we enjoyed a great view of the Jezreel Valley below. The visibility was outstanding! Looking west and south we could see Caesarea and even Tel Abiv in the distance, Looking north and east we could see Mt. Gilboa (1 Samuel 31), the Hill of Moreh (Judges 7), Mt. Tabor (Judges 4-5), and the Nazareth Ridge (Luke 4). It was somewhere on Carmel that Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). The Carmel Range is also mentioned in Isaiah 35, Song of Songs 7, and Amos 9.

Megiddo

After a great lunch at a Druze restaurant, we descended from the Carmel Range to the edge of the Jezreel Valley. Megiddo, an strategically-located city in the Canaanite and Israelite Periods, was our next stop. After seeing an impressive model of this archaeological site, we climb the tel (ancient mound). We saw three different ancient gates, the possible stables and palace of Solomon, a rounded sacrificial altar (from the Early Bronze/Canaanite Period), and a grain silo (from the Israel Period). We exited the site by descending down into the water system that was designed to bring the spring water into the city. Wow, what an engineering accomplishment!

Nazareth Precipice (or Nazareth Village)

Crossing the Jezreel Valley took us to Nazareth, the home town of Jesus. Gordon Govier’s group were dropped off at the Nazareth Village, while Dr. John’s group continued to the Precipice of Nazareth. Those who visited there Nazareth Village enjoyed the reconstructed synagogue and other displays of 1st century life in the days of Jesus.  For those who visited the Precipice, the view of the Jezreel Valley was spectacular, with clear visibility! We read from Luke 4 and John 1. We also enjoyed a time of reflection and song.

Nof Ginnosar

From Nazareth, we drove through the modern city of Cana (John 2, 4) and past the Cliffs of Arbel en route to Nof Ginnosar, our “kibbutz-hotel” on the western shoreline of the Sea of Galilee.  We are here for three nights! We followed an amazing dinner with a short walk to the lakeshore. The evening was beautiful!

Day 4 – Wednesday, March 23: Hippos, Katzrin, Syrian Border, Saar Falls, Caesarea Philippi, Dan

Today we traveled to the Golan Heights and the northern part of Israel. The weather was an interesting mix of rain, wet snow (up north), and a few occasional breaks of sun. Temps were cool in the 40s most of the day. After breakfast we departed at 7:30, reading Matthew 4 as we began the day.

Hippos/Sussita

We first drove around the northern end of the lake before turning south on the eastern side. We made a brief stop at the lone cliff area on the eastern side where perhaps the story of Mark 5 took place. From here we ascended to the top of the site of Hippos/Sussita, one of the Decapolis cites. This is an impressive archaeological sites with ruins that date from the 2nd century BC to the 8th century AD. The ruins we saw were primarily from the Late Roman period. A number of Byzantine churches were discovered here. We read from Mark 5 as we concluded our visit.

Katzrin

We drove back north on the eastern side of the lake before turning east to Katzrin. A Talmudic Village was here (from about the 3rd-8th centuries AD). We saw a synagogue and other house structures. We then gathered in a completely-restored stone house where we read from Mark 2. We could see the story unfolding before our eyes!

Syrian Border

As we drover further north to the Syrian border, the wet snow began. This limited the visibility of looking across the border. We could not even see Kuneitra. Shlomo still shared a brief word on the 1967 and 1973 wars that took place here, as well as the current situation in Syria.

Saar Falls

Driving through a few Druze towns, we made a brief stop at the Saar Waterfalls. The amount of water flowing was impressive! We also enjoyed sahlab, a unique hot drink served by the Druze.

Caesarea Philippi/Banias

Descending off the Golan Heights, the archaeological site of Caesarea Philippi was our next stop. This was a very pagan city in the days of Jesus and through the Roman Period. The city enjoyed the waters of the Banias Spring, one of the three tributaries of the Jordan. We read from Matthew 16 where Jesus asked His disciples the “final exam” question, “Who do you say I am?” Among the ruins we saw what is left of the Temples of Augustus, Zeus/Jupiter, Nemesis, and the Temple of the Dancing Goats.

Dan Nature Preserve & Archaeological Site

Our last stop of the day was the nature preserve and Tel Dan. The Dan Spring served this ancient city originally called Laish. We walked along the river to a quite place where we heard Shlomo play a song on his recorder. We also enjoyed reading and singing Psalm 42 before we walked to the archaeological ruins of the high place. We read from Judges 18 and 1 Kings 12 about the patterns of disobedience displayed here. We also overlooked the Lebanon border. Leaving the site of Dan we saw the Israelite gate and where the famous Dan Inscription was found in 1993.

We drove back to the hotel along the Sea of Galilee from here. We past by Hazor on the way (Joshua 11). At the hotel we enjoyed dinner together followed by a free evening.

Day 5 – Thursday, March 24: Arbel, Yardenit, Magdala, Kinneret Cemetery, Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitudes, Ancient Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride

Day 5 – Thursday, March 24: Arbel, Yardenit, Kinneret Cemetery, Magdala, Capernaum, Mt. of Beatitudes, Ancient Boat, Sea of Galilee Boat Ride

We spent the entire day around the Sea of Galilee. Our focus was the life and ministry of Jesus. The weather throughout the day was rainy, however with an few occasional breaks of sun. The temps were in the 50s. We read from Matthew 6 as we left the hotel at 7:35.

Arbel

Our first stop was Mt. Arbel. While it is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, it very well could have been the location for the Sermon on the Mount and the “high mountain” where Jesus met His disciples after His resurrection in Jerusalem. The rain did not allow us to hike up the trail. However, we walked from the western side to the top. The clouds and fog set in, reducing visibility to the Plain of Genesseret and Magdala below.

Yardenit/Jordan River Baptism

From Arbel we drove to the southern end of the lake to where the Lower Jordan River begins. Here, eight people reaffirmed their faith in Christ by being baptized in the waters of the river in a place called Yardenit. The water was a bit chilly, but our hearts were warmed by the experience!

Kinneret Cemetery

Located on the SW corner of the lake is the Kinneret Cemetery. Many early Jewish pioneers to the land are buried here. This includes an Ukraine Jew named Rachel. She wrote many poems that are read by Israelis today. Shlomo shared (through both word and song). She died in 1931.

Magdala

We traveled back north through Tiberias to the 1st century site of Magdala. Although only mentioned once in the Gospels (Matthew 16), this Jewish city in Jesus’ day was large in size. Here was saw a modest 1st century synagogue large enough to only hold about 40-50 people.

Capernaum

Following a wonderful St. Peter’s Fish lunch, we continued to the NW corner of the lake and to the site of Capernaum. This coastline city served as Jesus’ ‘home base’ for His Galilean ministry. Inside the 5th century AD synagogue (with the 1st century one below at a lower level), we read from Mark 1, 2, 9; Luke 7, and John 4, 6. We passed by the octagonal Byzantine church (inside is a 1st century house structure deemed by some as possibly being Peter’s house) to the Sea of Galilee where we read from Matthew 4. Jesus called the four fishermen along this shoreline.

Mt. of Beatitudes

Up on there hill overlooking Capernaum is the traditional Mt. of Beatitudes. Because of the rain and closed gate, we could not sit on the rocks where we usually go. So we went to the chapel where we heard the first part of Matthew 5 read in both Hebrew and English. The chapel was built in 1938.

Boat Ride/Ancient Boat

Our last experience of the day was a boat ride on the lake. We enjoyed a time of worship and reflection as we could see in all directions the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. We read from Mark 4 and Matthew 14. Jesus calmed the storm twice. On the shoreline is the museum where they display the 1st century wooden boat found in 1986. It was amazing to picture Jesus in a boat like this!

We walked back to our hotel from here and enjoyed dinner and a free evening together. Because Israel changes their clocks early next morning, we lose an hour of sleep (again) tonight. Overall, given the off and on rain all day, we managed well and enjoyed even a few rainbows to end the day!

Day 6 – Friday, March 25: Beth Shean, Shiloh, Parat Desert, Jericho, Dead Sea

Day 6 – Friday, March 25: Beth Shean, Shiloh, Parat Desert, Jericho, Dead Sea

It rained all night and we woke up to a few lingering showers through the morning hours. However, we enjoyed partly cloudy skies in the afternoon! Temperatures were once again cool in the morning, but warmer in the south. Following breakfast we loaded the bus and began our drive southward. As we left this area of the Sea of Galilee, we read the kingdom parables from Matthew 13. We ended the day all the way down at the southern end of the Dead Sea.

Beth Shean

We drove south to Beth Shean located about 20 miles south of the Sea of Galilee. We saw 1000s of migrating storks along the way! Beth Shean was the only city of the Decapolis on the western side of the Jordan Valley. At this massive Roman site we saw the bathhouses, colonnaded streets, the Forum, public latrenes, and the impressive theater. Some in the group climbed to the top of the Old Testament site of Beth Shean where the body of Saul (after his death on nearby Mt. Gilboa) was hung on the walls of the walls of there city square.

Shiloh

Next, our drive took us further south along the Jordan Valley. Then we turned westward into the Hill Country of Samaria. The Patriarchs came through this area. Further south in this area is is where Shiloh is located. We climbed this ancient site where the Tabernacle was located for over 300 years. Some of the ruins date to this time period. We read from 1 Samuel 3 about the call of Samuel. We ended with reading Jeremiah 7.

Parath Desert

The next part of the drive took us past Bethel (Genesis 12, 28) and Ai (Joshua 7-8). Passing by Michmash (1 Samuel 13-14) we descended down through the Judean Desert, specifically the area of Parath. We read from Jeremiah 13. The desert was uniquely beautifully decorated with green grasses and wild flowers!

Jericho

When we arrived at Jericho, we first ate lunch before walking to the top of the ancient site. Looking east first, we could see the area where Elijah ascended to heaven (2 King 2), and Bethany Beyond the Jordan (where Jesus was baptized, John 1). Just to the south of the OT site of Jericho was NT Jericho where Zachaeus and Bartimeaus were from. King Herod also had a winter palace here. This is also where he died. On the OT site we saw the fortification walls that supported the mud-brick walls that “came tumblin’ down” (Joshua 6). Among the ruins we saw the oldest tower in the country (from the Neolithic Period), a sample of the mud-brick wall, and the two stone revetment walls on the south end of the site. We celebrate the historicity of the Bible!

Dead Sea

From here we drove to the southern end of the Dead Sea. After checking in to our hotel, many enjoyed floating in this unique water (33% salt & minerals) before a wonderful Erev Shabbat (evening of the Sabbath) dinner.

Day 7 – Saturday, March 26: Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran, Wilderness of Judah, Jerusalem

Today we enjoyed a fully sunny and warmer day here in the Judean Desert, with perfect temps in the 70s. What a unique region of the Bible this is!

Masada

Following breakfast, we loaded the bus and drove north along the Dead Sea to Masada. We read Psalm 18:1-2 along the way (metzada – “fortress”). We took the cable car up to the top where we saw incredible things from the days of Herod the Great. He established this “palace-fortress” early in his reign (about 30 BC). We saw large cisterns, the southern palace, the Roman ramp, the casemate walls, the synagogue, and the bathhouse. The three-teared palace was built on the north end. in 70 AD, 967 Jews used this place as a refuge against the Romans. After about three years, all but a few women and children took their own lives. The story of Masada is heart-gripping. Following our visit, most took the cable car back down, with 11 in the group walked down the Snake Path.

En Gedi

It took about 15 minutes to get to the next site, En Gedi. We read from Ezekiel 47 and Zachariah 14 on the way, two references to water flowing east into the Dead Sea. At En Gedi, we walked back into the canyon (Wadi David). We stopped to read from Song of Songs 1 (henna blossoms), 2 Chronicles 20 (the “Ascent of Ziz”), and 1 Samuel 24 (David and Saul). Many walked to the highest falls at the end of the canyon. The beauty of this oasis was incredible!

Qumran

Continuing our drive north along the Dead Sea was Qumran. Some ate lunch while others enjoyed a hike along the edge of the cliff. The Dead Sea Scrolls were found here in 1947 in Cave 1, one of a total of 12 caves now where about 930 fragments of texts of Scripture as well as sectarian texts were discovered. We saw many ritual baths and cisterns, as well as the Scriptorium. While in front of “Cave 4,” we saw numerous photos of what these Dead Sea School texts look like. We also read from “Psalm 151” and Psalm 19. Thanks be to God for the preservation of his Word!

Judean Desert – Wadi Qelt

On our ascent to Jerusalem we made a brief stop over looking the Wadi Qelt (the heart of the Judean Desert). Here we heard from Isaiah 40 by “Isaiah, the prophet.” 🙂  Psalm 23 was also shared in song. The view was spectacular, with the desert still green from the winter rains.

Jerusalem

We completed our ascent to Jerusalem. We checked into our hotel (Dan Panarama), our home for the next four nights. Following dinner, a few walked to the Western Wall. We all are looking forward to seeing and experiencing Jerusalem over the next few days!

Day 8 – Sunday, March 27: Mt. Of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Old City, Pool of Bethesda, Holy Sepulcher Church, Herodium, Bethlehem

Today was our first day in the Jerusalem area. We enjoyed full sunny skies, with a high around 60. We started on the Mt. of Olives and ended in Bethlehem.

Mt. of Olives

We left the hotel at 7:35 and drove around the north end of the Old City enroute to the Mt. of Olives. The view of the Old City and Temple Mount was stunning from here. Walking down to Domius Flavet, a small chapel, we read from Luke 19 and Zechariah 14 about the kingship of Jesus. On the Temple Mount today stands the Dome of the Rock. In the days of the Bible, the 1st and 2nd Temples stood there.

Garden of Gethsemane

Walking down the western slope of the Mt. of Olives we arrived at a private olive tree garden where we considered the passion of Jesus. The Garden of Gethsemane could have been located anywhere on this western slope of the hill. We read from Luke 22 where we heard, “Not my will but yours be done.”

Eastern Gate

From here we walked up to the Old City to get a close-up view of the Eastern Gate. According to some, this gate has been closed since 810 AD, and perhaps a few times during the Crusader Period. We read from Ezekiel 44 about how the Messiah will walk through the Easter Gate of the city.

Holy Sepulcher Church

Walking through the Lion’s Gate (or St. Stephen’s & Jericho Gate), we entered the Old City. We walked to the Holy Sepulcher Church, the probable location for the crucifixion and burial site of Jesus. The church was built in 325 AD, but rebuilt over the centuries since then. Entering the church we saw the Edicule that encloses the proposed tomb of Jesus.

Herodium

After lunch in the Christian Quarter, we met David and drove in the bus southeast to Herodium. This was one of Herod the Great’s palace-fortresses. We climbed the site and saw the ruins. The view from here of was excellent as well. We could see Jerusalem to the north, Bethlehem to there west, Tekoa to the south, and the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea to the east. We also walked through the cistern system. We saw the royal arches and stairs, many frescoes, and the small theater. Herod was buried here in 4 BC after dying in Jericho.

Shepherds’ Fields & Bethlehem

In Beit Sahour, an eastern suburb of Bethlehem, we visited the traditional Shepherds’ Fields. Entering a cave, we considered the role of the shepherds in the birth narrative of Jesus. We read form Micah 5 and Luke 2. In celebration of God’s redemptive plan “just at the right time” (Galatians 4:4), we sang a few Christmas carols here and in the Chapel of the Shepherds. From here we drove into Bethlehem and enjoyed an olive wood factory and store.

En route to returning to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner, we made a brief stop overlooking the city from the Promenade. This southerly view of the city was incredible! What a great first day here in the Jerusalem area!

Day 9 – Monday, March 28: Pools of Bethesda & St. Anne’s Church, David’s Citadel & Herod’s Palace, Herodian Mansion, Shorashim, Yad Vashem

Today was another sunny day here in Jerusalem, with temps in the low to mid 60s. Once again, our experiences connected us with the Bible through archaeology and ancient history as well as connections with modern history. We left the hotel at 7:30 once again, reading Psalm 137 as we started the day.

Pools of Bethesda & St. Anne’s Church

We drove to the north side of the Old City and entered Herod’s Gate. The narrow streets led us to the Pools of Bethesda and St. Anne’s Church. In this church built in the Crusader Period, we sang a few songs, enjoying an seven second echo. Just 50 yards away are the Pools of Bethesda. The lower ruins (e.g. the steps of the pool) date to there 1st century, whereas the other structures date from the Byzantine through Crusader periods. We read John 5 about the healing that took place here.

Jewish Quarter / Shorashim

Boarding the bus outside St. Stephen’s Gate, we were dropped off at Zion’s Gate. Entering the Old City from here, we saw the Cardo (2nd century AD) before meeting Moshe and Dov, two Orthodox Jews who own a shop called Shorashim. Moshe shared about his Jewish faith and answered questions about Christian beliefs. We enjoyed some shopping and lunch in this area.

David’s Citadel & Herod’s Palace

We walked to the area of Jaffa Gate where we entered David’s Citadel, the location of Herod’s Palace. This is most likely where Jesus was condemned to death by Pontius Pilate. We read from Luke 23 and John 19 (that mentions the lithostrotos, or “stone pavement”). We humbly realized this was where Jesus suffered ridicule and mockery, and where he was sentenced to crucifixion. Leaving this area we walked to an area outside the Old City walls where there was once a 1st century gate leading into the palace.

Yad Vashem

Our last visit took us to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Museum and Memorial. First, we walked through the Valley of the Communities where we heard Shlomo’s family story. He lost 12 family members  in Vilna, Poland (now Lithuania). We then visited the Children’s Memorial (1.5 children died during the Holocaust), the Avenue of the Righteous (where trees are planted honoring Gentiles who saved Jews (e.g. Oscar Schindler and Corrie ten Boom, etc…). Lastly, we walked through the museum on our own.

We returned to the hotel for dinner and a free evening.

Day 10 – Tuesday, March 29: Southern Excavations, Western Wall/Tunnels, City of David: Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Pool of Siloam, Garden Tomb, Israel Museum

Today was our last day in Jerusalem. The weather was again perfect, with full sun and highs in the upper 60s. We experienced a lot, with many Old and New Testament connections! We left the hotel at 7:30, reading Psalm 48 as we departed.

Southern Excavations

The traffic was heavy around the Old City today. We arrived at the Davidson Center to see the Southern Excavations of the Temple. This included seeing the SW corner of the Temple, the Herodian pavement, and the southern steps that would have led into the Temple in Jesus’ day. We recalled the many times Jesus and the disciples (and Paul) used these steps. Whereas the Temple was a magnificent building (Mark 13:1-2), we are to be the Temple (1 Corinthians 3)!

Western Wall/Tunnels

Close by is the Western Wall, the most holy place for Jewish people today! We entered the excavation called the Western Wall Tunnels where we saw many interesting ruins from the time of Herod and beyond. This included a section of a large section of the western retaining wall that is underground, a small theater (probably 2nd century AD), fountains, and ritual baths. Some of the stones were 100s of tons in weight!

City of David

Walking south from the Western Wall about 5 minutes is the City of David. It is located outside the Old City today. We first got a great view of the area from the observation tower before we walked down through the excavations of Area G (where Dr. John dug for a month in 1982), and Warren’s Shaft. At the Gihon Spring is where most in the group accessed the entrance to Hezekiah’s Tunnel, a 1,710-foot tunnel chiseled in 701 BC. We walked in water through this amazing discovery mentioned in 2 Kings 20, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 8:6. Others walked through the “dry” Canaanite tunnel. Both groups converged at the Pool of Siloam where we read John 9 in dramatic fashion!

We met David and our bus here at the southern end of the City of David and drove to Jaffa Gate for lunch n the Christian Quarter.

Garden Tomb

From lunch, we walked to the Garden Tomb. This is an alternative location for the crucifixion and burial site of Jesus. We saw the rocky scarp (Golgotha) and the proposed tomb. A special time of worship and Communion followed.

Israel Museum

The last stop of the day was the Israel Museum. We saw three things here: The 1:50 scale-model of Jerusalem at the time of 70 AD, the Shrine of the Book (where we saw some of the Dead Sea Scrolls), and the Archaeological wing of the museum. We saw a few highlights of the artifacts found from all over the country that have biblical connections.

We returned to the hotel for our farewell dinner as one big group. Some go to Jordan tomorrow while others fly home tomorrow night.

Day 11 – Wednesday, March 30: Border Crossing to Jordan, Mt. Nebo, Machaerus, Wadi Rum. (For those retuning home: Free time in Jerusalem, Shephelah/Lowlands biblical sites, Flight Home)

Today was a transitional day. Those in the group who did not choose the Jordan optional tour enjoyed a leisurely morning in Jerusalem following the required Covid test at the hotel. Then they visited a few sites in the Shephelah (lowlands) that connect to various stories in the Old Testament (e.g. David v. Goliath). Following a nice dinner in Jaffa, they drove to the airport and boarded the night flight back home. For the 23 of us who are doing the Jordan optional trip, we left left the hotel at 7:45. We read from Deuteronomy 31 as we departed the hotel. The sunny ands warm temps (70s) were once again welcome!

Allenby Bridge Border Crossing / Mt. Nebo

We drove east out of Jerusalem to the Jericho area. Slightly north of Jericho is the Allenby Bridge border crossing into the Hashemite country of Jordan.  Even though the crossing took about an hour longer than normal, we met our Jordanian driver (Mohammed) and our guide (Sam). Following the usual passport procedures, we ascended from the Plain of Moab to Mt. Nebo, part of the Pisgah Range. The visibility was limited. However, we read from Deuteronomy  34 and Joshua 1 about the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. A Bronze Snake monument is erected here (Numbers 21, John 3). We also saw the newly renovated church here built upon the Byzantine Church from the 4-5th centuries AD.

Machaerus

On the way to Machaerus, we stopped at a mosaic store to begin completing our required Israel Entry Forms for Friday’s return to Israel (this task was completed on the bus later). When we arrived at Machaerus, we read from Matthew 14 (also recorded in Mark 6) about how John the Baptizer was beheaded here (Josephus tells us the location). Some in the group climbed to the top of this palace-fortress built by Herod the Great. We saw the suggested throne area of the palace as well as a few ritual baths and columns. Later, Machaerus fell to the Romans in 71 AD.

Wadi Rum

Driving back towards Medeba, we accessed the Desert Highway that lead us down to Wadi Rum in southern Jordan. We stopped once on this long drive south at a rest stop. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset as we approached this Wadi Rum. Arriving at Captains, a Bedouin-style tent-hotel, we enjoyed a great dinner and some Bedouin culture.

Day 13 – Friday, April 1: Wadi Rum, Petra

Day 12 – Friday, April 1: Wadi Rum, Petra

Today we awakened to the beautiful red sandstone desert of Wadi Rum. The day would be tiring but filled with turn after turn of ”wow” and “awe” moments. Here in southern Jordan, the sun was strong, with highs in the 70s. Perfect!

Wadi Rum

Following breakfast we had four pickup trucks (with benches in the back bed) awaiting us. Off into the Wadi Rum desert we went. We stopped a few places to take in the beauty of this painted desert. The views were spectacular with the early morning sun.

Petra

We returned to Captain’s where we boarded the bus and drove about 1:45 hours north to Petra. We read from Obadiah 1 (about Edom). We also heard a talk about the Exodus route, the location of Mt. Sinai, and the route that finally took the Israelites to Mt. Nebo. Taking the Kings’ Highway the last part of the way, we arrived at Wadi Musa and the ancient site of Petra. After enjoying a panoramic view of the Seir Mountains (Deuteronomy 2, 33; Ezekiel 35), we began our visit around 12 noon. We all thoroughly enjoyed the spectacular scenery and tombs/ruins of this ancient Nabaetean city! This red-rose ancient city is deemed one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Located in the heart of the Seir Mountains, the land of the Edomites. The Six brought us to the first monument, “The Treasury” (“Al-Khazneh”). This well-preserved monumental tomb appeared in the movie “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” It was the tomb of the Nabatean King named Aretas (Paul mentions him in 2 Cor. 11:32). His daughter (or granddaughter – depending on dating) was the former wife of Herod Antipas, see Matthew 14).

From the Treasury we now began our walk into the city. Besides passing by many of the Nabatean tombs, we walked by a 3,000-seat theater carved into the sandstone, one of the largest theaters in Jordan. From here, some in the group walked to the Monastery Tomb at the far west side of Petra, while others explored on their own (e.g. the Royal Tombs). The Aravah and Negev of Israel could barely be seen in the haze to the west. Two in the group also hiked to the High Place far above the site. We all walked back to the visitor center for a long-waited cold drink, shower, and a great dinner.

We wake early tomorrow and leave at 6 a.m. for our re-crossing back into Israel at the Allenby Border.

Day 13 – Friday, April 1: Southern Border Crossing into Israel, Herodian Jericho, Wadi Qelt, Jerusalem

There was an early start to our day because of the need to get to the Israel-Jordan border. We woke at 5 a.m., with breakfast at 5:30. We packed our bus and by 6:05 we departed our hotel in Petra. The sun would be bright in the sky again, with temps in the 80s. We read from Numbers 20 and Psalm 100 as we began our drive north.

King Hussein / Allenby Bridge

After one rest stop along the Desert Highway, we arrived at the King Hussein / Allenby Bridge border. The procedures to cross required a bit of patience again. It took a total of 2.5 hour. This included completing Covid tests forms and getting tested on the spot on the Israeli side. However, we helped each other and we all crossed without issues. It was good to see Shlomo and David again.

Herodian Jericho, Wadi Qelt, Jerusalem

We loaded our bus and drove to our Jerusalem. After a lunch stop in Jericho, we made a stop overlooking Herodian Jericho (where Herod the Great died) and the St. George Monastery built into the cliffs of the Judean Desert (Wadi Qelt). We then made our way to our hotel in Jerusalem where we checked into our rooms. Because we just crossed into Israel from Jordan, dinner was served us in our rooms. We sure hope Israel soon gets rid of this ridiculous Covid test and quarantine protocol. 🙂

Day 14 – Saturday, April 2: Kiriath Jearim, Beth Shemesh, Azekah, Farewell Dinner, Flight Home

Today was an interesting day, with one big surprise. The group handled it so very well, knowing that God is in control. After a good night’s sleep, we opened up our emails and saw our Covid PCR Test results. Unfortunately, a number of us tested positive. After a second Antigen Test (required for the flight home) in the morning, a total of nine in our group had to stay back in Jerusalem, while 14 of us drove towards Tel Aviv about 1:30 p.m. We pray that God will take care of these nine dear friends as they now following Israel’s protocol for a few extra days and await the next step in their eventual journey home.

Kiriath Jearim (Abu Gosh)

After the arrangements were made for the nine staying behind, the rest of us loaded the bus and drove west. Our first stop was Kiriath Jearim. Here the Ark of the Covenant was brought for 20 years .We read from 1 Samuel 7 and 1 Chronicles 16 about David taking the Ark to Jerusalem. The chapel here was closed, but the view of there Judean hills was wonderful! On the way out of Abu Gosh, we stopped at the “Elvis” gas station. An Elvis impersonator was doing his thing! 🙂

The Shephelah

Continuing westward, we descended to the Shephelah, the lowlands of Judah. Our first intended site to visit was Tel Gezer in the Aijalon Valley (Joshua 10). However, because of an event happening here, we were detoured on dirt roads. We were not able to get to the site.

We returned to the main road, driving south to the Sorek Valley and the site of Beth Shemesh. We recalled the life of Samson (Judges 13-16) and the story of the return of the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 6).

Our last site of the day was Azekah. This biblical site is located along the Elah Valley. Climbing the site we first looked west where we could see Gath (the home of Goliath) five/six miles away. Looking east we could see the topography of the story of 1 Samuel 17. It was here where David defeated Goliath.

Jaffa

We drove to the coastline of Israel for our final dinner in Jaffa. Following an excellent meal, we drove to the airport for our night flight home. Although the trip ended with this “Covid surprise,” it was a great trip that brought to life the Biblical text!

(Note: at present, we are awaiting boarding our flight home).

Day 15 – Sunday, April 3: Arrive back in the U.S.

After our different night-flights home, the 14 of us arrived back home. The nine who had to stay behind because of their “positive” test will be tested on Monday and Tuesday. If they test negative, they will be able to fly home! We are praying for their quick return to the U.S. 

Praise be to God for a great trip, despite this Covid issue at the end of the extension.

Hike Up Arbel

One of our optional hikes is to the top of Mt. Arbel. Located on the NW corner of the Sea of Galilee, the hike offers a wonderful view of the region. We ascend 800 feet to the top (for those not inclined to hike the bus takes people to the top from the other side).

The cliffs of Arbel has historical significance too. Jews during both the 1st century BC and later in 66 AD found refuge in these caves.