Group Photos

360 Photos

Day 3 – Sunday, March 10: Sakkara, the Pyramids, and Sphinx, Egyptian Museum

Today was our first full day of the trip, and it was a great one! We spent the day in the Cairo/Giza area. The sun was bright, with perfect temps in the low 70s. Following breakfast we left at 8 a.m. We read Genesis 12 as we started out for Sakkara.

Sakkara

We got a quick taste of Cairo traffic this morning as we left the hotel. We drove directly to Sakkara, the ancient necropolis of Memphis and capital of the Old Kingdom. Here we saw the impressive Stepped Pyramid of Djoser (or Zoser). It dates to around 2,700 BC (or 2,650), predating Abraham by almost 700 years! Sakkara, the necropolis of the Old Capital of Memphis. We view the Step Pyramid of King Zoser and a mastaba (the tomb of Seshseshet Idut, c. 2345-2323 BC). The pyramid is the oldest of the 126 pyramids discovered so far throughout Egypt.

Great Pyramids of Giza / Great Sphinx

Leaving Sakkara, we made a brief stop at a local carpet school en route to the Pyramids of Giza. The Great Pyramid (also known as the Pyramid of Cheops or Khufu and constructed around 2,600 BC), with the Pyramid of Khafre (or Chephren) and the Pyramid of Menkaure built shortly after. Two of them are around 500 feet high. Most likely it took 200,000 men 20 years to build. The Great Pyramid was built with 2.3 million stones, with the average weight of each stone around two-three tons (the stones weigh between one and 60 tons). Twenty one in the group went inside this pyramid. We also enjoyed a panoramic view of the pyramids as well as a short camel ride. We also saw the Great Sphinx, some 240 feet in length and 66 feet high.

National Egyptian Museum

From the Sphinx, we battled the afternoon traffic back to Tahrir Square where the old National Egyptian Museum Is located. While the new Grand Museum is still not complete yet (three years delayed now), we saw many artifacts here. This included some of the artifacts of the King Tutankhamen collections (including his gold masks), a few mummies, statutes of Ramses II, Amenhotep II (the likely pharaoh of the Exodus), Thutmose III, the Merneptah Stele, the Amarna Letters, and the head and sphinx of Hatshepsut, to name just a few. The colors of some of the artifacts (e.g. the “sitting scribe”) were astonishing!

After completing our visit of the museum, we drove back to the Sheraton Hotel for an early 6:30 dinner, followed by an early bedtime. We get up at 3 a.m. tomorrow morning in order to catch our 6:30 a.m. flight to Luxor 480 miles to the south.

Day 4 – Monday, March 11: Morning Flight to Luxor, Luxor/Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Overnight in Luxor

Today started really early. With a wake-up at 3 a.m., and breakfast boxes waiting for us at 3:30, we loaded the bus and left our hotel at 3:45 en route for the Cairo Airport. We read from Genesis 46 (the story of Joseph & his brothers) on the way. Following the check-in procedures, we flew 480 miles south to Luxor, the highlight of Egyptian archaeology and history. We arrived at 7:30 a.m. and drove directly to the Karnak Temple. Today’s weather was once again sunny, with perfect high temps in Luxor about 80.

Temple of Karnak

We loaded the bus here in Luxor and drove directly to the Karnak Temple. Before entering the site, we enjoyed morning coffee and freshly-squeezed orange and mango juice before entering the site. This temple was first built around 2100 BC. Many Pharaohs are honored here, including Thutmose III (who had 17 military victorious campaigns and took Megiddo in Israel), Seti I, Ramses II (who reigned 67 years and lived until 91 years of age, 1303-2113 BC). We also saw the many pylons, the Hypostyle Hall (built by Seti I. It consists of 122 columns), the obelisk of Hatshepsut (the largest one), the relief of Shishak (see 1 Kings 14:25-28), and the Sacred Lake. We also had a chance to meet John’s friend, Terry Nichols, who is doing incredibly fascinating work on the wall reliefs of Merneptah. He and his team are digitalizing the hieroglyphics of the walls.

We left Karnak and drove back to our hotel. It is located on the gently-flowing water of the Nile River. We enjoyed an early check-in, lunch, and some rest time before going back out.

Temple of Luxor

At 5:30 we drove to a papyrus store to see how this ancient paper was made. We then continued to the Luxor Temple. This temple is primarily in honor of Ramses II. He was the great Egyptian pharaoh of the 13th century BC. To see this temple eliminated with lights at night was spectacular.

We drove back to our hotel for a later dinner and overnight.

Day 5 – Tuesday, March 12: Valley of Kings, Temples of Medinet Habu & Hatshepsut, Felucca Boat Ride on Nile River, Flight to Cairo

Following a good night’s sleep and a great breakfast, we departed from our hotel at 8 a.m. It was another great day here in Egypt as we crossed the Nile River to the western side. The weather was predictably sunny again, with highs around 85. We read portions from Exodus  as we departed.

Valley of the Kings

We boarded the bus and drove directly to the Valley of the Kings. 63 pharaohs have been buried here since the start of the New Kingdom. We went into three tombs: Ramses IV (a Pharoah of the 20th Dynasty), Ramses III (the one who defeated the Sea Peoples), and Mernaptah (the Pharaoh who seized Canaan, including Gezer, and mentions “Israel” on his stele). Most purchased an extra ticket to see the tomb of the famous King Tut’s. His mummy is on display here as well as his sarcophagus. The well-preserved colors in all the tombs of the wall reliefs were stunning to see. The religious focus within the Egyptian belief system upon the after-life is plain to see in all these tombs! It took between six months and three years to build these tombs, some more complex than others. They began  building these tombs once the Pharoah became king.

Close by we also saw three smaller tombs in the Valley of the Queens: Amen Khopshef (son of Ramses III. He was a priest and scribe), Titi, and Prince Kha ‘Em Wast (another son of Ramses III). There are a total of 95 tombs in this valley.

Alabaster Shop/Store

Close by are many alabaster shops. We went to one whose owner and his workers were quite the comedian. It was interesting to see how some of the vessels are made. The final products made from stone are impressive.

Temple of Hatshepsut

On the opposite side of the cliff of the Valley of the Kings is the Temple of Hatshepsut. The temple was built in 1470 BC. Hatshepsut was most likely the Pharaoh’s daughter who rescued Moses (Exodus 2). She was the daughter of Thutmose I and reigned for over 20 years. She was despised by those who succeeded her, with her image and cartouches eliminated and/or scratched away (perhaps both Thutmose III and Amenhotep II did this?).

Temple of Medinet Habu

The last temple on the western side we saw was the Medinet Habu. This was a dedicatory temple built in honor of Ramses III. Depicted on the pylons is the defeat of his enemies, including the Nubians and the “Sea Peoples” (i.e. the Philistines of the Bible). Ramses defeated the Sea Peoples in 1170 BC. The wall reliefs show Ramses holding the heads of his defeated enemies by the hair. He also cut off their hands and penises to humiliate them.

In the mid afternoon, we enjoyed a felucca boat ride across to the eastern side of the Nile River. It was a relaxing time of experiencing the river just as the ancients did. We drove back to the hotel for a late lunch and to refreshen up before returning to the Luxor Airport for our evening flight back to Cairo. We stayed at the Airport Hotel (Meridian) where some of us had a late dinner before retiring.

Day 6 – Wednesday, March 13: Early Flight to Amman, Jordan, Bethany beyond the Jordan, Mt. Nebo, Machaerus, Petra

The day began early once again. With a wakeup at 3:30 a.m. and breakfast at 4 a.m., we walked directly from the hotel to the Cairo Airport for our flight to Amman, Jordan. Upon landing, we were greeted by Sammy, our Jordanian guide. The weather throughout the day was once again sunny, with perfect and cooler highs in the low 70s.

Bethany Beyond the Jordan

Leaving the airport, we bussed directly to the area of the Jordan River to the west and specifically to Bethany Beyond the Jordan. This area is known for where Elijah ascended into heaven in a fiery chariot (2 Kings 2), and where Jesus was baptized (John 1). We walked down a nice path all the way to the river. Jesus also came to this area of Perea on occasion, especially where John was baptizing (John 10).

Mt. Nebo

From here we ascended from the Plains of Moab to Mt. Nebo, part of the Pisgah Range. We read from Deuteronomy 31-34 and Joshua 1 about the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. The visibility looking westward to the Dead Sea and Jericho was fairly good. This was Moses’ view before he died at 120 years of age. 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. The mosaics were amazing to see!

Machaerus

Our last stop of the day was Machaerus. This was a palace-fortress built by Herod (but previously built by the Hasmeans. 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, Antiquities 18.5.2). Most everyone 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 (where Herod Antipas received the head of the Baptizer) as well as a few ritual baths and columns. The view across the Dead Sea was really good, allowing us to see the area of Jerusalem on the distant horizon. Later, Machaerus fell to the Romans in 71 AD.

Petra

From Machaerus, we had a long drive to Petra. For the most part, we used the newly-paved Desert Highway before exiting on to the King’s Highway (Numbers 21-22). We arrived at our hotel for a late dinner. We rise really tomorrow for Petra, one of the 7 Wonders of the World!

Day 7 – Thursday, March 14: Petra, Wadi Rum, Captain’s Bedouin Village

Following a good night’s sleep here in Wadi Musa (Petra) and a great breakfast, we walked to the site of ancient Petra by 7:10 a.m. It was a remarkable day here in this red-rose city of the Nabateans. The morning weather was cool (mid 50s) but with perfect temps (high 60s) and full sun all day. We prayed and sang our Oh, the Sun’s Coming Up song as we walked to the entrance of the site.

Petra

Petra, this ancient Nabatean city was built within the Seir Mountains, the land of the Edomites (Deuteronomy 2, 33; Ezekiel 35) is one of there seven Wonders of the World. Because of the brand new Jordan government restrictions of the local Bedouin being able to sell things inside Petra (they literally bulldozed and dismantled the shops, combined with the very low tourism currently now, we essentially had the entire site to ourselves!

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. Eight in the group also hiked to the High Place far above the site. We all made it back by 2 p.m. where we began our drive south to Wadi Rum.

Wadi Rum

Driving on portions of the King’s Highway and then again accessing the Desert Highway lead us down to Wadi Rum in southern Jordan. Upon arriving in this area made famous by Sir Lawrence of Arabia during WWI (this British officer helped the Bedouin fight against the Turks), five jeeps (e.g. pickup trucks) were awaiting us to take us through the desert. It was a lot of fun driving through the sand. The views were amazing as well. We stopped by a Bedouin tent for tea and coffee. We made it to a rocky hill where we enjoyed a wonderful sunset. The jeeps then took us to Captain’s, our “Bedouin-style camp” for the night. Following a unique dinner (prepared underground), we enjoyed a bonfire before retiring for the evening. Away from the light of the camp, the stars were brilliant above.

Day 8 – Friday, March 15: Southern Border Crossing into Israel, Red Sea, Timnah, Dead Sea

Staying here in the desert last night was really a fun experience. But today we cross into Israel! Following breakfast, we left Wadi Rum and drove to the southern border to cross into Israel.  Leaving at 8 a.m., we read from Obadiah about the Edomites. The weather was again sunny, with warm temps around 80.

Rabin Southern Border Crossing

It took about 50 minutes to arrive at the border crossing. Located at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba, we cross from Aqaba, Jordan to Elat, Israel. The border here is named after the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. The border crossing (we walked across to Israel) was fairly easy and quick. We were only the second group to cross this border since October 7th!

Coral Beach/Red Sea

Once we crossed, we met Shlomo (our Israeli guide) and David (our Israeli driver). We drove through Elat, Israel’s most southern city, to Coral Beach. Here, we enjoyed the beautiful waters of the Red Sea. The clarity of the water and the color of all kinds of fish was stunning! It was a fun time of swimming and relaxing.

Timnah/Tabernacle Model

From here, we drove north through the Aravah (Rift Valley) to Timnah. In ancient days (13th-12th century BC), this was a copper mine of the Egyptians. Here we walked through a full-size replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle. Ariel, a Messianic Jew, offered a teaching on how all aspects of the Tabernacle was fulfilled by Yeshua-Jesus. As we left the site, we read from Hebrews 9. We also hiked up and over Solomon’s Pillars where we saw a Temple of Hathor (the Egyptian goddess of fertility.

Yotvata & the Dead Sea

We drove to Yovata about 15 minutes north of Timnah. We enjoyed lunch and especially the ice cream here (complementary, with special thanks to Amiel Tours, our Israeli agent!) at this “dairy kibbutz.” Shlomo’s sister lives here. With content stomachs, we drove about 1:45 hours north up Rt. 90 to the southern end of the Dead Sea (33% salt and minerals). We checked into our hotel in Ein Bokek and then enjoyed floating in this unique body of water. Dinner and a free evening at our leisure followed to end the day. The “Erev Shabbat” (Evening of Sabbath) dinner was incredible! Tommorrow we continue northward along the shoreline of the Dead Sea.

Day 9 – Saturday, March 16: Masada, Ein Gedi, Qumran, Judean Desert, Jericho

We checked out of our hotel by 7:40 this morning following a good breakfast. Today was “desert day” here in the Judean Desert. The weather was once again perfect, with mixed sun and clouds and highs around 75.

Masada

The site of 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 early 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! About a third of our group walked down the Snake Path.

Ein Gedi

From here 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. The final path was closed to the farthest falls, but the view was still spectacular from there! 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. Some enjoyed lunch here before seeing this most important site, while others took the late lunch time to hike to the the cliff area above the archaeological site and climb through the aqueduct. Here we could see Cave 6and the beginning of the aqueduct system that brought rain/flood water into the site. Following our lunch/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 here 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.

To end the day, we traveled just outside Jericho to our “kibbutz/hotel” (Al Mog) where we enjoyed dinner and a free evening. We travel north to the Sea of Galilee tomorrow!

Day 10 – Sunday, March 17: Wadi Qelt, Shiloh, Beth Shean, Mt. Gilboa, Tiberias

Today we traveled from the Dead Sea area to Tiberias in the north along the Sea of Galilee. Our travels once again included great sites and experiences along the way. The weather was partly cloudy today, with high temps around the low 70s. We read from portions of Psalm 61-63 and Luke 10 as we drove off from the hotel following breakfast and checkout.

Wadi Qelt

En route to Shiloh, we made a stop overlooking a specific part of the Judean Desert called the Wadi Qelt. We were fortunate to get permission to enter this area (it was blocked off for security reasons). However, Shlomo’s nephew was the soldier on guard this morning. 🙂 The view of the Wadi Qelt was spectacular. Here we heard the “prophet Isaiah” (all dressed up in a new outfit HA) as he shared the powerful words, “Prepare the way for the Lord…” (from Isaiah 40). Also, Shlomo sang in Hebrew Psalm 23.

Shiloh

Next, we drove into the Hill Country of Ephraim to Shiloh. On the way, we drove through the Desert of Pareth where Jeremiah hid the linen belt (Jeremiah 13). We even saw a few gazelle’s on the way as well as the backside of the Mt. of Olives further to the west. When we arrived at Shiloh, 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 hologram as well as 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. Abraham (Genesis 22), Moses (Exodus 3) Isaiah (Isaiah 6), and even God (Isaiah 65:1) used this word.

Beth Shean

Leaving Shiloh, we traveled through the Desert of Samaria to Beth Shean. The ride took about an hour and a half. This ancient site is an incredibly large site, with many ruins from the Roman Period. We saw colonnaded streets, the bathhouse, agora, public latrenes, and the theater. Some in the group climbed to the top of the OT site. According to 1 Samuel 31 (and 1 Chronicles 10), the body of Saul was hung on the walls of the town square after he died on near by Mt. Gilboa. The men from Jabesh Gilead (located on the east side of the Jordan Valley), came at night to rescue the body of Saul.

Tel Jezreel & Mt. Gilboa

Further east is Tel Jezreel. While we only saw it from a distance (there is really not much to see archaeologically), we recalled the stories from 1 Kings 21 and 2 Kings 8-9. These stories that happened here at Jezreel reference Naboth (who had a vineyard), Joram, Jehu, and Jezebel. We ascended up on to the slopes of the Gilboa Range where we walked to a wonderful view of the Harod Valley. Looking east we could see Beth Shean. We read from 1 Chronicles 10 about Saul and his three sons dying on Gilboa. We took time to sing a song and were led in a prayer. At the end of our time on Gilboa, some enjoyed dancing with a group of Israeli ladies.

It took about 45 minutes to drive to Tiberias where we checked in to our hotel and enjoyed dinner together. We are looking forward to spending three nights here along the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee.

Day 11 – Monday, March 18: Gamla, Qatzrin, Hippos, Khirbet Cana

Today was a southern Golan Heights day. Because of Lebanon, we could not travel any further than Katzrin. We ended the day with an adventurous experience to Cana! The weather was partly cloudy, with temps around 70, but a little cooler once we got to Cana in the late afternoon. It still has not rained, however, tomorrow some showers are predicted.

Gamla

We drove around the northern end of the lake before turning south on the eastern side. We first ascended into the Golan Heights and stopped for an overlook of the northern end of the lake and the area of Bethsaida (Mark 8). We read from John 6 about the Feeding of the 5,000 as well in that area. We then continued to Gamla, our first site of the day. Gamla was a Jewish city that played a significant role in the First Revolt (66 AD). The Romans came here and defeated the city run 67 AD. Many in the group walked down (and then back up) the difficult trail to the excavations. We entered the 1st century synagogue where we read from Matthew 9. Even though Gamla is not mentioned in the Gospels, there is a high probability that Jesus taught from this rectangular synagogue!

Katzrin

Following our hike back up Gamla, we drove further north to Katzrin. Here is an ancient Talmudic Village that dates from the 3rd-7th centuries AD. Among the ruins we saw the synagogue and house structures, including a partially-restored house. However, in the completely reconstructed stone house we gathered to hear the story of Mark 2. We could see the story unfolding before our very eyes!

Hippos/Sussita

We then turned south on the east side towards Hippos/Sussita. On the way we made a brief stop to see the cliffs mentioned in Mark 5. 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 entire lake (13 miles long), we read the transformational story of the demoniac from Mark 5.  

Khirbet Cana (Biblical Cana)

To end the day, we drove west towards the Lower Galilee. We followed Waze this time (instead of Pastor John’s usual route). It took us through a bunch of very narrow streets within the Arab city of Arrabe. David our driver maneuvered our bus in a remarkable way. Finally, a local resident was so very kind to direct us to get to the northern side of the Beit Netofa Valley. We then took a dirt road to get to Khirbet Cana. Most in the group climbed up to the top of this very “off the beaten path” archaeological site. While standing in what was possibly the 1st century synagogue we remembered the story from John 2 about Jesus turning water into wine here. Cana is also mentioned in the end of John 4. We were only the second “DeLancey” group to ever to come here. No doubt no other groups come here let alone know where this true site of Cana is located. It was quite an adventure!

About 5:30 or so, we began our drive back to our hotel where dinner was awaiting for us. We enjoyed a free evening and a good night’s sleep!

Day 12 – Tuesday, March 19: Arbel, Jordan River/Yardenit, Magdala, Capernaum, Boat Ride/Ancient Boat

Our plans changed this morning when we received the first rains of the entire trip. But we still visited all our intended sites and area throughout the day. Weather wise, it rained most of the day off and on and at varying intensities. God did bless us with a few breaks of sun at timely moments.The temps were in the 60s.

Yardenit/Jordan River

Because of the rain, we drove directly to the southern end of the lake to Yardenit. While the place was not opened, we adjusted with changing into our bathing suits in the restroom of a cafe before heading to the waters of the Jordan. Four in the group reaffirmed their faith. The water was refreshing but not overly cold (as it is in the winter months). It was a special time for everyone, setting ourselves apart for service in God’s kingdom.

Kinneret Cemetery

From the southern end of the lake we now drove north along the southwestern shoreline of the lake. We included an extra stop at the Kinneret Cemetery. This is where an early Jewish pioneer woman named “Rachel” is buried. Shlomo shared about her life. She was an Ukrainian Jew who wrote poems, some of which were put to songs. She died in 1931.

Magdala

From here we drove north of Tiberias to the Plain of Genesseret and to the ancient city of Magdala. This was a large Jewish city in the days of Jesus. We saw a modest 1st century synagogue here. Although the city is only mentioned once (Matthew 15), Jesus must have taught here. We saw a few more ritual baths as well. Archaeologists suggest that a second 1st century synagogue was discovered a few years ago on the other side of the road.

Capernaum

Located on the NW corner of the lake is Capernaum. This Jewish town served as Jesus’ “home base” for His Galilean ministry. In the late 4th/early 5th century synagogue, we read from Mark 1, 2; Luke 7, 8; and John 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.

Mt. Arbel

Following a great fish lunch, we drove to the top of Mt. Arbel. We had a 30 minute “open window” of partly sunny skies while we hiked to the top. The view from there was stunning. While we cannot be sure (since Arbel is not mentioned in the Gospels, although Josephus mentions Arbela in Antiquities 14.415), maybe this was where the Jesus’ Transfiguration took place (Mt. 17), or where he taught (perhaps on the lower northern slopes) the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5-7). It is also very possible that on top of Arbel was where Jesus met His disciples following His resurrection and shared the Great Commission (Mt. 28).

Ancient Boat / Boat Ride

We ended the day by driving through Tiberias to Nof Ginnosar on the western side of the lake. In the museum here we saw an ancient 1st century wooden boat that was discovered in 1986. We then walked out to the dock for our own boat ride. The heavy rain started now, making our boat ride the perfect setting for the reading of Mark 4 and Matthew 14 (the two storm narratives). Incidentally, it literally stopped raining after we read both of these passages! 🙂 The time of worship was special as well. We were inspired to keep our eyes on Jesus! He is the One who brings peace to our lives!

We drove back to our hotel in Tiberias at 5:20. We enjoyed dinner together at 6:30 followed by a free evening. What a great day re-tracing Jesus’ footsteps!

Day 13 – Wednesday, March 20: Precipice of Nazareth, Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea, Jerusalem, Western Wall

This morning we depart the Galilee towards Jerusalem. We checked out of our hotel at 7:30 enroute to the area of Nazareth. The showers continued off and on this morning, but the skies gradually cleared to sunny skies by the afternoon. High temps reached about 70 in the afternoon at Caesarea. We read the kingdom parables from Matthew as we departed.

Precipice of Nazareth

We drove south through the Lower Galilee to the Precipice of Nazareth. The visibility from here was fair, with a leftover cloud cover from the morning rains. But at least it didn’t rain. From here we saw Mt. Tabor (Judges 4), the Hill or Moreh (Judges 7), and Mt. Carmel to the west (1 Kings 18). This was essentially the “backyard” of Jesus while he grew up in Nazareth. We considered the life of Jesus as read from Luke 4. Jesus came for the purpose of offering redemption to both Jews and Gentiles alike.

Megiddo

Located along the edge of the Jezreel Valley is Megiddo. We drove slowly across this broad Jezreel Valley to get here (the traffic was heavy!). This archaeological site was about 25 layers of occupation spanning a period of about 2,500 years! It was a Canaanite and Israelite city. Pharaohs like Thutmose III conquered it in about 1468 BC. Climbing the site, we saw 3 series of city gates, Solomon’s stables and palace, a sacrificial altar from the Early Bronze Period, and a grain silo. We also had a great view of the Jezreel Valley referred to as the Valley of Armageddon in Revelation 16. In the end, God wins when Jesus returns! We walked to walked to the water system that was engineered to bring water safely inside the walls of the city. However, the entrance was closed. 

Mt. Carmel

Driving along the “byways” (edge) of the valley, we then ascended to the highest peak of Mt. Carmel. This is a mountain range overlooking the Jezreel Valley on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. Upon arriving at the site, we first entered a Carmelite chapel called Muhraha. The passages of Amos 1 and 9, Isaiah 35, and Songs of Songs 7 all refer to Carmel. The primary story (1 Kings 18) involved Elijah who confronted the 450 prophets of Baal, the Phoenician/Canaanite god of rain and thunder! Elisha was also on this mountain range (2 Kings 4). The view of the Jezreel Valley from the top of the roof of the chapel was descent, with rays of sun peaking through by now. Nearby we ate a great buffet lunch at a nearby Druze restaurant.

Caesarea

Following lunch, we descended down to the Sharon Plain to Caesarea. In the theater of this city built by Herod the Great in 22-10 BC, we read from Acts 10 (Peter), Acts 12 (Agrippa 1), Acts 21 (Philip), and Acts 26 (Paul). We then walked across this ancient city to see the palace, hippodrome, the location of the grand harbor, and the Crusader gate, wall, and mote. We also saw an impressive periphery (purple) statue. Before leaving the site we saw the aqueduct and enjoyed sticking our feet in the Mediterranean Sea.

Jerusalem

In the late afternoon we began our drive around Tel Aviv before we ascended to Jerusalem. We entered this magnificent city and saw our first glimpse of the Temple Mount and the Old City. We checked into our hotel and enjoyed an later dinner. Following dinner, many walked to the Western Wall, the most hotly place for Jews today! We are looking forward to our first full day in Jerusalem tomorrow, Israel’s capital!

Day 14 – Thursday, March 21: Jerusalem, Yad Vashem, Israel Museum, Mt. of Olives, Old City: Pools of Bethesda, Holy Sepulcher, Old City

Today was our first full day in Jerusalem. The day included two museums and a wonderful view of the Old City from the Mt. of Olives. We also entered the Old City in the afternoon. The weather was perfect, with sunny skies and highs in the mid 60s.

Yad Vashem

Our first stop in the morning required us to drive to West Jerusalem. Here we visited the Israel’s Holocaust Museum & Memorial. It is called Yad Vashem, named after a verse in Isaiah 56:5 that mentions the “memorial and a name.” We first visited the Valley of the Communities. Here we heard the personal story from Shlomo about his family during this tragic event. He lost 12 family members in Vilna, Poland (pictured). We then walked through the Children’s Memorial and the museum itself. It was a somber experience recalling the horrors of the Holocaust and the loss of six million Jews.

Israel Museum

Just a short distance away (still in Western Jerusalem) is the Israel Museum. First, we saw 1:50 scale model of 2nd Temple Jerusalem. Because the Shrine of the Book (where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls are displayed) was closed, we walked directly to the archaeological wing of the museum to see some of the “highlight artifacts” related to the Bible.

Mt. of Olives/Gethsemane

In the afternoon we drove to the Mt. of Olives. Cresting the Mt. of Olives we drove to a spectacular view across the Kidron Valley of the Old City and Temple Mount below. From here we walked down to Dominus Flavet, a small chapel where we enjoyed singing a chorus together. Here we remembered Luke 19 (Palm Sunday), Luke 22 (Jesus’ Passion), Acts 1 (Christ’s ascension), and Zechariah 14 (about the return of Christ). Continuing down the slope towards the Church of All Nations (the traditional Garden of Gethsemane), we walked up to to Old City.

St. Anne’s / Pool of Bethesda

We 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 read John 5 while overlooking the steps of this double-pool.

Holy Sepulcher Church

From here we walked to the Holy Sepulcher Church. Built in 325 AD, this is the traditional location for the death and burial place of Jesus. The archaeological and historical records favor this site. We saw the Edicule that has enclosed the suggested tomb of Christ for now nearly 1600 years. The church was so empty that we all went inside the suggested tomb of Jesus. Other parts of the church were being renovated and excavated.

We walked back to our hotel for dinner and an optional walk to the King David’s Hotel and Herod’s Family Tomb. It was a great first full day here!

Day 15 – Friday, March 22: City of David, Southern Excavations, Herodium, Bethlehem

Today was another full day here in Jerusalem. We had to adjust our plans a few times, given the fact that today was Friday. The day included adventure (Hezekiah’s Tunnel & Drainage Tunnel), walking (through Old City), and archaeology (City of David, Herodium). We had full sun, but with cooler temps in the high 50s. We read from Psalm 48 as we left the hotel.

City of David/Hezekiah Tunnel

We started the day by driving today’s Mt. Zion and walking (because of closed roads) to the City of David. After gathering on the observation tower, we saw a 3-D movie before walked down through the excavations (“Area G”). We saw David’s palace, city walls, and 7th-6th BC house structures (one of them was excavated/uncovered by Dr. John in June-July, 1982). We all continued through Warren’s Shaft (2 Samuel 5). The upper part of this discovery was probably used by David but not the vertical 52 foot shaft. Finally, we descended down to the Canaanite/Jebusite pool to the Gihon Spring. Many in the group braved the waters of the 1,710 foot-long Hezekiah’s Tunnel (2 Kings 20, 2 Chronicles 32), while others took the “dry” Jebusite tunnel built 100s of years earlier. Both groups met at the Pool of Siloam where we read John 9 in dramatic fashion. More of the pool as been exposed.

Southern Steps

From the Pool of Siloam most of us walked up to the SW corner of the Temple through the Drainage Channel. It was a tight squeeze for a few. 🙂 Once we all gathered, we walked on the Herodian pavement used no doubt by Jesus. The SW corner of the Temple may have been the pinnacle where Jesus was tempted (Mt. 4). We walked up the southern steps used by commoners in Jesus’ day. Jesus Himself would have used these steps to enter the Temple. We recalled the many mentioned in the NT who used these steps (Luke 2, 18; John 2; Mark 13; and Acts 2, etc…). Before leaving the steps, we considered how God wants us to be His spiritual temple (2 Corinthians 3).

Herodium

Because of blocked roads, we walked to the Jaffa Gate where we met David. We drove to Herodium. This was a palace-fortress built by Herod the Great. He was also buried in 4 BC. The site was incredible, with many new renovations and displays. Inside the well-preserved official’s chamber where we saw a wonderful presentation. We then walked up through the royal arches to the top where we saw the bathhouse, synagogue, impressive frescoes, and a great view of Jerusalem. We left the site by carefully walking down through the cistern system.

Bethlehem

Our last stop, Bethlehem, was a challenge to get there. However, we made it an olive wood factory and story (Nissan Brothers). These olive wood products were impressive and so well crafted. While in Bethlehem, we recalled that “just at the right time, God sent His Son…” (Galatians 4). It was here in Bethlehem that Jesus was born (Micah 5, Luke 2).

We drove back to our hotel for dinner and a free evening. It was another great day here in Israel’s ancient and modern capital city!

Day 16 – Saturday, March 23: Garden Tomb, Drive to Southern Border & Cross into Jordan (for most), Free Afternoon (for some)

Today was our last day together as a group. Because of Turkish Air not flying in and out of Israel the last few months, 22 of us had a long “road trip” today. It was a beautiful morning here on Shabbat morning in Jerusalem, with sunny skies and highs in the 60s (warmer down south). We read from Philippians 3 as we left the hotel at 8:45 a.m.

Garden Tomb

Your one and only visit as a full group was 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!

Road Trip South / Free Time

Following our Communion Service, 22 of us said goodbye to those flying home from Tel Aviv either late tonight or early tomorrow morning. These folks enjoyed a day of leisure in the Old City. The rest of us drove four hours to the southern border in Elat. We made a few stops on the way to break up the drive (including Kibbutz Yotvata for ice cream!).

Border Crossing into Jordan

We made it to the border with Jordan. Following the Israeli exit procedures, we walked across with our luggage to the Jordanian side. Once arriving at the Jordanian side, we endured a few challenges with our luggage being checked. But God intervened in real ways. Once we all got through, Salem, our Jordanian agent, accompanied us as we drove north on the Desert Highway. We stopped about halfway for a wonderful dinner before arriving in the late evening at the Amman Airport. Following check-in, we awaited our flight(s) home.

Day 17 – Sunday, March 24: Flight Back Home (from Amman for most, from Tel Aviv for some)

Everyone got home safely following various flights home from either Amman, Jordan (for 22 of us) or Tel Aviv (for 9 others). It was a great trip with a great group. God blessed us in many ways.

Egypt’s Pyramids

To date, over 120 pyramids have been uncovered in Egypt. This video features the pyramids of Cairo. This includes the stepped pyramid at Sakkara as well as the famous Giza pyramids. These date to the mid 2000s BC, predating even Abraham. The largest pyramid stands nearly 500 feet high.

Ancient Egypt is a marvel to see!