Day 3 – Tuesday, March 21: Caesarea, Megiddo, Beth Shean, Precipice of Nazareth, Tiberias

Today was our first full day in Israel. We enjoyed a very nice day of partly sunny skies, with temps in the 60s. Following breakfast at 6:30, we loaded our three buses by 7:20, and departed about 7:30 for our first site.

Caesarea Maritima

We drove north in the Sharon Plain to get to our first site, Caesarea Maritima. It was a city built between 22-10 BC by Herod the Great. We started the the theater where we read from Acts 10, 12, 21, and 26. Peter, Phillip, and Paul were all here sharing their faith in Christ. Among the ruins we saw the praetorium (palace), a replica of the Pilate Inscription found in 1961 in secondary use), and the hippodrome.We then entered the Crusader part of the city where we saw the area of Herod’s harbor. Paul sailed in and out of this harbor several times! Before leaving the site, we also saw a porphyry (purple) marble statue and the aqueduct that brought fresh water into Caesarea from the Carmel Range.

Megiddo

The way to our next site took us through one of the passes of the Carmel Range (or Mt. Carmel). This range separates the Sharon Plain with the Jezreel Valley. Mr. Carmel is mentioned a few times in the Old Testament (Amos 1 and 9, Isaiah 35, Song of Songs 7 and 1 Kings 18 – the story of Elijah). Reaching the edge of the Jezreel Valley, we arrived at Megiddo, an archaeological site that has about 25 levels of occupation that span 2,500 years! We walked to the top of this Canaanite/Israelite site. We saw two Canaanite gate complexes, a 10th century BC Solomonic gate, stables and palace area of Solomon (1 Kings 9:15), a sacrificial altar (Canaanite), and a grain silo. The also enjoyed a great view of the surrounding hills from here  (e.g. the Nazareth Ridge, Mt. Tabor, the Hill of Moreh, and Mt. Gilboa) as well as the valley itself (referred to in Revelation 16:16). We left the site through the impressive water system that was designed and engineered to safely bring water into the city.

Beth Shean

We drove east through the Harod Valley to Beth Shean, the only city of the Decapolis on the west side of the Jordan. This is a massive archaeological site, primarily Roman. Here we saw the bathhouse, the colonnaded street, the public latrenes, and the impressive theater. Most in the group hiked up 190 steps to the top of the Old Testament site where Saul’s body was hung on the walls of the town square (1 Samuel 31, 1 Chronicles 10). The view of the site below and the Jordan Valley to the east was spectacular!

Precipice of Nazareth

We ended the day by driving past Mt. Gilboa (1 Samuel 31), Jezreel (1 Kings 18, 21; 2 Kings 8), the Hill of Moreh (Judges 6-7) and Shunem (2 Kings 4) as we crossed the Jezreel Valley to the area of Nazareth. We ascended towards the top of the Precipice. A short walk took us to a panoramic view of the Jezreel Valley. We enjoyed a good view of Mt. Tabor (Judges 4-5) and the Hill of Moreh. We read from Luke 4 about Jesus’ synagogue teaching. While Nathaniel asked, “What good can come out of Nazareth?” It was Philip who replied, “Come and see!” (John 1). We celebrated Jesus as Messiah here!

We had over an hour drive (because of heavy traffic) to the Sea of Galilee and the location of our hotels here (Nof Ginnosar and Kinar). We checked into our rooms and enjoyed dinner together. Following this wonderful meal with many selections, we walked to the shoreline of the lake for a beautiful night view of Tiberias and surrounding area. We head to the Golan Heights tomorrow.

Day 4 – Wednesday, March 22: Hippos, Qatzrin, Syrian Border, Caesarea Philippi, Dan

Today we traveled to the Golan Heights. It was another great full day with impressive archaeological sites with biblical connections. We are making wonderful new friends on this too. Weather-wise, we had partly sunny skies once again, with highs in the 60s.  We read from Matthew 4 as we left the hotel following breakfast.

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 where 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. With a stunning view of the entire lake below us, we read the story of transformation from Mark 5 as we concluded our visit.

Katzrin

We drove 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 also walked through a completely-restored stone house no doubt quite similar to the type of houses used in Jesus’ day. In the synagogue we read from the story of the forgiven paralytic from Mark 2. We could see the story unfolding before our eyes!

Syrian Border

As we drover further north to the Syrian border, From here we could see over the border to a city inside Syria called Kuneitra. Each of our guides shared a brief word on the 1967 and 1973 wars that took place here, as well as the current situation in Syria. We enjoyed some apples and snacks too that David purchased for us from the grocery store (this was an nice and quick version of “lunch” today)

Caesarea Philippi/Banias

Driving through a few Druze towns, we could see Mt. Hermon (Psalm 133) at a distance. It is the highest peak in the region (Syria has a peak of 9,200, Israel 7,300, and Lebanon the lower northern slopes). We also passed by the Saar Waterfalls as we descended off the Golan Heights to the archaeological site of Caesarea Philippi. 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, the Shrine of the Dancing Goats, and the niches dedicated to Pan, the promiscuous shepherding god of the Greeks and Romans.

Dan Nature Preserve & Archaeological Site

Our last site to visit 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. Leaving the site of Dan we saw the Israelite gate and where the famous Dan Inscription was found in July, 1993.

We drove back to our hotels for dinner. An optional gathering followed dinner down on the shoreline of the lake.

Day 5 – Thursday, March 23: Arbel, Yardenit, Magdala, Capernaum, Ancient Boat, Boat Ride

The spent the day around the Sea of Galilee. We retraced the footsteps of Jesus from one site to another, bringing the Gospel stories to life. The weather was overcast most of the day and dry, however with a brief light shower in the morning for 15 minutes. Temps were in the 70s by the afternoon. We left the hotel at 7:30, reading some of Matthew 13 on the way to our first stop.

Arbel

We began the day by visiting Mt. Arbel, a mountain on the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee. About 35 in the group choose to hike the challenging trail that ascended to the top (with an elevation gain of about 1,100 feet), while the others drove around the back side and walked to the top from the visitor center. Even though it was a bit overcast, the view of the lake was spectacular. We could even see the snow-capped mountain of Mt. Hermon 35 miles to the north! We can’t know for sure, but it could have been on the lower slopes of this mountain where Jesus shared His kingdom principles (Matthew 5-7). Equally possible, the top of this mountain where Jesus met His disciples after His resurrection as he shared the Great Commission with them (Matthew 28). Many couples renewed their wedding vows here before we left the peak of Arbel.

Yardenit/Baptism

We drove to the southern end of the lake where the Lower Jordan begins. Here 26 in the group reaffirmed their faith in baptism in the Jordan River at a place called Yardenit. Jesus Himself was baptized at Bethany Beyond the Jordan further south across from Jericho (John 1). The experience was special for all of us!

Kinneret Cemetery

Near by at the southern end of the lake is the Kinneret Cemetery. Many Jews who were pioneers to the land in the late 19th and early 20th century are buried here. This includes Rachel Bluwstone, an Ukrainian who wrote many poems. Shlomo shared with us about kibbutz life. He also read, sang, and played some of her poems now put to tunes. She lived from 1890 ro 1931. Her picture appears on Israel’s 20 shekel bill today!

Magdala

We drove back through Tiberias to the northwest side of the lake where we enjoyed a wonderful fish lunch. Following lunch, we visited near by Magdala. Here, we saw an impressive but simple 1st century synagogue. There are only seven (or eight, depending on how you count them) synagogues that date to the time of Jesus in the country. Magdala is only mentioned once in the Gospels (Matthew 16). We also saw a few ritual baths (mikveh or mikvot, plural).

Capernaum

Driving to the northwest corner of the lake, we visited Capernaum. This Jewish town served as Jesus’ “home base” for His Galilean ministry. In the 5th century synagogue, we read from Mark 1, 2; Luke 7, 8; and John 4, 6. We also saw the Byzantine church, octagonal in shape, that dates to about the same time period. This ancient church surrounds a 1st century house structure suggested, by tradition and archaeology, to be Peter’s house. Down on the lakeshore, we read from Mark 9. Serving in Christ’s kingdom requires a heart of humility and servanthood.

Ancient Boat / Boat Ride

We completed our day by driving back to Nof Ginnosar where the ancient boat is displayed. This was a 1st century wooden vessel discovered in 1986 by two brothers of the kibbutz here. From here we walked out to the dock where we embarked on our own hour-long boat ride. Being out on the water at dusk/night was spectacular! We enjoyed a time of worship and praise. We also read Mark 4 and Matthew 14 about the two storm narratives. Jesus cares for us, especially when we encounter the “storms” of life.

Sailing back to the dock, we returned to our rooms to freshen up for dinner! It was a great day of focusing upon Jesus!

Day 6 – Friday, March 24: Jordan Northern Border Crossing, Gadara, Jerash, Medeba

Today was “Decapolis Day” as we left Israel for a two days to visit Jordan. The day was mild and sunny, with temps in the mid to high 70s. Thankfully the visibility throughout the day was good. After breakfast, we checked out of our hotels, loaded the buses and drove to the border. We read some of the kingdom parables from Matthew 13 as we departed.

Border Crossing

The border crossing went as anticipated. It took about 45 minutes to drive to the Sheik Border Crossing. We first passed through the Israeli passport control before driving to the Jordanian side. We went through the same procedures there. The total time to cross took about 2.5 hours.

Gardara

Once we crossed into Jordan, we boarded our three Jordan buses and drove north to the Yarmuk River. On the north side of the river/deep canyon is the Southern end of the Golan Heights. We continued to the top of the ridge high above the Yarmuk to Gadara (Umm Qais today). This was one of the ten Decapolis cities. Augustus gave it to Herod the Great in 30 BC. Here we saw the museum, the Cardo, two theaters, various temples. Most of all, the view of the Sea of Galilee (and Tiberias on the western side) was quite spectacular!

Jerash

Next, we drove south about an hour and a half to the largest of the Decapolis cities, Jerash. This city is one of the world’s best preserved examples of a Roman provincial city. It is thought to have had a population of 20,000 people and was one of the wealthiest cities of the Roman empire. Jerash was viewed as the “Pompeii of the East.” We entered the site through the Arch of Hadrian. After grabbing a quick sandwich and drink, we entered the site. We saw the hippodrome, the forum, the theater, and numerous temples (including the Temple of Artemis). We walked back to the entrance on the impressive pavement of the Cardo.

Medeba

About 5:45, we began our drive to Medeba for the night. We checked into our hotel and enjoyed a late dinner together. It was another great day!

Day 7 – Saturday, March 25: Mt. Nebo, Petra

Today was another great day here in Jordan. We would drive to Mt. Nebo for our first stop before the longer drive to Petra. This morning we woke up to a few showers in the air, but they tapered off after about 10 minutes. The rest of the day was a mix of sun and overcast skies, with temps in the 60s.

Mt. Nebo

Following breakfast at 6:30, we loaded the buses at 7:15 and left for Mt. Nebo (about seven miles to the west of Medeba) at 7:30. Because the site of the church was still not open this early, we enjoyed the view of the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, and the area of Jericho from another hill top.  We read from portions of Deuteronomy 31-34 as well as Joshua 1. Moses died and was buried somewhere on Mt. Nebo following 120 years of life. The words he share with Joshua would, in turn, be shared by Joshua to the Israelites before the crossed the Jordan on dry ground (Joshua 3-4).

Petra

The drive from Mt. Nebo to Petra took us around Medeba and down the Desert Highway. We stopped once along the way before arriving to Wadi Musa. We dropped off our luggage and got our rooms keys before heading to the visitor center of Petra. The rest of the afternoon was visiting this incredible ancient city, one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

This ancient Nabatean city was built within the Seir Mountains, the land of the Edomites (Deuteronomy 2, 33; Ezekiel 35). We all thoroughly enjoyed the spectacular scenery and tombs/ruins of this red-rose ancient city. Once we entered the site, we all walked through the Siq (canyon) which 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 III (Paul mentions his son, Aretas IV 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, many 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 be seen in the haze to the west from the area of the Monastery. A number in the group also hiked to the High Place far above the site.

We all made it back to the hotel on our own at various times for dinner (the High Place hikers making it back at dusk). It was an incredible day here at Petra!

Day 8 – Sunday, March 26: Return Into Israel, Timnah, Dead Sea

Today we left Petra around 7:30, only to be met with rain and heavy fog that slowed our drive to the southern border (called the Rabin Border) with Israel. It rained so much that they closed Petra today. We couldn’t even see Petra (e.g. the Seir Mountains) at all from the top as we began our drive (a clear visibility picture was from another trip has been inserted). How blessed we were to enjoy this amazing site yesterday in perfect weather. Today’s weather improved greatly once we got closer to Elat, Israel where we crossed in good fashion. We read from Obadiah 1 as we left the hotel.

Rabin Border

It took us about 2.5 hours to drive from Petra to the Rabin Crossing in Elat, Israel. The border is named after the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. On the way we passed by Wadi Rum, made famous by Sir Lawrence of Arabia. The border procedures went rather quickly given that 112 of us crossed. Once we were all through the border, we were greeted by our three guides and drivers. We boarded our buses and drove straight to Timnah.

Timnah

Located about 17 miles north of the Elat, in ancient days (13th-12th centuries BC), Timnah (13th-12th century BC), served as a copper mine of the Egyptians. Here at Timnah Park we saw and walked through a full-size replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle. We read from Hebrews 9 how Christ has now fulfilled the requirements by offering Himself as the “once and for all” sacrifice. Within the site of Timnah, we also visited Solomon’s Pillars and saw the Hathor temple from the 14th-12th centuries BC.

Yovata & the Dead Sea

We drove to Yovata about 15 minutes north of Timnah. We enjoyed lunch and especially the ice cream here at this “dairy kibbutz.” Shlomo’s sister lives here. With content stomachs, we drove about two hours north up Rt. 90 to the southern end of the Dead Sea. We checked into our hotel and then enjoyed floating in this unique body of water. Dinner and a free evening at our leisure followed to end the day. Tommorrow we continue northward along the shoreline of the Dead Sea.

Day 9 – Monday, March 27: Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran, Jericho, Wilderness of Judah

Today was a “desert day” in the Judean Desert. The weather was perfect once again, with full sun and highs in the 70s. We saw four archaeological sites in addition to driving up through the Wadi Qelt (in the heart of the Judean Desert) en route to Jerusalem for an extra “surprise” stop. We left the hotel at 7:30 following another full breakfast. We read Psalm 18:1-2 as we began the day.

Masada

Masada (metzada, in Hebrew, Psalm 18:1-2) was our first site and only a 15 minute drive from our hotel. This was built in the 30s BC as a palace-fortress by Herod the Great. We took the cable car to the top and began seeing the ruins from the 1st century. We saw huge cisterns, the western and northern palaces, the Roman Ramp, the synagogue, and the bathhouse. In 70 AD, this was the location where 967 Jews found refuge from the Romans following the destruction of the Temple. The holdout lasted about three years until all by five of these Jews (a few women and children) took their own lives. It is a story of bravery and courage!

Ein Gedi

We drove about 20 minutes north of Masada to get to Ein Gedi, one of only a few oasis here in the edge of the Judean Desert. We read from Song of Songs 1, 2 Chronicles 20 (the “Ascent of Ziz”) and 1 Samuel 24 (David hid from Saul here). Most in the group hiked back to the water falls at the end of the canyon. What an incredibly beautiful place! It was amazing to see so much water here in the desert!

Qumran

Continuing about 30 minutes north we arrived at Qumran. Most enjoyed lunch here before seeing this most important site, while others took the lunch time to hike to the the cliff area above the archaeological site and climb through the aqueduct. Here we could see Cave 6 and the beginning of the aqueduct system that brought rain/flood water into the site. Following our lunch/short hike, we began our visit of this most significant site. It was here at Qumran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found! The discovery began in 1947, while the excavation took place through 1956. We walked through the limited ruins where a small community of Essenes lived (or retreated to from Jerusalem, as a new theory suggests). To date, over 900 scrolls and fragments of texts scrolls have been discovered in 12 caves. The scrolls/texts date primarily from the 3rd century BC – 1st century AD. At the small archaeological site we saw cisterns, ritual baths (mikvot), and the scriptorium. In front of “Cave 4” (where the majority of texts were found), we read from “Psalm 151,” and Psalm 19. We celebrated the perseverance of God’s Word!

Jericho

Our last archaeological site of the day was Jericho. We arrived at Tel es-Sultan, or Old Testament Jericho. After we climbed the site. We looked east and could see the Jordan Valley the Mt. Nebo on the ridge on the horizon (Dt. 34). Elijah was taken to heaven in the area across the river (2 Kings 2). Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River at “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (John 1). Looking south we could see the area of NT Jericho (where Zachaeus and Bartimeaus lived, and where Herod the Great died in 4 BC). We then turned our attention to the ancient OT site of Jericho. The archaeology of this ancient site of Jericho supports and confirms the Bible’s historicity. Besides seeing the oldest structure (a round tower) in Israel, on the southern end we saw the double retaining walls of this Canaanite city taken my Joshua (Joshua 6). A mud brick wall once stood on top of these stone walls. They came tumblin down.

Wadi Qelt

En route to Jerusalem, we took an very narrow and windy road (newly opened last year after 20 years) for an extra “surprise” stop overlooking the Wadi Qelt. Down below built in the cleft of the canyon is a Greek Orthodox monastery. Pastor Trinity played the part of the prophet Isaiah as we heard the powerful words, “Prepare the way for the Lord…” (from Isaiah 40). Also, Shlomo sang in Hebrew Psalm 23. The view and experiencing was breathtaking! 

Jerusalem

We continued ascending to Jerusalem, passing Bethany and Bethpage on the way! We checked in to our hotels (a new one for BIMT, the newly-renovated Cassia, and the Ramada). We enjoyed a wonderful dinner, and an optional walk (for two of the groups) to the Western Wall to end the evening! We are looking forward to our first day in Jerusalem tomorrow!

Day 10 – Tuesday, March 28: Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Bethlehem, Shepherds’ Fields, Herodium

Today was our first day here in Jerusalem. The experience of getting our first glimpse of Jerusalem from the Mt. of Olives offered us a breath-taking panorama of the Holy City. The weather was also perfect, with blue skies, full sun, and highs in the 60s in the afternoon. We read from Psalm 125 as we left the hotel.

Mt. of Olives

Leaving the hotel after breakfast, we 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. The First and Second Temples once stood on top of the Temple Mount where the Dome of the Rock stands now. Walking down to Domius Flavet, a small chapel, we read from Luke 19 and Zechariah 14 about the kingship of Jesus. Jesus will once day return here!

Garden of Gethsemane

We walked down the western slope of the Mt. of Olives where we arrived at a private olive tree garden. Here, 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.”

Bethlehem

From the bottom of the Mt. of Olives, we re-boarded our buses and drove past the traditional Tomb of Rachel into Bethlehem. We enjoyed stopped at an olive wood factory and store. It was so impressive to see how the olive wood products are made. The store is owned by Arab Christians, the Nissan family.

Shepherds’ Fields

Just to the east of Bethlehem is another Arab town called Beit Sahour. After grabbing lunch here, we visited the traditional Shepherds’ FIelds. We descended down to a large cave where we considered the unique role of shepherds in Jesus’ day. We read portions from Micah 2, 4, and 5 and Luke 2 about the birth of Jesus. The Savior of the world was most likely not born in a cave but rather a kataluma (guest room of a typical 1st century house dwelling). Jesus was born “just at the right time” (Galatians 4:4).

Herodium

Close by is Herodium, the palace-fortress was built by Herod the Great. While he died in Jericho, he was buried here, with his tomb discovered by Ehud Netzer. At the site we saw a video in the Reception Room. Most in the group then walked up the Royal Staircase to the top of the site. Here we could see the area of Bethlehem to the west, Jerusalem and the Mt. of Olives to the north, the Judean Desert to the east, and Tekoa (the home of Amos the prophet) to the south. We descended down through the impressive water cisterns as we left the site.

We drove back to our hotels in Jerusalem. On the way, two of the buses stopped at the Promenade for a view of the Old City, Temple Mount, and Mt. of Olives from the south (looking north). Once we arrived, we enjoyed dinner and a free evening.

Day 11 – Wednesday, March 29: The Western Wall, Southwall Excavations, City of David, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, Siloam Pool, Shorashim, Israel Museum

Today was the second day in Jerusalem. Once again, we experienced a blend of archaeology, history, and the Bible. The weather began sunny, but the afternoon brought a mix of clouds and sun, with a cool wind. Highs were in the 60s. We read from Psalm 48 as we left the hotel at 7:45.

Western Wall

We drove around the Old City to the Western Wall. This wall served as one of the four retaining walls for Herod the Great in order to doubling the size of the platform of the Temple. This is the most holy place for Jews today. We took time to approach the Wall, and to pray. Seeing the massive Herodian stones one layer upon the next was impressive.

Southern Excavations

Nearby we walked to the Davidson Center to see the Southern Excavations of the Temple. Within the center, we saw the SW corner of the Temple (with massive Herodian stones), the Herodian pavement, and the southern steps that would have led into the Temple in Jesus’ day. Sitting on these steps 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)!

City of David

We walked down outside the Dung Gate to the City of David. 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 many 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 heard the story of John 9 read in dramatic fashion. Remarkably, the new excavation of the other larger part of the Siloam Pool is well underway now! They have scraped off much of the dirt and are close to exposing the other steps.

Jewish Quarter/Shorashim

We boarded on the bus and drove up the hill to the Zion’s Gate. Here we walked to the Jewish Quarter. We enjoyed listening to Moshe, an Orthodox Jew who talked about his faith and practice. We then enjoyed some free time (and lunch) on our own until 2:45 when we walked to our buses outside Zion’s Gate.

Israel Museum

The rest of the afternoon was spent at the Israel Museum in western Jerusalem. It is located across the street from the Knesset, Israel’s parliamentary building consisting of 120 seats (Incidentally, this is one of there areas where the recent political protests have been happening. However, the situation has calmed down, with no demonstrations were taking place here today). Together, we first saw a 1:50-scaled model of 2nd Temple Period Jerusalem and the Shrine of the Book (where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls are on display). As three separate groups we also walked through the archaeological wing of the museum itself. In the museum we saw highlights of artifacts, such as the Dan Inscription, the incense shovels from Tel Dan, the silver amulet from a Hinnom tombs, the Arad Holy of Holies, the Pilate Inscription, Herod’s bathhouse and sarcophagus, and many more. We ended with seeing a 1,900 year old “pie plate.” 🙂

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

Day 12 – Thursday, March 30: Eastern Gate, Pools of Bethesda/St. Anne’s Church, Holy Sepulcher Church, Free Time/Lunch, Yad Vashem

Today was the coldest day of our trip so far. We had mostly cloudy skies, with temps in the mid 50s. The wind made it feel a bit colder though. It even rained a little this afternoon. Yet, we enjoyed more great sites and experiences here in Jerusalem. We began the day at 7:30 once again, reading Psalm 137 on the way to the Old City.

Eastern Gate

We began the day by bussing to the northwest corner of the Old City. Here we walked to the Eastern Gate. According to some, this gate has been closed since 810 AD, and perhaps a few times during the Crusader Period. We recalled the passage in Ezekiel 44 about how the Messiah will walk through the Easter Gate of the city one day. The view of the Mt. of Olives across the Kidron Valley included seeing the Church of All Nations and Dominus Flavet where we were a few days ago!

St. Anne’s Church/Pools of Bethesda

We then entered the Old City of Jerusalem (walls dates to the Turkish Period, 1537-1544) through the St. Stephen’s Gate (also called Lions and Jericho Gate). We enjoyed singing in St. Anne’s Church (we sounded like angels!) before seeing the archaeological ruins of the Pools of Bethesda (John 5). We saw the very steps used by the lame man healed by Jesus to enter the waters.

Holy Sepulcher Church

We walked from the Muslim Quarter to the Christian Quarter, walking the traditional Via Dolorosa route (although the real “Way of the Cross” was from the opposite direction). This led us 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 rocky scarp where it suggested the cross was, as well as the Edicule that encloses the proposed tomb of Jesus. Following this visit, we had some free time on our own and/or lunch.

Yad Vashem

Following lunch in the Christian Quarter, we walked out of the Jaffa Gate. Here, we met our busses that took us to western Jerusalem to visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Museum and Memorial. It is named after Isaiah 56:5 (“To them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name…”). We saw the Children’s Memorial (1.5 million of the 6 million Jews killed were children) and walked through the museum on our own. It was a somber experience.

We returned to our hotels for dinner and a free evening.

Day 13 – Friday, March 31: The “Shephelah” (Lowlands) of Judah: Gezer, Beth Shemesh, Socoh/Azekah, Beit Guvrin, Lachish, Garden Tomb, Flights Home

Today was our last day here in Israel. Because we changed around our itinerary for various reasons, we spent most of the day in the Shephelah (“Lowlands”) of Judah. Temperatures rebounded in the lowlands today, with partly sunny skies and temps in the low 60s (however Jerusalem at the end of the day was cooler).

Gezer/Aijalon Valley

Following breakfast many of us checked out of our hotel since we are flying home tonight. We drove westward from Jerusalem to the Shephelah (lowlands). We passed by three proposed places for biblical Emmaus. Our first site of the morning was Tel Gezer. It is located in the Aijalon Valley. Dr. John excavated here in 2017. This was a Canaanite and Israelite/Judean city. We saw city walls and gates, including one built by Solomon (1 Kings 9). We descended the impressive water system. Leaving the site we saw the standing stones most likely from the Canaanite Period.

Beth Shemesh/Sorek Valley

Further south is the Sorek Valley where the city of Beth Shemesh is located. After bombarding the local Ikea to use their restrooms, we climbed the tel (ancient mound) to see the view of the valley. The stories of Samson (Judges 13-16) and the return of the Ark of the Covenant (1 Samuel 6) unfolded before our very eyes!

Azekah/Elah Valley

Azekah was the next site of the day. Located along the Elah Valley, we climbed this site to see where David and Goliath battled. On the way we saw the location of Gath (the hometown of Goliath) just 5-6 miles to the west. David was armed only with five stones but he found his confidence in the Lord. We read the story from 1 Samuel 17. We could see the story happening right before our eyes!

Beit Guvrin

Following grabbing a bit to eat at a local gas station, we visited the Bell Cave of Beit Guvrin. This area is known for all the underground soft limestone caves. Also in this area is the site of Mareshah, the home of Micah, the prophet.

Garden Tomb

We returned to Jerusalem to visit 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. We worship the Person, not the place. What a great way to end our trip together!

With many of us flying home tonight, we enjoyed our farewell dinner in a local restaurant inside the Old City in the Armenian Quarter. We shared in good conversation, thankful to God for the great experiences we encountered. Those who had night flights back to the States were then driven to the airport, while others we taken back to the hotel. The end of a great trip!

Day 14 – Saturday, April 1: Flight to the U.S. & Canada, Arrival Home