The history of the gates of Jerusalem plays a key role in understanding all God has done throughout its history. See each time period with maps, videos, talks, descriptions, and more. History of the Gates of Jerusalem Photo Gallery Places of Interest History of the Gates of Jerusalem There are eight gates around Old City Jerusalem. Seven are open, and one is closed (Eastern Gate). We'll look at these gates in a clockwise (right to left) circle, starting at the Jaffa Gate. Overview The Old City of Jerusalem covers about one square mile (2.6 square kilometers). The gates are the portals or entry passages into the city. The number of gates has varied over time. Until the Crusader Period (1099–1291), there were just four gates, one on each side of the city. Jaffa Gate (West) Damascus Gate (North) Eastern Gate (East) Zion Gate (South) From 1535 to 1542, the Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent restored and rebuilt the crumbling Old City walls to protect the city from a feared Crusader invasion. In addition to restoring many of the gates, Suleiman rebuilt two destroyed gates from previous years: Dung Gate Lions' Gate Herod's Gate Suleiman reclosed the Eastern Gate in 1541 AD. In modern times (1875-1889), two additional gates were opened into the city walls. Herod's Gate - Reopened in 1875 New Gate - 1889 Each gate has openings in the wall above it that enable the release of “weapons” such as boiling liquids, arrows, or stones aimed at the attackers below. The Bible records various uses of city gates. At the gates, people finalized business deals (Genesis 23), arranged marriages (Ruth 4), and settled disputes in the presence of witnesses (Amos 5). The king used gates to address his subjects (2 Samuel 18). Many of the gates are named after the location or destination they led toward. A number of the gates are shaped like an "L," designed to slow attackers attempting to enter the city. Jaffa Gate The Jaffa Gate is named so because the road leading from this gate heads westward to the port city of Jaffa, or Joppa. The gate as it stands today was rebuilt in 1538 by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Great over the previous gate, which dates back to the time of the Hasmoneans around 140 BC. Facing due west, the Jaffa Gate is the best-known and busiest of the gates of Jerusalem. It is the only gate on the western side of the Old City. Today, it is the primary vehicle entry point into the Old City and one of only two gates in Jerusalem that allow vehicle access. When the German Kaiser Wilhelm II visited the Holy Land and Jerusalem in 1898, the Ottoman authorities opened the city wall beside Jaffa Gate so the Kaiser (emperor) could enter with his vehicle escorts. They also filled in the moat that surround the Tower of David complex. There are many bullet holes in the face of the gate due to wars before and during the Six-Day War in 1967. New Gate It's one of Jerusalem's newer gates. It was built in 1889 with the permission of the Turkish Sultan Abdul Hammid II, who gave it the alternative name The Gate of Hammid. The New Gate is in the northwest corner of the city. It is the only gate in Jerusalem that leads directly into the Christian Quarter. The Gate was built to allow easy access from the many Christian monasteries outside the walls to the Christian Quarter within. The New Gate is the simplest and least adorned of the gates of Jerusalem. Damascus Gate It's located on the northern side of the Old City walls, facing due north to Shechem and beyond to Damascus. The Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent completed the Damascus Gate between 1537 and 1542. It was built over previous gate ruins dating back to the time of Roman Emperor Hadrian, around 135 AD. It is the busiest of Jerusalem's gates, and many claim the most splendid. On Fridays and Saturdays, markets and bazaars make this one of the busiest parts of the city. Directly inside the gate is the Muslim Quarter, which serves as the Old City's Arab business center. During the Byzantine period (324 - 638 AD), it was known as St. Stephen's Gate (although the Lions' Gate is also known as such). Christian tradition claims Stephen was drug out of the city through this gate and stoned on the other side of today's road, becoming the first martyr. Of the two gates of Jerusalem, also named St. Stephen's Gate, this is the most likely sight of Stephen's stoning. The gate is one of the highest in the city because the northern part of the city was the most vulnerable to attacks due to the slope of the terrain. It was built in a double "L" shape to slow down would-be attackers. It was the beginning point of the Cardo Street, which the Roman Emperor Hadrian built around 135 AD. Part of the original gate Hadrian built can be seen to the left and below the newer gate. Ruins from previous gates can also be seen here. The gate Hadrian built was magnificent, with three arches. Arabs mainly use the gate today. Herod's Gate It bears this name because it was once believed to have led to a structure erroneously identified by Christians as Herod Antipas' Palace. The Jewish and Muslim communities know the gate as the Flower Gate, which derives from the floral designs in its architecture. It is located in the northern wall, to the east of the Damascus Gate. Herod's Gate leads into the Muslim Quarter, which provides Muslims with direct access to the Temple Mount. The gate as it stands today was built in 1875. Making it the newest gate of the city. Its main purpose before 1875 was to relieve traffic flow in the city's northern part. It was built with an internal L-shaped structure, like many of the other gates of Jerusalem. The Crusaders broke through the wall in this area to capture the city. Eastern Gate (Golden Gate) Perhaps the most intriguing of the gates of Jerusalem faces east toward the rising sun. East was the direction the Jewish Temple faced and opened up to. The gate was located along Jerusalem's eastern walls, facing east towards the Kidron Valley and Mount of Olives. It is the closest gate to the Temple Mount and, as such, has taken on special significance throughout Jerusalem's history. The Golden Gate is the oldest in Jerusalem, and scholars and archaeologists debate its exact timeline. Ancient stones at the base of the wall strongly suggest it dates back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah (950-700 BC). It contains many biblical prophecies concerning the Messiah's entrance through it. Many of which have already been fulfilled. The Muslims established a cemetery in front of it, thinking this would stop the Messiah from entering through it in the future. Lions' Gate It is the eastern entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Like many of Jerusalem's gates, it was built by the Ottomans in 1538-39 AD along the same stretch of walls as the Golden Gate. The Lion's Gate faces the Kidron Valley and Mount of Olives. The gate was originally built with an L-shaped structure, similar to the other Ottoman gates of Jerusalem. However, this L-shaped structure was later altered to allow vehicle access. The gate was also named St. Stephen's Gate, though the Damascus Gate is the likeliest site of Stephen's martyrdom. Four lions decorate the gate's facade, lending the gate its name. These lions were said to have been built by Suleiman under the influence of a dream. The legend goes that Suleiman desired to punish the Jews of Jerusalem. However, he had a dream in which lions devoured him, thus swaying his mind. Instead, he built the Lion's Gate, adding the lions to commemorate the occasion. Dung Gate Of all the gates of Jerusalem, the Dung Gate has unquestionably the most interesting name, and for obvious reasons. It is the smallest, possessing the lowest archway, and is built into the south walls. Like most of Jerusalem's other gates, the present gate was built by Suleiman around 1538 AD. The Dung Gate only allowed foot traffic until 1967, when the opening was enlarged. The Dung Gate derives its name from the fact that refuse and ash were escorted out of the city through this gate and dumped in the Hinnom Valley. It was a gate for trash from not only the Old City but also the Temple Mount. To the west of the gate, part of the original Cardo Minor Roman Emperor Hadrian, built in 135 AD, can be seen. It is the only gate without much defense abilities. This was so because of its location. Today, it's the closest and most used gate to the Western Wall. Tanners' Gate It's not included as one of the main eight gates of Old City Jerusalem. It was a small side entrance a short distance west of the Dung Gate. It's directly over the Cardo Minor Roman Emperor Hadrian, built in 135 AD. It was used to access animal purchases for sacrifices at the temple. It was named the "Tanners' Gate" because of those who tanned the hides of the animals slaughtered for temple sacrifices. Zion Gate This gate faces south and is located along the southwestern walls of the Old City. It is named such because it faces Mount Zion and provides access to It. The gate was rebuilt over previous ones by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1540. It is one of the gates of Jerusalem that lead into the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. Walls near the Zion Gate date from the Hasmonean and Herodian periods of the history of Jerusalem. Like the previously mentioned gates of Jerusalem, the Zion Gate was built with an L-shaped internal structure. One window on each side of the gate lent its distinguishable characteristic. It can support both foot and vehicle traffic. However, vehicles can only exit through the gate, not enter. It has many bullet holes and damage from the 1947 and 1967 wars fought in this area. Other Notable Sites of Old City Jerusalem's Walls Zedekiah's Cave The entrance to Zedekiah's Cave is just beneath the Old City wall, between the Damascus and Herod Gates. It's on the north side of Old City Jerusalem, just outside its walls. Only the cave's mouth is natural. The interior was carved over several thousand years. Zedekiah’s Cave is a 5-acre (2 hectares) underground limestone quarry that stretches under five city blocks of the Muslim Quarter of Old City Jerusalem. It was carved over several thousand years and is a remnant of the largest quarry in Jerusalem. Solomon very likely used this quarry to construct the temple and temple mount platform he built. Herod the Great likely used the main quarry at Zedekiah's Cave as building blocks to renovate the temple and its retaining walls. Stones from the quarry may also have been used for Herod Agrippa I's building projects. The cave was also said to have been King Zedekiah's hiding place when the Babylonians came to siege Jerusalem. Archaeology by the Bethesda Pools Recent discoveries outside the current walls by the pools of Bethesda strongly suggest they were outside the city walls during the time of Christ. Curious Bend in the Eastern Wall This bend marks where the Hasmoneans added onto the Temple Mount Platform around 140 BC. Seam in the Eastern Wall This marks where King Herod added onto the Temple Mount Platform around 19 BC. Southern Stairs The Southern Stairs were one of the main entrances from the south to the Temple Mount during Christ's time. Two main gate entrances led from these stairs up to the Temple Mount Platform. These gates are commonly known as the Hulda Gates. The gate for entering the Temple Mount Platform was on the right (east side), and the gate for leaving the Temple Mount was on the left (western side). King Herod had them redone and staggered them so no one could enter or depart the presence of God (signified by entering or departing the temple area) without being thoughtful in the process. They were the main access to the temple from the City of David and the city's western area, where most of the population lived. There were also many purification mikvehs at the base of the Southern Stairs (around 48 in total). The Southern Stairs were also called “The Rabbis’ Stairs” or the “Teaching Stairs” as rabbis taught their disciples on them. Jesus would have no doubt walked on these stairs and taught His disciples here. It’s also likely that the young Apostle Paul sat here under Gamaliel's teaching (Acts 22:3). It’s very likely that part of Pentecost took place here or ended up here. The Royal Stoa was located just above us on the southern end of the Temple Mount. It was a huge covered portico that ran the whole length of the Temple Mount at the southern part. We don't have time to discuss all the reasons now, but the Hebrew word for house means the House, referring to the temple or a covered structure. It doesn't really refer to a home. So just think that you are in the area where Pentecost took place. And, of course, around here are all these Mikvehs where the 3,000 who received Christ on Pentecost would be baptized. Pilate's Palace Judgment Seat This is the most likely place where Jesus was tried and condemned to crucifixion by Pilate. It has all the archaeological evidence to verify this event. Gate Entrance to Pilate’s Palace from Outside the Palace Steps Leading Up to the Gate Entrance to Pilate's Palace Preserved Wall of Herod the Great Preserved Stone Pavement Bema Seat – Judgment Seat Bema Seat Stone

Mizpah was located centrally in the country within the territory of Benjamin about 8 miles north of Jerusalem. Its importance as an administrative center is demonstrated not only by its use during the days of the judges and Samuel. Mizpah Photo Gallery Places of Interest Judean Wilderness Location 1. The Judean Wilderness runs from north of Jericho to the southern end of the Dead Sea. 2. It lies on the western side of the lower Jordan Valley and Dead Sea area. 3. It’s about 60 miles (95 km.) long and about 13 miles (21 km.) wide. 4. It receives less than 2 inches (50 mm.) of rain per year. 5. Average high temperatures in the winter run in the 70s (21 C.) and highs in the summer run over 100 (40 C.) 6. Water is scarce and hard to find, and very little vegetation grows in the wilderness due to its lack of water and poor soil composition. Historical Background 1. Even though the Judean Desert is dry and barren, it was settled long before recorded history began. Jericho, which dates to 5000 BC, is the oldest city in the Judean Desert, and the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. 2. En Gedi is another notable place which dates to about the same time as Jericho. It’s a large oasis that had cities built around it for over 5,000 years. 3. Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other three cities around the Dead Sea date back to ancient times as well. 4. It appears God changed the climate of the Judean Wilderness after He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities. Scripture says that this area used to be like a watered garden of the Lord. Genesis 13:10: And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord , like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah .) 5. God will cause the Judean Wilderness to flourish during the Millennial Reign of Christ on this earth. Ezekiel 47:7–10: Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8 And he said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh. 9 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. Places of Interest 1. Judean Wilderness 2. Jericho 3. Dead Sea 4. Qumran 5. En Gedi 6. Masada 7. Jordan River Judean Wilderness in the Bible En Gedi and King David 1. 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 . Qumran and the Essenes 1. The Essenes lived in the Judean Wilderness from about 200 BC to around 68 AD. They were a spiritually devoted group who left Jerusalem due to their belief that the priesthood had become corrupt. They devoted themselves to the study and strict obedience of Scripture. 2. They also devoted themselves to copying and translating the Bible. When they saw the nation of Israel falling to the Romans in 68 AD, they hid their translations in caves by the Dead Sea. 3. These translated manuscripts are called the Dead Sea Scrolls and were discovered in eleven caves along the northwest shore of the Dead Sea between the years 1947 and 1956. John the Baptist 1. He was the prophesied forerunner of Christ, whose purpose was to prepare the way of the Lord (Isaiah 40:3). 2. His main message was a message of repentance. Matthew 3:1–12: In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea , "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'" Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist [similar to Elijah], and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree, therefore, that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. 3. He had the privilege of baptizing Jesus. Matthew 3:13–17: Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him . John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” 4. He was beheaded for taking a stand against sin. Herod Antipas became ruler (‘tetrarch’) of Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to 39 AD. He ruled from his capital at Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. He divorced his first wife in order to marry Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Herod Philip. He imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist for criticizing his marriage (Matt. 14:1–12). Testing of Jesus 1. After Jesus was baptized, He was immediately led into the wilderness to be tested. Matthew 4:1-11: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted [tested] by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. Faith Lesson from the Judean Wilderness 1. John the Baptist was a strong and serious witness for Jesus. John’s life is an example to us of the seriousness with which we are to approach the Christian life and our call to ministry. 2. John shows us how to stand firm in our faith no matter what the circumstances. Paul reminds us that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). 3. Christ was tested and overcame each test of Satan with Scripture. 4. God tested many of His servants before He called them to ministry, i.e., Moses, David, and the Prophets. 5. We are often tested by God as well. 6. Scripture says that leaders are to be tested before being placed into ministry (1 Tim. 3:10). 7. Has God tested me in various ways in my lifetime? 8. How have I responded to the tests He sends my way? 9. Do I know God’s Word so I can overcome the temptations of Satan?

What does the future hold for Israel? Will it survive? What does the Bible say about Israel's future wars, conflicts, and terrorism? The Bible has much to say and is the most trustworthy source about the future. It predicts coming conflicts with Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran, Russia, Syria, and other nations. This is must-see information if you want to know what the future holds for Israel and Jerusalem. Future of Israel: Its Wars, Conflicts, Prophecies The Future of Israel and Its Conflicts Introduction Will Israel survive all the wars, conflicts, and terrorism from the surrounding nations who want to eliminate it? What are the motives of the wars and conflicts? Does Israel have a right to exist? What does the future look like for the Middle East and Israel? These are questions we’ll be answering. In this discussion, we will look at what the future holds for Israel by using prophecies in the Bible. The Bible is the most trusted source for the future and end times as it contains countless prophecies that have already come to pass in detailed ways, prophecies about the future, and many prophecies being fulfilled before our very eyes. The Dead Sea Scrolls prove that many of the prophecies in the Bible were written long before they were fulfilled. Therefore, we can trust the Bible like no other writing. Only God knows the future, and God claims to be the One who is the Author of the Bible. We’ll be looking at the root cause of the conflict Israel has with its enemies, what wars are prophesied to take place in the future, and what the Bible says the outcome of these wars will be. So, if you want to know what the future holds for Israel and the Middle East, read carefully to the end to find out. The Conflict Is Mainly Between Muslim Arabs and Jews Now, this discussion is not about all Arabs and is not intended to be anti-Arab. I have a number of Arab friends and have met many Arab people while in the Holy Land who are wonderful folks. God loves all people and wants them to come to the saving knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ, who proved to be divine and fulfilled countless prophecies proving this. Both the Jews and Arabs need Jesus Christ, along with all of us. He is the only hope for peace and salvation. Every person is equal and created in the image of God. I also want to say that I feel deep compassion for the innocent people caught up in war. Wars are ugly, destructive, and sad. What Is the Conflict About? The basic conflict is over who has the right to exist in the Holy Land. The Muslim Arabs claim they are the rightful owners of all the Holy Land and want no state of Israel at all, and Israel says they have a right to exist in their homeland. Israel Becoming a Nation Fulfills Bibl e Prophecy In Ezekiel chapter 37 is a vision Ezekiel received about a valley of dry bones. These bones represent the nation of Israel and how God would regather them into their homeland in the last days. This was fulfilled in 1948 when Israel was recognized by the UN and the International Community as being its own country. Ezekiel 37:11-14: Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the entire house of Israel; behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am going to open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves, My people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. 14 And I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land . Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and done it,” declares the Lord.’” This amazing prophecy has been fulfilled and lets us know that the Bible is God’s word and true, as only God knows the future. We must realize that the creation of Israel as a state is God’s doing. It fulfills His master plan for the nation of Israel. God is the Lord and owner of everything, so we must realize it is His will for the nation of Israel to exist. Nothing will change His plans. Therefore, the fact that Israel is a state is ultimately by God’s sovereign work and plan, not people’s. The Future Wars Israel Will Face , as Prophesied in the Bible There are three main wars that Israel will face in the future. 1. The great battle of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel chapters 38-39. 2. The persecution of the Jews in Israel by the Antichrist in the middle of the Great Tribulation Period. 3. The gathering of all nations against Israel at the end of the Great Tribulation Period. All of these conflicts will likely be intermixed with smaller wars as hatred and the desire to wipe Israel off the face of the earth grows. Now, let’s look at each of the se major wars. 1. War I: A massive invasio n from six nations surrounding Israel and the North. Ezekiel 38:1-6: Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face toward Gog of the land of Magog , the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal , and prophesy against him, 3 and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal . 4 So I will turn you around and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you out, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them magnificently dressed, a great contingent with shield and buckler, all of them wielding swords; 5 Persia, Cush , and Put with them, all of them with buckler and helmet; 6 Gomer with all its troops; Beth-togarmah from the remote parts of the north with all its troops—many peoples with you. Who are these countries that will invade Israel in the last days? Gog is a person who rules over the land of Magog. Many Bible scholars believe Magog is the southern part of Russia, and Gog means the “Prince of Rosh.” They believe Rosh refers to the land of Russia. 1. The first nation consisting of Magog, Meshech, and Tubal were all sons of Japheth, who was one of the three sons of Noah. Japheth and his family migrated to the area of modern-day Russia (Genesis 10:2-3). God informs Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38:15, “You will come from your place in the far North .” The Hebrew word means “the uttermost part of the North.” What is to the far north of Israel? This seems to be Russia. On the date of this filming, Hamas, Palestinian, and Iranian representatives are meeting in Russia. This shows that this alliance even being formed today before our very eyes. 2. The second nation, Persia, is now the modern state of Iran. It is currently ruled by an Islamic fundamentalist government that is building significant military power, including the development of nuclear weapons. It has openly declared its commitment to the total annihilation of the Jewish State of Israel. 3. The third nation, Cush, is the region of Ethiopia, but not the same as modern Ethiopia. Instead, it occupied the area later known as Nubia. Today, it’s known as Sudan and is dominated by an Islamic fundamentalist government that is using brutal means, including the crucifixion of Christians, to attempt to establish a pure, Islamic state. 4. The fourth nation, Put, is the region of Libya today. It is also an Islamic nation. It is strongly anti-West and anti-Israel, and Western intelligence has been informed that Libya has hired Eastern European and former Soviet military scientists to aid its development of military power. 5. The people of the fifth nation, Gomer, had settled in what is now central Turkey in Ezekiel’s time. 6. The people of the sixth nation, Togarmah, were identified by Josephus as the Phrygians, who settled in Cappadocia, now eastern Turkey. Considering the location of the fifth and sixth nations in Turkey, it should be noted that the present government of Turkey is being threatened by Islamic fundamentalists. As a result, some leaders fear that Turkey could become another Iran. If that happens, all the nations named in Ezekiel 38:5–6 will be characterized by a militant Islamic hatred of Israel. In fact, the current Turkish president is supporting Hamas and condemning Israel in the war that is happening between Israel and Hamas. It is even threatening to go to war with Israel and the West. The president of Turkey is also currently meeting with Russian president Putin and calls him his friend. So, we see movement happening toward Bible prophecy being fulfilled before our very eyes regarding Turkey. I should also mention that nine Arab nations are condemning Israel for defending itself against the recent Hamas attacks. In summary, what we see is Islamic countries all unifying in their opposition to Israel. The battle is a spiritual battle with the religion of Islam front and center. It’s Islamic Jihad being fanned into flames across all Islamic countries. When will this invasion happen? Ezekiel 38:7-9: “Be ready, and be prepared, you and all your contingents that are assembled around you, and be a guard for them. 8 After many days you will be summoned; in the latter years you will come into the land that is restored from the sword, whose inhabitants have been gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel which had been a continual place of ruins [this speaks of the regathering and establishment of the nation of Israel]; but its people were brought out from the nations, and they are living securely, all of them. 9 And you will go up, you will come like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land, you and all your troops, and many peoples with you.” This major invasion happens after Israel is gathered into its homeland country of the Holy Land. It happens in the latter years or last days. It will also take place when Israel is living securely. Ezekiel 38:14-16: “Therefore prophesy, son of man, and say to Gog, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “On that day when My people Israel are living securely , will you not know it? 15 You will come from your place out of the remote parts of the north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding horses, a large assembly and a mighty army; 16 and you will come up against My people Israel like a cloud to cover the land. It shall come about in the last days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me when I show Myself holy through you before their eyes, Gog.” It appears it will take place at least seven years before the middle of the Great Tribulation Period. Ezekiel 39:9: “Then those who inhabit the cities of Israel will go out and make fires with the weapons and burn them, both bucklers and shields, bows and arrows, war clubs and spears, and for seven years they will make fires of them. We know that in the middle of the Tribulation, the Antichrist sets himself up as God in a functioning temple in Jerusalem. He institutes the Mark of the Beast, and no one can buy or sell without it. According to Matthew 24:15-21 and Revelation 12:6, there will be great tribulation starting in the middle of the Tribulation, and Israel will flee into the desert to be supernaturally protected by God for 3 ½ years. We’ll see this event in more detail a little later. With this being the case, it seems highly unlikely that the nation of Israel is going to have time to take wood from the great invasion with them into the desert when they flee. Therefore, it seems this invasion takes place before the middle of the Tribulation Period. Some think this northern invasion will happen at the end of the Great Tribulation Period, but I don’t think so. This northern invasion lists just six nations fighting against Israel. At the end of the Tribulation, all the nations of the earth are gathered against Israel. Ezekiel 38:14 clearly states that it happens when Israel is living securely during a time of peace. “Therefore prophesy, son of man, and say to Gog, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “On that day when My people Israel are living securely, will you not know it? The end of the Tribulation Period is anything but peaceful and secure for Israel. The second half of the Tribulation is when God pours out His wrath on the world, so it won’t be a time of peace. Also, during the second half of the Tribulation, as mentioned, Israel flees to the desert and is supernaturally protected by God. So, it’s virtually impossible for this invasion to happen in the middle or at the end of the Tribulation Period. The reason for the invasion. Ezekiel 38:10-13: ‘This is what the Lord God says: “It will come about on that day, that thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil plan , 11 and you will say, ‘I will go up against the land of unwalled villages. I will go against those who are at rest, who live securely, all of them living without walls and having no bars or gates, 12 to capture spoils and to seize plunder, to turn your hand against the ruins that are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and goods, who live at the center of the world.’ 13 Sheba and Dedan and the merchants of Tarshish with all its villages will say to you, ‘Have you come to capture spoils? Have you assembled your contingent to seize plunder, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to capture great spoils ?’”’ God’s response to the invasion. Ezekiel 38:17-23: ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Are you the one of whom I spoke in former days through My servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied in those days for many years that I would bring you against them? 18 It will come about on that day, when Gog comes against the land of Israel,” declares the Lord God, “that My fury will mount up in My anger . 19 In My zeal and in My blazing wrath I declare that on that day there will certainly be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. 20 The fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals of the field, all the crawling things that crawl on the earth, and all mankind who are on the face of the earth will shake at My presence; and the mountains will be thrown down, the steep pathways will collapse, and every wall will fall to the ground. 21 And I will call for a sword against him on all My mountains,” declares the Lord God. “Every man’s sword will be against his brother. 22 With plague and with blood I will enter into judgment with him; and I will rain on him and on his troops, and on the many peoples who are with him, a torrential rain, hailstones, fire, and brimstone. 23 So I will prove Myself great, show Myself holy, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the Lord.”’ How long will Israel make fires out of the weapons of warfare? Ezekiel 39:9-10: “Then those who inhabit the cities of Israel will go out and make fires with the weapons and burn them, both bucklers and shields, bows and arrows, war clubs and spears, and for seven years they will make fires of them . 10 They will not take wood from the field or gather firewood from the forests, because they will make fires with the weapons; and they will take the spoils of those who plundered them and seize the plunder of those who plundered them,” declares the Lord God. Again, as mentioned earlier, it seems highly unlikely that the nation of Israel will have time to take wood from this great invasion with them into the desert when they flee from the Antichrist in the middle of the Tribulation Period. Therefore, it seems this invasion takes place at least seven years before the middle of the Tribulation Period. The final purpose of the invasion. Ezekiel 39:21-24: “And I will place My glory among the nations ; and all the nations will see My judgment which I have executed, and My hand which I have laid on them. 22 And the house of Israel will know that I am the Lord their God , from that day onward. 23 The nations will know that the house of Israel went into exile for their wrongdoing , because they were disloyal to Me, and I hid My face from them; so I handed them over to their adversaries, and all of them fell by the sword. 24 In accordance with their uncleanness and their offenses I dealt with them, and I hid My face from them.”’” This massive invasion seems like it could set up events for the Peace Treaty that the Antichrist makes with the world for seven years, which starts the Great Tribulation Period. War II: Persecution of the Jews by the Antichrist in the middle of the Great Tribulation. The next war against the Israelis will be in the middle of the Tribulation. Matthew 24:15-21: “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place—let the reader understand— 16 then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains . 17 Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get things out of his house. 18 And whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak. 19 But woe to those women who are pregnant, and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 Moreover, pray that when you flee, it will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath. 21 For then there will be a great tribulation , such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will again. A parallel passage to the event is found in Revelation 12:1-17: A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman [Israel] clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars [12 tribes of Israel]; 2 and she was pregnant [with Jesus Christ] and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon [Antichrist] having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven crowns. 4 And his tail swept away a third of the stars [fallen angels, demons] of heaven and hurled them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her Child [Jesus]. The Red Dragon, who is Satan, wants to eliminate Israel 5 And she gave birth to a Son [Jesus], a male, who is going to rule all the nations with a rod of iron; and her Child [Jesus] was caught up to God and to His throne. 6 Then the woman [Israel] fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for 1,260 days [3 ½ years]. 7 And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, 8 and they did not prevail, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven. 13 And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman [Israel] who gave birth to the male Child [Jesus]. 14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time, times, and half a time, away from the presence of the serpent [3 ½ years]. 17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus [Christians] . In summary, we see that once again, God will step in and supernaturally protect Israel during this war. He has a plan for Israel, and He will see to it that it is fulfilled. It should be noted that this war, unlike the others, is between the Antichrist and Israel. It doesn’t include other nations. 3. War III: All the nations gather against Israel at the end of the Great Tribulation Period. At the end of the Great Tribulation Period, God, Satan, the angels, and demons gather all the nations to Israel to wipe her off the face of the earth. Joel 3:2: I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat [Kidron Valley between the Mt. of Olives and Old City Jerusalem]. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land. Revelation 16:13-16: And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; 14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the entire world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty . 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and people will not see his shame.”) 16 And they gathered them together to the place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon [Jezreel Valley where Megiddo is located]. Part of this last battle will also take place in northern Israel. Revelation 14:14-20: Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, calling out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle and reap, for the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe.” 16 Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, and he also had a sharp sickle. 18 Then another angel, the one who has power over fire, came out from the altar; and he called with a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Put in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, because her grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle to the earth and gathered the clusters from the vine of the earth, and threw them into the great wine press of the wrath of God. 20 And the wine press was trampled outside the city, and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of 1,600 stadia [180 miles, 290km.). Matthew 25:31-33: “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 And all the nations will be gathered before Him ; and He will separate them from one another, just as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right, but the goats on the left. Matthew 25:45-46: Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it for one of the least of these, you did not do it for Me, either.’ 46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life .” This last battle will be the battle of all battles. Christ will descend in power and great glory with the armies of heaven, which are the angels and believers in Christ in their glorified bodies. It’s His mere presence that wipes out all the nations, defeats Satan and his demonic angels, and institutes the Millennial Reign, where He will reign on earth from Jerusalem for a 1,000 years. All believers in Jesus Christ will reign with Him. After the 1,000 years, He will destroy the present heaven and earth and create brand new ones where believers in Christ will dwell with Him forever and ever. God will have fulfilled His master plan for creation, and all will be settled for eternity. Summary of the Three Coming Wars According to the Bible, which is extremely trustworthy, it predicts three major wars that will await Israel in the future. 1. The great battle of Gog and Magog. 2. The persecution of the Jews in Israel by the Antichrist in the middle of the Great Tribulation Period. 3. The gathering of all nations against Israel at the end of the Great Tribulation when Christ comes back to the earth in power and great glory. Faith Lesson 1. In all these wars, the major storyline we see is that mainly Muslim nations, along with other nations, have a desire to eliminate Is rael and the Jews. However, the amazing reality is that God will supernaturally protect Israel because He still has a plan and purpose for her. 2. The main source of the conflicts moving forward will come from Islamic-run countries. Their goal is to conquer the world for Allah by whatever means necessary. This includes every kind of terror imaginable. Therefore, they will be the main players in events moving forward. 3. It’s very logical and probable that the Antichrist will be a Muslim. As we have seen, in Muslim theology, a prophesied future Muslim leader will rule from the Temple Mount over the entire world for seven years. 4. Now, while the Islamic-run countries who will be against Israel in the last days think they are fighting against Israel, they are really fighting against God almighty. This is a war no one can win. 5. There will be a growing hatred against Israel and Christians in these last days. This can even be seen today in 2023, as the UN, with overwhelming support, called for Israel to stop its military campaign to defend itself by taking out Hamas in the Gaza Strip. I wonder what each of these countries would do if they had Hamas launching endless rockets into their countries and killing thousands and kidnapping hundreds of its citizens. I’m sure they would defend themselves. 6 . God has a plan for Israel, and He will be the one who defends them supernaturally. God will fulfill this major prophecy as He has fulfilled every other one. You can count on that. Zechariah 12:1-5: The oracle of the word of the Lord concerning Israel: Thus declares the Lord, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him: 2 “Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples . The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah. 3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it . 4 On that day, declares the Lord, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But for the sake of the house of Judah I will keep my eyes open, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. 5 Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the Lord of hosts, their God.’ 7. God will fight for Israel, and it will be victorious. So, the future is actually bright for Israel. All the world sill see and know this. It will survive all the wars and conflicts because God is her helper and defender. The future will sometimes be ugly due to wars, but God will use all this for His good purposes to carry out His divine master plan for His creation. 8. God loves everyone and will extend His hand of grace and love to all who will receive it through Jesus Christ. 9. As we see these end times events unfolding before our eyes, we need to realize that God is in control and working out everything according to His good purposes. Therefore, we should be at peace, trusting in God, a nd certain we are right with God and ready for His return.

Tel Hazor was one of the largest and most important biblical sites in the Canaanite and Israelite periods. The victory over Hazor by Joshua and the Israelites is probably one of the most overlooked miracles in the Bible. When we realize how powerful Hazor was and how Jabin, the King of Hazor, gathered countless armies against the Israelites, we see that only God could have given them victory. It was on the Via Maris, north of the Sea of Galilee. Tel Hazor Photo Gallery Places of Interest Hazor Location 1. Hazor is located about 10 miles (16 km.) due north of the Sea of Galilee and just to the east of Hwy. 90. 2. It was on one of the most important travel routes called the “Via Maris,” which linked Africa and Egypt with Syria and Asia. 3. It was the largest and most strategic city in northern Galilee due to its size and location. Historical Background 1. Hazor was one of the most important cities of the Canaanites and was the head of all the northern kingdoms (Josh. 11:10). 2. It was 10 times the size of Jerusalem and totaled 200 acres (81 hectares, 200 football fields) in size. 3. The upper part of the tel is around 30 acres (12 hectares), and the lower part is around 170 acres (69 hectares). 4. What we see today of Hazor is 1/8 the size of what it once was. 5. To the north lies most of the city, which is now a farm field. 6. It’s the largest tel in Israel. 7. It’s also believed to have been the largest city in ancient Canaan. 8. It was one of three major cities of defense in Israel (Gezer, to the south, Megiddo, in the middle of the country, and Hazor, in the north). All three cities were on the Via Maris. 9. Hazor rivaled Nineveh in size and importance. 10. Hazor is mentioned 19 times in the Bible. Places of Interest 1. Israelite City Ruins 2. Israelite Walls 3. Lower City 4. Temple Tombs 5. Northern Walls 6. Canaanite Temple/Palace 7. Solomon’s Walls and Gate (archaeologists have uncovered a six-chambered gate at Hazor, which is nearly identical in size and design to gates at Megiddo and Gezer). 8. Ash layer in the Canaanite Palace/Temple 9. Canaanite Altar 10. Water System (a century after Solomon’s time, the Israelites built a massive shaft 131 ft. (40 m.) deep into the tel, reaching the water table below). 11. Israelite Fortress/Tower 12. Rooms & Buildings 13. Canaanite passage between the upper and lower cities. Hazor in the Bible The victory over Hazor by Joshua and the Israelites is probably one of the most overlooked miracles in the Bible. When we realize how powerful Hazor was and how Jabin, the King of Hazor, gathered countless armies against the Israelites, we see that it was only God who could have given them the victory. 1. When Jabin, king of Hazor, heard that Joshua and the Israelites had been on a conquering rampage throughout all the southern part of the land, he gathered a host of kings in the northern part of the land to unite and fight against the Israelites. Joshua 11:1–5: When Jabin, king of Hazor , heard of this, he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph, 2 and to the kings who were in the northern hill country, and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth, and in the lowland, and in Naphoth-dor on the west, 3 to the Canaanites in the east and the west, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, and the Jebusites in the hill country, and the Hivites under Hermon in the land of Mizpah. 4 And they came out with all their troops, a great horde, in number like the sand that is on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots. 5 And all these kings joined their forces and came and encamped together at the waters of Merom [3.5 miles, 5.5 km. north of Hazor] to fight against Israel. 2. All the unified kings and soldiers believed that with their countless armies and gods, Israel would be no match for them. 3. God told Joshua and the Israelites not to be afraid because He would be with them and deliver all these kings into their hands. Joshua 11:6–9: And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.” 7 So Joshua and all his warriors came suddenly against them by the waters of Merom and fell upon them. 8 And the Lord gave them into the hand of Israel, who struck them and chased them as far as Great Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward as far as the Valley of Mizpeh. And they struck them until he left none remaining. 9 And Joshua did to them just as the Lord said to him: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire. 4. After defeating all the armies, Joshua conquered Hazor and burned it with fire. Joshua 11:10–13: Then Joshua turned back at that time, and captured Hazor and struck its king with the sword; for Hazor formerly was the head of all these kingdoms . They struck every person who was in it with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them; there was no one left who breathed. And he burned Hazor with fire . Joshua captured all the cities of these kings, and all their kings, and he struck them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed them; just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded. 13 But none of the cities that stood on mounds did Israel burn, except Hazor alone; that Joshua burned . Evidence of the burn marks and ash layer can be seen in the Canaanite Palace at Hazor. 5. Hazor was later retaken and rebuilt by the Canaanites. God used the Canaanites to punish Israel for their disobedience to Him. Judges 4:1–3: And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord after Ehud died. 2 And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin [title, not a person’s name, i.e., pharaoh] king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor . The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim. 3 Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, for he had 900 chariots of iron and he oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for twenty years. 6. God used Deborah and Barak to deliver the Israelites after they repented of their sins and cried out to Him for help. Joshua 4:14–16: And Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10,000 men following him. 15 And the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army before Barak by the edge of the sword. And Sisera got down from his chariot and fled away on foot. 16 And Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth-hagoyim, and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword; not a man was left. 7. Hazor later came under the control of Israel during the period of King David and Solomon, and Solomon rebuilt and fortified Hazor, along with Megiddo and Gezer. 1 Kings 9:15: Now this is the account of the forced labor which King Solomon levied to build the house of the Lord, his own house, the Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor , Megiddo, and Gezer. 8. . Jeremiah prophesied against Hazor due to the Israelites disobedience after David and Solomon’s time. Jeremiah 49:33: Hazor will become a haunt of jackals, a desolation forever; no one will live there, nor will a son of man reside in it. It’s amazing that this once sought-after prime location is now desolate. It shows the power of God and His proclaimed word. 9. As a result of Israel’s disobedience to God, Hazor was destroyed by Assyria in 722 BC, and the northern 10 tribes of Israel were deported. 2 Kings 15:29: In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor , Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and he carried the people captive to Assyria. Faith Lesson from Hazor 1. When the Israelites obeyed God, He blessed them and made them victorious over countless kings and multitudes of soldiers. 2. When they disobeyed God, He caused them to become weak and defeated. 3. The same lesson from the Old Testament applies to us today (Rom. 15:4). When we are obedient and faithful to God, we live victoriously and receive His blessings. However, when we disobey Him, we become weak and defeated. 4. What kind of lives are we living today? Are we victorious or defeated?

The Tomb of Mary (mother of Jesus), also known as the Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary, is located just a little north of the Garden of Gethsemane in the Kidron Valley. Sites of interest include: Mary’s Chapel, Mary’s Tomb, Copt altar, Garden of Gethsemane, Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat), Temple Mount Tomb of Mary, Mother of Jesus Photo Gallery Places of Interest Tomb of Mary, Mother of Jesus Introduction 1. The New Testament is silent regarding the death and burial of Mary, but strong Christian tradition places her tomb at this site. 2. The Orthodox and Catholic churches teach that Mary died a natural death at her home on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, where Dormition Abbey stands today. They also believe that after three days, her body was taken up into heaven, and her tomb was found empty. 3. Protestants believe Mary died a natural death and was buried here as a result. 4. Since there were no cemeteries there at the time, she was buried at this site. 5. This building houses the Tomb of Mary. It is the underground crypt of a church that no longer exists. The room is dark, with walls blackened by centuries of smoke, giving it an ancient feel. Icons adorn the space, and numerous hanging oil lamps cast a soft glow over the tomb. 6. On the way down the steps, there are two chapels. On the left is the Chapel of Joseph (Jesus' earthly father), and on the right is the Chapel of Mary's parents, Hanna and Joachim. 7. It's a fascinating place with around 2,000 years of history. Let's explore and experience this site. Location The Tomb of Mary, also known as the Church of the Sepulchre of St. Mary, is located just a little north of the Garden of Gethsemane in the Kidron Valley. Right beside the Tomb of Mary Church is the Gethsemane Cave Complex. Historical Background 1. The New Testament is silent regarding the death and burial of Mary, but strong Christian tradition places her tomb at this site. 2. The church is in an underground rock-cut cave in the shape of a cross. It has a wide staircase leading down to the church. It is dimly lit and features blackish ceilings, a result of centuries of candle burning. 3. The church began as burial caves that were cut into rock in the 1st century. 4. These caves were later expanded in 455 AD into a cross-shaped church with the tomb of Mary in its center. 5. The large crypt containing the empty tomb in the church is all that remains of an early 5th-century AD church. 6. In the 6th century AD, an octagon-shaped church was built on the upper level, covering the tomb. However, it was destroyed in the Persian invasion in 614. 7. During the Crusader period (1130), the church was rebuilt and included a Benedictine monastery called the Abbey Church of St. Mary of Jehosaphat. Virtually everything was destroyed by Saladin in 1187 except for the south entrance and staircase. 8. After the Crusaders left, the site was taken over by the Franciscans. Since that time, it has been shared by Greeks, Armenians, Syrians, Copts, Abyssinians, and Muslims. 9. Muslims also worship here, and on the wall to the right of the Tomb of Mary is a mihrab niche, giving the direction of Mecca. It was installed after Saladin’s conquest in the 12th Century. 10. According to Catholic tradition, Mary ascended into heaven. Her tomb at this church is empty, but it serves as a shrine honoring this event. Protestants believe Mary died a natural death and was buried here as a result. Places of Interest 1. Gethsemane Cave Complex This is believed to be the location where Jesus and the disciples often stayed while in Jerusalem, as well as the nearby spot where Jesus was arrested before His crucifixion. Eyewitnesses from the fourth and sixth centuries attest to the remains of original artifacts that this was the authentic place where the Gethsemane Press was and where Jesus was arrested the night before being crucified. 2. Church of the Sepulchre of S t. Mary The modern upper level of the church. Forty-seven steps leading down to the dimly lit church. On the way down the steps, there are two chapels. On the left is the Chapel of Joseph (Jesus' earthly father), and on the right is the Chapel of Mary's parents, Hanna (Anna) and Joachim. Mary’s Chapel Mary’s Tomb Mary was buried in a bench-type tomb, similar to the one in which Jesus lay. Around 455 AD, the rock surrounding her tomb was carved away, leaving a naturally chiseled square building, or what we call an edicule, meaning "little house." This natural stone edicule still surrounds May’s tomb intact today. Interestingly, this type of construction was almost identical to the way Jesus’ original tomb was built centuries earlier—a tomb made of the natural stone that originally encased it. Copt Altar 3. Gethsemane 4. Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat) 5. Temple Mount The Life of Mary in the Bible 1. Mary was a godly woman who had the privilege of being the mother of Jesus. Luke 1:26–31: Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 2. Mary treasured the privilege of being Christ’s earthly mother. Luke 2:19: But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 3. Being the mother of Jesus would come with a high price. Luke 2:34–35: And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 4. Mary was an obedient woman, submitting to God and her husband in all things. Matthew 2:13: Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” 5. Because Christ’s earthly father, Joseph, is not mentioned after Christ was 12 years old, and because Christ entrusted the Apostle John with her care at His death, it appears she became a widow at an early age. John 19:25–27: But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus then 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!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household. 6. Mary witnessed the crucifixion of her Son on the Cross. John 19:25: Therefore, the soldiers did these things. But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 7. Mary continued to support the apostles and was part of serving the cause of Jesus after His resurrection. Acts 1:14: All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus , and his brothers. Faith Lesson from the Life of Mary 1. Mary was a deeply devoted woman to be honored, but nowhere in Scripture is she worshiped, nor are we commanded to worship or pray to her. 2 . The Lord highly favored Mary because of her love and obedience to Him. When we obey and seek the Lord, we are favored by Him as well. 3. Our obedience doesn’t earn God’s love, but it does bring blessing and favor. 4 . We could learn a lot from the life of Mary and should emulate her faith and devotion to God.

Bible Videos, books, teachings, Holy Land Tour Trips, maps, and more about why Israel is so unique and unlike any other country. Why Israel Is So Unique Israel – God’s Chosen Land Israel . . . Land of the Bible . . . Land of Faith . . . the Holy Land, revered throughout recorded history as the cradle of monotheistic religion. For a person of faith whose beliefs are rooted in the Bible, there is no place on earth like the Holy Land. In this narrow strip of land lies the source of religious belief of much of mankind. Here, amongst the barren hills and fertile plains, man’s spirit learned to soar and from here a new message went out to all the world: “. . . and many peoples shall come, and say, “Come, let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord, to the House of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths. For out of Zion (Hill next to Jerusalem) will go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3,4). The unique factor about the Holy Land is its special location in the World. Situated as it is, straddling the divide between Africa and Asia, the area has almost always been a battleground. Wave after wave of conquerors poured into it, anxious to control the strategic trade routes linking the centers of the ancient world. It’s not by accident that it’s virtually in the center of the world. In God’s master plan of creation, He decided to place Israel exactly in the center of His creation. Located on a tiny land bridge between Africa and Asia, there is no other way to get between the two of them except through Israel. It’s located on the crossroads of the world. Whoever wanted to trade between the two continents, or control the known world, had to conquer and control Israel. For this reason, there have been more wars and events that have taken place in Israel than any other country on earth. God positioned Israel in its unique location in order to influence the world and be on “Center Stage” so all of creation would know that He alone is God. For nearly 2,000 years, Christian visitors from all over the world have come to the Holy Land, the land of their spiritual heritage. With Bible in hand, they have walked the places Jesus walked and prayed in the places He preached and prayed. For Christians, Israel is a place like no other. It provides them a one of a kind opportunity to experience the land of the Bible, to deepen their faith, and to be spiritually transformed for a lifetime.

See a video about the Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat) that talks about the judgments and the Wine Press of God's wrath. Learn about the Great Tribulation, Christ's second coming, blood flowing up to the horses' bridle, the gathering of the nations, and more. Absalom’s Tomb, Zechariah’s Tomb, Mount of Olives, Temple Mount, City of David. Kidron Valley: The Judgment of God Photo Gallery Places of Interest Kidron Valley: Judgment of God Location The Kidron Valley, also called the Valley of Jehoshaphat, lies between the Old City of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. Historical Background 1. It was much deeper in biblical times. 2. It is referred to repeatedly in Scripture as a place of judgment. 3. It is called the Winepress of God’s wrath. Places of Interest 1. Kidron Valley 2. Absalom’s Tomb 3. Zechariah’s Tomb 4. Mount of Olives 5. Temple Mount 6. City of David Kidron Valley and the Judgments of God in the Bible 1. God will gather the nations to the Kidron Valley at the end of the Tribulation and judge them. Joel 3:1–3: For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land, 3 and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it. 2. It is the Winepress of God’s wrath. Revelation 14:14–20: Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” 16 So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped. 17 Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle [5 feet or 1.75 meters], for 1,600 stadia [200 miles, or 300 kilometers]. The flow of the river of blood from the Kidron Valley will run east toward the Dead Sea, then go south toward the Red Sea. 3. The judgments of God throughout history. 1. God judged Satan and the angels who rebelled against Him. They are now called demons. 2. God judged Adam and Eve for their disobedience. 3. God judged the ancient world by sending a great flood upon the whole earth. 4. God judged Sodom and Gomorrah. 5. God judged the Canaanite nations and commanded Israel to destroy them because of their great wickedness. 6. God gave clear warnings of blessings and curses to the Israelites in Deuteronomy chapters 27 and 28. 7. The nation of Israel disobeyed God repeatedly and was eventually deported from their land. This was a fulfillment of Deuteronomy chapters 27 and 28. 8. Contrary to what many people believe, Christ talked more about hell than heaven. 9. Today there is very little mention of the judgments of God. 4. The ultimate judgment awaits those who reject Christ’s offer of salvation. Christ was the leading figure who talked about hell in the Bible. He described hell as: 1. A fiery lake of burning sulfur that is unquenchable and never goes out (Matt. 25:46; Mark 9:43–44; Rev. 21:8). 2. Everlasting destruction away from the presence of the Lord (2 Thess. 1:9). 3. Where people gnash their teeth in pain (Matt. 13:50). 4. Where the devil and the demons suffer (Matt. 25:41). 5. A gloomy dungeon (2 Pet. 2:4). 6. Where the worm never dies (Mark 9:48). 7. A fiery furnace (Matt. 13:42). 8. Where people will be salted with fire (Mark 9:49). 9. A place of weeping (Matt. 13:50). 10. A place of utter darkness (Jude 1:13). 11. A place of fiery flames (Luke 16:24). 12. A place of torment (Luke 16:28). According to Christ, hell is a real place and many will choose to go there because of their rejection of Him. They choose materialism, pleasure, and the pride of life over the salvation of their souls and the eternal riches of Christ. 5. The final judgment of God at the Great White Throne. Revelation 20:11–15: Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence, earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. 6. Why does God give more time and attention to judgment than blessings? In the two foundational passages given to the Israelites regarding blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience to God (Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 27 and 28), about 17% of the verses deal with blessings, and 83% deal with curses. Additionally, Christ followed this same pattern and talked more about hell than heaven. This pattern reveals that God has designed the human heart in such a way that it responds better to warnings than blessings. This is so because blessings are optional, but judgment is not. I can choose the blessings if I want, but I can’t choose to escape judgment for disobedience. Faith Lesson from the Kidron Valley 1. Do we realize God is a God of love, but He is also a God of justice? 2. Do we realize the reality of the judgments of God? 3. Do we believe in a literal hell, and do we talk about it like Christ did? 4. Do we understand that God has done everything possible to save us, but if we reject Him, then we are choosing separation from Him in hell instead? 5. Have I received Christ as my Savior and am I living for Him? 6. Am I telling others about Christ’s offer of eternal life?

See what Jerusalem looked like shortly after the time of Jesus. Understand the city layout like never before! This is a must-see tour to understand ancient Jerusalem from around 66 AD. Jerusalem Model Tour Photo Gallery Jerusalem Model Tour Introduction Welcome to the Model of Jerusalem at the Israel Museum. 1. It's located a couple of miles (km) west of Old City Jerusalem. 2. It's right beside the Shrine of the Book Museum, where many of the Dead Sea Scrolls are located. 3. This model will provide you with an exceptional understanding of what Jerusalem was like shortly after the time of Jesus. 4. We're going to explore and learn all about the city. 5. When we're done with this site, you'll understand Jerusalem and its layout shortly after the time of Jesus like the back of your hand. 6. We like to bring our tour groups here at the beginning of our time in Jerusalem so that they'll understand everything about Jerusalem and the surrounding area. 7. It's a must-see site to get the most out of your visit to Jerusalem. 8. Are you ready to explore and experience this site? Let's go! Location The Jerusalem Model is located at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The museum has several sections, and the model is located right beside the Shrine of the Book section. Historical Background 1. The Holyland Model of Jerusalem, also known as the Model of Jerusalem at the end of the Second Temple period, is a 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem from around 66 AD. 2. It covers an area of about 1,000 square meters and recreates the city at the height of its glory before the Jewish revolt against the Romans. 3. It was designed by Michael Avi-Yonah and moved from its original location at the Holyland Hotel in Bayit Vegan, Jerusalem, to its new site at the Israel Museum in June 2006. 4. The model was built from 1962 to 1966. At this time, almost the entire area it represents was under Jordanian rule and, therefore, off-limits for Israeli archaeologists and visitors. Thus, its layout was based mainly on historians and the Bible. 5. The model is not entirely accurate, as many discoveries have been made since it was built in 1966. 6. However, it still gives us a fantastic example and layout of what Jerusalem looked like shortly after the time of Jesus. Sites of Interest View of Old City Jerusalem Temple & Temple Mount Layout The outer courts of the Temple Mount were called the courts of the Gentiles. All non-Jews, unless they converted to Judaism, were allowed in this area but not in the inner courts of the Temple. Next, we have the Beautiful Gate. It was the gate leading into the Women's Courtyard. It was here that Peter and John healed the lame man as found in Acts 3. In each corner of the Women's Court were chamber rooms. We have the Chamber of Wood, Chamber of the Nazarites, Chamber of Lepers, and Chamber of Oils. Moving toward the temple was the Nicanor Gate. It led into the Inner Courtyard. Here was the Altar and Bronze Laver. From the Inner Court, you would enter the Holy Place, and then, beyond the curtain, the High Priest, once a year on the Day of Atonement, also called Yom Kippur, would enter the Holy of Holies. On the outer edges of the southern end of the Temple Mount Platform was the Royal Stoa. This is where we believe the area was where Pentecost took place. Antonia Fortress City of David Southern Stairs Robinson's Arch Wilson's Arch Pool of Siloam Pilgrims' Road Western Hill Expansion by Hezekiah Hezekiah's Broad Wall Herod's Palace Complex Jesus' Route to the Cross Via Dolorosa Golgotha Gennath Gate Walls of Jerusalem, Time of Jesus Walls of Jerusalem in 44 AD Pools of Bethesda Damascus Gate Lions' Gate Stephen's Gate Faith Lesson from Jerusalem 1. Jerusalem has played a key role as the center of God’s dwelling place and ministry on this earth. 2. Since the time it was first captured by King David, until now, it has been a place of extreme blessing and punishment. When the Israelites obeyed God, they experienced supernatural blessings, protection, and miracles, and became a voice from God to minister to the surrounding nations. 3. However, when they disobeyed God, they experienced punishment, a lack of protection, and judgment, and were a terrible example to minister to the surrounding nations. What about us? Do we want God's blessings in our lives or be under his hand of punishment and judgment? 4. It's estimated that Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt around 40 times. It was destroyed as a result of God's judgment for disobedience, and rebuilt due to His blessings as a result of obedience. What about us? When we disobey God, our lives are destroyed. However, when we obey, our lives are rebuilt and become testimonies of God's work and blessing. If we are wise, we'll seek the Lord and obey Him.

The true location of the Garden of Eden is somewhat uncertain. However, we believe the evidence leads to just north of the Persian Gulf. The Genesis account describes Eden as located at the conjunction of four major rivers, two of which exist today: the Tigris and the Euphrates. Garden of Eden Location Garden of Eden Location The Garden of Eden is described by the Book of Genesis as being the place where the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, were created by God and lived until they fell and were expelled. The Hebrew meaning of Eden is pleasure and delight. It was heaven on earth at that time. The Garden of Eden is the first location mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 2) and is the backdrop for one of the most iconic stories of the Bible. Whether or not you believe this to be true history or a purely symbolic or legendary account, it seems undeniable that the Bible treats the Garden as a real place. Was the Garden of Eden a Real Place? We believe the Garden of Eden was a real place that existed at the beginning of creation. Its location is given in stark detail, along with the story of Adam and Eve. Even Jesus affirmed its reality on a number of occasions. This validates its reality and existence substantially. Matthew 19:4-5: He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?'" This is a direct reference to Genesis 2:24: Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. We also believe God is the Author of Scripture, so we take the Genesis account literally and as inspired writing by God. Additionally, all the places mentioned about the location of the Garden of Eden are real places as well. Many of which can be found even today. Why Has the Garden of Eden Been Difficult to Locate? The main reason it has been difficult to locate is because of the transaction of the Hebrew in Genesis 2:10. Some Bible translations make it seem there is one river flowing out of the Garden that forms four other rivers. Other translations make it sound like there is one river but mention four headwaters. The Hebrew in this text is somewhat vague. We'll address this issue first because when it's understood, it makes the location much easier to locate. In fact, it makes it very easy to locate. Let's look at a few translations of Genesis 2:10 to understand better what this might mean. English Standard Version A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. New American Standard Bible Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers. New International Version A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. New King James Version Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. King James Bible And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads. We notice here that some of the translations mention four river heads. The Hebrew in this verse allows the understanding of four rivers making one river instead of one river turning into four. This is why the word "heads" is used in some translations. In the Anchor Bible Commentary of Genesis, E.A. Speiser explains this meaning. He says, "In verses 10 (see Notes) the term 'heads' can have nothing to do with streams into which the river breaks up after it leaves Eden, but designates instead four separate branches which have merged within Eden." In other words, instead of one main river becoming four separate rivers in Eden, four rivers become one in Eden. The mention of four river heads designates this. The river heads are what flow into one river so that in Eden, four rivers become one, and then the one river flows. Speiser continues, "There is thus no basis for detouring the Gihon to Ethiopia, not to mention the search for the Pishon in the various remote regions of the world." In other words, the Gihon and Pishon Rivers are going to be located in the same area as the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. In his book, "On the Reliability of the Old Testament," K.A. Kitchen also holds this view. When conveying the point that instead of one river becoming four, four rivers (headwaters) became one. He says, "This is a 'snapshot' -type view taken looking out from where the single stream entered the grade, and looking back just upstream to the point where the four 'head' rivers came together to form the single stream that entered the garden" (Pages 428-429). Therefore, Kitchen also believes the Hebrew in Genesis 2:10 refers to four rivers becoming one, not one river becoming four. Additionally, in ancient Hebrew, the word "head" didn't necessarily refer to the beginning of a river, but rather, it indicated a place where a river intersected with other bodies of water. It should also be mentioned that nowhere on earth can there be found one river that turns into four. There is also no point where the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers (whose locations are very well known today) have a point where one river turns into two. The idea of one river turning into four rivers contradicts how water tributaries function. They always go from smaller rivers merging with larger rivers and growing until they empty into some ocean. The idea of larger rivers turning into smaller rivers just doesn't happen. So, I believe the best understanding of Genesis 2:10 is that four rivers joined together in the Garden of Eden to make one river. When we understand this, then the location of the Garden of Eden becomes much easier. It Appears Genesis Was Written from a Post-Flood Perspective This seems to be the case because all the locations in Genesis are mentioned and known throughout the Bible after the flood. With this being the case, it seems the Garden of Eden location is something God wanted us to know about, and its area was known after the flood. Therefore, we should be able to locate its general vicinity today. This doesn't mean the Garden is like it was before the fall because God cursed the earth, and things drastically changed for Eden. However, its location still exists. Wh ere Are the Locations Given for the Garden of Eden? After Genesis 2:10 describes four rivers becoming one in Eden, it provides numerous locations. Let's look at them one by one. 1. The land of Havilah, where there is gold. Genesis 2:11-12: The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah , where there is gold . 12(The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) Genesis 25:18 tells us exactly where Havilah is: They settled from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt, going toward Assyria ; he settled in defiance of all his relatives. So the land of Havilah is directly between Egypt and Assyria. This makes the location of Havilah very clear. Before the time of King Solomon, this area was known as Havilah. After the time of Solomon, it was known as Arabia. Many Bible verses confirm this. Genesis 2:12 also mentions that the land of Havilah was rich in gold. I t should be noted that this Havilah area still has many gold mines and is famous for gold production. In fact, it has around 55 gold mines still in operation today. This matches perfectly with what Genesis 2 :12 says about it being rich in gold. Additionally, in this region, we find a place called Adh Dhahab, which means “cradle of gold.” Scholar Carol Hill says it “was the largest and one of the richest gold mines of the ancient world.” It is, therefore, very likely that this is the location of the gold that Genesis associates with the land of Havilah. Other passages (Genesis 10:7, 29; 25:18; 1 Samuel 15:7; 1 Chronicles 1:9, 23) suggest Havilah is in Arabia or nearby. Bible scholar Gordon Wenham summarizes, “On this basis, the Pishon must either be identified with an Arabian river, or with the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea ‘which goes round all the land of Havilah.’” In summary, the location of Havilah is very certain and is a key location in the search for Eden. 2. The Pishon River Genesis 2:11 says the Pishon River "winds through the entire Land of Havilah." This means the Pishon River is in this area. The climate has changed since the writing of Genesis so this river today is not exactly certain. However, there is a large dry riverbed called "Wadi al Rummah," which turns into Wadi al Batim close to its end, which matches this river exactly. The location of the Pishon River seems to be where Wadi al Rummah (Wadi Ar Rumah), which becomes Wadi al Batin, is today. It was first located in 1994 when Dr. Farouk El-Baz, Director of the Center for Remote Sensing at Boston University and a pioneering figure in remote sensing, used ground-penetrating radar images from the Space Shuttle to locate and trace the bed of an ancient river that flowed for about 600 miles (965 kilometers) through Saudi Arabia, ending in Kuwait where it became a broad watercourse three miles (almost five kilometers) wide. Joel Kramer, an archaeologist, recently explored this riverbed from its beginning in the mountains to its end. He found the same rocks in the mountains that are down toward its end. This means this river once flowed and carried these rocks as it flowed. The climate of Havilah changed at some point. Maybe this occurred during the same time God changed the climate around the Dead Sea when He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and the other three cities in its area. The Dead Sea area was once watered like the Garden of the Lord, as mentioned in Genesis 13:10, but is now a barren wasteland . So, the Pishon River, which runs through the middle of Arabia and is now a dry riverbed, once flowed with abundant water in ancient times due to a wetter climate. In summary, it's safe to say that the area of Havilah is known today and is where the Pishon River ran through to its end, where it joined the other three rivers, as mentioned in Genesis 2:10-14. 3. The L and of Cush Genesis 2:13 mentions that the Gihon River is in the land of Cush: The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush . There are generally two locations where Cush is referenced in the Bible. The first is in the area of modern-day Iraq, north of the Persian Gulf. The second reference is in Africa and translated as Ethiopia (where modern-day Sudan is located). Some of this confusion regarding the location of Cush stems from the incorrect assumption that Cush refers to the kingdom of Cush located immediately south of Egypt in Africa (Ethiopia), which leads to the conclusion that the Gihon must be the Nile River (as Josephus also surmised). But the story makes it clear that the four rivers of Eden joined together, so the Nile River doesn't fit the biblical description of its location as it doesn't join the other rivers and is on an entirely different continent. Cush derives its name from Cush, a son of Ham, son of Noah. In its beginning, we see that the land of Cush encompassed the land of Mesopotamia, just to the east of where the Garden of Eden is located. Genesis 10:6-11: The sons of Ham: Cush , Egypt, Put, and Canaan. 7 The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. 8 Cush fathered Nimrod ; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man. 9 He was a mighty hunter before the Lord. Therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the Lord.” 10 The beginning of his kingdom was Babel , Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar . 11 From that land he went into Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah, and 12 Resen between Nineveh and Calah ; that is the great city. The land of Cush is mentioned throughout the Old Testament, and Cushites regularly interacted with Israelites. Cush was located at the beginning of biblical history, near the head of the Persian Gulf, but afterward, in the migration of the Cushite family, the name was applied to s outheast and southern Arabia and gradually to western Arabia not long before the time of Solomon. After that time, the Cushites spread to northern Africa. Wherever Ethiopia occurs in our English translation of the Scriptures, it is Cush in the Hebrew. Which of the places the Cushites settled is where the Gihon River was located? It would have to be in the area north of the Persian Gulf because that's where the other rivers mentioned are mentioned in Genesis. It's also the land where the kingdom of Cush began, as mentioned in Genesis 10:6-11. 4. Gihon River Genesis 2:13 mentions that the Gihon River is in the land of Cush: The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush . Now that we know where the land of Cush was located, we only need to look for the Gihon River in this area. The Gihon River is not mentioned today, but it's believed to be the Karun River as it runs through the land of Cush and joins the Euphrates, Tigris, and Pishon Rivers just north of the Persian Gulf. It matches perfectly with the biblical account. Other candidates for the Gihon River are the Karkheh River and Dez River. These two rivers also flow through Western Iran and meet up with the Tigris and Euphrates. Genesis links this Gihon river with the land of Cush, which, in this view, is tied to the Kassites. 5 . East Side of Ashur Genesis 2:14 mentions the Tigris River and that it ran along the east side of Ashur: The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ashur . Ashur is well known as Assyria during the Old Testament period. In fact, many Bible translations say Assyria instead of Ashur. 6. Tigris River This is easy to locate as it's the same Tigris River that exists today. It is exactly where the Bible places it in Genesis 2:14. The Tigris River (know n by the Hebrews as "Hiddekel") is one of the two large rivers of Mesopotamia, which the Bible says, flowed to the Garden of Eden. The phrase "the great river" is used to describe the Tigris in Daniel 10:42. The Tigris is formed by the confluence of two rivers that flow from the mountains of Armenia. The Tigris River joins the Euphrates River north of the Persian Gulf. Its location and the fact that it joins the Euphrates River fits perfectly with the Bible's location of the Garden of Eden area. 7. Euphrates River The latter part of Genesis 2:14 says, "And the fourth river is the Euphrates ." Interestingly, this river is the only one without any description of the land in which it's located. Why is this so? I believe it's because the river was so well known at the time Genesis was written that the audience had no need to know its location. It would be the same today; this river is so well known that all you have to do is mention its name, and most people know where it is. The Euphrates River runs almost parallel to the Tigris. These two rivers defined a large part of the Fertile Crescent, the cradle of civilization in ancient times. This gives further weight to the belief that where all these rivers met was the area in which the Garden of Eden was located. The Euphrates River is mentioned in God’s promise to Abraham regarding the Land of Israel and is used as one of the defining borders of the Promised Land. We are also told that there was a time when Jewish civilization had spread so far that members of the tribe of Reuben were living all the way to the banks of the Euphrates River. Summary of All the Locations for the Garden of Eden As we have pointed out, the four rivers mentioned in Genesis 2:10-14 refer to four heads of rivers joining together to form one river. Not one river that separates and becomes four rivers. One thing can be certain: All the rivers mentioned in Genesis 2:10-14 must meet at some point. And with the locations of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers being well known, the only place this can happen is just a little north of the Persian Gulf. Where Is the Garden of Eden? Considering all the locations we have looked at, we can safely locate where the Garden of Eden existed. The most common location for the Garden of Eden is in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The primary reason is the mention of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers which flow through that country. This view has been accepted by Christians from antiquity down to modern times. Another location that has been proposed is the region around Armenia because this is the general area where the Tigris and Euphrates originate. However, as we've learned, there is no place in this area where these two rivers join. Tree of Knowledge (Adam's Garden Shrine) Interestingly, i n the small southern city of Qurna (also spelled Qurnah and pronounced “gurna”) in Iraq, an unusual shrine stands on the shore where the T igris and Euphrates Rivers meet. A small, dead tree, protected by low brick walls and surrounded by a concrete plaza. According to legend, this tree is the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, which Eve ate from in the Garden of Eden. Now, realistically, this would not be the actual tree, as the original tree existed well over 6,000 years ago. However, it's a shrine marking the area. Qurna has been noted in travelers’ accounts for centuries as the place where the great Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet and join together for a few miles before emptying into the Persian Gulf. Elements from the early stories of Genesis have been traced to the cuneiform tablets written by the Sumerians and Babylonians, who lived in this part of the world. This is just one more piece of evidence pointing to this area as the authentic place of Eden. Even if this shrine is not the actual exact spot, I believe it's in the general area where the Garden of Eden was located. How Big Was the Garden of Eden? I'm not certain about you, but I must confess that before all my investigation regarding the location of Eden, I pictured the Garden about the size of a small valley. However, it appears it was much larger than this. It was quite large, most likely the size of a small country. Faith Lesson 1. God made everything perfect, including Adam and Eve. Genesis 1:31: And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good . And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. God made everything perfect. It was all good. No imperfections, stains, or sin. What about us? Do we believe God made everything perfect at the beginning of creation? 2. Disobedience Led to Paradise Lost God created everything perfect for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. However, because of their disobedience to God by eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, sin and death began, and the entire earth was cursed. Genesis 2:15: The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die .” Satan lied to Adam and Eve and deceived them. But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die . 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. Satan continues to lie to us today and says, "Has God said ? " When we believe Satan's lies and go our own way, we reap death and destruction. Galatians 6:7-8: Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life . As a result of the fall of mankind in Eden, humanity is lost in sin and destruction, and without hope. 3. Paradise Regained The hope of eternal life and paradise can now be restored through the gift of Jesus Christ. He died for our sins, rose from the dead, proving to have power over death and sin, and offers us the free gift of paradise with Him in heaven forever. John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life . 4. The Tree of Life The Garden of Eden environment will exist forever in heaven. Revelation 22:1-5: And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life , bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; 4 they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 5 And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illuminate them; and they will reign forever and ever. What about us? Do we have the hope of eternal life in paradise with God Himself? This is the most important issue of life. Life has no purpose without God and this hope.

Take a tour and see all the amazing events in the Bible that happened in Caesarea Maritima, Israel. It was built by Herod the Great about 25 to 13 BC as the port city called “Caesarea Maritima.” After the Apostle Paul received Christ, he was sent to Tarsus from here. Cornelius, the first Gentile to receive the Holy Spirit, lived here. The Apostle Paul stood trial here for his faith. The Apostle Paul was imprisoned here for 2 years because of his faith. Caesarea Maritima Overview Photo Gallery Caesarea Maritima Overview Introduction Welcome to Caesarea Maritima. Many events from the Bible took place here. Here are some of the highlights. After the Apostle Paul received Christ, he was sent to Tarsus from this seaport. Cornelius, the first Gentile to receive the Holy Spirit, lived here. Caesarea was the place where the Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles. King Herod Agrippa the 1st, the son of Herod the Great, met his death in Caesarea. Philip the Evangelist lived in Caesarea. The Apostle Paul sailed to and from Caesarea on his missionary travels. The Apostle Paul stood trial here for his faith. The Apostle Paul was imprisoned here for 2 years because of his faith. It's possible that some of the Prison Epistles found in the New Testament were written in this location. After spending two years in prison in Caesarea, the Apostle Paul sailed from Caesarea to Rome, where he was tried for his faith. It was one of the key places where the gospel would be taken to the whole world. Many Christians would be martyred here at the Hippodrome for their refusal to deny Christ. We're going to be seeing all the sites where these events happened. It will be very meaningful and touching. Location Caesarea is located on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, about 35 miles (56 km.) north of Joppa. Historical Background 1. 586-332 BC: Phoenician settlement. 2. 103 BC: Hasmonean conquest and occupation. 3. 22 BC: Construction of the massive city of Caesarea Maritima began during the reign of Herod the Great, who named the city in honor of Caesar Augustus. Like many of Herod’s construction projects, Caesarea was built to rival the grandest cities in the Roman world. Built over the small Phoenician village of Straton’s Tower, Herod’s city of Caesarea stretched across more than 150 acres. It featured a palace, civil halls, an amphitheater, a hippodrome, aqueducts, a high defense wall, and an exquisite temple dedicated to Rome and Augustus. It was built on the site of a Phoenician and Greek trade post known as Straton's Tower. The Phoenicians were maritime merchants of the ancient world. 4. It was named after the Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar. Augustus Caesar was the first Roman Emperor to declare himself a god and demand to be worshiped. A temple was built here to honor and worship Caesar Augustus as a god. Interestingly, Christ was born in this time period and was viewed as a competing God. 5. King Herod the Great was the one who had all the children 2 years and younger slaughtered in Bethlehem in his attempt to kill Christ. He was a jealous king who feared losing his power and control. 6. King Herod built Caesarea out of nothing and was a master builder. Some of his major building projects included: This seaport of Caesarea An enlarged Temple Mount platform and temple in Jerusalem. Masada The Herodian by Bethlehem Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron Palace in Jericho 7. He was known for his building ventures, and no one equaled him in this respect. 8. Caesarea was the largest seaport in the Roman Empire during the time of Herod. 9. Caesarea was the capital of Israel during the time of Christ and the whole Roman occupation of Israel. 10. Herod's architects were the best in the world, even better than those of the Roman Empire. 11. During the Byzantine period, Caesarea became an important Christian center. During this period, the Byzantines built a church over the ruins of the temple built to worship Augustus Caesar. 12. The remains of a 5th-century synagogue found on the seashore north of the harbor have also been discovered. The rectangular building faces south towards Jerusalem. Architectural details were found in its ruins, including capitals with a carved menorah, a column inscribed with the name Shalom, and parts of a Hebrew inscription listing the twenty-four priestly courses in the Temple in Jerusalem. 13. The Church Father Origen founded a Christian academy in the city, which included a library of 30,000 manuscripts. At the beginning of the 4th century, the theologian Eusebius, who served as Bishop of Caesarea, composed here his monumental Historia Ecclesiastica on the beginnings of Christianity and the Onomasticon, a comprehensive geographical-historical study of the Holy Land. Places of Interest (Please See Map Above) 1. Crusader Fortress Entrance 2. Crusader Fortress 3. Lookout Point Only 20% of the city can be seen today Most of the city laid inland Cardo Residence Area of Cornelius Area Apostle Paul was Imprisoned 4. Temple to Caesar Augustus 5. Byzantine Church Built Over the Temple to Augustus Caesar 6. 5th Century Synagogue 7. Caesarea Harbor 8. Caesarea Historic Port 9. Governor's Palace 10. Mosaic Hall 11. Bathhouse 12. Hippodrome/Amphitheatre Many Christians would be martyred here for their refusal to deny Christ. Wild animals would be let out of the gates into the arena and tear the Christians to shreds. It was a brutal form of entertainment at this time in history. The side of the hippodrome facing the sea was removed during the Byzantine Christian era. 13. Roman Toilet 14. Herod's Private Palace Freshwater Pool 15. Paul Appeals to Caesar 16 . Pontius Pilate Stone 17. Prison of the Apostle Paul 17 . Promontory Palace 18 . Caesarea Columns 19 . Roman Theater Caesarea in the Bible 1. After the Apostle Paul received Christ, he was sent to Tarsus from this seaport. Acts 9:30: And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 2. Cornelius, the first Gentile to receive the Holy Spirit, lived here. Acts 10:1–8: At Caesarea , there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, 8 and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. 3. Caesarea was the place where the Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles. Acts 10:44–48: While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. 4. King Herod Agrippa the 1st, the grandson of Herod the Great, met his death in Caesarea. Acts 12:21–24: On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!" 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. 24 But the word of God increased and multiplied. 5. Philip the Evangelist lived in Caesarea. Acts 21:8: On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 6. The Apostle Paul sailed to and from Caesarea on his missionary travels. Acts 21:7–8: When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day, we departed and came to Caesarea , and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 7. The Apostle Paul stood trial here for his faith. Acts 23:33–35: When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. 34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive." And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's Praetorium. 8. The Apostle Paul was imprisoned here for 2 years because of his faith. Acts 24:27: When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. It’s possible that Paul wrote some of the Prison Epistles in Caesarea during the 2 years he spent here in prison. 9. After spending 2 years of imprisonment in Caesarea and appealing to Cesar, the Apostle Paul sailed from Caesarea to Rome, where he stood trial for his faith. Acts 25:8, 11: Paul argued in his defense, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense. Paul then declares, in verse 11 “I appeal to Caesar.” 10. It was one of the key places from which the gospel would be taken to the whole world. Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth. Faith Lesson from Caesarea 1. The Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles here. This demonstrates that God loves all people, regardless of their race or background, and desires for them to be saved. What about us? Do we love all nationalities, knowing God created and loves us all? 2. Paul spent two years in prison here because of his faithfulness to Christ. It’s possible that he wrote some of the Prison Letters while he was here. What about us? Are we willing to suffer like Paul for the advancement of the gospel? 3. God opposes the proud and caused King Herod Agrippa the 1st, the grandson of Herod the Great, to meet his death here because of his arrogance. What about us? Do we give God the glory for what He does through us and avoid pride in our lives? 4. It's very likely that early Christians were martyred in the hippodrome here for their faith. What price are we willing to pay for our faith in Christ?