See every Bible Site in Israel In-depth! Everything about Israel: Maps, Videos, Books about Israel, Tours, Holy Land Trips to Israel, Footsteps of Jesus, Bible Teachings, Jerusalem, Galilee, Samaria, Bethlehem, Masada, Dead Sea, Capernaum, Negev, Nazareth, Experience Israel Online. Christian Tour Trips to Israel. Exodus Route, Red Sea Crossing, Mount Sinai in Arabia, Noah's Ark, Temple Mount, Temple, City of David, Church of Holy Sepulchre, Church of Nativity, Church of Annunciation, Jordan Home Dear Friend, Maybe you’d love to go to the Holy Land but just can’t, or maybe you have the privilege to go and want to learn more about the places you'll visit. If either is the case, then this website is for you! See the Bible come to life as you walk in the footsteps of Jesus and see the places where the events of the Bible took place. This website allows you to experience the Holy Land online as you watch videos and teachings from the Land of the Bible. You’ll discover a new dimension in understanding the Bible, and it will go from black and white to 3D, living color! Holy Land Experience Trip s Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone worldwide with a valid passport for travel to Israel. Would you like to have a life-changing and never-to-be-forgotten experience? If so, it is our joy to invite you to join us on a trip of a lifetime to the Land of the Bible, where you will find a new dimension in understanding the Bible and the life of Jesus. We will take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, visit places where Jesus walked, lived, taught, performed miracles, walked on the water, calmed the sea, and where He was crucified and raised from the dead. We will immerse ourselves in the Land of the Bible and experience it to the depths of our souls. You will never be the same or read your Bible the same after a trip like this. If it's Bible you want, then this trip is for you. At each site, we will give biblical and historical teaching along with a faith lesson. Therefore, this trip is designed to provide an in-depth study and perspective from the Scriptures of the events and places of the Bible. Our goal is to offer a highly biblical, non-touristy, and inspirational trip to the Land of the Bible. Our trips also include sites that are off the beaten path. ____________ "An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country. I've gone to Israel with this dear friend of mine twice. It's an 11 out of a 10 trip!" Dan Reeves "I've looked and looked, but I just haven't found any groups with the same approach I got spoiled by when we went with you to Israel. Also, they're not really Bible-teaching tours. Your teaching tour is still head and shoulders above anything else, so if it works out, I'd like to go with you again next year." Todd Yaney Click for our upcoming tour trips to Israel Books by HolyLandSite.com Travel Guide Book 664 Pages Bible Companion Book 654 Pages Jerusalem & Central Israel Book 402 Pages Sea of Galilee & Northern Israel Book 222 Pages Negev & Southern Israel Book 222 Pages See some of our most popular videos below!

See and learn all about the holiest site in Israel for the Jews. Take a tour of the tunnel of the Western Wall (Kotel), and see evidence of the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Western Wall & Western Wall Tunnel Photo Gallery Places of Interest Western Wall & Western Wall Tunnel Introduction Beneath the streets of Jerusalem lies a hidden world—the Western Wall Tunnels. These ancient passageways run along the base of the Temple Mount, taking us back over 2,000 years to the time of Jesus and the Second Temple. One of the most astonishing features here is a stone, measuring over 45 feet long and weighing more than 500 tons. To put that in perspective, that's the size of a full-sized city bus! How the ancient builders moved it into place remains a mystery to this day. From Herodian engineering marvels to sacred prayer chambers still in use today, this isn’t just archaeology; it’s a journey into the soul of biblical history. Join us as we uncover the deep history, spiritual significance, and architectural wonders of the Western Wall Tunnels—an unforgettable journey beneath the heart of Jerusalem. Location 1. The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall (because the Jews weep here during their prayers), is located on the western side of the Temple Mount. 2. The Western Wall Tunnel is accessed on the northern side of the Western Wall Plaza and runs north to the end of the Temple Mount Platform. Historical Background 1. When the Romans destroyed the temple in 70 AD, part of the western side of the Temple Mount Platform survived. For hundreds of years prior to 1967, people prayed in the small area of the wall that could be seen at that time. However, in 1967, following the Six-Day War, Israelis excavated below the ground level of the wall and found two more stone rows. They then cleared the area around the wall to create the Western Wall Plaza that visitors see today. 2. The Western Wall is part of the retaining wall, or support wall, that Herod the Great built in 19 BC when he enlarged the Temple Mount complex in order to accommodate a larger temple and Temple Mount area. It was a massive undertaking that required exceptional and sophisticated engineering. 3. Unlike many think, the Western Wall was not part of the wall of the temple King Herod Built. Places of Interest 1. In the Western Wall Plaza area, a walkway bridge can be seen that tourists use to access the Temple Mount. 2. The Western Wall Plaza is divided into two sections: a men’s and a women’s section. 3. The area close to the wall is considered a synagogue, so men must wear a head covering when entering the men’s section. 4. Most Jews do not enter on the Temple Mount for fear of unknowingly walking in the place where the Holy of Holies might have been. Plus, Muslims do not want them entering there as well. 5. The Western Wall Plaza is the closest large public area to the temple and Holy of Holies for the Jews. Therefore, it is their most holy site. 6. On the northern side of the Western Wall is Wilson’s Arch, which is the modern name for a stone arch whose top is still visible today. It once supported a bridge that provided access to a gate that was level with the surface of the Temple Mount during the time of Jesus. Under this arch is a synagogue where Jews pray and read the Scriptures. 7. The Western Wall Plaza is only 10% of the entire western wall of the Temple Mount Platform. The majority of the wall is accessed by entering what is called “The Western Wall Tunnels.” We will see that part shortly. 8. The entire length of the Western Wall is 1,575 ft. long (480 m.), almost a third of a mile (.53 km.). 9. South of the Western Wall are stones that the Romans cast down when they destroyed the city in 70 AD. under the leadership of the Roman General, Titus. 10. The broken pavement of the street that the massive stones crushed when they fell is sobering to see. 11. Burn marks remain on some of the stones as a result of fire from the Roman conquest of the city in 70 AD. 12. There are remains of shops that were part of a large shopping plaza at the southern part of the Western Wall. 13. This is the same wall that Jesus and His disciples would have seen. 14. On the Southern Stair entrance to the temple is where Jesus would have taught His disciples and entered the Temple Mount area. 15. At the southernmost end of the Western Wall is a significant stone that stood upon the uttermost southwestern corner of the Temple Mount. It has words written in Hebrew that mean “The Trumpeter’s House.” A priest would stand at this corner announcing the beginning of the Sabbath and other festival days the Jews celebrated with a loud trumpet blast. Western Wall Tunnel 1. In order to build the temple on the mountain top of Mount Moriah, there had to be erected supporting walls that could be filled in, so there was a large flat place (platform) upon which to build. King Solomon first did this when he constructed the first temple in around 950 BC. When the temple was rebuilt under Zerubbabel (537-515 BC), this same platform was used. Later, in 19 BC, King Herod began rebuilding a new massive temple. In order to do this, he had to enlarge the Temple Mount Platform immensely. When he was done, it measured 985 x 1,575 feet (300 x 480 m.), or the equivalent of 35 football fields in size (35 acres, 14 hectares). 2. King Herod put 10,000 men to work and trained 1,000 priests as masons so they could work on the most sacred parts of the temple. The building was begun in 19 B.C. and finished in 10 years, but the work of decoration was not completed until 64 AD. 3. The temple King Herod built on this massive Temple Mount Platform was enormous in size. Nothing in the known world at that time compared to it in size and beauty. For comparison’s sake, the temple Herod built was three times the size of the Dome of the Rock (which measures 65 feet wide x 115 feet high or 20 x 35 m.), which can be seen today. 4. In 70 AD, six years after the temple was fully completed, the Romans burned down and destroyed the temple at Jerusalem, and it has never been rebuilt since. 5. Located beside the Western Wall Tour Entrance on the left side, or northern side of the Western Wall is a synagogue. Here Jews gather to study, read, and pray. This is one of the Jew’s most holy synagogues because of its proximity to the original temple wherein the Holy of Holies resided. 6. At the beginning of the Western Wall Tunnel Tour Entrance is a room where the tour begins. Here, tour guides give an overview of the temple Solomon built, the temple Zerubbabel oversaw, and then the temple King Herod built. The history of the Western Wall is meshed in with the history of the temples that once resided next to the Western Wall. 7. Walking along the Western Wall Tunnel, what is known as the master course of stones can be seen. These are some of the first rows of cut stones that support the Temple Mount Western Wall. The largest stone found in the Western Wall measures 44 ft. (13.4 m.) in length (longer than a Greyhound bus). It’s almost 12 ft. (3.66 m.) high (taller than a semi-truck trailer). Its width is 14 ft. (4.26 m.) (almost as wide as some highways). It weighs over 600 tons (equivalent to 200 elephants, or ten tanks, or two 747 jumbo jets, including the people and their luggage). There is no machine big enough today to lift it. It was carved outside the city and then placed here. The stones were carved and placed with such precision that not even a credit card will fit between the joints. By comparison, the largest stones in the Egyptian Pyramids are 15 tons. 8. We next come to what is called Warren's Gate. This is the closest place along the Western Wall to where the temple used to be. It is, therefore, according to the Jews, the holiest place in the Western Wall. Just 200 ft. (61 m.) towards the east is where the temple was originally located. 9. The bedrock of the Western Wall of the Temple Mount can be seen as well. The masons who laid the great stones to build the Western Wall chiseled the bedrock of the mountain to make them look like they were stones, but in reality, they are the bedrock of the mountain upon which the Western Wall rests. 10. Next, the tiles of the original floor where Jesus likely walked are visible in the tunnel. 11. Continuing along the Western Wall Tunnel is a Hasmonean aqueduct built over 2,200 years ago, which was 200 years before Christ. 12. At the northern end of the Western Wall Tunnel is the Struthion Pool, where water was stored for use in the city of Jerusalem. Faith Lesson from the Western Wall 1. It's sad that the closest large meeting area the Jews can get to the place where the original temple used to be located is the Western Wall, which in reality, is just part of the supporting wall of the Temple Mount. 2. It’s sad that because of the Jew’s repeated refusal to heed God’s warnings to obey and follow Him that He sent judgments upon Israel and Jerusalem. 3. It's sad that because the Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah, Jesus prophesied Jerusalem would be destroyed. This was fulfilled in 70 AD. The reality of this destruction is the overarching fact that can be seen all along the Western Wall. 4. Because of the Jew’s continual disobedience to God, He prophesied that the Jews would be scattered to the four corners of the earth. This was fulfilled in 70 AD. 5. God also prophesied that He would bring the Jews back to their homeland in the last days. This was fulfilled in 1948. 6. According to many passages in the Bible, God still has a plan for the Jews. He said He would bring them back to their homeland after being scattered for thousands of years. He also says that during the Great Tribulation Period that many Jews, if not most of them, will recognize that Jesus is indeed their Messiah and turn to Him in repentance. 7. Amazingly, we see the first prophecy fulfilled in that the Jews returned to their homeland and have their own country back. Many civilizations have occupied the Holy Land, but God has fulfilled prophecy in bringing the Jews back to their homeland today. 8. The stones here cry out that God’s Word is true and is verifiable through the fulfillment of these prophecies. 9. At the Southern Stair entrance area of the Temple Mount is a sad but very true saying, “The Jerusalem Stone, so resilient and supple, bows to the transient follies of humankind, bearing a testimony like a hundred witnesses, and yet, remains silent.” 10. We find in all that has happened to the Jews a powerful and sobering message for us today. Obedience brings God’s blessings, but disobedience brings His discipline. 1 Corinthians 10:11–12: Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

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The great showdown between the Prophet and the prophets of Baal and Asherah is one of the greatest miracles in the Bible. Understand the details of this monumental event and learn lessons of faith that you can apply to your own life from this great miracle. Mount Carmel was a High Place of worship to the false god of Baal and Asherah during the period of Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. It has a spectacular view of the Jezreel Valley, which is also known as the Valley of Armageddon. Mt. Carmel: Elijah and the False Prophets Photo Gallery Places of Interest Mount Carmel Introduction Welcome to Mount Carmel. This is where the huge showdown between Elijah and the 850 false prophets of Baal and Asherah happened. This place was one of the most important high places of worship, so it would only be fitting for this monumental event to happen here. Just imagine thousands and thousands of Israelites gathered here to see this event. The showdown was to determine who the true and living God was. Was it Baal, Asherah, or the true and living God? God sent fire down from heaven right here to settle this matter. The event that happened here is earth-shattering. Location 1. The place marking the great showdown between Elijah and the false prophets is known as Deir Al-Mukhraqa Carmelite Monastery. 2. Mount Carmel is located about 9 miles (15 km.) east of the Mediterranean Sea in the Carmel Mountain Range, which is in the northern part of Israel. It’s also about 28 miles (44 km.) southwest of the Sea of Galilee. 3. Mount Carmel was a High Place of worship to the false god of Baal and Asherah during the period of Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings. 4. It has a spectacular view of the Jezreel Valley, which is also known as the Valley of Armageddon. Armageddon is where part of the last battle on earth takes place at the end of the Great Tribulation Period. 5. From Mount Carmel, Nazareth, and Cana can be seen to the northeast. Historical Background 1. The great showdown between the Prophet Elijah and the 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah began around 100 years earlier when King Solomon sowed the seeds that would destroy Israel morally. 2. Against God’s clear commandments to the Israelites, Solomon married many foreign wives. 3. These foreign wives worshipped false gods, and to honor them, Solomon built high places of worship all over Israel where these false gods could be worshipped. 1 Kings 11 recounts this tragic reality. 4. As a result, the worship of false gods became rampant in the land. 5. Because of the worship of false gods, God pronounced judgment on the nation of Israel, and it was divided into two kingdoms after Solomon’s death. 6. Rehoboam, one of Solomon’s sons, took the Southern Kingdom of Judah, which consisted of 2 tribes, and Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s officials, took the Northern Kingdom, which consisted of 10 tribes. 7. Because Jeroboam was afraid many of his people would defect to Rehoboam’s kingdom by going to Jerusalem to worship God in the temple there, he introduced false gods into the northern tribes of Israel. 8. Jeroboam erected two golden calf altars at Bethel and Dan for his people to worship instead of going to the temple in Jerusalem. He told his people that these golden calves were the gods who led them out of Egypt. 9. Several kings later, King Ahab, king of the Northern Kingdom, married a foreign wife named Jezebel. Jezebel worshipped the false gods of Baal (a male god) and Asherah (a female god). Jezebel promoted the worship of these false gods by employing countless prophets of Baal and Asherah. She even supported them financially and fed them at her royal table. 10. Mt. Carmel was one of the key high places in Israel where the people worshiped Baal and Asherah. 12. Baal and Asherah were the gods of the weather. For this reason, God sent a drought and then later rain. By doing so, He showed He was the true God of the weather and everything else. Baal worship was originally from the Canaanite nations God drove out because of their extreme wickedness. Places of Interest (Please See Maps Above) 1. Mt. Carmel 2. Kishon Stream 3. Jezreel Valley 4. Tel Jezreel 5. Mediterranean Sea 6. Megiddo 7. Nazareth Mount Carmel in the Bible 1. The showdown between Elijah and the false prophets took place during the reign of Ahab, King of Israel. 1 Kings 16:29-33” In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him. And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him. He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria. And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 2. Because of Ahab’s great sin, God caused a severe drought all over the land. 1 Kings 17:1: Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word. 3. After these 3 years had ended, Elijah confronts Ahab and promises God will send rain. Kings 18:1–2: After many days the word of the LORD came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, "Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth." 2 So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria. 1 Kings 18:17–19: When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” 18 And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father's house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals. 19 Now, therefore, send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.” 4. The great gathering of all the people. 1 Kings 18:20–21: So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. 5. The great contest between Elijah and the 850 prophets of Baal and Asherah. 1 Kings 18:22–24: Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal's prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. 24 And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” 6. The false prophets of Baal and Asherah go first. 1 Kings 18:25–29: Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” 26 And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. 27 And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” 28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. 29 And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation [evening sacrifice], but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention. 7. Elijah takes his turn. 1 Kings 18:30–35: Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down. 31 Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, “Israel shall be your name,” 32 and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord. And he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two seahs [about 1 foot deep by 1 foot wide] of seed. 33 And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” 34 And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. 35 And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water. 8. God miraculously answers. 1 Kings 18:36–39: And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” 9. Elijah then slaughters the false prophets below the hill right here in the Kishon Stream. 1 Kings 18:40: And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there. 10. Afterward, God sent a massive rainstorm, which caused a deluge of rain to Israel and ended the drought. 1 Kings 18:41–46: And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Mount Carmel. And he bowed himself down on the earth and put his face between his knees. 43 And he said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And he said, “Go again,” seven times. 44 And at the seventh time he said, “Behold, a little cloud like a man's hand is rising from the sea.” And he said, “Go up, say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down, lest the rain stop you.’” 45 And in a little while, the heavens grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. 46 And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. Jezreel is about 15 miles (24 km.) directly east of Mount Carmel. 11. Unfortunately, this great miracle and spiritual revival didn’t last long. Soon afterward, the country fell back into worshipping false gods and idols. Faith Lesson from Mt. Carmel 1. Do we fall away easily from the Lord and neglect Him? 2. Does spiritual revival in our lives rapidly fade? 3. Are we undisciplined in our time with God and fail to read His Word and grow in Him? 4. Have we witnessed miracles in our lives where we know that God is real and that He has shown Himself powerful to us? 5. After seeing miracles and experiencing God’s help, do we forget and fall away from God afterward? 6. Are we steadfast in our relationship with God, or are we like the Israelites who were unstable with big ups and downs? 7. Are we in need of coming back to God today and getting right with Him once again?

If this artifact is true, it proves the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is a total game-changer. Join us as we look at the evidence! You'll be amazed at what is discussed! Shroud of Turin (Jesus), In Italy Photo Gallery Shroud of Turin (Jesus), In Italy Fact or Fiction? If you want to know everything about the Shroud of Turin, we provide a complete analysis of this extremely unique artifact here. What Is It? Is the Shroud found in the Bible? Why Is It Called the Shroud of Turin? Where Is the Shroud Located Today? Has the Shroud always been a Catholic Relic? How Was the Shroud Wrapped Around the Body? What Is Its Historical Timeline? What Are the Arguments Supporting the Shroud's Authenticity? What Are the Arguments Against Its Authenticity? Conclusion Faith Lesson for Us Today What Is It? 1. The Shroud of Turin is a 2,000-year-old linen cloth bearing the image of a man who suffered injuries consistent with crucifixion. Many believe it to be Jesus' burial linen cloth, as found in the four gospels in the Bible. 2. The cloth measures about 14.5 feet (4.4 meters) long and 3.5 feet (1 meter) wide. 3. It is the most studied and researched artifact today. It defies science and is a historical artifact that continues to captivate people worldwide. It has been a subject of religious devotion and scientific scrutiny for years. 4. The Shroud has two amazing factors. First, the image is just two or three microns thick and disappears if you get closer than about 8 feet (2.5 meters) to the Shroud. This baffles scientists and confirms it's not a work of art or man-made. Second, the image is just on the surface and was created by a tremendous burst of light, amounting to around 34 trillion watts of energy, taking 1/4th of a billionth of a second to leave the image on the Shroud. Otherwise, it would have scorched the image and destroyed it. 5. Science shows that the blood on the Shroud was there first, and then the image was created from the massive energy that came later. The Shroud is estimated to have several pints of blood on it. What is fascinating is that the Shroud shows evidence of the crucifixion and resurrection of the man in it. 6. To date, around 102 different scientific disciplines have spent over 600,000 hours studying the Shroud, and they virtually all agree it defies science and is unexplainable by natural laws. 7. Many photos seen of the Shroud's image are photo negatives. This image reproduces bright portions of the photographed subject as dark and the dark parts as light. A natural image doesn't show the details like a negative image. 8. The negative image also has 3-dimensional properties that are unexplainable. 9. As of the time of this filming, there is an offer of 1 million dollars to anyone who can replicate the Shroud. No one has been able to do it even using all our modern high-tech technology. Join us on this fascinating journey as we examine the evidence to determine whether this relic is authentic or a hoax. If it is authentic, the ramifications are staggering. Is the Shroud Found in the Bible? The Bible Affirms Jesus Was Wrapped In Linen Cloths (Shroud) at His Burial In All Four Gospels Matthew 27:57-60: When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Mark 15:45-46: And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph [of Arimathea]. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud , and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Luke 23:53: Then he [Joseph of Arimathea] took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. Luke 24:12: But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. John 19:40: So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. John 20:4-7: Both of them were running together, but the other disciple [John] outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth , which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Why Is It Called the Shroud of Turin? It has this name because it has been stored in Turin, Italy, since 1578. It's also widely known as the Shroud of Jesus. Where Is the Shroud Located Today? It's stored at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy. It's housed in a climate-controlled case in a chapel built just to hold it. However, because of its extremely fragile state, the shroud is not viewable to the public except during very rare public viewings, as the pope determines. Has the Shroud always been a Catholic Relic? No, the House of Savoy entrusted the Shroud of Turin to the Catholic Pope (and each succeeding Pope) in 1983. It seems there is some relation with the Vatican as well. So, it is technically not entrusted to the Catholic Church. It has been in the hands of many people and places throughout its long history. How Was the Shroud Wrapped Around the Body? The long linen cloth was laid down, and the body was placed on the lower part of the cloth. Next, the cloth was folded over the entire body, with the head at the centerfold, ending at the feet, where it began. Then strips of linen were wrapped around the shroud and body to keep the shroud in place. A head covering was also used. This is consistent with Lazarus being raised from the dead in John 11:43-44: When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen , and a cloth around his face. How Tall Was the Man Covered in the Shroud? According to the image on the Shroud, the body would have been about 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall. This is taller than the average height of a person in Israel during the time of Jesus. However, this would be consistent with Jesus because in order to minister to the multitudes, he would have had to be taller than others, or he wouldn't have been seen or heard. What Is Its Historical Timeline? 33 AD The Bible describes Jesus being wrapped in a linen cloth after the crucifixion. Some believe the Shroud was kept secretly by early Christians because of persecution under Roman rule. 100 AD Legend and folklore speak of a mysterious cloth with healing power bearing an image of Jesus that arrived in Edessa (now Urfa, Turkey) in the First Century AD. The Apostle Jude Thaddeus, one of the original Apostles of Jesus Christ, is associated with bringing the cloth from Jerusalem to Edessa. 525 AD After a severe flood destroyed most of Edessa, the cloth was removed from the walls where it had been hidden for over 400 years. The cloth became known as "The Image of Edessa" and later was called “The True Likeness of Christ Not Made by Human Hands.” All Orthodox icons of Jesus and Byzantine coins dramatically changed to conform to the "True Likeness" image featured a man with long hair, a full beard, large eyes, and a flattened nose—all of which are stylistically similar to the Shroud image. Additionally, Byzantine texts describe a folded cloth bearing the image of Jesus “not made by human hands” hidden in a wall in Edessa. 944 AD The Byzantine Imperial Army invaded Edessa to retrieve the cloth from the city that had fallen to Islam. The cloth was taken to Constantinople (now Istanbul) and presented to the Emperor. The cloth was reportedly shown during church feasts. 1203 AD A document from French Crusader Robert de Clari describes a cloth in Constantinople showing the full body of Christ, displayed every Friday — some say this refers to the Shroud. 1204 AD The Fourth Crusade invaded Constantinople, and the revered cloth disappeared. Some historians believe the Shroud was held secretly by the Knights Templar before 1356, when it was displayed in France. Vatican research from 2009 supports this long-time oral tradition. 1354 The Shroud reappeared in the hands of French knight Geoffrey de Charny, who displayed it at a church he founded in Lirey, France. 1453 Geoffrey’s granddaughter, Marguerite de Charny, gave the Shroud to the royal House of Savoy. 1502 The Shroud was no longer displayed in different churches within the House of Savoy Kingdom, but was given a permanent home in the royal chapel at Chambery, also known as Sainte Chapelle. 1532 A fire damaged the Shroud in Chambery Chapel, where it was stored. A drop of molten silver from the container produced a symmetrically placed mark through the layers of the folded cloth. Poor Clare Nuns, a group of nuns, repaired this damage with patches. Some have suggested that water damage also occurred when the fire was being extinguished. These burn marks are still visible. 1578 It was moved to Turin, Italy, where it has remained to this day. What Are the Arguments Supporting the Shroud's Authenticity? 1. The Image Itself Is a Mystery The image on the Shroud is not painted, drawn, or dyed — no pigment or brushstrokes have been found. When viewed as a negative image, it appears more detailed and lifelike. This is something not understood until it was first photographed in 1898. The image also contains 3D information, which is very rare. When processed by image analyzers like the NASA VP-8, it produces a three-dimensional relief, unlike typical photographs or paintings. 2. The Marks on the Shroud Match Exactly the Wounds of the Crucifixion of Jesus Bloodstains on the head are compatible with a crown of thorns. There is no historical account of anyone being crucified with a crown of thorns. The Shroud didn't touch every part of the body. But considering the parts it did touch, there are over 120 scourges or marks, creating over 370 lacerations. It's estimated the body would have had over 700 lacerations. This is compatible with Roman flogging and what Jesus endured. He was beaten at the House of Caiaphas, the High Priest, before Pilate, before Herod, and then again severely before Pilate. Nail wounds on the wrists. Roman crucifixion generally put nails through the wrists to better support the weight of a body on a cross. Nails through the hand typically wouldn't support the weight and rip through. The wrist was considered part of the hand during this period. Nail wounds in the feet. The man’s feet were on top of one another. The legs are slightly bent due to rigor mortis, a muscle stiffness that sets in quickly after death and lasts less than four days. After four days, the muscles relax and the body becomes limp. Interestingly, Jesus rose from the dead after three days and nights in the tomb. Blood from the body runs downward, showing evidence of the man being crucified. There are no stains or signs of the body decomposing. This is compatible with Jesus' resurrection, which happened on the third day before the body had time to decay. Wound in the side, compatible in size with a Roman spear tip. Post-mortem blood flow from the side wound also flows across the back. The man's legs were not broken. This would be consistent with what happened to Jesus. Interestingly, the two men crucified with Jesus both had their legs broken. Marks on the back of the man from carrying a wooden beam. This is consistent with Jesus carrying His cross. Deviated septum. This would have been caused by the heavy blows Jesus received to His face by the Roman soldiers. 3. Authentic Human Bloodstains The blood on the Shroud is type AB, a Jewish blood type found in less than 3% of the world's population. So the Shroud most likely originated from Israel. The blood is real human blood and shows signs of the chemical bilirubin. It's produced by the liver during extreme trauma or stress. This is consistent with the traumatic injuries that Jesus would have suffered. The blood on the Shroud is reddish. Normally, blood turns blackish when exposed to oxygen. The chemical bilirubin keeps the blood reddish and stops it from turning blackish, which is again consistent with Christ's sufferings before and during the crucifixion. 4. Pollen, Dust, and Plant Evidence The pollen grains found on the Shroud are from plants native to Jerusalem. Some of these plants bloom only in the spring, around the time of Passover. Additionally, other pollen on the Shroud matches perfectly with the places it has traveled throughout its history, such as Jerusalem, Northern Syria, Turkey, and Europe. Limestone Dust from Jerusalem on the Shroud 5. Weaving Style and Material It is made of expensive cloth using the exceptionally durable herringbone weave pattern. It was rare but well-known in the ancient Middle East and is consistent with 1st-century Jewish burial cloths. The linen matches first-century Jewish burial customs. Even the seam on the shroud is identical to stitching found only at Masada, a Jewish fortress destroyed by the Romans in 73 AD. It perfectly matches the Bible's account of being donated by Joseph of Arimathea, who was very wealthy. We also have other ancient clothing that has been preserved. Some are as old as 5,000 years. So, it's not abnormal to have ancient clothing preserved. 6. A Byzantine coin from 692 AD shows Jesus on a cross resembling the Shroud's face. 7. Scientific Affirmation that the Shroud of Turin is Authentic In 1978, King Umberto II, the owner of the Shroud at the time, authorized comprehensive hands-on testing for a group called the "Shroud of Turin Research Project," also known as STURP. The group was made up of over 30 distinguished scientists. STURP’s findings remain a primary scientific source cataloging the Shroud’s unique properties. Below is a partial list of the STURP findings: No substances were manually applied to the cloth. No artistic substances such as paint, ink, dye, pigments, or stain were used to constitute the image. No collagen binder as would be used with paint. No fibers are cemented to each other as with paint. No liquids were applied to create the image. No substances were found between the threads, as with dust rubbing. Bloodstains on the cloth tested positive for heme, bile, serum albumin, and other human blood components. The blood is of the male type, AB. The blood marks seen on the shroud are consistent with a contact transfer to the cloth of blood clot exudates that would have resulted from major wounds inflicted on a man who died in the position of crucifixion. The following are image characteristics found on or about the Shroud: The image is purely superficial. It does not penetrate the cloth but only rests on the top two micro-fibers. (Analogous to the Shroud image resting on the hairs of your forearm.) The image is a photographic negative that develops as a positive. The image contains 3D “distance information” similar to a topographical map. No directionality to the image, as found with a brush or any substance application tool. No variation in the depth of the image. (Virtually impossible with human hands.) The yellowing of the image is uniform in intensity. No outline or defined edges are found on the image. STURP conclusion: “There are no chemical or physical methods known which can account for the totality of the image, nor can any combination of physical, chemical, biological, or medical circumstances explain the image adequately.” 8. Latest Scientific Affirmations As mentioned earlier, it is impressive that around 102 different scientific disciplines have spent over 600,000 hours studying the Shroud, and the great majority of them have concluded that it is indeed 2,000 years old and authentic. The Institute of Crystallography in Italy has confirmed, using wide-angle x-ray scattering technology (WAXS), that the Shroud of Turin is 2,000 years old. Paolo Di Lazzaro of ENEA Laboratory in Italy conducted a five-year study and calculated that it would have taken 34,000 trillion watts of energy, or 1/4th of a billionth of a second, to leave the image on the Shroud. Otherwise, it would have scorched the image and destroyed it. The image is just two or three microns thick and disappears if you get closer than 8 feet (2.5 meters) to the Shroud. This baffles scientists and confirms it's not a work of art or man-made. What Are the Arguments Against Its Authenticity? 1. Radiocarbon Dating In 1988, the Vatican provided three laboratories in different countries with a postage-stamp-sized piece of the Shroud’s linen cloth. Carbon-14 dating from all three laboratories concluded that the cloth had been made sometime between 1260 and 1390 AD, thus indicating that it was not authentic and was a hoax. As a result, this news hit all the news outlets and became a major story. It seemed the Shroud was proven to be a forgery from the Middle Ages. However, some scientists raised doubts about the researchers’ methodology. Recently, it has been verified that the test pieces from the Shroud were from repairs that had been carefully done on a corner of the linen and not from the actual fabric itself. Based on these recent test results, the Vatican encouraged scientists to conduct further investigations of the shroud’s authenticity. In 2022, researchers in Italy published the results of a study in which they used the technique of wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) to analyze a small piece of the shroud. The study concluded that the structural degradations of the Shroud’s linen were “fully compatible” with those of another linen sample dating to 55–74 AD. The 2022 study’s results bolstered the hypothesis that the Shroud of Turin truly is from the time of Christ. 2. Artistic Techniques Critics argue that the image could have been created using medieval methods, such as bas-relief or other artistic techniques. However, recent discoveries and the most recent technology have nullified these claims. 3. The Shroud Lacks Historical Documentation Throughout Its Entire History Some argue that its documented history only begins in 1356 AD, leaving a supposed gap from its beginning until then. An essential fact about the Shroud's history is that it has two distinct periods. The first is before 1356, based on circumstantial evidence, legend, art, and coins. The second is after 1356, when the Shroud's trail is documented and accepted by historians. The Shroud's timeline before 1356 AD is quite verifiable and credible. Legends, art, coins, etc., are commonly valued highly when attempting to verify historical events. This same standard should apply to the Shroud as well. Just because the history from its beginning to 1356 is not documented as well as after that time, does not nullify all the scientific tests done on it. It's a very weak argument against the Shroud's authenticity. Conclusion Whether or not the Shroud is authentic doesn't affect the historicity of Jesus and our faith. We have overwhelming evidence for the existence of Christ and His death and resurrection, so the Shroud isn't needed to prove this. Someone has said that if we stacked the written evidence supporting the Shroud's authenticity, it would reach the ceiling height in a typical house. The evidence against the Shroud's authenticity amounts to a few weak arguments. As mentioned earlier, as of the time of this filming, there is an offer of 1 million dollars to anyone who can replicate the Shroud. No one has been able to do it even using all our modern high-tech technology. With this being the case, it's virtually impossible that the Shroud could be a forgery from the Middle Ages. The Shroud's authenticity is beyond a reasonable doubt and overwhelmingly provides sufficient evidence to convince any modern-day "Doubting Thomas." The DNA of Jesus is not available, so the Shroud can never be 100 percent proven to be his burial cloth. (Although many would argue that the Sudarium of Oviedo provides a blood and stain match.) The fact that the Shroud exists and has been preserved for around 2000 years strongly suggests its high value and supernatural preservation. It is not just any old cloth that endures for millennia if something special isn't going on. Historian John Walsh gives us a good perspective on the Shroud: “The Shroud is either the most awesome and instructive relic of Christ in existence, or it is one of the most ingenious, most unbelievably clever products of the human mind and hand on record. It is either one or the other; there is no middle ground.” After four decades of devoted study to the Shroud of Turin, the French historian Jean-Christian Petitfils is fully convinced that the face unveiled to the world by the Italian photographer Secondo Pia in 1898 is indeed that of Jesus Christ in the tomb. We, at HolyLandSite.com Ministries, are convinced the Shroud is authentic. Faith Lesson for Us Today from the Shroud of Turin 1. Jesus voluntarily submitted to the most horrible manner of death possible to pay for our sins and grant us eternal life. The Shroud provides additional evidence of what Jesus suffered for us. The 120 flogging marks, the 700 or more lacerations, and the beatings show His love. Romans 5:8 says, "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." What about us? Have we received Christ's gift of salvation, and are we grateful for what He did for us? 2. The physical suffering Jesus endured to pay for our sins was overwhelming. However, the spiritual suffering He paid was even greater. What about us? Do we understand how much Jesus loves us and wants to have a relationship with us? 3. Regardless of whether the Shroud of Turin is authentic, we have so much more evidence supporting the death and resurrection of Jesus. What about us? Do we believe the truthfulness of the resurrection of Jesus, or are we skeptical and unbelieving? 4. With the overwhelming evidence that the Shroud is authentic, we are not to worship it in any way. We worship God, not a thing. 5. The evidence for the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin meets the standard of truthfulness beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus, we have an accurate representation of the Face of God. This is amazing! What about us? Does this change our hearts and make us grateful to God for preserving this relic for us to behold today?

See the amazing miracle of the blind man healed at the Pool of Siloam (John 9:1–7). Learn the purposes for sickness, the location, and historical facts about this highly visited site in Jerusalem. Additional sites of interest are: Road from the Pool of Siloam leading up to the southern entrance to the temple (Pilgrims' Road), the southern temple entrance, Gihon Spring, City of David, Temple Mount, Hezekiah's Tunnel Pool of Siloam Photo Gallery Places of Interest Pool of Siloam Location 1. The Pool of Siloam was uncovered in 2004 during a water pipe break. 2. It is in the lower part of the City of David. 3. It was located on a main road that headed up to the Southern Gate entrance to the temple. Historical Background 1. The Pool of Siloam was a large purification mitzvah for the Jewish holy festivals like the Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, Pentecost, etc. 2. The historian, Josephus, who lived during the time of Christ, records that up to a million Jews would make pilgrimages to Jerusalem on these holy festivals. These Jews had to be purified before entering the Temple Mount. 3. It was the size of two Olympic sized swimming pools. 4. It has the same kind of stones and style as the Southern Stairs. 5. Its water source comes from the Gihon Spring in the City of David. 6. The water runs through Hezekiah’s Tunnel, which was built in 700 BC to prevent Jerusalem’s water source from being cut off by the warring army of the Assyrians. Places of Interest 1. Pool of Siloam 2. Pilgrim's Road that went from the Pool of Siloam up to the southern entrances to the temple. As they ascended this road, they would sing the songs of ascent found in Psalms 120-134. 3. Southern temple entrances (Southern Stairs & Robinson's Arch Stairway) 4. Gihon Spring 5. City of David 6. Temple Mount 7. Hezekiah's Tunnel Pool of Siloam in the Bible 1. Jesus performed an amazing miracle here by healing a blind man. John 9:1–7: As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. 2. Why did Jesus make clay out of dirt and His saliva? To possibly show that He was the Creator and formed Adam and Eve out of the dust of the ground. 3. Why the Pool of Siloam? It was a key purification place, and multitudes of people were likely present to witness the miracle. It was an example of living water. John 7:37–38: Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” 4. Confrontation between the blind man and the religious leaders. John 9:28–34: And they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” 30 The man answered, “Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?” And they cast him out. 5. Later this man also received spiritual sight and became a follower of Christ. John 9:35–38: Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. 6. Jesus pronounced judgment on those who refuse the light God gives them. John 9:39–41: Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind .” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.” Faith Lesson from the Pool of Siloam 1. The blind man received physical sight because of Jesus. 2. Later, he would receive spiritual sight as well and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Have we received spiritual sight by being born-again? 3. The blind man was cast out of the synagogue which was an enormous price to pay for a Jew. Are we willing to pay any price to follow Christ? 4. If we refuse the light God gives us, we can become spiritually blind like the Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day. 5. Contrary to what many believe, God does not always heal everyone and has more than one purpose for sickness. Seven Biblical Purposes for Sickness and Ailments 1. Sickness for the glory of God. Example of the blind man Jesus healed at the Pool of Siloam. John 9:3: Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 2. Sickness for disciplining believers living in sin. Example of believers who partook of the Lord’s Supper with sin in their lives. 1 Corinthians 11:30: For this reason, many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. 3. Sickness to keep us humble and dependent on God. Example of the Apostle Paul. 2 Corinthians 12:7: So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 4. Sickness that allows us to glorify God in the midst of our suffering as we show our love and devotion to God despite our problems. Example of the life of Job. Job 13:15: Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. 5. Sickness for transforming us into the image of Christ. Romans 8:28–29: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. 6. Sickness that will develop within us a greater appreciation for heaven and all its pleasures. 2 Corinthians 4:17: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 7. Sickness unto death. Eventually, we’re all going to die regardless of what happens. Example of the great Prophet Elisha.

See how archaeology affirms the truthfulness of the Bible. See all kinds of Bible videos, information, proof, resources, writings, teachings, and more. Archaeology and the Bible

It was 3,000 years ago that King David made the City of David, also known as Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. Later, David would be buried in the City of David. Learn all about the true location that has been lost over the years. Tomb of King David Photo Gallery Places of Interest Tomb of King David True Location Location 1. The place tourists go today to see the Tomb of King David is on the Western Hill at the same location as the Upper Room. This is so because the Crusaders (1095–1291 AD) believed Pentecost took place at the Upper Room and interpreted a verse in Peter's sermon as meaning King David's tomb was at the Upper Room and not in the Jerusalem area: "Brothers, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day" (Acts 2:29). Later, a Jewish Rabbi had a vision that King David's tomb was in the same area so a synagogue was built over the same building as the Upper Room and a casket was placed in it to honor King David. The casket is empty and does not have the bones of David in it. In 1913, Ramond Weill discovered the Tomb of David in the lower part of the City of David and for around 50 years tourists went to that site to see David's Tomb. However, after 1960, the tourists returned again to the location of the Upper Room where they believed the Tomb of David was located. Why did this change occur? We will see why in a moment. 2. The Bible provides quite accurate information regarding the location of the Tomb of David. 1 Kings 2:10: Then David lay down with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David . This verse makes it clear that the Tomb of David was located inside the City of David. The current place where tourists go to see the Tomb of David is not in the City of David but at the upper part of the Western Hill just west of the City of David about .5 miles or 1 km. away. Nehemiah 3:15-16: Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, the official of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He built it, made a roof for it, and installed its doors with its bolts and its bars, and the wall of the Pool of Shelah [Siloam] at the king’s garden as far as the steps that descend from the city of David . 16 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, official of half the district of Beth-zur, made repairs as far as a point opposite the tombs of David , and as far as the artificial pool and the house of the mighty men. These verses add additional clarity that the rebuilding of the walls of the City of David under the leadership of Nehemiah began at the southern tip of the City of David and moved north (uphill) along the eastern side of the city wall. The "steps that descend from the city of David" have not been found but the Pool of Siloam has been. Based upon this location and the section of the wall described in Nehemiah, a Jewish archaeologist named Raymond Weill began digging in this area in 1913. Using around 200 local workers and 30 donkeys, Weill's team cleared the entire area all the way down to bedrock. Weill then found the remains of nine tombs in front of an ancient pool just as the Bible had indicated. The tombs were greatly damaged due to the stones that were quarried out of the site (to rebuild Jerusalem into Aelia Capitolina) later on and the intentional destruction by Roman Emperor Hadrian (135 AD) who tried wiping out the remains of a Jewish presence in the area. However, two of the most important and monumental tombs were clearly visible. The most monumental tomb was identified by Weill as that of King David. It should be noted that only kings were allowed to be buried within the city walls of a city as they were considered royalty and were exempt from obeying Moses' command to bury the dead outside the city walls because they were deemed as unclean. This gives additional weight that supports the most monumental tomb as that of King David. Historical Background 1. As we have seen, Raymond Weill discovered the lost Tomb of David in 1913, and from that time on, this site was the place tourists would come to see David's Tomb. 2. However, this all changed in 1960 when Kathleen Kenyon excavated this site when it was in the authority of Jordan and the Jordan Antiquities Authority. Kathleen's goal was to overturn any Jewish connections to the biblical sites and replace them with different views. She did this in Jericho and other places. She was clearly politically driven and not archaeologically driven. Kathleen's interpretation was that the tombs were cisterns. This is remarkably irresponsible as all the evidence at these sites clearly supports them as being tombs and not cisterns. 3. As a result of Kathleen's interpretation, tourists began going to the site of the first floor of the Upper Room and no longer visit the true site in the City of David. In fact, most tourists don't even know the story behind what has happened and are ignorant as to the location of the true site. Places of Interest 1. Pool of Siloam 2. Tomb 1: King David's Tomb 3. Tomb 2 4. Horizontal Tomb Shaft of Tomb 1 5. Burial niche at the very back of Tomb 1 6. Carved out trough at the back of the Tomb 1 horizontal shaft. This is the likely place where the bones of King David were placed. 7. Quarried Area 8. Ancient 3,000-year-old walls of the City of David 9. Walls Nehemiah repaired that can be seen today 10. Upper Room Faith Lesson from the Tomb of David 1. The importance of the discovery of King David's palace and tomb can be found in Psalm 16.:9-11. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely. 10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. 2. Was David writing about himself or someone else? He couldn't have been writing about himself as he died, his body decayed, and his bones turned to dust. 3. However, God made a promise to David that He would establish a house for him and establish and that there would come someone from his house that would reign forever. This would be the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ who would come from David's house (linage). 2 Samuel 7:11-13: The Lord also declares to you that the Lord will make a house for you. 12 When your days are finished and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever . 4. For around a thousand years after David's death, the Israelites continued to remember this promise given to David and looked for their coming Messiah, the Son of David, who would fulfill this prophecy. Psalm 89:3-4: I have made a covenant with My chosen; I have sworn to My servant David, 4 I will establish your descendants forever and build up your throne to all generations. Psalm 89:35-37: Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David. 36 His descendants shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me. 7 It shall be established forever like the moon, and a witness in the sky is faithful. 5. Christ fulfilled this prophecy. His tomb was empty and Christ never saw decay. He will reign forever and His kingdom will have no end. 6. Have you received Christ as your Lord and Savior and will you be a part of Christ's eternal kingdom?

May 2-18, 2025, In-depth 17-Day Bible-centered Holy Land tour trip to Israel that allows you to see more holy sites in Israel. Holy Land Trip Registration Form May 2~May 18, 2 025 Trip How to Register and Secure Your Spot on the Holy Land Experience Trip 1. Fill out and submit the online registration form below. 2. Upon receiving and accepting your form, we will notify you of availability and acceptance into the tour trip group. 3. Upon acceptance into the group, please pay your $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. Registration Deposit Link Final Paym ent Link CONTACT INFO: Pastor Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website: HolyLandSite.com NEXT STEPS 1. Upon receiving and accepting your form, we will notify you of availability and acceptance into the tour trip group. 2. Upon acceptance into the group, please pay your $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. Registration D eposit Link Final Payment Link 3. In the meantime, check out our video teachings to the left or see other info about Holy Land Trip orientation, etc. CONTACT INFO: Pastor Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website: HolyLandSite.com TOUR HOSTS Dr. Todd & Letsy Fink - Tour Hosts More about the Finks

After feeding the 5,000, Jesus arrived at Gennesaret, which is also called, Ginasor. An amazing discovery was made in 1986 after a long drought in Israel. Two brothers from the local Kibbutz were exploring the shores of the Sea of Galilee. To their surprise and excitement, they stumbled upon what has become one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history—a fully intact First Century Galilean fishing boat. Gennesaret, Ginosar: Jesus Boat Photo Gallery Places of Interest Gennesaret, Ginosar: Jesus Boat at Yigal Allon Museum Introduction Welcome to Gennesaret (Ginosar). Many significant events from the Bible took place here. Here are the highlights. 1. After Jesus fed the 5,000, walked on water, and calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, they landed at the beach here at Gennesaret. 2. Jesus healed many sick here. 3. It has an ancient boat discovered in 1986 called the "Jesus Boat," dating back to the time of Jesus. 4. The Jesus Boat is located inside the Yigal Allon Museum here. 5. From the boat dock here, you can take a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Location 1. Gennesaret, also called Ginosar, lies on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee north of Magda in the Ginosar Valley. 2. The beautiful countryside and rich farmlands have caused the area to be called the Paradise of the Galilee. 3. During Jesus' lifetime, Ginosar was a prosperous town known as Gennesaret, and the name Ginosar appears in the New Testament. 4. Ginosar was an ancient city that has been excavated. Today, Ginosar is home to Kibbutz Ginosar. The main attractions in Ginosar are the Yigal Allon Museum, which houses what has become known as the Jesus Boat, and the place from where boats today depart and arrive for those taking boat rides on the Sea of Galilee. Historical Background of Gennesaret or Ginasor 1. The name Ginosar is the Hebrew pronunciation of the name of the ancient town Gennesaret. Josephus Flavius, the famous Holly Land historian, described it as a place of fertile soil (in its Hebrew version, the name Ginosar means "rich garden"). The town is mentioned several times in the New Testament. 2. The name may originate from the Hebrew word kinnor ("harp" or "lyre") - which the lake's shape resembles. It has also been called the Lake of Gennesaret or the Sea of Gennesaret ( Luke 5:1) after the name of a small fruitful plain that lies on its western side. 3. In the Bible, Ginosar is called Kinneret, Chinnereth, or Chinneroth. It is also called Dalmanutha in the Gospel of Mark. Three thousand years ago, the town was so prominent it gave its name to the adjacent lake- Lake Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee). Kinneret is mentioned in the Book of Joshua, the Book of Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The name changed over the years to Gennesaret, and finally, at some time in the 1st century AD, the name was romanized to be called Ginosar. In the Talmud, the sages praise the fertile lands and abundant produce in Ginosar. Gennesaret was also described by the Roman historian Josephus Flavius as a land of fertile soil. Archaeological findings show that the ancient town was home to Jews and believers of a polytheistic religion living side by side. The Jesus Boat at the Yigal Allon Museum In 1986, two brothers from the Kibbutz discovered the remains of an ancient boat on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. The boat measured 27 feet long by 7.5 feet wide and was constructed of ten different kinds of wood. It was designed for fishing close to the shore. The extraction and preservation process of the boat was long and complex. The boat was retrieved and preserved; carbon dating determined that the boat came from 100 BC - 70 AD. This means that it is one of the same boats used by fishermen during Jesus' lifetime. Indeed, it fits the many descriptions of boats from the Bible, as the one mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. A sign that the boat relates to sacred times was given at the time of its discovery: the two brothers who discovered the boat reported seeing a double rainbow in the sky on the same day. Places of Interest (Please See Maps Above) 1. Feeding of the 5,000 location 2. Mountain upon which Jesus prayed 3. Departure beach 4. Bethsaida 5. Capernaum 6. Place Jesus walked on water 7. Gennesaret 8. Sea of Galilee Gennesaret in the Bible 1. Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand on the Eastern Side of the Sea of Galilee Matthew 14:13-21: Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. 2. Jesus Walks on the Water Matthew 14:22-33: Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat wor shiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” 3. Jesus Heals the Sick in Gennesaret, on the Western Side of the Sea of Galilee Matthew 14:34–36: And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret . 35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick 36 and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well. Faith Lesson 1. Jesus embedded in the lives of His disciples that He was God. Do we believe in the deity of Christ and that He was God in the flesh? 2. Like Peter and the disciples, are we of little faith sometimes? 3. Like the disciples, we are often surrounded by serious problems. Do we realize Jesus cares for us during our storms? 4. Like the disciples, we can often feel tired and alone in our trials and problems. Do we understand that we are not alone and that God is caring for us? 5. Peter walked on the water for a moment and then took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm. Therefore, he sank into the water. Do we understand that to navigate the storms in our lives, we must keep our eyes on Jesus despite the raging problems around us? 6. It appears Jesus sent the storm to teach His disciples who He was and their need for faith in Him. Do we understand that Jesus also sends us storms to teach us the same truths? 7. Jesus and the disciples often had long days of exhausting ministry. Are we willing to do the same?