See all the sites and a biblical tour of Joppa, Israel (Jaffa, Yafo). Joppa, Jaffa was the main seaport and entry gate to Israel for thousands of years until just before the time of Christ when Herod the seaport at Caesarea. Sites of interest include Simon the Tanner's House, Egyptian Fortress, Tel Joppa (Jaffa, Yafo), St. Peter's Monastery, Old City Joppa, Abrasha Park, Suspended Orange Tree, Old Sea Port, Alma Beach by Joppa, Ilana Goor Museum, Jaffa Museum, Old Jaffa Market, Kedumim Square. Joppa (Jaffa, Yafo) Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Joppa Overview Introduction Welcome to Joppa. Many events from the Bible took place here. Here are some of the highlights. Trees from Lebanon arrived here that Solomon used to build the Temple in Jerusalem around 965 BC. King Solomon’s ships came and went on their journeys around the known world from here. Joppa was the seaport from which Jonah sailed when he attempted to disobey the Lord’s calling and flee to Tarshish rather than preach a message of repentance to the Ninevites. Joppa was the seaport where logs arrived for rebuilding the Second Temple after the Israelites returned from their exile in Babylon, around 536 BC. After preaching to the Ethiopian Eunuch, Philip the Evangelist passed through Joppa preaching the gospel on his way to Caesarea. Joppa was where a famous woman, Dorcas, lived and was raised from the dead. Simon the Tanner lived in Joppa, where the Apostle Peter was staying when he received the vision to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. Location 1. Joppa (Jaffa or Yafo) is one of the oldest port cities in Israel and the Mediterranean area. 2. It's located on a hill and strategically located at the crossroads of Israel and the main travel routes linking Africa with Asia and Europe. This travel route was called the “Via Maris.” 3. Joppa is located about 45 miles (72 km) west of Jerusalem. Historical Background 1. Legend holds that the founder of Joppa (also called Jaffa) was Japheth, one of Noah’s sons. 2. Joppa was inhabited by the Canaanites, the Egyptians, the Israelites, the Greeks, and the Romans, and continues until modern times. 3. Joppa was the principal seaport and entry gate to Israel for thousands of years until just before the time of Christ, when Herod the Great built another seaport at Caesarea, about 35 miles (56 km) north of Joppa. Places of Interest 1. St. Peter's Church & Monastery According to Catholic tradition, the church is built over Simon the Tanner's home, the place where Peter received the vision to take the gospel to the Gentiles. On top of the church, just under the cross, is a large piece of rock brought from Caesarea Philippi, the place where Jesus told Peter that He would build His church upon Peter's confession of who Christ was. The church faces west, representing the truth that Christianity is for all nations, not just the Jews. 2. Simon the Tanner's House The site is linked to the Zakarian family, who have owned and maintained the property for centuries. They are an Armenian family, representatives of the small but historic Armenian community in Jaffa. The book of Acts explicitly says Peter is staying with Simon “whose house is by the sea” (Acts 10:6; 10:32). That doesn’t pinpoint an address, but it does narrow the setting to the coastal edge of Joppa—exactly where the Old Jaffa “house” tradition is placed. Tanning was an essential but despised profession, relegated to the margins of society due to the stench and ritual impurity associated with the handling of animal carcasses. Rabbinic tradition is blunt about tanneries being a nuisance because of odor, pushing them away from dense habitation, and with attention to prevailing winds. The location of tanneries was placed just outside of villages, and on the eastern side of them, so the odor would be carried away by the prevailing winds. The location of the House of Simon the Tanner fits this requirement. A critical feature for the identification of the site as a tannery—perhaps the most critical—is the presence of a fresh water source. The courtyard of the Zakarian house contains an active well, reported to be 15 meters deep (some sources suggest up to 27 meters). The exact house can’t be proven archaeologically, but the local Christian memory is attested by at least the 19th century. Ente ring the house is not permitted at this time because it is a private residence, and some have indicated there is a dispute between Christians and Muslims over who the owner is. Acts 10:1-8: Now there was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and made many charitable contributions to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually. 3 About the ninth hour of the day [3:00 pm] he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in and said to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And he looked at him intently and became terrified, and said, “What is it, lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and charitable gifts have ascended as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon , who is also called Peter ; 6 he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea. ” 7 When the angel who spoke to him left, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier from his personal attendants, 8 and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. 3. Egyptian Fortress, built by Ramses II, in about 1250 BC. 4. Tel Joppa (Jaffa, Yafo) 5. Old City Joppa 6. Abrasha Park 7. The Suspended Orange Tree 8. Old Sea Port 9. Alma Beach by Joppa 10. Ilana Goor Museum 12. Jaffa Museum 13. Old Jaffa Market 14. Kedumim Square Joppa In the Bible 1. The seaport of Joppa is where the trees of Lebanon arrived that Solomon used to build the Temple in Jerusalem around 950 BC. 2 Chronicles 2:16: Hiram king of Tyre replied by letter to Solomon - And we will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon and bring it to you in rafts by sea to Joppa , so that you may take it up to Jerusalem. 2. Joppa was also the seaport from which King Solomon’s ships came and went on their journeys around the known world at that time. 3. Joppa was the seaport from which Jonah sailed when he attempted to disobey the Lord’s calling and flee to Tarshish rather than preach a message of repentance to the Ninevites. Jonah 1:3: B ut Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. 4. Joppa was the seaport where logs arrived for rebuilding the Second Temple after the Israelites returned from their deportations in about 535 BC. Ezra 3:7: So they gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and the Tyrians to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa , according to the grant that they had from Cyrus king of Persia. 5. After preaching to the Ethiopian Eunuch, Philip the Evangelist passed through Joppa, preaching the gospel on his way to Caesarea. Acts 8:39–40: When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus (modern-day Ashdod), and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea. 6. Joppa was where a famous woman, Dorcas, lived and was raised from the dead. Acts 9:36-43: Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa , the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, "Please come to us without delay." 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa , and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. 7. Simon the Tanner lived in Joppa, and it was the place the Apostle Peter was staying when he received the vision to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. Acts 10:5: Now dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon , w ho is also called Peter ; 6 he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea. ” 7 When the angel who spoke to him left, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier from his personal attendants, 8 and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. Acts 10:9-15: The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." 14 But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, "What God has made clean, do not call common. Faith Lesson from Joppa 1. Jonah disobeyed the Lord here and ran from the presence of the Lord. Are we running away from something God wants us to do? 2. Peter obeyed the Lord here, trusted in God, and took the gospel to the Gentiles in Caesarea. Are we taking the gospel to those around us? 3. When we obey, we find life, and when we disobey, we find destruction and problems. What kind of problems are we facing because of some area of disobedience in our lives?

See why the southern part of the Temple Mount is the most likely place where Pentecost happened. Sites of interest related to Pentecost: Pool of Siloam, Pilgrim's Road (Herodian St.) from the Pool of Siloam to the Southern Stairs and Robinson's Arch Stairway, Mikvehs by the Southern Stairs, City of David, Jerusalem in the time of Christ, time of prayer at the temple. Pentecost happened 50 days after Passover. Temple Mount & Pentecost Photo Gallery Places of Interest Temple Mount & Pentecost Location 1. The Temple Mount is located on the eastern side of Old City Jerusalem 2. It occupies 1/6 of the current city. 3. It is 35 acres (14 hectares) in size, the equivalent of 35 football fields. Historical Background 1. The Temple Mount has played a “center stage” role for much of Israel’s history and has functioned as the center of God’s dwelling place and ministry on this earth. 2. It will play a key part during the Millennial Reign of Christ on the earth as well. 3. God has chosen to focus His presence and attention there like a laser beam from heaven like no other place. 4. First temple: the temple Solomon built. 5. Second temple: the temple Zerubbabel oversaw after the deportation and return of the Jews. 6. King Herod’s temple: it would seem like this would be called the third temple, but because the second temple wasn’t destroyed by enemies, but that Herod built over it a new temple and then removed the old one inside, it is still referred to as the second temple. Places of Interest 1. Temple Mount 2. Royal Stoa 3. Dome of the Rock. 4. Solomon's Portico 5. Western Wall 6. Eastern Gate 7. Southern Stairs 8. Antonia Fortress 9. Upper Room 10. Pools of Bethesda 11. Pool of Siloam 12. Pilgrim's Road 13. Mikvahs by the Southern Stairs 14. Original Altar Location 15. City of David The Temple Mount and Pentecost in the Bible 1. Pentecost means 50. 2. Fifty days after Passover, the Jewish feast of Pentecost (Shavuot) was celebrated, which was primarily a thanksgiving for the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, but it was later associated with a remembrance of the Law given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. At this feast, the Jews were to give God the firstfruits of their wheat harvest. 3. Pentecost also marks 50 days from the time the Israelites left Egypt and arrived at Mount Sinai, where God gave them the 10 Commandments and the Law. 4. Pentecost happened 50 days after Passover. There were 40 days from the resurrection of Christ to His ascension, and then 10 days from Christ’s ascension to Pentecost, for a total of 50 days. 5. Interestingly, the Jewish nation was born at Mount Sinai 50 days after leaving Egypt, and the Church was born at Pentecost 50 days after Christ’s resurrection. Why Pentecost Most Likely Happened on the Temple Mount Many believe Pentecost occurred in or around the Upper Room. However, the best evidence suggests that it most likely occurred on the Temple Mount, near the Royal Stoa. 1. What does the Bible say? Acts 2:1–6: When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house [structure] where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together , and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 2. Scripture says the coming of the Holy Spirit filled a house. It doesn’t say or mention anything about the Upper Room. 3. What does "house" mean in Hebrew? The Hebrew word for "house" in Acts 2:2 is "Har Ha Bait," which means "the mountain of THE HOUSE," or "the dwelling place of God." This meaning would support the idea that Pentecost most likely took place on the Temple Mount. While Acts 2:2 states that the sound of wind filled the whole “house,” Jesus refers to the Temple with the term “house” four times (John 2:16, 17; Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46). In Acts 5:21, Luke refers to a prison as a “house.” Additionally, the Temple is often referred to as a house in the Old Testament. John 2:17: The Zeal for your house will consume me. Matthew 21:12-13: And Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. 13 And He said to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’; but you are making it a den of robbers.” House can also refer to just a covered area. The Royal Stoa fits this description. On the southern end of the Temple Mount, just above the Southern Stairs, was the Royal Stoa . It was a massive public meeting place with a large, roofed area. It aligns with what the Bible says about the location of Pentecost. 4. Three thousand were baptized after hearing Peter's message. Acts 2:41: So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. For 3,000 to be saved, a crowd of at least 30,000, up to 100,000 would likely have assembled. The Jewish historian Josephus, along with others, estimates that hundreds of thousands gathered in Jerusalem during the holy feasts. This large multitude could not fit in or around the Upper Room. 5. The Upper Room could only accommodate about 150 people. The massive crowd that gathered and the 3,000 baptized could not have fit in the Upper Room or the surrounding area. Peter addressed "All who dwelt in Jerusalem ." Acts 2:14: But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “ Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem , let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. Peter addressed a multitude of people. Acts 2:6: And at this sound the multitude came together , and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. The Upper Room was in a densely populated residential area of Jerusalem. It had narrow streets and many buildings. A multitude of people couldn't gather in this area as the narrow streets and buildings would have made this virtually impossible. Due to the narrow streets and buildings around the Upper Room, Peter could have only preached to several hundred people at best. 6. There was no reason for a multitude of people to be in the residential area by the Upper Room. The Upper Room is a long way from the central part of Jerusalem. It was not in an area of public interest. The Temple Mount was the center of public activity, especially during the holy feasts. 7. There were many Mikvehs (baptismal pools) around the Temple Mount. There are approximately 75 mikvehs near the Temple Mount, along with the Pools of Bethesda and the Pool of Siloam, where those who were ritually clean could be baptized. There were no public mikvehs around the Upper Room area. The Upper Room is situated in the southwest corner of Jerusalem, approximately 0.51 miles (0.83 km) from the Temple Mount, a considerable distance away. Most likely, too far away for a large crowd to go to for baptisms, etc. 8. The coming of the Holy Spirit happened at nine in the morning, which was the time of morning prayers at the Temple. The disciples frequently visited the Temple during times of prayer. Acts 2:15: For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour [9:00 am] of the day . Acts 3:1: Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. Therefore, the apostles and disciples were most likely on the Temple Mount when Pentecost happened. 9. The southern part of the Temple Mount would have been a natural place for Pentecost to occur, as it was the center of public activities in Jerusalem. The Southern Stairs and Robinson's Arch entrance were massive, serving as the main entrances to the Temple Mount. These entrances would be natural gathering places for people. 10. The Temple Mount and Royal Stoa area could easily have handled the large crowd of 30,000 to 100,000 gathered at Pentecost. At Passover, the Temple Mount was jammed with tens of thousands of pilgrims from fifteen different countries speaking multiple languages. The description in Acts chapter two clearly indicates that the miracle of Pentecost was witnessed by people who spoke various languages. This event could only have occurred on the Temple Mount, where pilgrims from different parts of the world had congregated for the feast. Crowds speaking multiple languages would not have gathered around a dining room in upper Jerusalem. The Royal Stoa would have exposed access, allowing for people in the building to be easily seen and heard from outside the colonnade. The apostles then were immediately accessible to thousands of Jews gathered for the festival in a massive public facility. 11. The Temple Mount platform was the only place in Jerusalem during the time of Pentecost that could have accommodated a multitude of 30,000 to 100,000 people. It was the size of 35 professional football fields, big enough to handle over 150,000 people. Therefore, the Temple Mount platform is the best candidate for where Pentecost happened, and most specifically, around the southern part of it by the Royal Stoa. The Message of Pentecost 1. Peter spoke boldly as the Holy Spirit enabled him. Acts 2:14-21: But Peter, taking his stand with the other eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, know this, and pay attention to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you assume, since it is only the third hour of the day; 16 but this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall be in the last days,’ God says, ‘That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will have dreams; 18 and even on My male and female servants, and they will prophesy. 19 And I will display wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below, blood, fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes. 21 And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ 2. Peter's message was based on Old Testament prophecy. Acts 2:22-28: “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a Man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— 23 this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. 24 But God raised Him from the dead, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. 25 For David says of Him, ‘I saw the Lord continually before me, because He is at my right hand, so that I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart was glad and my tongue was overjoyed; moreover my flesh also will live in hope; 27 For You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of gladness with Your presence." 3. Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning the promised Messiah. Acts 2:29-36: “Brothers, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 So because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. 32 It is this Jesus whom God raised up, a fact to which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore, since He has been exalted at the right hand of God, and has received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He has poured out this which you both see and hear. 34 For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 35 Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’ 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” 4. The response of many who heard this message. Acts 2:37-42: Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what are we to do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on urging them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Faith Lesson from Pentecost 1. Pentecost is a fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies. 2. It’s incredible to see the many pictures in the Old Testament that are fulfilled in the New Testament. Christ, the New Testament Passover Lamb, fulfils the Old Testament Passover lamb. The Jewish nation was formally born at Mount Sinai on Pentecost. The Christian Church was also born at Pentecost. The Passover lamb was sacrificed on Passover afternoon at 3:00 pm. Christ died on the Cross as our sacrifice at 3:00 pm on Passover as well. 3. Do we understand how prophecy fits into validating God’s Word? 4. Do we understand the meta-narrative (God’s large master plan) of God’s story? 5. Do I see how God gave examples and pieces to His meta-narrative in the Old Testament and then fulfilled and amplified these examples in the New Testament? 6. Have I received the Holy Spirit as a result of trusting Christ as my Lord and Savior? 7. Have I been baptized?

Masada was used by David, Herod the Great fortified it. Then see the sober reality of how 967 Jewish Zealots chose to commit suicide rather than surrender to the Romans in 73 AD. On May 3, 74 AD, after 7 months or so of long battled weariness, the Romans entered the top of Masada and stood in awe-stricken silence as they beheld the mass suicide of the Jews before them. The Zealots chose to die by suicide rather than be conquered by the Romans to be abused or killed. Masada Photo Gallery Places of Interest Masada Introduction Welcome to Masada. Many events from the Bible and history took place here. Here are some of the highlights. 1. After a confrontation between King Saul and David close to En Gedi, David likely hid out on top of Masada afterward. 2. Masada was one of three fortified fortresses King Herod built for pleasure purposes and from which to protect his territories. He built Masada in about 24 BC. 3. In 73 AD, a total of 967 Jews, counting their families, had assembled at Masada. They were under the command of Eleazar Ben-Yair, a Jewish Zealot Freedom Fighter. 4. In 73 AD, the 10th Roman Army Legion, totaling around 8 ,000 soldiers and 6,000 Jewish slaves under a commander named Silva, arrived at the base of Masada. 5. Masada was the last stronghold of the Israelites, and the Romans amassed their troops there in the fall of 73 AD. 6. It would be here that this Jewish community chose to commit mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans. 7. It's a tragic story we'll see as we explore this site. Location 1. Masada is located at the Dead Sea's southern end, about 40 miles (64 km.) southeast of Jerusalem. 2. It's a natural flat mountain that rises from the valley floor some 1,000 ft. (305 m.). It's like a huge column with sheer cliffs on every side, making it virtually unreachable. 3. Many believe ancient Gomorrah lies at the base of Masada, and ancient Sodom is about 14 miles (23 km) south of Masada. 4. The base of Masada is in a desert region, about 1,000 ft. (305 m.) below sea level. 5. The word Masada means fortress. Historical Background 1. Masada is a natural fortress most likely used throughout the area's history. 2. David likely used it when fleeing from King Saul. 3. Masada first became a Jewish fortress under the Hasmoneans around 150–76 BC. 4. Later, King Herod upgraded Masada’s defenses (37–31 BC. 5. Masada was one of three fortified fortresses King Herod built for pleasure purposes and from which to protect his territories. It had 20 feet (6 m) high double walls surrounding the edge and had many lookout and protection towers in the walls. 6. Masada was fortified with elaborate water cisterns fed by diverting water from the nearby mountains. It even had swimming pools and many of the luxuries life afforded at that time. 7. Besides ample water storage, Masada had 15 food storehouses for 10,000 people for 10 years. 8. In 66 BC, events began to unfold in Israel that caused the Jews to rebel against Roman rule. This revolt began in Caesarea Maritime. 9. In 66-70 AD, when the nation was in revolt, Jewish Zealots and a group called the Sicarii fled from Jerusalem and the surrounding areas and took the fortress of Masada from Roman occupation. They were national Freedom Fighters who opposed Roman rule. In their conquest, they gained possession of all the food and water stored in Masada. 10. Between 66 and 70 AD, Rome conquered all the northern cities of Israel. 11. In 70 AD, under the command of Titus, the Romans totally destroyed Jerusalem in a bloody battle that lasted well over 4 months. Josephus (Jewish Historian) claims that 1.1 million Jews lost their lives in this battle, and another 97,000 were captured and enslaved. The temple was leveled in the siege at this time as well. 12. In 73 AD, a total of 967 Jews, counting their families, had assembled at Masada. They were under the command of Eleazar Ben-Yair, a Jewish Zealot Freedom Fighter. 13. After conquering Jerusalem and most of Israel, the Romans headed south to conquer the southern strongholds around the Dead Sea region and Masada. 14. Masada was the last Israelite stronghold that existed in the land, and the Romans amassed their troops there in the fall of 73 AD. Places of Interest 1. Cistern 2. Living Quarters 3. Ritual Baths 4. Small Palace 1 5. Southern Fort 6. Pool 7. Small Palace 2 8. Small Palace 3 9. Western Palace 10. Byzantine Church 11. Cable Car Access 12. Eastern Gate 13. Storerooms 14. Baths 15. Northern Palace 16. Officer’s Quarters 17. Administrative Building 18. Western Gate 19. Synagogue 20. Siege Ramp 21. En Gedi 22. Dead Sea 23. Ancient Gomorrah 24. Ancient Sodom The Fall of Masada 1. In 73 AD, the 10th Roman Army Legion, totaling around 8 ,000 soldiers and 6,000 Jewish slaves under a commander named Silva, arrived at the base of Masada. 2. This Roman legion first built a wall around the base of Masada, much of it by using Jewish slave labor. 3. Next, they built eight camps around the mountain's base. The remains of most of these camps can still be seen today. Silva set up his headquarters at the northwest camp. 4. After several months of unsuccessful engagement with the Jewish Zealots atop Masada, the Romans decided to build a massive siege ramp out of dirt on the west side of Masada, using Israelite slave labor to help in the process. 5. As the siege ramp grew closer to the top of Masada, the Romans primarily used Jewish slave labor so that their fellow Jews on Masada wouldn’t shoot arrows and throw spears at their countrymen. 6. After several months of building the siege ramp, the Romans finally reached the top of Masada and severely damaged the exterior wall. 7. When the Jewish Zealots realized they were in grave danger of being conquered, they built another interior wall inside the exterior wall using wood beams from many of their buildings. They layered the beams with earth in between to fortify the new wall. 8. The Romans set this inner wall on fire and were poised to enter. However, this happened late at night, so the Romans decided to wait until the next morning to attack. 9. Realizing the Jews would be conquered the next morning, Eleazar Ben-Yair, the commander of the Zealots, gave an impassioned speech about how God had not created them to be slaves and about what would happen to them if they surrendered to the Romans. This is what he proposed: The Romans are angry after the long battle and will kill most of us by torture. Those who are not killed will be mistreated and forced to be slaves. Our women will be raped before our eyes and violated, and our children will be tortured and forced to be slaves as well. The only option we have as free people is to take our own lives. In the synagogue, the men gathered for a special meeting and drew lots, picking out ten courageous men who knew about killing and understood how to die. Then, every father went home and killed their wives and children. Then, all the men gathered again together, and 10 of these men in the group killed the remaining men. Then one man killed the other 9, and then the last man killed himself. 10. The Jewish Zealots destroyed everything but the food supply to ensure the Romans knew they hadn’t run out of supplies. They had chosen death over Roman enslavement. 11. On May 3, 74 AD, after 7 months or so of long battled weariness, the Romans entered the top of Masada and stood in awe-stricken silence as they beheld the mass suicide of the Jews before them. The Zealots chose to die by suicide rather than be conquered by the Romans, to be abused or killed. 12. The Jewish historian Josephus says 960 men, women, and children died at Masada. Only two women and five children, who hid in a subterranean cavern, survived to tell the story. Masada in the Bible 1. After a confrontation between King Saul and David close to En Gedi, David likely hid out on top of Masada afterward. 1 Samuel 24:22: And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold [fortress]. 2. Because Israel rejected Christ as their Messiah, Christ foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel. This destruction occurred between 66-70 AD. Luke 19:41–44: And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation . 3. Zechariah prophesied about Jerusalem’s destruction as well. Zechariah 14:1–2: Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Faith Lesson from Masada 1. While we don’t endorse and believe the Jewish Zealots should have committed suicide as it’s only God’s place to take a person’s life, we do understand these Zealots' decision. 2. While some of the Zealots may have believed in Christ and were devoted servants to God, the Jewish nation as a whole and its leaders had largely rejected Christ as their Messiah. As a result, Christ spoke judgment upon the nation in Luke 19:41–44. 3. Almost every instance in which a country falls is due mainly to the decisions of its leaders. 4. The sad reality is that the righteous always suffer at the hands of the wicked. 5. Today, it’s the same; while there may be many righteous people in a country, God will still judge it because of the sinful and immoral decisions its leaders and the majority of the people make. 6. Israel didn’t return to being a nation until 1948, and this was due to God’s sovereign plan for them. God prophesied that He would bring them back again, and it’s a miracle that after almost 2,000 years, this has been fulfilled. This is unheard of in the history of any civilization. 7. However, the price Israel paid for their rejection of Christ cost them dearly and should be a warning to us today as well.

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

The story of Noah’s Ark is one of the most intriguing stories known to mankind. It can be found in around 200 different accounts around the world on almost every continent. Many today believe Noah’s Ark and the flood are just a myth or some altered version of ancient beliefs. Of all the stories in the Bible, Noah’s Ark and the flood are the most controversial. Is it all true and did it really happen? How did it happen? And if it is true, is there evidence for the existence of Noah’s Ark? Noah's Ark & the Great Flood Noah's Ark This name means Noah's Ark Noah's Ark Scan 3 Noah's Ark 1/42 Noah's Ark & the Great Flood The story of Noah’s Ark is one of the most intriguing stories known to mankind. It can be found in around 200 different accounts around the world and on almost every continent. However, many people today believe Noah’s Ark and the Flood are just myths or some altered version of ancient beliefs. Of all the stories in the Bible, Noah’s Ark and the Great Flood is one of the most controversial. Is it all true? Did it really happen? How did it happen? And if it’s true, is there evidence of the Flood and the existence of Noah’s Ark today? I believe you will be fascinated and touched by the amount of evidence that exists for the truthfulness of Noah’s Ark and the Bible’s account of all that took place surrounding this catastrophic event. Is There Worldwide Historical Evidence for the Great Flood? The Great Flood account is mentioned in writings, or oral traditions found all around the world. In fact, as mentioned, it’s referred to in around 200 accounts. These flood legends are common across a wide range of cultures, extending back to shortly after the flood account. These accounts depict a flood, sometimes global in scale, usually sent by a deity or deities to destroy civilization as an act of divine judgment. They are found on virtually every continent and share very similar themes. This is so because Noah’s descendants stayed together until God confused their languages at the Tower of Babel, and they scattered as found in Genesis 11. As the various people groups spread around the globe, the story of the Flood was so important and monumental that it was taken with them and shared. Over time the Great Flood account became embedded in their respective histories and cultures. The oldest known written account of a global flood is the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh from the eighteenth-century BC. The most significant account of Noah and the Great Flood is found in the Bible in Genesis chapters 6–8. It’s also mentioned 47 times throughout the Bible with references in 9 different books such as Genesis, Chronicles, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Matthew, Luke, Hebrews, and 1 & 2 Peter. This means Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jesus, the Apostle Peter, and the author of Hebrews all attest to the truthfulness of this catastrophic event as being literal and real. What is very notable is the fact that Jesus referenced Noah and the Flood 5 times in the Gospel accounts. This is weighty evidence of the reality and truthfulness of Noah’s Ark and the Great Flood because Jesus referred to it as being a literal event, not some myth or fairy tale. Why Do Many People Dismiss the Great Flood and Believe It’s a Myth? The creation of the universe, along with Noah and the Great Flood, are some of the most attacked writings by critics. Why is this so? I believe it’s because creation deals with the fact that we have a divine Creator to whom we must give an account. Sinful humanity desires to be the lord of their lives and refuses to submit to their Creator. In order to justify their sinful lifestyles, they attempt to eradicate their Creator so they can do as they please. This is the root source of evolution. It denies the existence of God and tries to explain the existence of the universe by time and random chance. However, everywhere we look we see intelligent design, which attests to the existence of God. According to God, every person knows in the depths of their hearts that God exists. Therefore, there is really no such thing as an atheist. Romans 1:18–21 addresses why no one is truly an atheist. It says: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their reasonings, and their senseless hearts were darkened. This same attitude of rejecting our Creator was prevalent in the days of Noah. This is the main reason God sent the Great Flood. Today, many choose not to believe the Creation and Great Flood accounts because they try to understand them using the natural laws of science. However, these events were supernatural and superseded natural laws. In fact, the whole Bible is full of supernatural events we call miracles because God is supernatural and is involved in His creation. Whenever God moves, it is supernatural. God also has created all the laws of nature as well. So, whether something is supernatural, or natural, everything that happens is due to God making it happen. In fact, nothing that happens does so without God working. When we understand and believe these truths, then the events of Creation and the Great Flood are very believable. Those who claim there is no evidence for the Great Flood do so by using their preconceived belief that there was no flood to begin with and then attempt to explain away the evidence using eons of time and random chance. Moreover, the creation of the universe was one of God’s greatest miracles. It was completely supernatural, and when He was done, it was a mature, fully functioning system that had apparent age to it. Adam and Eve were created mature, along with the animals and some plants for food for them. This was also the case with the stars. They had apparent age, and as mentioned, God’s creation was mature and fully functional. It did not evolve over time. Other than the creation of the universe by God almighty and the works of Christ, there is no greater miracle recorded in the Bible than the Great Flood. It was a catastrophic event that altered the terrain, climate, and makeup of the earth. It lasted for around a year and wiped out everything that had the breath of life in its nostrils except Noah, his family, and the animals on the Ark. Why Did God Send Such a Catastrophic Flood Upon the Earth? Genesis 6:5–8 tells us why: Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of mankind was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of their hearts was only evil continually. 6 So the Lord was sorry that He had made mankind on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 Then the Lord said, “I will wipe out mankind whom I have created from the face of the land; mankind, and animals as well, and crawling things, and the birds of the sky. For I am sorry that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Did God Give the Wicked the Opportunity to Repent before the Flood? In 2 Peter 2:5, Noah is referred to as a “preacher of righteousness.” This means Noah was a preacher who preached to the people of his day to repent and turn from their wickedness to God. However, like most people today, the people of Noah’s day were too busy enjoying the pleasures of life and did not believe Noah or care that judgment was coming upon them. We don’t know how long Noah preached to the people of his day, but it could easily have been around 50–100 years. And for those who didn’t directly hear Noah’s preaching, they had a conscience given to them by God, God’s laws written in their hearts, and God’s Spirit convicting them of their wickedness, as it says in Romans 2. How Big was the Ark, and How was It Built? In Genesis 6:13–16, it says: Then God said to Noah, “The end of humanity has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of people; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth. 14 Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; you shall make the ark with compartments, and cover it inside and out with pitch. 15 This is how you shall make it: the length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits [515 ft. or 157 m.], its width fifty cubits [86 ft. or 26 m.], and its height thirty cubits [62 ft. or 19 m.]. 16 You shall make a window for the ark, and finish it to a cubit [20.61 inches or 52.35 cm.] from the top; and put the door of the ark on the side; you shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. The royal cubit was around 20.61inches, or 52.35 cm. long. This was the standard measurement used around the known world at that time. It’s like the metric system today. We see the royal cubit measurement used in the great pyramids of Egypt, gates at Tel Megiddo, Temple Mount Platform in Jerusalem, and other places. Moses wrote Genesis, so it stands to reason he would use this royal measurement as he was raised in Egypt, and it was universally used by all. This old cubit measurement seems to be referred to as well in Scripture: 2 Chronicles 3:3 says: Now these are the foundations which Solomon laid for building the house of God. The length in cubits, according to the old standard, was sixty cubits, and the width, twenty cubits. The reference to the “old cubit” seems to be speaking of the “royal cubit” used before the Israelites established a newer cubit that was a little shorter in length. Using the royal cubit, the Ark would measure 515 ft. or 157 m. long, 86 ft. or 26.21 m. wide, and 52 ft. or 15.70 m. high. Scripture also indicates the Ark had three levels and many compartments for the animals. What Did God Destroy by the Flood? Genesis 6:17–22 says: Now behold, I Myself am bringing the Flood of water upon the earth, to destroy all flesh in which there is the breath of life, from under heaven; everything that is on the earth shall perish. This would eliminate all humans and animals as they lived by breathing oxygen. The sea and water creatures were not destroyed. What Kinds of Animals Did God Save from the Flood? There were two kinds, or animal families God saved from the Flood. The first type was: Regular Animals Genesis 6:18–22 states: But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall enter the ark—you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every kind into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds according to their kind, and of the animals according to their kind, of every crawling thing of the ground according to its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. 21 As for you, take for yourself some of every food that is edible, and gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and them.” 22 So Noah did these things; according to everything that God had commanded him, so he did. Of the regular animals, two of every kind went aboard the Ark. A “Kind” of animal is similar in meaning to a “family” of animals. A kind of animal, or family of animals, is very different from a species of animals. A species deals with all the varieties within a kind or family of animals. So this doesn’t mean God brought every species or variety of every animal, but two of every family of animals. This would reduce the number of animals that would have been on the Ark considerably. For example, today, there are around 300–400 different species of dogs. However, they all come from one kind of dog. From one pair of dogs, all the different varieties are derived. Clean Animals The second type of animals were called clean. Genesis 7:1–5 says: Then the Lord said to Noah, “Enter the ark, you and all your household, for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this generation. 2 You shall take with you seven pairs of every clean animal, a male and his female; and two of the animals that are not clean, a male and his female; 3 also of the birds of the sky, seven pairs, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth. 4 For after seven more days, I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights; and I will wipe out from the face of the land every living thing that I have made.” 5 So Noah acted in accordance with everything that the Lord had commanded him. Of the clean animals, there were seven pairs brought aboard the Ark. This would allow for Noah and his sons to be able to offer some of them as sacrifices after the Flood and not jeopardize their extinction. Both the regular and clean animals were most likely young and small so that they wouldn’t take up a lot of space, would not eat as much, and would have many years of reproductive life ahead of them after the Flood to repopulate the earth again. This means that the dinosaurs brought aboard the Ark were most likely young and small as well. How Did the Animals Come to the Ark? It was God who supernaturally gathered the animals and brought them to Noah, and the Ark. Genesis 6:20 says, Of the birds according to their kind, and of the animals according to their kind, of every crawling thing of the ground according to its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. Who Closed the Door of the Ark? Genesis 7:15 tells us: So they went into the ark to Noah, by twos of all flesh in which there was the breath of life. 16 Those that entered, male and female of all flesh, entered as God had commanded him; and the Lord closed the door behind him. When Did the Great Flood Begin? By the best records found in the Bible, the Great Flood took place around 2500 BC. Also, according to a literal interpretation of the Bible, God created the universe in about 4000 BC. This means the Flood happened 1,500 years after creation. Where Did the Water Come from to Flood the Whole Earth? Genesis 7:11–12 says: In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst open, and the floodgates of the sky were opened. 12 The rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights. This means that water came from two sources: (1) from the fountains of the deep and (2) from the floodgates of the sky. It appears the continental plates were shifted, and the continents formed when the fountains of the deep opened and water gushed out. It’s also believed that the water canopy God created at creation came down upon the earth. Before the Flood, the earth was like a huge greenhouse that was tropical in nature worldwide. Therefore, we find tropical fossils in places like the north and south poles. When this canopy came down, the earth’s atmosphere changed drastically. Because there was no longer a water canopy to protect the earth and keep the heat in, rapid cooling took place at the northern and southern poles and the higher mountains. This is evidenced by animals found frozen instantaneously in ice at both the southern and northern poles. Did the Great Flood Cover the Whole Earth? Genesis 7:17–23: Then the Flood came upon the earth for forty days, and the water increased and lifted up the ark, so that it rose above the earth. 18 The water prevailed and increased greatly upon the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. 19 And the water prevailed more and more upon the earth, so that all the high mountains everywhere under the heavens were covered. 20 The water prevailed fifteen cubits higher [26 ft., 8 m.], and the mountains were covered. 21 And all flesh died that moved on the earth: birds and cattle and beasts and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every man. 22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, all that was on the dry land, died. 23 So He wiped out every living thing that was upon the face of the land, from mankind to animals, to crawling things, and the birds of the sky, and they were wiped out from the earth; and only Noah was left, together with those that were with him in the ark. Scripture is clear that the Flood covered all the mountains everywhere under the heavens and that all flesh died that breathed air. It’s also clear from the Bible and archaeological evidence that the Great Flood covered all the earth under the heavens. Those who say the flood account was just a local event and not worldwide overlook the fact that all people and animals not in the Ark could have easily left the area of a local flood and migrated to higher ground. In doing so, they wouldn’t have been destroyed, as Scripture indicates. Also, much more than just a local area of the earth was populated, so the Flood had to be global to destroy all the other animals and humans. How Long Was There Water on the Whole Earth? 1. Day 1: The Flood begins in the 600th year of Noah’s life, in the 2nd month, on the 17th day of the month, the fountains of the great deep broke apart, and the windows of heaven were opened, and it began to rain as found in Genesis 7:11. It should be noted that Noah entered the Ark seven days before the flood began, as found in Genesis 7:1–5. 2. Day 40: The massive deluge of water ends after forty days and nights in the 3rd month, on the 27th day of the month, as found in Genesis 7:11–12 and Genesis 7:17–20. 3. Day 150: The waters continue to prevail on the whole earth 110 days after the deluge stops in the 7th month, on the 17th day of the month, as found in Genesis 7:24 and Genesis 8:4. 4. Day 150: The waters begin to recede, and the Ark rests on the mountains of Ararat in the 7th month, on the 17th day of the month, as found in Genesis 7:24 and Genesis 8:4. Scripture says that the Ark rested upon the mountains of Ararat. Ararat was a territory originally called Urartu. Notice that the Ark didn’t rest upon Mt. Ararat but upon the mountains of Ararat. Now when we look carefully at verses four and five, they seem hard to understand. Genesis 8:4 says: Then in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, the ark rested upon the mountains of Ararat. Genesis 8:5 says: And the water decreased steadily until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains became visible. It seems confusing as the Ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat 74 days before the mountains were visible. How could this be? This becomes very clear and understandable when we realize that the Ark had drogue stones that were used to stabilize the Ark. These were massive stones that hung down under the ship and were used to stabilize it. They were used in ancient times and acted like sailboat ballasts today. They created a drag in turbulent waters to prevent a ship from slipping sideways against the waves. In calmer waters, they hung deep sounding for the bottom underwater. Therefore, the drogue stones of the Ark caused it to stop and rest on the mountains. Afterward, when the water level dropped, the Ark touched down and sat on the land. Interestingly, these stones have been found in the area where it’s believed Noah’s Ark came to rest. We will be looking at these drogue and anchor stones in more detail in a moment when we look at all the evidence for the location of Noah’s Ark in Eastern Turkey in the mountains of Ararat. 5. Day 224: The tops of the mountains become visible in the 10th month, on the 1st day of the month, as found in Genesis 8:5. Between days 150 and 224, the Ark touched down upon dry land. 6. Day 264: Noah sent out a raven in the 11th month, on the 11th day of the month, as found in Genesis 8:6. 7. Day 271: A dove is sent out and returns to Noah in the 11th month, on the 18th day of the month, as found in Genesis 8:6–12. 8. Day 278: The dove is sent out again and returns with an olive leaf in the 11th month, on the 25th day of the month, as found in Genesis 8:10–11. 9. Day 285: The dove is sent out again and does not return in the 12th month, on the 2nd day of the month, as found in Genesis 8:12. 10. Day 314: The earth’s surface is dried up in the 601st year of Noah’s life, in the 1st month, on the 1st day of the month, as found in Genesis 8:13. 11. Day 370: Noah, his family, and the animals leave the Ark in the 2nd month, on the 27th day of the month, as found in Genesis 8:14–17. Taking all this time into account, the earth wasn’t dry until 314 days after the Flood began. This is the equivalent of over 10 months. Altogether, Noah and the animals were in the Ark for 370 days total. This is equivalent to over a year. We often overlook how much time the event of the Great Flood actually took place. What Did Noah Do Shortly After the Great Flood? Genesis 8:20–21 says: Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took some of every kind of clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 The Lord smelled the soothing aroma, and the Lord said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. So, Noah worshiped the Lord after the Flood, and God instituted the rainbow as a promise He would never again destroy those upon the earth with another Great Flood. So again, if the Flood would have been just local as some claim, then every time there is a local flood, God would be breaking His promise He established regarding the rainbow. Is There Evidence Today for the Location of Noah’s Ark? Yes, there is a ton of evidence for the location of Noah’s Ark, and I am really excited to share it with you. The site we’ll be looking at has far more evidence than any other proposed place. It’s known today as the Durupinar Site but is not new as it has been venerated for thousands of years. We have another website page dedicated to the overwhelming evidence that can be seen today for the location of Noah's Ark. Here's the link: Noah's Ark Location Places of Interest 1. Noah’s Ark National Park 2. Noah’s Ark Location 3. Noah’s Ark Visitor Center 4. Drogue – Anchor Stones 5. Noah’s Home 6. Noah’s Altar & Corrals 7. Mountains of Ararat 8. Mount Ararat 9. Wall of Heaven Site 10. Crow Won’t Land Site 11. Village of the Eight Faith Lesson from Noah’s Ark 1. Do we truly believe that the biblical account of Noah’s Ark and the Great Flood really happened? Today, there is a raging battle taking place between those who want to eliminate a literal account of the creation of the universe and the Great Flood account as found in Genesis 1–8. The battle is between those who attempt to explain every earthly event by using only the natural laws of nature. In other words, they eliminate the existence of God and the supernatural. Therefore, they are only left with natural explanations for everything that occurred in the past. God tells us that the answer to these apparent dilemmas is faith. Hebrews 11:3 tells us that: By faith we understand that the worlds were framed [created] by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Creation was a supernatural event that we should believe by faith. Additionally, God says that without faith it is impossible to please God. Hebrews 11:6 says: But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Mankind’s problem is that they trust in their own intelligence and beliefs rather than trusting in God. Proverbs 3:5 clarifies this problem and the solution: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. God identifies unbelief as a sin in the Bible. Hebrews 3:12 says: Take care, brothers and sisters, that there will not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. What about us? Do we believe God created the universe and all that exists in six literal days, as the Bible says, or do we lean on the understanding of so-called scientists and others who say otherwise? Also, do we believe there was a literal flood like God says, or do we believe people instead? It’s really a matter of whom we choose to believe. Do we believe what God says in the Bible or people? It’s that simple. 2. Do we understand why God sent the Flood? The purpose of the Great Flood was to destroy all the wicked people on the earth. Now while this might sound cruel, it is actually an exercise of God’s mercy and justice. Sin causes heartache and suffering. When sin reaches such a severe state, then God will step in and eliminate it. This is what He did with the Flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, the Canaanites, and so forth. Also, we believe children go to heaven if they die before the age of accountability. So, instead of having to suffer at the hand of the wicked, they go to heaven. And lastly, everyone will die sooner or later, so in the grand scheme of time, it doesn’t matter a whole lot if a person dies young or old. What matters is that they are right with God and following Him. Also, God is just in punishing the wicked, whether it be during their time on earth or after they die. So what about us? Do we realize that we all will stand before God and give an account of our lives? If we are believers, we will be judged for how we used our gifts and abilities for God, not whether we will go to hell. Those who reject God and His offer of salvation through Jesus Christ will be judged and sent to hell. 3. Do we believe Noah and the Great Flood are examples of judgment to come? Before God destroyed all the wicked in the Flood, He gave them sufficient time to repent. However, they continued in their wickedness and rejected their Creator. It is the same today. Jesus said in Matthew 24:37–39: But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38 For as in the days before the Flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 39 and did not know until the Flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. And 1 Peter 3:20 speaks of how God patiently waited for the wicked to turn to Him before He sent the Great Flood: When once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. Moreover, 2 Peter 2:4 says: For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the Flood on the world of the ungodly. 4. Do we believe God is patiently waiting, like in the days of Noah, for people to turn from their sin and get right with their Creator? 2 Peter 3:3–14 says: Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue just as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, 6 through which the world at that time was destroyed by being flooded with water. 7 But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly people. 8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be discovered. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found spotless and blameless by Him, at peace. 5. What about us? Have we received Christ as our Savior, and are we right with God?

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

David, with just 5 stones and a sling, faced the giant Goliath, who was heavily armed. The young shepherd, drawing his strength from his faith in God, shot the rock into the center of the giant's forehead, knocking him down, then took his sword and cut off his head. Places of interest include Israelite Camp, Philistine Camp at Ephes-dammin, Valley of Elah, Azekah, Socoh, HaEla Stream (where David selected 5 smooth stones), Battle Location, King David’s Palace Fortress. Valley of Elah: David and Goliath Photo Gallery Places of Interest Valley of Elah David & Goliath Introduction Welcome to the Valley of Elah. Several significant events from the Bible took place here. These are the highlights. 1. This is the place where the famous battle between David and Goliath happened. 2. The Bible is very clear as to its location, and all the sites it mentions are nearby. Israelite Camp Philistine Camp at Ephes-dammin Valley of Elah Azekah Socoh HaEla Stream (where David selected five smooth stones) 3. This was an epic winner-takes-all battle. David represented the Israelites, and Goliath represented the Philistines. Each party agreed that whoever won would submit to the other. 4. There is so much we can learn about David's faith at this place. 5. We'll see and walk in the very spots where this epic battle happened. Location 1. The Valley of Elah is about 15 miles (23 km) west of Bethlehem and about 20 miles (32 km) east of the Mediterranean Sea. 2. It’s located on the western edge of the Judean lower hills and was an important travel route from the coastal cities up to the center of the land of Judah and its main cities of Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Hebron. 3. It’s an undeveloped site that can be seen in its natural state. It has parking alongside Hwy 38. 4. The Valley of Elah is best known for the epic battle between young David and the giant Goliath, a skilled veteran warrior. Historical Background 1. The Philistines were a Canaanite people who inhabited Israel before the Israelites arrived. 2. The Israelites were unable to conquer them, and there were battles between the two nations for much of Israel’s history. 3. The Philistine’s stronghold was on the coastal plain in the Gaza area. 4. They were powerful, cultured, and possessed iron. They were the high-tech people of the day and did all they could to prohibit Israel from gaining iron and access to their technology (1 Sam. 13:19). 5. They worshipped many false gods. Among them was the worship of Baal and Dagon. 6. At this time in Israel’s history, the Philistines were attempting to push up through the Valley of Elah towards the heart of Judah. King Saul and his army engaged with the Philistines here to stop them. 7. The battle was one of the most pivotal between the two nations, with the loser agreeing to serve the winner. It was a “winner takes all” kind of battle. 8. Later in King Saul’s life, he would be killed by the Philistines in the Gilboa area. 9. David would eventually subdue the Philistines, and during the time of Solomon, there was peace between the two nations. 10. David was probably around 16–18 years old when he fought Goliath. We'll see why this is so as the story unfolds. Places of Interest 1. Israelite Camp 2. Philistine Camp at Ephes-dammin 3. Valley of Elah 4. Azekah 5. Socoh 6. HaEla Stream (where David selected 5 smooth stones) 7. Battle Location 8. King David’s Palace Fortress It sits on a high hill overlooking the Valley of Elah. This appears to have been built by David after he became king over all of Israel as a memorial to his victory over Goliath. It had fortress walls, buildings surrounding the inner walls, and a large central building that could have been David's palace when he stayed there on occasion. It was a small fortress complex that would have been a fitting place for David to contemplate and praise God for his victory over Goliath. It is not a tel but built on bedrock. That means there was nothing that existed here before it was built. It was used for approximately a hundred years, then apparently destroyed by enemy forces. An ostracon with the words inscribed on it: king, judge, widow. Words likely penned by King David, as they were common themes he wrote about in the Psalms. A replica of the temple was also found here. Something David would have likely have had carved out. Valley of Elah in the Bible 1. The battlefield setting. 1 Samuel 17:1–3: Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And they were gathered at Socoh , which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim . 2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines. 3 And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them. 2. The battle terms defined. 1 Samuel 17:4–10: And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span [more than 9 feet tall]. 5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail [bronze scale armor], and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze [about 125 pounds]. 6 And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron [15 pounds]. And his shield-bearer went before him. 8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us .” 10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” 3. The hearts of the Israelites were jolted to their core, and they became terrified. 1 Samuel 17:11: When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid . 4. David arrived at the Valley of Elah and accepted the challenge to fight Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:20–27: And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. 21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. 22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. 23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him. 24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid . 25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.” 26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.” 5. King Saul reluctantly agreed to allow David to fight Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:31–37: When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul, and he sent for him. 32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth , and he has been a man of war from his youth .” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!” 6. David chose not to use King Saul’s armor in the battle with Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:38–39: Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, 39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them .” So David put them off. 7. David, with just five smooth stones and a sling, went into battle against a heavily armed, experienced fighting machine, who was a giant of a man and had his armor bearer with him. 1 Samuel 17:40–47: Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand , and he approached the Philistine. 41 And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. 42 And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. 43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel , 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.” 8. The outcome of the epic battle showdown. 1 Samuel 17:48–51: When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone , and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. 9. David’s defeat of Goliath led to a great victory over the Philistines. 1 Samuel 17:51–52: When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 52 And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron. Faith Lesson from the Valley of Elah 1. The outcome of the battle was far more significant than we might realize. If the Israelites lost, they would become the Philistines' servants. It was a “winner takes all” battle. 2. David’s motivation in the battle was the glory of God and the protection of His name: “So that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Sam. 17:46). 3. During David’s youth as a shepherd, he developed many skills. He learned music, how to write, use a sling, how to fight to protect his sheep, and how to love the Lord and obey Him. 4. God used David’s skill of using a sling, along with his love for the Lord, to defeat Goliath. 5. The skills David developed as a youth, he used throughout his life. He faithfully led the nation of Israel, instilled a love for the Lord in his kingdom, and wrote many psalms that were used in his time and throughout history to this day. 6. David knew that it’s not the size of our weapons but the size of our faith in God that matters. So he went into the battle full of faith and confident that God would give him the victory. 7. Do I understand that it’s my responsibility to develop my abilities, and it’s God’s responsibility to direct me in how I use them? 8. Do I realize that the most important skill I possess is my love for the Lord and my heart to obey Him? 9. What miracles might God want to do in my life that would show the whole earth that there is a God in the land where I live?

Learn about Gath (Tel es-Safi) and the 5 cities of the Philistines. What all happened in Ashdod? What is its history? Who were the Philistines, where did they come from, and where did they live? They are mentioned in many places in the Old Testament and were the enemies of the Israelites. The Other Cities Were: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gaza, and Ekron. Biblical Gath: City of Giants Photo Gallery Places of Interest Gath Introduction Rising from the rolling hills of southern Israel lies Tel Gath, the ancient Philistine stronghold once known as the hometown of Goliath, the giant warrior who faced young David in the Bible. This sprawling archaeological site, one of the largest in the region, was a center of power, culture, and fierce battles more than 3,000 years ago. Legends of towering warriors and biblical clashes echo through its ruins, while excavations continue to uncover massive fortifications, pottery, and even inscriptions that point to its storied past. Visiting Tel Gath is like stepping into the pages of the Bible, where history and myth blend in the very soil beneath your feet. Location 1. Gath (Tel Es-Safi) is located about 17 miles (28 km) east of Ashkelon. The word Gath means “winepress.” Historical Background 1. Gath was one of the five main cities of the Philistines (Josh. 13:3; 1 Sam. 6:17). 2. The site is a large, multi-period site that is made up of many layers. Each layer represents a distinct phase in the site's history. 3. Tel Es-Safi has a long history of settlement. The site was first settled sometime around 5000 BC. It has been continually settled until modern times. The last settlement there was an Arab village that was abandoned during the Israeli War of Independence in 1948. 4. It was a well-fortified walled city (2 Chron. 26:6). 5. Joshua and the Israelites were unable to conquer Gath despite the numerous conflicts between the Israelites and the inhabitants of Gath. 6. It wasn’t until King David that the city was conquered and became part of the Israelite Kingdom (1 Chron. 18:1). 7. Its name is most remembered as the home of the giant, Goliath, whom David slew (1 Sam. 17:4). Giants in the Bible What do we know about them from the Bible? 1. In the lower excavations of this Tel, they have discovered rooms that are twice the size of what would be normal. Is this evidence that giants once inhabited this area? 2. The Bible describes several groups of giants, including the Nephilim, Anakim, Rephaim, Emim, and Zamzummin. 3. The Nephilim , mentioned in Genesis and Numbers, are a mysterious group often interpreted as the offspring of "sons of God" and human women. 4. The Anakim and Rephaim are powerful, tall people the Israelites encountered in Canaan, with Goliath being a famous example of a giant descended from this lineage. While some interpretations view these giants as the result of a supernatural union, others consider them to be exceptionally large and powerful humans. One account in the Bible that refers to the Rephaim speaks of Og, King of Bashan: Deuteronomy 3:11 describes his massive bed: "Only Og king of Bashan was left of the remnant of the Rephaim. His bed was an iron bed and was nine cubits long and four cubits wide [about 13.5 feet long, 4 meters, and 6 feet wide, 2 meters], according to the common cubit." This implies a man of truly enormous stature. The Emim , as found in Deuteronomy 2:10-11, are described as "a people strong and numerous, and as tall as the Anakim," and Emim. These were also giants who formerly inhabited the land of Moab. The last set of giants, known as the Zamzummin , as found in Deuteronomy 2:20, were similar to the Emim. They were giants who lived in the land of Ammon before the Ammonites inhabited it. Gath in the Bible 1. It has archaeological remains that are unusual, revealing that giants once lived here. This is affirmed by the Bible. 1 Chronicles 20:8: These were descended from the giants in Gath , and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants. It was also the hometown of the warrior Goliath, who appears in the Bible. 2. It was one of the Philistine cities where the Ark of the Covenant resided before being taken to Ekron. 1 Samuel 5:8: So they sent word and gathered all the governors of the Philistines to them, and said, “What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?” And they said, “Have the ark of the God of Israel brought to Gath .” So they took the ark of the God of Israel away. 3. Goliath, the giant that young David slew, was from Gath. 1 Samuel 17:4: Then a champion came forward from the army encampment of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath . His height was six cubits and a span. 4. When King Saul was seeking to kill David, David went to Gath to hide from Saul and acted like a crazy person because he feared the king of Gath. 1 Samuel 21:10-15: Then David set out and fled that day from Saul, and went to Achish king of Gath . 11 But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing of this one as they danced, saying, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” 12 David took these words to heart and greatly feared Achish king of Gath . 13 So he disguised his sanity while in their sight and acted insanely in their custody, and he scribbled on the doors of the gate, and drooled on his beard. 14 Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, you see the man is behaving like an insane person. Why do you bring him to me? 15 Do I lack insane people, that you have brought this one to behave like an insane person in my presence? Shall this one come into my house?” 5. Later, when King Saul was again pursuing David to kill him, David fled and lived in Gath for a while. 1 Samuel 27:2-3: So David set out and went over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath . And David lived with Achish in Gath , he and his men, each with his own household—David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal’s widow. Faith Lesson from the Philistines 1. While Gath proved to be a safe haven for David to flee to in times of need, it was still an enemy territory of the Israelites. Do we fear things and seek refuge in the wrong places instead of fully trusting in God for our safety and protection? 2. Gath and its idolatry represented all that was opposed to the nation of Israel, just as the Bible presents this world’s system as all that is opposite to God’s will for us. Are we in danger of loving this world's system and all it has to offer instead of God's kingdom and what it has to offer? 1 John 2:15–17: Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever. 3. This present world is our home for now, but we are called to live in this world as sojourners and ambassadors, not participating in the world’s evil. We should understand that our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Are we living in the world but not participating in its evil? And do we realize that our true citizenship and home is in heaven?

Many things in the Bible took place here. The miracle of the sun and moon standing still happened here, the tabernacle resided here, and God gave Solomon supernatural wisdom, wealth, and power to serve His people. The tabernacle resided at the high place of Gibeon during the reigns of David and Solomon. King David brought the Ark of the Covenant that was at Gibeon to the City of David. Later, Solomon would take the Ark out of the City of David to the temple he built on the current Temple Mount. Gibeon - Nebi Samwil Photo Gallery Places of Interest Gibeon - Nebi Samuel Introduction 1. Gibeon is mentioned 43 times in the Bible and played a major role in Israel's history. 2. This ancient city is named after the Gibeonites, who tricked Joshua into making a treaty with them after the Israelites entered the Promised Land. 3. Just above the city of Gibeon was this key high place that was used for worship during much of Israel’s history. 4. The amazing miracle of the sun and moon standing still due to Joshua’s prayer happened at this high place of Gibeon. 5. Gibeon, also known as Gibeah, was the hometown of King Saul. 6. The Tabernacle resided at the high place of Gibeon during the reigns of David and Solomon. 7. Soon after Solomon became King, he went to Gibeon. Here, he received supernatural wisdom, wealth, and power to rule God’s people. 8. Today, there is a synagogue and mosque here that are built upon the ruins of a Crusader church, which was built on the ruins of a Byzantine church, which is built upon the site where the tabernacle was located during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. 9. A tradition dating back to the Byzantine period also places the tomb of Samuel here. Location 1. Gibeon is located about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Jerusalem. 2. Today, it's known as Nabi Samuel or Nebi Samwil, which means “The Prophet Samuel” because it’s believed Samuel’s tomb is located here. 3. Just below this high place and to the north is the ancient city of Gibeon with its ruins, known today as Al Jib. 4. Gibeon is on top of a high mountain with a spectacular view of Jerusalem and the surrounding area. In fact, you can see Jerusalem quite easily from this site. It becomes clear that this spot was a significant high place and fits the biblical descriptions of many events found in Scripture and history. 5. This high place is about 3,000 feet or 908 meters above sea level. 6. It’s located on an ancient route that led from the coastal plain, passing through Beit Horon, this high place of Gibeon, and on to Jerusalem. Today, highways 436 and 443 mark this route. Historical Background 1. Before the conquest of the Israelites, Gibeon was a Canaanite city. 2. Gibeon was a popular place in the Bible and is mentioned 43 times. 3. Its name means “Hill City,” and it’s located in the heart of the Tribe of Benjamin. 4. It was a high place of worship throughout much of Israel’s history, and the tabernacle was here during the times of King David and King Solomon. 5. The tomb of the Prophet Samuel is believed to be located inside the synagogue part of the building. 6. Excavations, which are still ongoing, have uncovered the remains of settlements from both the First Temple (7th century BC) and the Second Temple (Hasmonean Period 167 BC–63 BC) can be found here. 7. During the Byzantine period (5th–7th century AD), a church and monastery were built at this high place of Gibeon. Also, in the Byzantine period around 500 AD, Christian tradition said that the prophet’s bones were relocated here, and a monastery was built at the site to honor Samuel. 8. The Crusaders then built a church and fortress over the monastery around 1150 AD. The main structure visible today is a magnificent Crusader-era church, one of only four to survive the Muslim conquests of the Crusaders. It survived because the Muslims turned this church into a mosque, which they still use today. 9. After Saladin conquered much of Israel in 1187, the church and monastery were damaged. 10. In 1267 AD, the Mamluks captured the area and controlled the Holy Land until 1517. In the 14th century, the Mamelukes converted the church to a mosque. Remains from this period include two ceramic ovens near the stables. 11. Because it’s believed Samuel was buried here, along with the biblical history of the site, around 1125 AD, Jews built a synagogue adjacent to the mosque and resumed pilgrimages to this site. 12. It appears that later on, the mosque was renovated by the Ottomans in 1730. 13. The British rebuilt the building that we see today after World War 1. Both the mosque and synagogue share the same building. Places of Interest 1. Tabernacle Location The original tabernacle is believed to lie directly beneath the synagogue and mosque on this site. This would make sense as we have a long history of one thing built on top of another, which in archaeology is a strong sign of authenticity. As mentioned, this synagogue and mosque were built upon the ruins of a Crusader church, which stood on the ruins of a Byzantine church, which stood on the site where the Tabernacle was located during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. It also has other ruins dating back to the first temple period of the 7th century BC. 2. Hannah's Spring Just down the hill below the ruins is a place called Hannah’s Spring . It's named after Samuel’s mother, Hannah, who is believed to have traversed this area and lived nearby. Today, women come here to pray for God’s blessing for conception and childbirth. An ancient road passing through an orchard of strawberries, olives, and fig trees leads to a small spring flowing from a cave. Picnic tables have been set up in a pleasant and tranquil corner in the shade of the fig trees. Above Hannah’s Spring, entrances to First Temple period burial caves can be seen. 3. Hasmonean Ruins During extensive archaeological excavations, archaeologists found remains dating to the Hasmonean period , which lasted from around 164 to 63 BC. This section includes several well-preserved two-story houses and streets. 4. Byzantine Church and Monastery A large monastery was constructed at this site during the Byzantine period, around 400 AD. Few remains from that period remain since the Crusaders built their church and fortress over the monastery. The monastery served as a hostel for Christian pilgrims visiting Jerusalem. It existed until around 900 AD. 5. Crusader Ruins The crusade to liberate the Holy Land and free Jerusalem started in 1096. On June 7, 1099, three years after the military expedition started in Europe, the Crusaders finally approached the gates of Jerusalem. They first arrived at this site of Nebi Samuel, where they could see Jerusalem in the distance. They were so joyful when they first saw the Holy City that they later named this site the “Mountain of Joy.” In 1140 AD, the Crusaders upgraded the site into a military fortress and a holy shrine. They cut into the bedrock on the west, north, and east sides, creating a defensive moat. However, only part of the moat was finished. The hewn rocks were used as building material for the church of St. Samuel on the hilltop. The church was completed in 1157. The fortress was a rectangular structure with the church at its center, built over the traditional tomb of the prophet. On the north and north-east sides, the Crusaders cut away the bedrock to around 15 ft. or 5 m. below the surface. The stones were used to build their structures and fortress. This large flat area was then used as a campsite for armies and a hostel for Christian pilgrims headed to Jerusalem. On the north side of the quarried area are several hewn structures. We can see a large stable with rock-cut troughs. There are also pools, cisterns, rock-hewn tombs, and agricultural installations. 6. Synagogue An earlier synagogue was preserved at a lower level, where the actual tomb of Samuel is located. The entrance to the Synagogue is on the north side, and the tomb of the prophet Samuel is believed to be there. There is a women's section and a men’s section. The men’s section is accessed by descending some stairs and is where the tomb of Samuel is located. It's located below because its level was the original level of the Byzantine Church and monastery. 7. Rooftop Viewing Area A large area on the roof above the mosque and synagogue provides spectacular views of the area. From this high place, Jerusalem, the Mt. of Olives, and many other sites can be seen. 8. Quarry 9. Stables Gibeon in the Bible 1. This ancient city is named after the Gibeonites, who tricked Joshua into making a treaty with them. Joshua 9:3–7: When the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, 4 they also acted craftily and set out as envoys, and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins worn-out and torn and mended, 5 and worn-out and patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and had become crumbled. 6 They went to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us.” Gilgal is only 29 miles (32 km) from Gibeon. Joshua 9:14–15: So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord . 15 Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live; and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. 2. The amazing miracle of the sun and moon standing still happened at Gibeon. Joshua 10:1–14: Now it came about when Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had captured Ai, and had utterly destroyed it (just as he had done to Jericho and its king, so he had done to Ai and its king), and that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were within their land, 2 that he feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city , like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty. 3 Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron and to Piram king of Jarmuth and to Japhia king of Lachish and to Debir king of Eglon, saying, 4 “Come up to me and help me, and let us attack Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the sons of Israel.” 5 So the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered together and went up, they with all their armies, and camped by Gibeon and fought against it. 6 Then the men of Gibeon sent word to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal, saying, “Do not abandon your servants; come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites that live in the hill country have assembled against us.” 7 So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him and all the valiant warriors. 8 The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands; not one of them shall stand before you.” 9 So Joshua came upon them suddenly by marching all night from Gilgal. 10 And the Lord confounded them before Israel, and He slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon , and pursued them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah. 11 As they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth-horon, the Lord threw large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died; there were more who died from the hailstones than those whom the sons of Israel killed with the sword. 12 Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “O sun, stand still at Gibeon, and O moon in the valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. Is it not written in the book of Jashar? And the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day . 14 There was no day like that before it or after it, when the Lord listened to the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel. 3. In a dark period during the time of the Judges, when some men from the tribe of Benjamin raped a man's wife, causing her death, and wanted to commit acts of homosexuality with him, all the other tribes of Israel fought against the tribe of Benjamin at Gibeon. Judges 20:19-20: Then the people of Israel rose in the morning and encamped against Gibeah. 20 And the men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin, and the men of Israel drew up the battle line against them at Gibeah . 4. Gibeon (Gibeah) was the hometown of King Saul. 1 Samuel 10:26: Saul also went to his house at Gibeah. 5. Gibeon is the likely place where the Prophet Samuel anointed Saul to be the first king of Israel. Tradition affirms, and some believe, that this place is the biblical Mizpah, which in Hebrew means "tower," where Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. 1 Samuel 10:17: “Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah.” Then in verse 24 it says: “Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? Surely there is no one like him among all the people.’ So, all the people shouted and said, “Long live the king!” 6. According to Scripture, Samuel died and was buried in Ramah, the prophet's hometown. Samuel 25:1: “Then Samuel died; and all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him at his house in Ramah.” The location of Ramah is not known, but according to its meaning in Hebrew, which means heights, it should be on a high hill in an area close by to Jerusalem. This area certainly fits this description but we’re not totally certain. 7. The Tabernacle resided at the high place of Gibeon during the reigns of David and Solomon. 1 Chronicles 21:28–29: At that time, when David saw that the Lord had answered him on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he offered sacrifice there. 29 For the tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering were in the high place at Gibeon at that time. 2 Chronicles 1:2–3: Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds and to the judges and to every leader in all Israel, the heads of the fathers’ households. 3 Then Solomon and all the assembly with him went to the high place, which was at Gibeon , for God’s tent of meeting was there , which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness. 8. God caused a famine in Israel because King Saul broke the covenant Joshua made with the Gibeonites. 2 Samuel 21:1: Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the presence of the Lord. And the Lord said, “It is for Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.” 9. Soon after Solomon became King, he went to Gibeon. Here, he received supernatural wisdom, wealth, and power to rule God’s people. 1 Kings 3:3–5: Now Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, except he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place ; Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 In Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you.” In response, God not only gave him supernatural wisdom, but wealth and power as well. Faith Lessons from Gibeon 1. The Gibeonites tricked Joshua into making an agreement with them because he failed to seek the Lord in prayer. Do we make poor decisions as well because we fail to seek the Lord? Proverbs 3:5–6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." 2. God heard Joshua’s prayer, and the sun and moon stood still for a day. There is nothing we can ask in prayer that is too big for God to answer. James 5:16–18: "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit." Do we believe God truly hears our prayers? 3. God punished the Israelites because they broke their agreement with the Gibeonites that Joshua made with them. Psalm 15:4: "But he honors those who fear the Lord; he who swears to his own hurt and does not change." What about us? Do we keep our agreements with others? 4. God gave Solomon supernatural wisdom, wealth, and power to serve others and glorify God. How do we use our wisdom, wealth, and power? Do we mainly use it for the Lord, or primarily for our own good and benefit?

Shiloh was the religious and military capital of Israel during the times of the Judges, and the tabernacle resided here for 369 years. It was the first place where the Tabernacle became a permanent structure. The site includes: 6th-century Byzantine Church, Northern 4th and 6th-century Byzantine Church (4th-century church contains the inscription "Shiloh"), Mosque, Baptistry, Oil Press, Storerooms, Canaanite Wall, Visitor Tower, Tabernacle Location, Ancient Walls Ancient Shiloh Photo Gallery Places of Interest Shiloh Introduction 1. After the conquest of the land was basically complete, the Tabernacle was set up in Shiloh, where it would reside for 369 years. 2. It became the spiritual center, and two million Jews gathered at Shiloh on the main festivals and camped on the surrounding hills. 3. At Shiloh, Hannah prayed for a son. God heard her prayers and blessed her with Samuel. 4. To Shiloh, Hannah brought Samuel and consecrated him to the Lord’s service. 5. Samuel was raised in the Tabernacle here at Shiloh and became a great prophet whom God greatly used. 6. The ark was captured in a battle with the Philistines. As a result, Hophni and Phinehas died along with their father, Eli, near Shiloh. Location 1. Shiloh is about 20 miles (32 km) north of Jerusalem on Hwy. 60. 2. It was on a major north-south travel route that linked Beersheba in the south to Shechem and the northern cities of Israel. 3. Shiloh was located on a hilltop, which made it defensible. 4. It had hills surrounding it, so when the nation gathered at Shiloh for feasts, they could camp around it and partake of the events. As a result, many pieces of pottery have been found on the hills around Shiloh. 5. Tel Shiloh is at an archaeological park called "Ancient Shiloh," located at the entrance to modern-day Shiloh. 6. Shiloh was in the hill country of Samaria within the tribal allotment of Ephraim. 7. It was likely chosen as Israel's capital and military base due to its central location within the country. Historical Background 1. Shiloh was the religious and military capital of Israel during the times of the Judges, and the Tabernacle resided here for 369 years. 2. It was the first place where the tabernacle became a permanent structure. 3. Two million Jews gathered at Shiloh on the main festivals and camped on the surrounding hills. 4. The Ark of the Covenant resided here within the tabernacle. The ark contained the following three items: Tablets of the 10 Commandments. Aaron’s staff that budded. Jar of Manna 5. During the Byzantine Period, at least three churches were built to commemorate Shiloh. 6. The first Byzantine church dates to around 386 AD. This church was likely built over the ruins of an ancient synagogue. On the mosaic floor a t the entrance of this church is an impressive inscription stating: “Lord Jesus Christ, have pity on Shiloh and its inhabitants. Amen.” This is one of the ways we know this place is the authentic Shiloh. 7. On top of the first Byzantine church, a reconstructed 6th-century Byzantine church was built. 8. Southeast of the northern churches, there is another 6th-century Byzantine church called the Basilica Church. A Danish team in the 1930s added the building over the south eastern base of the 6th-century Byzantine church, as seen today. 9. A Mosque was built on the west side of the ruins of the first two 4th-century Byzantine churches and named Jamia el Arbain. Places of Interest 1. Oil Press 2. Building with Hologram of the Tabernacle 3. Southeastern 6th-century Byzantine church (Basilica Church) 4. Northern 4th and 6th-century Byzantine Church Ruins (The 4th-century church contains the inscription with the name "Shiloh.") 5. Ruins of the mosque built on the west side of the northern 4th and 6th-century Byzantine Church Ruins 6. Stone of a four-horned altar 7 . Baptistry 8. Diagrams of the Exodus and the Ark of the Covenant wanderings after it was captured. 9. Visitor Tower Great movie showing the history of Shiloh 10. Tabernacle Location A rectangular area here fits the exact measurement of the Tabernacle as found in the Bible: "And you shall make the Tabernacle yard ... 100 cubits in length ... and the width of the yard 50 cubits (Exodus 27:9-13). 11. Cisterns 12. Storerooms 13. Canaanite Wall 14. Winepress 15. Red Hiefers viewing place. Shiloh In the Bible 1. During the conquest of the Promised Land (7-year period), the Tabernacle resided principally at Gilgal (Josh. 4:19–24). 2. After the conquest of the land was basically complete, the Tabernacle was set up in Shiloh, where it would reside for 369 years. J oshua 18:1: Then the whole congregation of the people of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting there . The land lay subdued before them. 3. At Shiloh, lots were cast to divide the land among the seven tribes who had not yet received their inheritance on the west side of the Jordan River. Ruben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already received their portion on the east side of the Jordan, and Judah and Joseph had already received theirs on the west side. Joshua 18:2–3: There remained among the people of Israel seven tribes whose inheritance had not yet been apportioned. 3 So Joshua said to the people of Israel, “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you? Joshua 18:8–10: So the men arose and went, and Joshua charged those who went to write the description of the land, saying, “Go up and down in the land and write a description and return to me. And I will cast lots for you here before the Lord in Shiloh .” 9 So the men went and passed up and down in the land and wrote in a book a description of it by towns in seven divisions. Then they came to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh , 10 and Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord. And there Joshua apportioned the land to the people of Israel, to each his portion. 4. From Shiloh, Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh departed for their homes east of the Jordan River. Joshua 22:9: So the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned home, parting from the people of Israel at Shiloh , which is in the land of Canaan, to go to the land of Gilead, their own land of which they had possessed themselves by command of the LORD through Moses. 5. After departing from Shiloh to return home, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar at the Jordan River. The rest of the tribes misunderstood the purpose of the altar and met at Shiloh to fight against them. Joshua 22:12: And when the people of Israel heard of it, the whole assembly of the people of Israel gathered at Shiloh to make war against them. The 2 ½ tribes intended to erect an altar as a witness to future generations that they were part of the 9 ½ tribes on the west side of the Jordan River. When the 9 ½ tribes understood their purpose, they returned home in peace. 6. During a dark time in the book of Judges, the Benjamite tribe was almost wiped out by the other tribes of Israel because of their severe disobedience to God. To revive the population of Benjamin, wives were provided for them at Shiloh. Judges 21:19–21: So they said, “Behold, there is the yearly feast of the Lord at Shiloh , which is north of Bethel, on the east of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah.” 20 And they commanded the people of Benjamin, saying, “Go and lie in ambush in the vineyards 21 and watch. If the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in the dances, then come out of the vineyards and snatch each man his wife from the daughters of Shiloh , and go to the land of Benjamin. 7. At Shiloh, Hannah prayed for a son. God heard her prayers and blessed her with Samuel. 1 Samuel 1:3–5: Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh , where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah , he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. 1 Samuel 1:9–11: After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh , Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” 8. To Shiloh, Hannah brought Samuel and consecrated him to the Lord’s service. 1 Samuel 1:24–28: And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh . And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child, I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. 9. The sanctuary in Shiloh was called a "temple," as noted in 1 Samuel 1:9, 3:3. It had doorposts and doors, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:9, 3:15. Therefore, it was a more durable structure than the old Tent of Meeting (tabernacle). 10. Eli and his wicked sons presided over the Tabernacle at Shiloh. Then, through the prophet Samuel, the doom of their house was announced. 1 Samuel 3:11–13: Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 3 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 11. The ark was captured in a battle with the Philistines. As a result, Hophni and Phinehas died along with their father, Eli, near Shiloh. 1 Samuel 4:16–18: And the man said to Eli, “I am he who has come from the battle; I fled from the battle today.” And he said, “How did it go, my son?” 17 He who brought the news answered and said, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has also been a great defeat among the people. Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” 18 As soon as he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate, and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years. 12. The Ark of the Covenant was returned to Beth Shemesh by the Philistines and wound up staying at the house of Abinadab for 20 years (1 Sam. 7:1). 13. Eventually, King David would take the ark to the City of David (1 Chron. 13, 15), and then it would be moved to the temple Solomon built (2 Chron. 5:2). The tabernacle was taken to Gibeon (1 Chron. 21:29) but didn’t have the ark in it. After the temple was instituted, the Tabernacle at Gibeon went by the wayside. 14. After the Kingdom of Israel was divided, Jeroboam, King of the Northern Tribes, erected golden calf altars in Bethel and Dan for the worship of false gods. Over time, Shiloh fell into ruin and came under God's judgment. Psalm 78:59–61: When God heard, he was full of wrath, and he utterly rejected Israel. He forsook his dwelling at Shiloh , the tent where he dwelt among mankind, and delivered his power to captivity, his glory to the hand of the foe. Jeremiah 7:12: Go now to my place that was in Shiloh , where I made my name dwell at first, and see what I did to it because of the evil of my people Israel. Faith Lesson from Shiloh 1. Shiloh was a place of rich blessing and rejoicing when the Israelites obeyed God. Do we understand that obeying and serving God brings life and fulfills our souls? 2. God judged Shiloh because of Eli and his sons' sins. What kind of leaders are we, and do we realize how our leadership affects our families and ministries? 3. Eli was the same father who raised his own sons as well as Samuel. Regardless of our past and the baggage and problems we might have, God's grace is enough to give us victory over our past. What about us? Do we have victory over our past, or do we use our past as an excuse for our problems? 3. Hannah prayed for a child at Shiloh, and God heard her. Like Hannah, do we pray for our needs, and do we pray with the right motives? 4. Shiloh was also a place of deep disaster with a bitter ending. Its end was judgment because of the continual sin of God’s people. Do we realize the danger of allowing sin in our lives and the consequences it can bring?