Sepphoris was a city nearby to Nazareth where Jesus likely worked as a carpenter as a young man. It was a sophisticated Roman city with all the luxuries of modern life. It included a network of colonnaded paved streets, markets, residential houses, public buildings, bathhouses, a theater, and a synagogue. After the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, Sepphoris became a center of Jewish learning and the seat of the Sanhedrin high court. The Mishnah (Jewish oral law), was first compiled here. Sepphoris (Tsipori, Zippori) Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Sepphoris Overview Location 1. Sepphoris is located about 4 miles (6 km.) northwest of Nazareth, about 14 miles (23 km.) from the Mediterranean Sea, and about 15 miles (25 km.) from the Sea of Galilee. 2. Because of its close proximity to Nazareth, it was easily accessible by Jesus and His earthy father, Joseph. Historical Background 1. The city started to grow during the 2nd Century BC under Greek rule. 2. Later, under Roman rule during the time of Christ, Herod Antipas (the son of Herod the Great) invested in it significantly and made it “the ornament of Galilee.” It was a sophisticated Roman city with all the luxuries of modern life at that time. It included a network of colonnaded paved streets, markets, residential houses, public buildings, bathhouses, a theater, and a synagogue. 3. Sepphoris rose to recognized status during the century before Christ because it was located right on one of the main trade routes linking Africa with Europe and Asia called "The Via Maris" (way of the sea). Therefore, it was a wealthy city. 4. It was also a military city guarded well by Roman troops. 5. Sepphoris was the capital of the Galilee area during the time of Christ. 6. In order to rebuild the city, Herod Antipas used a massive workforce. 7. Because Nazareth was so close to Sepphoris, and because Jesus was a Tekton (Greek for a construction worker of various types), Jesus and His early father, Joseph, undoubtedly worked here. 8. So, in part, it’s also where Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). 9. Because it was mainly a Jewish city, it was given its Hebrew name, Zippori, because it sits on a hilltop like a bird (Zippor). 10. Sepphoris is also known as the Mosaic City, as some of the best mosaics in all of Israel are found here. More than 40 mosaic floors reveal the bustling life of a Roman city and the luxury it afforded. 11. After Herod’s death in 4 BC, the Roman army put down a rebellion of Jewish rebels led by a man named Judas. These rebels numbering several thousand were killed; however, according to Josephus, 2,000 of them were kept alive to be crucified on its streets and close-by roads in the area. These mass crucifixions were carried out to instill fear in others who might consider rebelling against Roman rule. 12. Sepphoris did not join the Jewish rebellion in 66-70 AD and was therefore spared destruction. 13. After the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, Sepphoris became a center of Jewish learning and seat of the Sanhedrin supreme court. The Mishnah, the first authoritative collection of Jewish oral law, was compiled here. 14. Sepphoris witnessed Byzantine, Crusader, and Ottoman rule in the centuries following. Places of Interest (Please See Maps Above) 1. Park Entrance 2. Water source 3. Decumanus Street 4. Nile House with many mosaics 5. Cardo 6. Public building 7. Dionysus (god of wine) Building with mosaics 8. Fortress 9. Residential area 10. Theater 11. Synagogue Sepphoris in the Bible While Sepphoris is not mentioned in the Bible, it is significant for several reasons: 1. It was close-by to Nazareth and employed many carpenters. Because Jesus was a construction worker, it's very likely Jesus worked here before starting His earthly ministry. 2. After the death of Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, Christ became the chief financial provider for His family. Christ was very responsible in caring for His family and expects us to do the same. 2 Thessalonians 3:10–11: For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies John 19:26–27: When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. 3. It appears Jesus used references about this city in His teachings. Matthew 5:14–15: You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Sepphoris was certainly a city on a hill. In fact, that’s what the name of this city means. Matthew 6:2–4: Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you; they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. The word for actor in Greek is “hypocrite.” Because these actors would walk the streets sounding their horns to advertise an upcoming event at the city theater, Jesus used them as an example of what not to do when giving to others and serving God. 4. Jesus likely used the example of the mass crucifixion carried out by the Romans against the Jewish revolt here to teach about the cost of being His disciple. Mark 8:34–38: And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Christ taught about the cost of following him in several places during His ministry. In this account in Mark, He was teaching in the upper Galilee area at Caesarea Philippi, which is not far from Sepphoris. It's very likely that Christ’s audience would have personally witnessed the crucifixions here in Sepphoris or seen others. To the Jewish mind, Christ’s teaching would have sent a powerful and sober message of what Christ was asking of His followers. He was calling for total commitment, even commitment to death. Christ also used the imagery of crucifixion to teach us how we should daily crucify our personal desires that are contrary to God’s desires. Sepphoris was certainly an adulterous and sinful city that Christ probably referred to in Mark 8:38. Faith Lesson from Sepphoris 1. Jesus was a hard worker. Are we hard workers as well? 2. Jesus provided for His family after the death of His earthy father. He also took care of His mother’s future needs as He was being crucified. Do we provide and take care of our family members? 3. Jesus was undoubtedly good at what He did as a construction worker. Do we develop our skills to be good at what we do as well? 4. We should emulate Jesus in not only His spiritual side but also in His work ethic, work skills, and family responsibilities. 5. Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man prior to His earthly ministry. Are we doing the same? 6. Jesus likely used Sepphoris as an example of how we should be lights on a hill. Are we letting our lights shine brightly, or are we dim lights to those who know and see us? 7. Jesus likely used the actors in Sepphoris who blew their loud trumpets as an example of what we should not do when we give and serve God. Do we serve for God’s glory alone, or do we serve for the praise and esteem of others?

Videos About Biblical Bethel In Israel. Only Jerusalem is mentioned more than Bethel in the Bible. Bethel (Beit El) is an amazing place. Bethel (also called Luz) is in the Samaria region about 10 miles (17 km.) north of Jerusalem. Bethel stood at several main crossroads in Israel. It was on the main north-south road that passed through the central hill country from Hebron in the south to Shechem in the north, and it was on the main east-west route leading from Jericho to the Mediterranean Sea. Bethel (Beit El) Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Bethel Introduction There were three locations at Bethel where significant events in the Bible occurred. 1. Lower place east of the town of Bethel. This is where Abraham built one of the first altars mentioned in the Bible, and there he “invoked the name of the Lord.” After Abraham fled to Egypt to escape a famine in the Holy Land, he returned to the same place near Bethel and invoked the name of the Lord once more. 2. High Place west of Bethel When Jacob was fleeing from his brother Esau, he stopped for the night at Bethel, where he had a dream. Bethel was a place where the Tabernacle resided for some time during the period of the Judges. After the Kingdom of Israel was divided, Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom, set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan. 3. Town of Bethel. Jacob moved to Bethel to live after he returned to the Holy Land. God spoke to him and changed his name from Jacob to Israel. Location 1. Bethel (originally called Luz in the Bible) is in the hill country of the Samaria region, about 10 miles (17 km) north of Jerusalem. 2. Bethel stood at several main crossroads in Israel. It was on the main north-south road that ran through the central hill country from Hebron in the south to Shechem in the north, and on the main east-west route leading from Jericho to the Mediterranean Sea. 3. In addition to the main city of Bethel, which today is called Baytin or Beit El, there are two other key sites close to the main city of Bethel. The first is the original place where Abraham and Jacob pitched their tents and erected altars. This is located just outside Bethel, toward the east, a short distance away. The second is the high place of worship. It's about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) north of the main city of Bethel. It's one of the highest places in Israel, sitting at an elevation of 2,900 ft. (886 m.). For this reason, it was a place of worship for both God and false gods. It's believed the tabernacle resided here for some time during the period of the Judges and was the place where Jeroboam set up one of his Golden-Calf altars after the Kingdom of Israel divided. Today, this high place of worship has been recognized by the Israeli government and is called Khalom Ya'akov Antiquities Site. It's fenced and secured. Historical Background 1. Bethel is mentioned sixty times in the Bible, representing over thirty distinct stories and prophecies, all found in the Old Testament. Only Jerusalem is mentioned more times in the Bible than Bethel. 2. Bethel means “House of God.” 3. The site of Bethel, the nearby sites of Abraham and Jacob, and the high place are all holy to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. They have artifacts, buildings, tombs, and ruins pertaining to each religion. Places of Interest 1. The site where Abraham and Jacob pitched their tents and built altars. There are ruins at this site which provide strong evidence that this was the place Abraham and Jacob pitched their tents and built altars. Later, a Byzantine church was erected here, marking this spot. Jerome (347-420 AD), an early Christian leader, confirms this. He wrote the following about this site: "There is also a church built where Jacob slept as he passed to Mesopotamia." 2. The original city of Bethel. This site was once excavated, revealing walls, buildings, and the remains of ancient Bethel. It has since been abandoned and filled in by residents of the area. However, some remains can still be seen in various places. 3. The high place of worship. 1. Muslim Prayer Shrine 2. Crusader Chapel 3. A 1,000-year-old oak tree and other ancient trees (trees were never cut at holy sites). 4. Walls of a Byzantine Church 5. Walls & towers of protection – these would have been used during times of war between Judah and Israel after the nation divided. 6. Burial Tombs 7. Ruins of a foundation measuring the exact size of the tabernacle. 8. Jeroboam’s Golden-Calf Altar Bethel in the Bible 1. It was near Bethel that Abraham built one of the first altars mentioned in the Bible, and there he “invoked the name of the Lord.” Genesis 12:8: From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD. 2. After Abraham fled to Egypt to escape a famine in the Holy Land, he returned to the same place near Bethel, and once again invoked the name of the Lord. Genesis 13:2–4: Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. 3 And he journeyed on from the Negev as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 4 to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the LORD. 3. When Jacob was fleeing from his brother Esau, he stopped for the night at Bethel, where he had a dream. Genesis 28:10–22: Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11 And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! 13 And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. 14 Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” 17 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” 18 So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. 19 He called the name of that place Bethel , but the name of the city was Luz at the first. 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, 21 so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God, 22 and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.” 4. When Jacob was in Paddan-aram, God told him to return to the land of Israel. Genesis 31:13: I am the God of Bethel , where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me; now arise, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth. 5. After Jacob returned to the Holy Land, he moved to Bethel to live. God spoke to him and changed his name from Jacob to Israel. Genesis 35:1: Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” Genesis 35:9-15: Then God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Paddan-aram, and He blessed him. 10 God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” Thus, He called him Israel. 11 God also said to him, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come forth from you. 12 The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give it to you, and I will give the land to your descendants after you.” 13 Then God went up from him in the place where He had spoken with him. 14 Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He had spoken with him, a pillar of stone, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. 15 So Jacob named the place where God had spoken with him, Bethel . 6. Bethel was a place where the Tabernacle resided for some time during the period of the Judges. Judges 20:26–27: Then all the people of Israel, the whole army, went up and came to Bethel and wept. They sat there before the LORD and fasted that day until evening, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. 27 And the people of Israel inquired of the LORD (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days ). 7. After the Kingdom of Israel was divided, Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom, set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan. 1 Kings 12:26–29: And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 29 And he set one in Bethel , and the other he put in Dan. 8. God warned Jeroboam about erecting the golden calves at Bethel. Jeroboam’s arm withered and was then restored by a prophet to show Jeroboam that God was serious about his great sin. However, Jeroboam did not heed God’s warning (1 Kings 13:1–34). 9. The continual disobedience of Jeroboam and the succeeding kings sealed the fate of Bethel. By the time of Jesus’ birth, Bethel had faded into obscurity and was not mentioned in the New Testament. 10. Josiah, a righteous king, destroyed the Golden-Calf Altar that Jeroboam had erected at Bethel. 2 Kings 23:15: Moreover, the altar at Bethel , the high place erected by Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, that altar with the high place he pulled down and burned, reducing it to dust. He also burned the Asherah. 11. Just before Elijah ascended to heaven, he and Elisha were in Bethel. 2 Kings 2:1–3: Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel .” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he said, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.” 12. After Assyria conquered and exiled the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the king of Assyria sent one of the captured Israelite priests back to Bethel to teach the people from other nations who lived in Israel how to worship Yahweh, the true and living God (2 Kings 17:24–41). Faith Lesson from Bethel 1. Bethel was a place of two different kinds of responses to God. It was a place where Abraham and Jacob had special encounters with God and worshiped Him, and where the Ark of the Covenant dwelt, representing the presence and glory of God. Unfortunately, it also represents a place of disobedience to God and the worship of false gods and idols. 2. We could learn a great lesson from this biblical site of Bethel. 3. Are we going to be like those who worshiped and obeyed God, or like those who disobeyed and worshiped their own desires and plans?

If you want an in-depth Bible-centered trip and see more holy sites in Israel than other tours, then this trip is designed for you. Holy Land Trips Final Payment Secure Payment Link Holy Land Trip Final Payment To complete your final deposit payment, please send your payment of $1,650 by either credit card, PayPal, or check. Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If paying by credit card or PayPal, a 4% fee is added to your total amount due to fees charged by the credit card and PayPal providers. If paying by credit card or PayPal, click the button below. PayPal does not require you to create a PayPal account to use your credit card. $1,650.00 Final Payment Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If paying by check, please send your check to the following address: Holy Land Site (Make checks payable to: Holy Land Site) 6945 Burnett St., SE Salem, OR, 97317-5202 (Using regular mail is preferred as there's not always someone available to sign for certified mail).

This video provides the most comprehensive and complete evidence that proves the original temple of Solomon, and the rebuilt temples of Zerubbabel and Herod the Great, were located on the Temple Mount, exactly where the Dome of the Rock is today. Today, some are promoting the theory that the Temple was in the City of David and that the Temple Mount was a Roman Fort. We will answer each of their arguments with facts, the Bible, archeology, and eyewitness accounts. Temple Location Photo Gallery Places of Interest Temple Mount Location Location 1. Archaeological discoveries now reveal the location of the original temple and Temple Mount Platform location of Solomon, Hezekiah, Zerubbabel, the Hasmoneans, and Herod's temple, wherein Christ ministered. 2. Today, a growing number of people claim that the temple and Temple Mount were located in the City of David. This is simply not true. Therefore, we will attempt to show, from Scripture, historical, archaeological, and practical reasons, why their claims are untrue. 3. The Temple Mount is located on the eastern side of Old City Jerusalem 4. It occupies 1/6 of the current city. 5. It is 35 acres (14 hectares) in size, the equivalent of 35 football fields. Historical Background 1. The Temple Mount has played a “center stage” role for much of Israel’s history and has functioned as the center of God’s dwelling place and ministry on this earth. 2. About one-tenth of all the stories about Jesus took place on the Temple Mount. 3. It will play a key part during the Millennial Reign of Christ on the earth as well. 4. God has chosen to focus His presence and attention there like a laser beam from heaven, like no other place. 5. Solomon built the first temple around 960 BC, which the Babylonians destroyed in 586 BC. 6. The second temple Zerubbabel oversaw after the deportation and return of the Jews. It was dedicated in 515 BC. 7. The Hasmoneans enlarged the Temple Mount to the south around 140 BC. 8. King Herod enlarged the Temple Mount and rebuilt the temple that Zerubbabel had built around 19 BC. It would seem that this would be called the third temple, but because Herod built a new temple over it and then removed the old one inside, it is still referred to as the second temple. Following is a 10-part series done by Leen Ritmeyer, who is probably the leading archaeologist on the Temple Mount and its history: 1. Mount Moriah 2. The Temple Mount During the Jebusite Period 3. The Temple Mount During the Time of Solomon 4. The Temple Mount During the time of King Hezekiah 5. The Temple Mount During the Times of Ezra and Nehemiah 6. The Temple Mount During the Hellenistic and Hasmonean Periods 7. The Temple Mount During the Herodian Period 8. The Temple Mount During the Roman Period 9. The Temple Mount During the Byzantine Period 10. The Temple Mount in the Early Muslim Period Places of Interest 1 . Location of Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform. Archaeological, historical, and eyewitness accounts place the location of the first and second temples directly on top of the Dome of the Rock. According to the Mishnah (Jewish writings about different aspects of Jewish laws, customs, measurements, and so forth), the original Temple Mount Platform measured 500 cubits square. Using the royal cubit, which was the standard measurement of the time (20.67 inches, or 525 mm long), Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform measured 861 feet, or 262.5 meters, in length. Amazingly, evidence supports these exact measurements on each side of Solomon's original platform. 2. The Southwest corner of the original Temple Mount Platform that Solomon built. This can be located by archaeology at Barclay's Gate. 3. Western side of original platform. Warren's Gate: Evidence can be seen by an additional gate called “Warren’s Gate,” which can be found butted up against the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform beneath the platform surface. Western Wall location today. 4. Dome of the Rock Platform Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform was at approximately the same level. 5. Northwestern Corner of Solomon's Original Temple Platform Evidence from massive stones dating back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah is visible today. They run parallel with the Eastern Wall. The boss can't be seen today as it has been covered with stone tiles, but photos from the 1960s show the boss. The boss style is from the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. This same style of stone can be seen at the base of the Eastern Gate. The distance from this corner to the eastern wall of the Temple Mount platform is exactly 500 cubits, 861 ft., or 262.5 m. 6. Antonia Fortress The Jewish historian Josephus writes that it was built on bedrock. You can see the bedrock on which it was built. Currently, a grade school is located there. On the steps leading up from the Temple Mount to the Antonia Fortress, Paul addressed the crowd below. Acts 21:34-36: Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps , he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!” The rock face has holes or sockets where beams were attached for the portico that ran along its southern side. 7. Northern Side of the Original Temple Mount Platform This is on the same line as the northern part of the Dome of the Rock platform today. Evidence of a pre-Herodian wall was found underground by cistern 29. 8. Eastern Side of the Original Temple Mount Platform Just north of where the northern wall of the 500-cubit mount platform meets the Eastern Wall, we find an offset in the wall located 68 feet, or 20.73 meters, to the north. This offset indicates that a tower once stood at this corner for protection purposes. Measuring from where the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform meets the Eastern Wall, we find a curious bend in the wall at exactly 861 feet or 262.5 meters. This bend in the wall resulted from later construction added to the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform during the Hasmonean period, around 140 BC. Their construction used a slightly different angle than the original platform. Also, there is a change in the stone style. The stones after the bend have a boss shape that dates to the Hasmonean period. The stone positioning and configurations also indicate that a corner was once located at this bend in the wall. Farther down the Eastern Wall, we see a seam in the construction. The stone styles change, and the stones are butted against one another. This marks the beginning of Herod the Great's expansion of the Temple Mount Platform. 9. Eastern Gate In the Eastern Gate area, we also see ancient stones with boss shapes that date back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. It is worth noting that the location of the Eastern Wall remained unchanged throughout the entire history of the Temple Mount. This is due to the Kidron Valley and its steep decline on this side. So, again, these ancient stones reveal that the Eastern side of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform dates back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. 10. Solomon's Portico Important gathering place. Acts 5:12: Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico . 11. Muslim Excavations In 1999, when the WAQF, the Jordanian body that retains authority over the Temple Mount and other Muslim holy places, used bulldozers to remove some 10,000 tons of dirt (400 dump truck loads) from the area known as King Solomon’s Stables to create an emergency exit for the Marwani Mosque, which can accommodate 10,000 people. This was dumped in the Kidron Valley. Israelis took this dirt to a location on Mount Scopus, where it is now being sifted. This is known as the "Sifting Project." Its contents reveal overwhelming evidence that the Temple Mount is the authentic location of the original temple. The original stone tiles of Herod's renovated Temple Mount Platform have been found. Until 1920, Muslim pamphlets describing the Dome of the Rock stated that it was built directly over the site where the original temple once stood. Today, the stairs descend to the Al-Marwani Mosque, inaugurated in 1996, located under the Temple Mount in the area once called Solomon's Stables by the Crusaders. 12. Royal Stoa It is most likely that Pentecost happened at the southern end of the Temple Mount in the area of the Royal Stoa. It is unlikely that Pentecost occurred in the Upper Room as a multitude gathered and witnessed this astounding event. The Upper Room couldn’t have handled such a large crowd of 15,000–30,000. Scripture says the coming of the Holy Spirit filled a house. It doesn’t mention the Upper Room. In many places in the Bible, the temple is referred to as the House of the Lord or just the house. The Hebrew word for "house" in Acts 2:2 is "Har Ha Bait," which means "the mountain of THE house," or "the dwelling place of God." "House" can also refer to just a covered area. At the southern side of the Temple Mount, just above the Southern Stairs, was the Royal Stoa. The coming of the Holy Spirit happened at 9:00 a.m., which was the time of morning prayers at the temple. The disciples frequently visited the temple during these times of prayer. The Temple Mount and Southern Stair area could easily have accommodated the large crowd of 15,000–30,000 who gathered at Pentecost. Acts 2:41 says 3,000 were saved and baptized. Around the Southern Stairs are many mikveh cleansing pools that could have been used to baptize those who were saved. The southern part of the Temple Mount would have been a natural place for Pentecost to occur, as it was a center of public activity. The Upper Room area was a residential neighborhood, and there's no reason 15,000-30,000 people would have been there when the events of Pentecost happened that drew such a large crowd. This area also had all the mikvehs necessary for baptizing and space to handle such a large crowd. 13. Southern Stairs Area 14. South end of the Temple Mount Platform: slightly different length, measured 495 cubits, 853 ft., 260 m. It's believed that this was due to the Ophel rise, which made it difficult to build over. 15. Al Aqsa Mosque It was built around 685 to 715 AD. It has been rebuilt and restored many times. When the Crusaders were in control, they referred to it as "The Temple of Solomon." Only Muslims are allowed inside. The Israeli police may enter only if necessary. The mosque can hold around 5,000 people. 16. Ancient Stone Steps These are original stones from the time of Herod or earlier, which would have been steps leading from the Court of the Gentiles to the Outer Court of the Temple. 17. Dome of the Rock It was built in 691 AD. It sits exactly over where the original temples stood. Inside is a square that is the shape of the Ark of the Covenant. When the Crusaders were in control, they referred to it as "The Temple of the Lord." It is a Muslim shrine today. Only Muslims may enter. All others by permission only. 18. Recycled Decorated Stone from a Byzantine Church This is found at the base of the Dome of the Rock, just to the right of the main entrance facing east. This was placed here during Turkish times. It has some crosses that have been scratched away. 19. Baptistry Chapel from the Byzantine Period The baptismal tank is near the chapel. 20. The Temple Treasury Located on the north side of the Temple sanctuary. The most notable words of Jesus in this location are “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32), and ‘Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). About one-tenth of all the stories about Jesus took place on the Temple Mount. 21. Dome of the Spirits Also known as the Dome of the Tablets, this small dome was constructed around 950 AD during the Muslim Umayyad Period. One theory suggests that it is located above the “Spirits Cave,” where the spirits of the dead gather for prayer. Another theory claims that it is called the Dome of the Tablets, referring to the tablets that were kept inside the Ark of the Covenant, implying that this might be the location of the Holy of Holies – a theory with which most scholars disagree. It was built on a large Herodian paving stone, which measures 12 feet (3.70m) by 11.5 feet (3.50m). According to Warren’s survey maps, it is situated approximately 10 feet (3m) above the natural bedrock. It was part of the pavement that was laid north of the buildings that surrounded the Temple. 22. Original Temple Location Holy of Holies According to the Mishnah, only a rectangular depression in the bedrock remained where the Ark once stood. This exact shape has been identified inside the Dome of the Rock. Holy Place Altar Nicanor Gate/Beautiful Gate Inner Court Outer Court Court of the Gentiles 23. Dome of the Chain Located just east of the Dome of the Rock, this would be the place where the Holy Place of the original temples was located. 24. Dome of the Prophet Located just northwest of the Dome of the Rock Built in 1539 AD, it is traditionally believed that on this spot, Muhammad led the former Jewish prophets (including Jesus) and angels in prayer on the night he ascended into heaven. 25. Dome of the Ascension Located just north of the Dome of the Prophet. It was built sometime between the 7th and 10th centuries AD. Some believe it was built on the spot from which Muhammad ascended into Heaven on his night journey. The Original Temple Mount Platform Location 1. It was not in the City of David but on Mount Moriah, where the Temple Mount Platform is today. After Solomon built the temple, he brought the Ark of the Covenant out of the City of David to the temple on Mt. Moriah. 2 Chronicles 5:2: "Then Solomon assembled to Jerusalem the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ households of the sons of Israel, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the City of David , which is Zion." 2. The Northern Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform According to the Mishnah (Jewish writings about different aspects of Jewish laws, customs, measurements, and so forth), the original Temple Mount Platform measured 500 cubits square. Using the royal cubit, which was the universal measurement of these times, would be 861 feet, or 262.4 m eters in length. Amazingly, the measurement from the corner of this Pre-Herodian stone step is exactly 861 feet or 262.4 meters to the Eastern Wall. This northern edge of the original Temple Mount Platform also aligns with the current Dome of the Rock Platform. Additional evidence of a pre-Herodian wall can also be found underground by cistern 29. Considering these factors, we now have strong evidence of the location of the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Next, we come to the Eastern Wall. Just north of where the northern wall of the 500-cubit mount platform meets the eastern wall, we find an offset in the wall located 68 feet, or 20.73 meters, to the north. This offset indicates that a tower once stood at this corner for protection purposes. 3. The Eastern Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform Measuring from where the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform meets the Eastern wall, we find a curious bend in the wall at exactly 861 feet or 262.5 meters. This bend in the wall resulted from later construction added to the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform during the Hasmonean period, around 140 BC. Their construction used a slightly different angle than the original platform. Also, there is a change in the stone style. The stones after the bend have a boss shape that dates to the Hasmonean period. The stone positioning and configurations also indicate that a corner was once located at this bend in the wall. This archaeological evidence reveals that this point was the corner of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Again, this section of the Eastern Wall measures exactly 861 feet, or 262.5 meters, which is 500 cubits. In this Eastern Gate area, we also see ancient stones with boss shapes that date back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. It should be noted that the Eastern Wall location remained unchanged throughout the entire history of the Temple Mount. This is due to the Kidron Valley and its steep decline on this side. So, again, these ancient stones reveal that the Eastern side of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform dates back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. 4. The Southern Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform Next, we’ll look at the southern wall of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Measuring 495 Cubits, 853 feet, 260 meters from the southwest corner of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform, which has a bend in the wall, we come to the entrance of Barclay’s Gate. This gate was built later by Herod and was butted up against the southern wall of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. This slightly different measurement amounts to less than 1% and was probably the result of the two corners being obscured by the elevation of Mt. Moriah between them. 5. The Western Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform The Western Wall section of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform can be located by the established corners of the northwest and southwest corners and measures exactly 861 feet (262.5 meters). Additionally, the Excavations of Barclay's Gate show this corner as well. More evidence can be seen by an additional gate called “Warren’s Gate,” which can be found butted up against the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. In summary, we see overwhelming evidence of the original 500-cubit-square Temple Mount Platform. Evidence of the Enlargements of the Temple Mount Platform We can also see the evidence of the Hasmonean and Herodian additions to the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Hasmonian Enlargement In around 141 BC, the Hasmoneans added a section to the southern part of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Again, this is evident in the bend of the Eastern Wall and the varied stone styles employed. Herod the Great Enlargement Herod the Great embarked on a massive expansion of the Temple Mount Platform around 19 BC. Josephus, the Jewish historian who lived around the time of Christ, describes how he doubled the size of the Temple Mount after the Hasmonean expansion. He enlarged it to the south, west, and north. Today, we see this evidence throughout the expansion sections. One key place is the expansion of the southern part of the Eastern Wall. A notable seam in the wall reveals Herod’s expansion, which was added to the Hasmonean expansion. This seam clearly shows the change from Hasmonean to Herodian stone styles. The location and configuration of the Hasmonean and Herodian stones indicate that this was once a corner. Additionally, the Herodian stones along the Western Wall section attest to Herod’s expansion on this side. Additionally, at the northern wall of the Temple Mount are holes that indicate the location of a former portico. Again, the Eastern Wall of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform was never altered; it was merely repaired and extended to the southern end. Evidence Inside the Dome of the Rock T he location of the original temples can also be established with certainty. Inside the Dome of the Rock is the highest point of Mt. Moriah. On this massive stone, a cut-out square can be seen that once housed the Ark of the Covenant, and to the sides, the foundations of the Holy of Holies. It should be noted that the altar that David purchased from Arunah the Jebusite was just east of the top of the mountain in a flatter area. Here you can see where the altar would have been located in relation to the rock inside the Dome of the Rock. How Was the Temple Mount Supplied with Water for Sacrifices and Purification Needs? 1. The requirement for living water was only needed for three purposes: (1) defilement by a corpse (Num. 19:17), (2) by a non-routine bodily discharge (Lev. 15:11), or (3) by leprosy (Lev. 14:5, 50). In these instances, part of the purification process requires the use of water that flows continuously. In all other cases of defilement, purification is accomplished by washing in water, without requiring running water. 2. There were massive cisterns on the Temple Mount (around 37), totaling more than 10.5 million gallons or over 40 million liters of water. Many of these cisterns date to the time of Solomon, Hezekiah, and Zerubbabel. 3. There are around 16 cisterns that are in the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform Solomon and Hezekiah built. All these water sources supplied more than enough water for the temple's use. 4. There were other large pools north of the Temple Mount as well. The need for living water was met by the close-by pools that had living water running through them (for example, the Pools of Bethesda, Pool of Siloam, and the Pool of Israel). These three pools alone provided over 54 million gallons, or approximately 205 million liters, of water. 5. A recent discovery close to the southwestern side of the Temple Mount shows a massive cistern that was fed from water from the Tyropean Valley. 6. There were aqueducts from Bethlehem to the Temple Mount that existed in at least 250 BC that supplied living water to the temple. Many archaeologists believe that the aqueducts date back to the time of Solomon. 7. There are 50-plus mikvehs on the southern steps and on the west side of the Temple Mount. The Temple Mount in the Bible 1. The Temple Mount is also called Mount Moriah and was the place where Abraham was to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. Genesis 22:1–2: After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." 2 He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." 2. King David purchased the original Temple Mount when it was a threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 21:18: Now the angel of the LORD had commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and raise an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan [also called Araunah] the Jebusite. 3. King Solomon then built the Temple in this exact location. 2 Chronicles 3:1: Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to David his father, at the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 4. During the dedication of Solomon’s temple, the glory of the Lord filled it in such a way that the priests had to suspend their activities until God’s glory subsided. 1 Kings 8:10–11: And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. 5. The prophets spoke to the nation of Israel from the Temple Mount. 6. The first temple was destroyed in 586 BC by Babylon because of Israel’s continued disobedience to God. 2 Kings 24:10: At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. 7. The temple was rebuilt again from 538-515 BC under Zerubbabel. Ezra 6:3: In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. Its height shall be sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits. 8. Nehemiah rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem in 444 BC. Nehemiah 2:17: Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision. 9. The Temple Mount was enlarged enormously by King Herod in 19 BC to the size it is today. God, in His sovereignty, made the Temple Mount large enough to accommodate the crowds Jesus would teach, the 3,000 saved at Pentecost, the 5,000 saved in Acts 4, and a place where the Early Church could meet and grow. 10. Herod also made the temple more beautiful than any before it, and it was three times bigger than the current Dome of the Rock. 11. Zachariah received the vision of having a son, John the Baptist, while serving at the temple. Luke 1:13: But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” 12. Jesus was dedicated to the Lord at the temple. Luke 2:22: And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 13. At the age of 12, Jesus appeared and dialogued with the religious leaders at the temple. Luke 2:46–47: After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 14. The temple was where the Devil tempted Christ to throw himself down headlong. Luke 4:9–12: And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' 11 and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" 12 And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 15. Christ taught at the temple frequently. Luke 19:47: And he was teaching daily in the temple. 16. Christ drove out the moneychangers on the Temple Mount. Mark 11:15–17: And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." 17. Christ was tried before Pilate close by at Herod's Palace. 18. Next to the Temple Mount, at the Southern Stairs, is the likely place where Pentecost took place, 3,000 were saved, and the Early Church was born. Acts 2:41: Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 19. A lame man was healed on the Temple Mount by Peter and John, causing 5,000 men to be saved. Acts 3:1–8: Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. Acts 4:4: But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. 20. The Temple Mount became the meeting place of the Early Church. Acts 2:46–47: And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 21. Close to the Temple Mount, Stephen was martyred (Acts 7). 22. Because Israel rejected Christ as their Messiah, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount were destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans. Luke 19:41–44: And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation. 23. The Anti-Christ will commit the abomination of desolation on the Temple Mount during the middle of the Tribulation Period. 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4: Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God , displaying himself as being God. 24. Christ will reign from the Temple Mount (along with believers) for 1,000 years after the Tribulation Period. Revelation 20:6: Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Faith Lesson from the Temple Mount 1. In the Old Testament, the temple was a focal place where God dwelt; in the New Testament, believers are now the temple in which God dwells. 1 Corinthians 3:16–17: Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 2. What kind of temple are we?

En Gedi is located on the west side of the lower Dead Sea area north of Masada. It’s a beautiful oasis fed by a large spring in a barren, dry place. See and learn about this amazing oasis of living water in the desert. David hid out here when fleeing from King Saul, and God refers to Himself as living water for our dry and thirsty souls. En Gedi: Living Water In the Desert Photo Gallery Places of Interest En Gedi Introduction Nestled between the Judean Desert and the shores of the Dead Sea, En Gedi National Park is one of Israel’s most stunning natural oases. With its lush waterfalls, desert canyons, ancient ruins, and rich biblical history — including the caves where David hid from King Saul — En Gedi offers a breathtaking blend of beauty and spiritual significance. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a deeper connection to the land of the Bible. Location 1. En Gedi is located on the west side of the lower Dead Sea area about 11 miles (17 km.) north of Masada on Hwy. 90. 2. It’s a beautiful oasis fed by a large spring in a barren, dry place. Historical Background 1. En Gedi was inhabited by the Canaanites during the time of Abraham and Lot. 2. The Dead Sea basin was once like a Garden of the Lord. Genesis 13:10–12: Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere —this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah—like the garden of the Lord , like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. 11 So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus they separated from each other. 12 Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom. 3. Due to the abundant water supply, the village by En Gedi Park has had a long history of habitation from ancient days to the present. 4. Today, this area is extremely dry, and En Gedi is an oasis of living water in the desert. Places of Interest 1. Park entrance 2. Hiking trail 3. Nahal David Stream 4. Lower pools 5. Upper pools 6. Upper waterfall 7. Synagogue at Tel Goren (Jorn) 8. Ancient and modern En Gedi town 9. Dead Sea En Gedi in the Bible 1. En Gedi was used in a love poem in the book of Song of Solomon. Song of Solomon 1:14: My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En Gedi . 2. In the Millennial Reign of Christ on earth, God speaks of how He will change the Dead Sea region again to be like a garden due to a supernatural river flowing from Jerusalem. Ezekiel 47:9–10: And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. 10 Fishermen will stand beside the sea. From En Gedi to Eneglaim it will be a place for the spreading of nets. Its fish will be of very many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea. 3. En Gedi was one of David’s main hideouts when Saul was pursuing his life. 1 Samuel 23:28–29: So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore, that place was called the Rock of Escape. 29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi . 4 . En Gedi is a perfect example of living water in the desert. The Israelites were a desert people whose whole history was related to the desert. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, along with the Israelite’s time in Egypt, and their wandering in the desert for 40 years, all took place in a desert. Also, much of Israel is a desert as well. The Israelites fully knew that living water meant life and survival. 5. God used the desert and living water as examples of judgment upon Israel. Jeremiah 2:12–13: Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, 13 for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters , and hewed out cisterns for themselves , broken cisterns that can hold no water. 6. God used desert imagery to show how those who abandon Him are like a parched desert without water. Jeremiah 17:5–8: Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He is like a shrub in the desert , and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness , in an uninhabited salt land. 7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD , whose trust is the LORD. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." 7. Christ referred to Himself as the source of living water. John 7:37–38: On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink . 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water ." Faith Lesson from En Gedi 1. Living Water in the Bible refers to spiritual life and vitality found only in being right with God. 2. Stagnant water is full of sickness and diseases and refers to the person who lives life without being right with God. 3. Have we received Christ, the source of living water? 4. Do we fellowship regularly with God in order to receive living water for our souls? 5. Do we read God’s Word, which gives living water to our spirits and nourishes our hearts? 6. Are we seeking to find life and joy in our own pursuits and neglecting our relationship with God? Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, 13 for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters , and hewed out cisterns for themselves , broken cisterns that can hold no water (Jer. 2:12–13).

Jacob's Well in Shechem (Sychar) is the place where Jesus met the Samaritan woman. Shechem is also where Abraham & Jacob lived. Joshua rallied the nation of Israel together and gave the curses and blessings on Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal. The nation of Israel was divided at Shechem. Tel Balata, Joshua’s Stone, Mount Gerizim, Mount Ebal, Joshua’s Rectangular Altar, Circular Altar below Rectangular Altar (possibly from Abraham or Jacob), Jacob’s Well, Joseph’s Tomb, Modern Shechem (Nablus), Sychar Shechem Photo Gallery Places of Interest Shechem Introduction Welcome to Shechem. Shechem had a significant role in the Bible and is mentioned 58 times. These are the highlights. 1. Shechem is the place where God first appeared to Abraham after he entered the Promised Land. 2. It was at Shechem where Jacob settled after reuniting with his estranged brother, Esau, upon his return from Paddan-aram. 3. The defilement of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, took place at Shechem. 4. To the rich pastureland near Shechem, Joseph came to seek his brethren and was sold into slavery and taken to Egypt. 5. The bones of Joseph were buried in Shechem. 6. On the mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, Moses commanded the Israelites to pronounce blessings and curses for their obedience or disobedience to Him. 7. When his end was approaching, Joshua gathered the tribes of Israel at Shechem and gave them his final words of counsel and exhortation. Afterward, he erected a large stone as a monument to mark the covenant with the people and God. This stone can be seen today at Tel Balata. 8. At Shechem, the nation of Israel became divided, and Jeroboam reigned over the northern section (Israel) and Rehoboam over the southern section (Judah). 9. King Jeroboam fortified Shechem, and it became the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam ordered that two golden calves be erected in Bethel and Dan. 10. Later, Shechem became the central city of the Samaritans, who built their own temple on Mt. Gerizim. 11. Shechem, called Sychar, is the place where Jesus met a woman at Jacob’s well and conversed with her. Location 1. Biblical Shechem is also known as Sychar in the New Testament and as Tel Balata and Nablus today. 2. Shechem is located about 30 miles (48 km) north of Jerusalem and about 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Tel Aviv. 3. It was in the Samaria region of Israel in the territory of Ephraim during Bible times. 4. It was on a main north-south travel route that linked the northern and southern parts of Israel. 5. It was also on a main east-west route that linked the coastal plain of Israel with the Jordan Valley. 6. Shechem lies between the two famous mountains of Gerizim and Ebal. Places of Interest 1. Tel Balata Mount Ebal ~ Place of cursings for disobedience. Altar built on Mount Ebal (need for forgiveness) Joshua’s Rectangular Altar Circular Altar below Rectangular Altar (possibly that of Abraham or Jacob) Mount Gerizim ~ Place of blessings for obedience. Northwest Gate City Wall Joshua’s Stone ~ Erected after Joshua renewed the covenant with the Israelites shortly before his death. Fortress Temple ~ Built shortly after Gideon. Sacred Courtyard Houses Eastern Gate 3. Jacob’s Well 4. Joseph’s Tomb 5. Modern Shechem (Nablus) 6. Sychar History of the Samaritans on Mount Gerizim 1. The Samaritans were Israelites who remained in the land of Israel and intermarried with foreign unbelievers after the deportation of Israel by the Assyrians in 722 BC. 2. They established their own religion at Mount Gerizim and built their own temple. They were despised and rejected by the Jews and considered unclean. The Samaritans, likewise, despised the Jews and had few dealings with them. 3. The Samaritans only believe in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). 4. The Samaritans worshiped on top of Mount Gerizim, and there are substantial ruins there today. The Samaritans first built a temple here for worship in the 5th century. Later, in the 2nd century, they built walls around the temple to protect it. In the latter part of the 2nd century, the Hasmoneans (Jewish rule from 165–63 BC) destroyed the Samaritans’ temple on Mount Gerizim and the city at the base of the mountain (ancient Shechem). During the Roman occupation of Israel, the Samaritans were permitted by the Romans to rebuild their temple and city. In 475 AD, under Byzantine rule, the Samaritan temple was destroyed, and a Byzantine church was erected. Later, a monastery was also built. 5. Jesus met with a Samaritan woman (John 4) at Jacob’s Well in Shechem. Today, this well is located in a Greek Orthodox church called "The Church of Jacob's Well." Shechem In the Bible 1. Shechem is the place where God first appeared to Abraham after he entered the Promised Land. Genesis 12:4–7: So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem , to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land .” So he built there an altar to the Lord , who had appeared to him. 2. It was at Shechem where Jacob settled after reuniting with his estranged brother, Esau, upon his return from Paddan-aram. Genesis 33:18–20: And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem , which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city. 19 And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent. 20 There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel (God; the God of Israel). 3. The defilement of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, took place at Shechem. Genesis 34:1–4: Now Dinah, the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the women of the land. 2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he seized her and lay with her and humiliated her. 3 And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young woman and spoke tenderly to her. 4 So Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, “Get me this girl for my wife.” Genesis 34:25–27: On the third day, when they were sore [from being circumcised], two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords and came against the city while it felt secure and killed all the males. 26 They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword and took Dinah out of Shechem's house and went away. 27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain and plundered the city, because they had defiled their sister. 4. In Shechem, Jacob buried his foreign gods and committed himself entirely to the true and living God of his forefathers. Genesis 35:4: So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods that they had, and the rings that were in their ears. Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree that was near Shechem . 5. To the rich pastureland near Shechem, Joseph came to seek his brethren and was sold into slavery and taken to Egypt. Genesis 37:12–14: Now his brothers went to pasture their father's flock near Shechem . 13 And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” 14 So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem . 6. The bones of Joseph were buried in Shechem. Joshua 24:32: Now they buried the bones of Joseph , which the sons of Israel brought up from Egypt, at Shechem , in the piece of ground which Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for one hundred pieces of money; and they became the inheritance of Joseph’s sons. 7. On the mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, Moses commanded the Israelites to pronounce blessings and curses for their obedience or disobedience to Him. Deuteronomy 27:11–13: That day Moses charged the people, saying, 12 “When you have crossed over the Jordan, these shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people : Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. 13 And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse : Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.” The blessings and curses pronounced on Gerizim and Ebal would become the foundational reference point to which God would refer in punishing Israel and Judah by sending them wars, famines, and pestilences. Eventually, their disobedience would lead to their deportations. Because they had repeatedly broken the covenant on Gerizim and Ebal, they deserved the discipline God gave them. 8. As commanded by Moses, Joshua erected an altar on Mount Ebal with uncut stones. Deuteronomy 27:1–8: Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, “Keep the whole commandment that I command you today. 2 And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. 3 And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 4 And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. 5 And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them; 6 you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones . And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God, 7 and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. 8 And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.” 9. When his end was approaching, Joshua gathered the tribes of Israel at Shechem and gave them his final words of counsel and exhortation. Afterward, he erected a large stone as a monument to mark the covenant with the people and God. This stone can be seen today at Tel Balata. Joshua 24:1: Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel. And they presented themselves before God. Joshua 24:14–16: Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord . Joshua 24:25–27: So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and put in place statutes and rules for them at Shechem . 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the terebinth that was by the sanctuary of the Lord . 27 And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord that he spoke to us. Therefore, it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.” 10. After God delivered the Israelites through the hand of Gideon, they turned their backs on God again and built a temple here to worship false gods. Judges 8:33-34: Then it came about, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the sons of Israel again committed infidelity with the Baals, and made Baal-berith their god . 34 So the sons of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had saved them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. 11. Abimelech, son of Gideon, reigned wickedly over Shechem for three years. It was he who burned down the fortress temple here called "El-Berith," and killed 1,000 people who had taken refuge in it. Later, he was killed by a woman who threw a millstone down on his head. Judges 9:46, 49: When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard about it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. 49 So all the people also cut down, each one, his branch and followed Abimelech, and put them on top of the inner chamber and set the inner chamber on fire over those inside, so that all the people of the tower of Shechem also died, about a thousand men and women. Judges 9:52-54:So Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and approached the entrance of the tower to burn it down with fire. 53 But a woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull. 54 Then he called quickly to the young man, his armor bearer, and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, so that it will not be said of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” 12. At Shechem, the nation of Israel became divided, and Jeroboam reigned over the northern section (Israel) and Rehoboam over the southern section (Judah). 1 Kings 12:1–2: Rehoboam went to Shechem , for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. 2 And as soon as Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it (for he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), then Jeroboam returned from Egypt. 1 Kings 12:16–17: And when all Israel saw that the king (Rehoboam) did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” So Israel went to their tents. 17 But Rehoboam reigned over the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah. 13. King Jeroboam fortified Shechem, and it became the capital of the northern tribes of Israel. Jeroboam ordered that two golden calves be erected in Bethel and Dan. 1 Kings 12:25–29: Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there . And he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 29 And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 14. Later, Shechem became the central city of the Samaritans, who built their own temple on Mt. Gerizim. 15. Shechem, called Sychar, is the place where Jesus met a woman at Jacob’s well and conversed with her. John 4:1–26: Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph . 6 Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep [120 feet, 40 m.]. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” 19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain [Gerizim] , but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” John 4:39–42: Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” Faith Lesson from Shechem 1. Of all the events that happened at Shechem, Jesus summed up God’s desire for us when He told the woman at the well, “The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth ” (John 2:23–24). 2. Do we worship God in Spirit? 3. Do we walk in the Spirit and stay in close fellowship with God (Gal. 5:16–26)? 4. Do we worship God in truth? 5. Do we know God’s Word well and the truth it contains (2 Tim. 2:15)? 6. We will only know God to the degree we know His Word. How well do you know God?

The New Testament mentions Bethphage as the place from which Jesus sent his disciples to find a colt on which he would ride into Jerusalem. It is located between Bethany and the top of the Mount of Olives. Bethphage Photo Gallery Places of Interest Bethphage Location 1. Bethphage is about 1 mile (2 km.) from the modern village of al-Azariya. 2. It's located on the southern part of the Mount of Olives between Bethany and Jerusalem. 3. Eusebius (Jewish Historian from around 300 AD) located it on the Mount of Olives. 4. It was likely on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. 5. It was within the limit of a Sabbath-day's journey from Jerusalem, (2,000 cubits, 900 yards or meters). Historical Background 1. Bethphage means "House of Unripe Figs." This is fitting as it was in this area that Jesus caused a fig tree with no fruit to wither (Matt. 21:18-22). 2. Today, a Franciscan Church marks the spot where it's believed the disciples of Jesus got the donkey upon which Jesus would use for riding into Jerusalem in what is known as the "Triumphal Entry," which took place on the Sunday before His crucifixion (Palm Sunday). 3. The modern church, built in 1883, rests on the foundations of a 12th-century Crusader Chapel located in the ancient village of Bethphage. 4. It was built beside the steep road that descends from the Mount of Olives eastwards towards the village of el-Azariyeh (ancient Bethany). 5. The Crusader-era Chapel was built on the foundations of a 4th-century Byzantine shrine commemorating the meeting between Lazarus' sister Martha and Jesus. 6. In 1867, during the construction of a Franciscan monastery on the grounds, a cube-shaped stone covered in plaster was discovered. This stone, now called the Stele of Bethphage, was an integral part of the 12th-century Crusader Chapel and now lies near the northern wall of the church. 7. The Crusaders decorated the stone and inscribed it in Latin, as well as described biblical events that occurred in the areas of Jerusalem and Bethphage. 8. In 1950, the decorations on the stone were restored, and five years later, in 1955, frescos were drawn on the walls and ceiling of the sanctuary. Today, as in the 12th century, pilgrims hold a Palm Sunday procession that begins at the Bethphage Church. 9. Inside the Franciscan Church of Bethphage Above the altar in the church is a mural of Jesus riding the donkey and being glorified by the crowd who accompanied Him. On display in the church, protected by a wrought iron grille, is a large square rock that the Crusaders regarded as the rock upon which Jesus used to mount the donkey. On the sides of the rock are medieval paintings, restored in 1950. These depict the disciples getting the donkey, people holding palm branches, the resurrection of Lazarus at nearby Bethany, and the inscription “Bethphage.” Foundations from the Crusader Chapel can easily be seen near the floor of the apse. Behind the altar is a fresco depicting Jesus riding a donkey to the Temple, accompanied by his disciples. The church ceiling features drawings of flowers and leaves. The wall frescos, colored in shades of brown, portray people from the New Testament era preparing for the procession. On one wall, a group of rabbis holds a scroll that contains the second part of the verse from (John 12:19). The words written in Latin around the windows are those that the people used to say about Jesus during the procession into the city. The main focus of the church is the Stele of Bethphage, which is set apart by wrought iron railings. There is a mirror behind the stone so that visitors can easily see the drawings on all four sides. The drawings depict the meeting between Jesus and Martha; two disciples bringing Jesus an ass and a colt, Lazarus rising from the dead, and on the side facing the altar, a drawing of a crowd of people holding palms. 10. Just up the hill is a Greek Orthodox church whose courtyard offers a view and a place for reflection. Places of Interest 1. Bethany 2. Mount of Olives 3. Triumphal Entry Path 4. Dominus Flevit Church (where Jesus wept over Jerusalem) 5. Jerusalem 6. Garden of Gethsemane 7. Temple Mount 8. Kidron Valley Bethphege in the Bible Bethphage is mentioned in the New Testament as the place in ancient Israel where Jesus sent his disciples to find a colt upon which he would ride into Jerusalem. The Synoptic Gospels mention it as being close to Bethany, where he stayed immediately before his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 1. Jesus sends two of His disciples to get an untamed donkey. Matthew 21:1-3: Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage , to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 2. This donkey had a colt, upon which no one had ever ridden. Mark 11:1-2: Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat . Untie it and bring it. This was a miracle because untamed donkeys will buck, run, and do whatever they can to dismount their rider. 3. Jesus riding a donkey fulfilled Old Testament prophecies (Is. 62:11; Zch. 9:9). Matthew 21:4-5: This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet , saying, 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” 4. Triumphal Entry Matthew 21:6-11: The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” 5. During the Triumphal Entry, Jesus pauses and weeps over Jerusalem. The Church of Dominus Flevit marks this spot today. Luke 19:41: And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it , 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” 6. Jesus Cleanses the Temple Matthew 21:12-13: And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” 7. The people marvel at Christ's miracles and teachings. Matthew 21:14-16: And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them . 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did , and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” 8. Jesus curses a fig tree and teaches about prayer. Matthew 21:18-22: In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once . 20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt , you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” 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. Throughout Jesus's life, we see He constantly fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, which proves that He was divine and authentic. Do we believe Jesus was divine and who He claimed to be? 3. Jesus taught a powerful lesson about faith and prayer. Do we pray and believe God can help us?

Learn about Ekron and the 5 cities of the Philistines. What all happened in Ashdod? What is its history? Who were the Philistines, where did they come from, and where did they live? They are mentioned in many places in the Old Testament and were the enemies of the Israelites. The Other Cities Were: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gaza, and Gath. Biblical Ekron Photo Gallery Places of Interest Ekron Location 1. Ekron (Tel Miqne) is located east of Ashdod and the Mediterranean Sea about 13 miles (20 km.) Historical Background 1. In archeological terms, Tel Ekron (Tel Miqne-Ekron) is significant because it is one of Israel's largest Iron Age sites. 2. More than 100 oil presses were found here, as well as the Ekron Inscription, which clearly identifies the site as Philistine, Ekron. 3. Just to the west of Tel Ekron is Kibbutz Revadim, where a Museum of the History of Philistine Culture shows a reconstructed Philistine street with many artifacts. Places of Interest 1. Tel Ekron 2. Kibbutz Revadim Philistine Street ~ Archaeological items from Tel Ekron have been brought here and preserved. Ekron in the Bible 1. Joshua and the Israelites failed to conquer Ekron in the conquest of the Promised Land as found in Joshua 13:3. 2. It was allotted to Judah in the division of the land and then to the tribe of Dan as found in Joshua chapters 15-19. 3. However, the tribe of Dan failed to conquer the area and moved to the northern part of Israel. Judah wound up conquering Ekron and inhabiting it as found in Judges 1:18. 4. Ekron was one of the Philistine cities where the Ark of the Covenant resided before being returned to the Israelites at Beth Shemesh. 1 Samuel 5:10: So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And as the ark of God came to Ekron , the Ekronites cried out, saying, “They have brought the ark of the God of Israel to us, to kill us and our people!” 1 Samuel 6:13-16: Now the people of Beth-shemesh were gathering in their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced at seeing it. 14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite and stopped there where there was a large stone; and they split the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord. 15 And the Levites took down the ark of the Lord and the saddlebag that was with it, in which were the articles of gold, and put them on the large stone; and the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices that day to the Lord. 16 When the five governors of the Philistines saw it, they returned to Ekron that day. 5. After David killed Goliath in the Valley of Elah, the Israelites pursued and defeated the Philistines all the way to Ekron. 1 Samuel 17:52: Then the men of Israel and Judah rose up and shouted, and they pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron . And the Philistine dead lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron . 6. Ekron is included, among other cities, in pronouncements of judgment by the prophets Amos 1:8, Jeremiah 25:20, Zephaniah 2:4, and Zechariah 9:5–7. Faith Lesson from Ekron 1. The Israelites failed to conquer Ekron and the surrounding cities of the Philistines. For some reason, they lacked the faith, willpower, and trust in God to fulfill His command to conquer the inhabitants of the Promised Land. Do we fail to trust in God and conquer the tasks God calls us to do? 2. However, David, as a young man, and later as the king of Israel, would defeat the Philistines and fulfill God's original command to subdue and conquer all of the Promised Land. Do we exercise faith as David did and step out and do mighty things for the Lord? 3. From Ekron the Ark of the Covenant was returned to the Israelites at Beth Shemesh. It was done in a miraculous way by cows carrying the Ark on a wagon arriving at Beth Shemesh all by themselves. Miracles are one way God reveals Himself to skeptical and unbelieving people. Do we share miracles God has done in our lives with others?

Church of the Multiplication of Loaves and Fishes, Church of the Primacy of Peter. Place Jesus Restored Peter and met with the disciples after His resurrection. Sites of interest include: Church of the Multiplication, Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, beach close-by to the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter, Heart-shaped stones by the beach, Rock Monument with carved Cross and verse above Tabgha, Mount of Beatitudes Tabgha: Church of the Primacy of St. Peter Photo Gallery Places of Interest Church of the Primacy of St. Peter Restoration of Peter Introduction 1. Welcome to the place where the risen Jesus met with seven of His disciples and prepared them a breakfast of fish and bread after they had fished all night. 2. It was here that Jesus restored Peter to fellowship with Him and entrusted him to feed His sheep. 3. We'll see the very place, according to tradition, where Jesus and His seven disciples met. 4. We'll go down by the seashore and reflect on the miraculous catch of fish Jesus performed just before calling them to land to eat, and the restoration of Peter. Location 1. Tabgha is located on the northwest side of the Sea of Galilee. 2. There are seven springs found in this area, which provide one of the best places for fishing around the sea. 3. Some of the springs provided warm sulfuric water that caused the fish to gather here. It was also used for health purposes, and many came from far away to find healing and relief in its waters. 4. Waters from these springs were also taken to nearby fields and villages via canals. Historical Background 1. The first church was built here around 350 AD by the Byzantines. 2. At the base of the current church, opposite the main altar, the foundations of the first church are visible. 3. In around 808 AD, the church was referred to as the Place of the Coals. This name refers to the incident in which Jesus prepared a meal for the apostles, building a charcoal fire on which to cook the fish. 4. Also first mentioned in the year 808 AD are the "Twelve Thrones", a series of heart-shaped stones, which were placed along the shore to commemorate the Twelve Apostles. 5. The church survived longer than any other in the area, finally being destroyed in 1263 AD. 6. The church today was built in 1933 and incorporated parts of an earlier 4th-century church. Places of Interest 1. Church of the Primacy of St. Peter. 2. Floor Mosaics As visitors step inside the church, they are greeted by a stunning display of mosaic decorations adorning the floor. These intricate designs showcase the diverse flora and fauna of the region in vibrant colors, creating an atmosphere of reverence and beauty. The most famous mosaic, located near the altar, depicts a basket of loaves flanked by two fish, serving as a powerful symbol of the miracle the church commemorates. 2. Mensa Christi (Table of Christ) The church features a limestone rock projection in front of the present altar, which is venerated as a "Mensa Christi," meaning the table of Christ in Latin. According to tradition, this is the spot where Jesus is said to have laid out a breakfast of bread and fish for the Apostles. 3. Statue of Jesus and Peter Inscription: "Feed My sheep." 4. Beach close to the Church of the Primacy of St. Peter. 5. Stones by the Beach Just outside the church are six heart-shaped stones placed along the shore. Because these stones serve no structural purpose in their current location on the beach, archaeologists and historians believe they were salvaged from the ruins of older buildings (such as abandoned synagogues) and deliberately placed on the shoreline by early Christians sometime between the 5th and 9th centuries AD. Even though there are only 6 stones, they are traditionally known as the "Twelve Thrones" and were placed there to commemorate the Twelve Apostles. 6. Outside the church, by the beach, there are some stairs cut into this rock by the church. It’s believed that someone carved these steps in the second or third centuries, which is why in the year 381 AD, Egeria visited this area and reported that, “next to the Church of the Loaves and Fishes, which is nearby, there are some stone steps where the Lord stood". 7. Ancient Boat Docks The beach is flanked by two ancient piers constructed from black basalt boulders. That proves that this was a fishing spot during the time of Jesus, and it was on these piers that fishermen would embark and disembark from their boats. Restoration of Peter The disciples had returned to their home towns on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ in Jerusalem. 2. They undoubtedly felt very depressed, lonely, and as if their whole world had come to an end. 3. Their beloved Master had been crucified, and they were left wondering what would happen now. 4. They probably called into question how they had spent their past 3 ½ years following Christ. 5. Peter especially felt depressed and spiritually sick. He had denied Christ his Lord and Master three times after he had just moments earlier said he would follow Him even to death. Restoration of Peter in the Bible 1. After Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, the disciples went back to fishing like old times. John 21:1–3: Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberius. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee [James and John], and two other disciples were together [7 disciples in all]. 3 "I'm going out to fish," Simon Peter told them, and they said, "We'll go with you." So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 2. Jesus appears to the disciples. John 21:4–14: Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered. 6 He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread [in John 18:18 Peter denied Christ by a charcoal fire]. 10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught." 11 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153 [according to Hebrew alphabetics, this number meant “I Am God”], but even with so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish [same food as the feeding of the 5,000]. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead. 3. Jesus restores Peter. John 21:15–17: When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." 17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.” 4. This encounter was like the first time Christ called Peter to be His disciple. Luke 5:1–11: On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch." 5 And Simon answered, "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word, I will let down the nets." 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish , and their nets were breaking. 7 They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. 8 But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord." 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, 10 and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” 11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Faith Lesson 1. Peter’s original calling to be a disciple and his restoration follow the same miracle pattern. Christ did this on purpose because He wanted Peter to remember his roots and beginning. 2. Christ was the one who reached out to Peter and took the initiative to restore him. 3. Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him 3 times because Peter denied Him 3 times. 4. God realizes we are human and make mistakes. 5. The main thing God looks for in restoration is a spirit of repentance and a contrite, humble heart. 6. Am I in need of restoration in some way? 7. Do I understand that God is more interested in my restoration with Him than I probably am?

St. George’s Monastery is a Greek Orthodox cliff-hanging complex carved into a sheer rock wall in the Judaean Desert that overlooks an unexpectedly lush garden with olive and cypress trees. It’s one of the most striking sights in the Holy Land. It's nearby to Jericho and was located on the road leading from Jericho to Jerusalem. It was on this road that the story of the Good Samaritan takes place as told by Jesus. Inn of the Good Samaritan commemorates this event. St. George's Monastery Photo Gallery Places of Interest St. George’s Monastery Location 1. St. George’s Monastery is located about 2.5 miles (4 km.) west of Jericho in a deep and breathtaking gorge called “Wadi Qelt.” 2. It’s located on the ancient road connecting the Jordan Valley to Jerusalem and beyond. Jesus would have used this well-traveled road regularly. 3. The story of the Good Samaritan took place on this road. For more on this story and event, please see the Inn of the Good Samaritan. Historical Background 1. St. George’s Monastery is a Greek Orthodox cliff-hanging complex carved into a sheer rock wall in the Judaean Desert and is one of the most breathtaking sights in the Holy Land. 2. Starting in the 4th century, monks began to live in the many caves of Wadi Qelt. 3. The monastery of St. George was founded in the 5th century by John of Thebes, an Egyptian. He gathered a small band of five Syrian hermits who had settled around the cave where they believed the prophet Elijah was fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:1–7). 4. Tradition also holds that Elijah visited the cave by the monastery while traveling to the Sinai Peninsula as he fled the threats of Jezebel after he had killed the false prophets of Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 19:1–3). 5. However, it was named after its most famous monk, St George of Koziba, who came as a teenager from Cyprus in the 6th century to follow the ascetic life in the Holy Land after his parents died. 6. The monastery was destroyed in 614 AD by the Persians and was more or less abandoned after the Persians swept through the valley and massacred the fourteen monks who dwelt there. The bones and skulls of the martyred monks can still be seen today in the monastery chapel. 7. The Crusaders made some attempts at restoration of the monastery in 1179. However, it was abandoned after Muslims regained control of the Holy Land and drove out the Crusaders. 8. In 1878, a Greek monk, Kalinikos, settled here and restored the monastery, finishing it in 1901. History of Christian Monasticism 1. Today, in Israel, there are 33 functioning monasteries. During the 4th century, there were hundreds of monasteries built as almost every holy site had a monastery on it. 2. Because Christianity was prohibited in the Roman Empire before Constantine embraced Christianity, no monasteries or churches were permitted until 313 AD. After this point, monasteries sprung up everywhere throughout the empire. 3. The idea of a monastic lifestyle was taken from both the Old and New Testaments. The Nazarite Vow The prophets (Elijah being fed by ravens in the desert). John the Baptist living in the desert. Christ fasting for 40 days in the desert. 4. There were also the Essenes who lived in the desert by the Dead Sea at Qumran during the time of John the Baptist and Jesus. 5. Monasticism took on different forms and meanings throughout its history. Some lived like hermits all alone. Later, many lived in monasteries in communal groups. They withdrew from society to live a separated life fully devoted to seeking the Lord and becoming godly. Over the years, monasticism changed so that many monasteries prepared men and women for a life of service to God. They would live in the monastery for a few years then go out to serve the Lord. Monasteries were not always Catholic. There were many monasteries before Catholicism became what it is today, and there were different kinds of monasteries from different religious orientations, i.e., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Armenian, etc. 6. In general, monasticism is a religious way of life wherein a person denounces worldly pursuits and fully devotes themselves to seeking the Lord through religious vows and disciplines. 7. The word monk, or monastery, originates from Greek (monos) and means to “dwell alone.” 8. In different periods of monasticism, some chose lives of celibacy as well. Places of Interest 1. St. George’s Monastery It is quite a hike down into the gorge to see the monastery, so only those in good physical shape should attempt it. It can also be extremely hot through the Spring to Fall seasons as well. 2. Lookout – Just to the west of the parking area is a trail that leads to a beautiful lookout area over the monastery for those just wanting to see the site without hiking down to it. 3. Monastery Upper Level – Elijah’s Cave 4. Monastery Middle Level – Main Church 5. Monastery Lower Level – Storehouses and vault where the remains of the early monks are kept. 6. Stairs from the inner court of the monastery lead to the cave-church of St. Elijah. From this cave, a narrow tunnel provides an escape route to the top of the mountain. 7. Wadi Qelt – Fertile ravine where small-scale farming and irrigation takes place. 8. Caves where monks lived. 9. Small Chapel St. George’s Monastery In the Bible 1. It seems very unlikely that St. George’s Monastery is the location where God supernaturally fed Elijah by ravens. The Bible says the place was east of the Jordan River, and St. George’s Monastery is west of the Jordan River. 1 Kings 17:1–7: 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.” 2 And the word of the Lord came to him: 3 “Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan . 4 You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan . 6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 7 And after a while the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. 2. It is possible Elijah stayed in the cave at St. George’s Monastery when he fled after being threatened by Jezebel, but it’s not certain. 1 Kings 19:3: Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. Faith Lesson from St. George’s Monastery 1. We can certainly admire those who took God so seriously that they often sold their possessions and chose a life of solitude and strict discipline to seek the Lord. Do we love the Lord to such a degree we are willing to give up whatever God might ask us so we can be more devoted followers of Him? 2. Do we set time aside to remove the distractions of life and just seek God? 3. While it’s good to set time apart for solitude and seeking the Lord, we are also called to be in the world but not of it. Are we doing a good job of being in the world but not a part of its values and philosophies? 4. Are we disciplined in our Christian lives? 5. While monasticism has many admirable qualities, it does have some unbiblical concepts. For some, it was a withdrawal and escape from society. Like Christ, we are called to influence society and be lights to the world. Are we influencing those around us with the light of God’s Word and His love? And are we fulfilling the Great Commission in one way or another? 6. Are we part of a Bible-believing church community where we can grow and serve others?