The Herodian (Herodium) was a fortress and palace of King Herod located about 3 miles (5 km.) south of Bethlehem. It’s on the edge of the Judean Wilderness that lies to the southeast. It was built upon a natural mountain which gave it added protection. It was massive in size and overshadowed everything in the area with its presence and majesty. Herodian (Herodium) Fortress Photo Gallery Herodian (Herodium) Fortress Introduction Welcome to the Herodian Fortress in the Bethlehem area. Many significant events from the Bible took place here. Here are the highlights. 1. The Herodian Fortress towered above the entire area around Bethlehem. It was formed by bringing dirt from the area below and shaping it into a volcano-like mountain. We're going to hike up to the top of the fortress and explore it. 2. From the top, it has a fantastic view of Bethlehem and the surrounding area. We'll see: Bethlehem Shepherds' Fields The area Ruth gleaned in the fields of Boaz. A canyon below is the likely place David referred to when he wrote Psalm 23. 3. We'll be seeing a model of the fortress inside the visitor center. 4. We'll also be focusing on the life of Herod and the contrast between two kingdoms. Herod's Kingdom versus Christ's Kingdom. Herod chose to build his own kingdom, which is now in ruins. All that's left of it are ruins and the Legacy that he was a baby killer. Herod likely gave the orders to kill all the male children right here from this fortress. We, as well, have two choices in life. We can build our kingdom, which will dissolve and be nothing, or we can help build God's kingdom, which is eternal. 5. On our way down, we'll descend through a secret tunnel to Herod's Tomb and theatre. 6. This site is significant, with eternal lessons to be learned. Location 1. The Herodian (Herodium) was a fortress and palace of King Herod located about 3 miles (5 km) south of Bethlehem. 2. It’s on the edge of the Judean Wilderness that lies to the southeast. 3. Nearby dirt just north of the Herodium was hauled and placed upon an already existing mountain to form the Herodium, making it a perfect volcano-like shape. This added height gave it natural protection and allowed Herod to see Jerusalem from its northern tower. 4. It was massive in size and overshadowed everything in the area with its presence and majesty. 5. The location of the Church of the Nativity is northwest, in line with the lower pool complex below the Herodian. Historical Background 1. Rome controlled Israel during the time of Herod. The Romans appointed Herod to rule Israel on their behalf. He reigned from 37 to 4 BC and was king when Christ was born. He was the Herod who killed all the male children two years and younger in the area around Bethlehem in his attempt to kill Christ. 2. In 40 BC, Herod was forced to flee Jerusalem from Antigonus Mattathias, the last Hasmonean king. Antigonus had allied with the Parthians against the Romans. At that time, the Parthians controlled the region of Syria, including Jerusalem, and appointed Antigonus as ruler of Judah. After Antigonus made a treaty with the Parthians (the eastern empire fighting the Romans at the time), he pursued Herod and his entourage, catching up with them southeast of Bethlehem, forcing Herod to flee Jerusalem. Herod barely survived the desperate battle, and the events of that unforgettable day seem to have led him to build his tomb at the battleground. As a result, he set out for Rome, where the Romans appointed him king of Judah. Against all odds, Herod returned to Judah, conquered Antigonus Mattathias, and ascended to the throne of Judah. The memory of this hard-fought battle, a testament to his resilience and determination, remained etched in his mind. Around 28 BC, he began building Herodium, a monument to his triumph, and named it after himself. 3. He’s best known as the one who killed all the babies in Bethlehem, two years old and younger, in his attempt to kill Jesus. Matthew 2:16: Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. 4. He was so powerful that with a mere spoken word, he could order a mass execution of children in Bethlehem without approval from anyone. 5. King Herod dominated everything in Israel, and his Herodian Fortress was evidence of his domination and power. 6. He was also a master builder known for building things that defied nature and glorified his name. He built Caesarea Maritime, a deep-water seaport larger than any in Rome, Athens, or Greece. He built Masada, a fortress of protection and a winter palace that supplied 10,000 people for 10 years. He enlarged the Temple Mount, which was an engineering masterpiece. He built a new temple for the Jews, unparalleled in glory, size, and beauty. He built a massive building over the Caves of the Patriarchs in Hebron. He built a massive palace complex in Jericho. He built a massive palace complex in Jerusalem. He built this Herodian Fortress, named after himself, among other accomplishments. 7. War was common in his day, so the Herodian was built to protect himself and his kingship from those who tried to kill or remove him. The Herodian was on the highest mountain in the Judean Desert. 8. He had a great fear of betrayal from others attempting to usurp his throne. He had two of his sons strangled, killed numerous in-laws, and ordered his oldest son to be beheaded just before he died. He even had one of his wives killed out of fear that she was in a plot to betray him, and had another wife sent away. 9. Construction of the Herodian began in 25 BC using thousands of slaves. Herod reshaped the hill's summit to create a pleasure palace and a virtually impregnable fortress. 10. The Herodian was the third-largest palace in the world at Herod's time, and it was a monument to his power and glory. 11. It could be seen from many miles away and rose in dominance and prestige. 12. It covered 45 acres (18 hectares) and had a small luxurious city at its base, including swimming pools, spas, a theater, and all the luxuries life could afford. An aqueduct brought water from a spring nearly 4 miles (6 km) away. 13. It had four towers that gave it a commanding view of the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea, and the mountains of Moab. By using mirrors to reflect the sun, Herod could send messages from the Herodian to Jerusalem, Masada, and other places. 14. Herod is remembered as a jealous, self-serving person who built his own kingdom for his own glory. Because he was so despised and hated, at his death, he ordered many prominent Jews to be killed so there would be weeping in Jerusalem. He died at the age of 69 and was buried at the Herodian. 15. Today, all that’s left of Herod’s kingdom and glory are ancient ruins. 16. Another great discovery dating back to the time of King Herod was unearthed here. Others also used this site to govern this area of Judea. Excavations in 1968 and 1969 revealed that Pontius Pilate also used this site. This is confirmed by the discovery of a very important bronze signet ring bearing a Greek inscription with the word "Pilato" written on it, meaning that it had belonged to Pontius Pilate, probably worn by one of his civil administrators. 17. The Herodian has been used for defense and religious purposes from the time of Herod and Pilate to the present. 18. In 4 BC, Herod died in Jericho of a horrible intestinal disease and was buried at the Herodium. Later, during the Jewish revolt around 66 AD, because of the Jews' hatred of Herod, they destroyed his tomb. Places of Interest 1. Park Entrance 2. Model of the Herodian Fortress inside the visitor center. 3. Ballista balls to the left shortly after leaving the visitor center. 4. Lower section viewed from on top of the Herodian. Water Pool City Ruins Colonnade Pillars Roman Garden Funeral Complex 2. Upper Section Herodian Palace and Fortress Four Towers of the Palace (north, east, west, and south) Synagogue converted from Herod's living quarters (used from 66–70 AD) Mikvah Bathhouse Cisterns Bar Kokhba Revolt Tunnels (132–136 AD) Remains of churches and monasteries from the Byzantine Period, dating from 350 to 650 AD. Evidence includes the two apses on the north and south sides, as well as the columns in the middle. Tunnels complex 3. Mountain Slope Facing Jerusalem Royal Theater Herod’s Tomb Staircase going up the mountain. 4. The hill just to the north, where dirt was taken to build the upper part of the Herodium Fortress and shape its lower part. A Contrast of Two Kingdoms in the Bible Herod's Kingdom 1. He was also a master builder known for building things that defied nature and glorified his name. 2. He had two of his sons strangled, killed numerous in-laws, and ordered his oldest son to be beheaded just before he died. He even had one of his wives killed out of fear that she was in a plot to betray him. 3. Herod is remembered as a jealous, self-serving person who built his own kingdom for his own glory. 4. He was so powerful that with a mere spoken word, he could order a mass execution of children in Bethlehem without approval from anyone. 5. He had everything a person without Christ would want in this life. 6. Because he was so despised and hated, at his death, he ordered many prominent Jews to be killed so there would be weeping in Jerusalem. 7. Herod died in Jericho of a horrible stomach disease and was buried at the Herodium. Christ's Kingdom 1. Christ is the eternal majestic King of His kingdom. Isaiah 9:6–7: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace . 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Micah 5:2: But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel , whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days . John 8:58–59: Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM .” 59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. John 10:31–33: The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God .” Revelation 22:12–13: Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega , the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 2. Unlike Herod, who only cared about building his own kingdom, Christ came as a lowly servant to serve others. Christ was born in a humble manger in the small frontier town of Bethlehem. He owned no home and had nowhere to lay His head. He held no public office. He rode into Jerusalem on the colt of a donkey, which was a lowly symbol of peace. He washed His disciples’ feet. He died a criminal’s death between two thieves. 3. Unlike Herod, who glorified himself, Christ set aside His glory to become an obedient servant, even unto death on the cross. Philippians 2:5–11: Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself , taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 4. Unlike Herod, whose kingdom came to ruin, Christ changed people and the course of history like no other person. Faith Lesson from the Herodian Fortress 1. Herod mainly cared about his own glory and kingdom. What about us? Are we more like King Herod or King Jesus? 2. We all have an element of King Herod living within us. Will we follow those tendencies and desires? 1 John 2:15–17: Do not love the world or 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 desires of the flesh, and the desires of the eyes, and pride of life —is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 3. Do we have a prideful attitude like Herod or a humble spirit like Christ? 4. Are we mainly building our own kingdom or God’s? 5. What will be our legacy, and what will we leave behind? Matthew 6:19–21: Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The parables of the Kingdom were preached by Jesus alongside the Sea of Galilee at the Sower's Cove. Sower’s Cove is located between Capernaum and Tabgha on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It’s a natural cove with outstanding acoustics. When Christ preached the Parables of the Kingdom, He went out of His house in Capernaum and sat by the sea. The natural location of Sower’s Cove makes it an excellent candidate for the place Christ preached the Parables of the Kingdom. Sower's Cove: Parables of the Kingdom Photo Gallery Places of Interest Sower's Cove: Parables of the Kingdom Location 1. Sower’s Cove is located between Capernaum and Tabgha on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. 2. It’s a natural cove with outstanding acoustics. 3. When Christ preached the Parables of the Kingdom, He went out of His house in Capernaum and sat by the sea. 3. Some believe Sower’s Cove is the place where Christ preached the Parables of the Kingdom found in Matthew 13. 4. It seems the most likely place Jesus preached the Parables of the Kingdom is closer to Capernaum because the Bible says Jesus went out of a house there (most likely that of Peter) and preached. Matthew 13:1-2: That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea . 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. Historical Background 1. A parable is a story that illustrates a truth by using an example from nature. 2. The parables tell what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. 3. The terms “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Kingdom of God” are the same. Matthew’s gospel uses the term “Kingdom of Heaven” as it was directed to a more Jewish audience. The Jews had such a high reverence for God that they didn’t use His name much. They even took out the syllables in Yahweh to show reverence. The other Gospels mainly use the term “Kingdom of God” in their accounts. 4. Part of the reason Christ spoke in parables was to fulfill prophecies regarding judgment on the Israelites because of their dull and hardened hearts (Isaiah 6:9–10). Matthew 13:13–17: This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 15 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.” Places of Interest 1. Sower’s Cove 2. Capernaum 3. The northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. 4. Mount of Beatitudes 5. Bethsaida 6. Tabgha 7. Sea of Galilee Parable of the Sower in the Bible 1. Jesus went out by the Sea of Galilee and told many parables; one of them was the Parable of the Sower. Matthew 13:1-9: That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose, they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear. 2. Jesus used the natural elements found right in this area as illustrations for this parable. 3. Christ explains the meaning of the Parable of the Sower. Matthew 13:18–23: Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty. Summary of the Meaning of the Parable of the Sower 1. The seed is the Word of God. 2. The different soils represent the different kinds of hearts people can have. 3. The one who snatches away the seed is the Devil. 4. The hard soil is a hard heart that hears but refuses to let God’s Word enter. They are unsaved and under Satan’s control. 5. The rocky soil represents those who hear God’s Word but don’t continue when hard times and persecution come. 6. The weedy soil represents people who allow the worries of life and the pursuit of wealth to choke out God’s Word, and they wither up and die. 7. The last soil that produces a harvest represents true believers who persevere in their faith, and in so doing, produce fruit. 8. It seems clear that the first 3 kinds of soils represent unsaved people. 9. Only the last soil that produced fruit represents the truly saved person, as fruit is the example used throughout Scripture to refer to genuinely saved people. Other Parables Christ Taught Close to Capernaum 1. Parable of the Weeds (Tares) 2. Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven 3. Parable of the Hidden Treasure 4. Parable of the Pearl of Great Value 5. Parable of the Net Faith Lesson from Sower’s Cove 1. Part of the reason Christ spoke in parables was to fulfill prophecies regarding judgment on the Israelites because of their dull and unbelieving hearts. Are our hearts dull of hearing? What are we doing to protect our hearts from becoming dull of hearing? 2. What kind of soil (heart) do we possess? Is it hard? Is it stony, shallow, and does it pull away from God when trials and suffering come? Is it full of the cares and distractions of this world? Or is it producing much fruit for God? 3. The good soil produced different amounts of fruit; some yielded a hundred-fold, some sixty-fold, and some thirty-fold. How much fruit are you producing for God?

Amazing archaeological evidence that proves the Bible is true. See an overview of all discoveries that have been found here and the amazing things that happened around Jericho! See all the places at Tel Jericho (Tell Es-Sultan). Mount of Temptation, Zacchaeus Tree, St. George's Monastery, Elisha's Spring, King Herod's Palace, Jericho Cable Cars, and more. Jericho claims to be the oldest city in the world that has been continuously inhabited. Its name means “City of Palms.” Jericho ~ Tell Es-Sultan Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Jericho ~ Tell Es-Sultan Overview Introduction Welcome to Jericho. Many significant events from the Bible took place here. Here are the highlights. 1. Jericho was the first city the Israelites conquered after crossing the Jordan River. 2. They marched right around this place seven times, and on the last day, the walls fell. 3. Rahab, the prostitute, was from here, and due to her faith, God spared her life and family. 4. There is so much evidence here for this miracle that it's astounding. We'll see how everything in the Bible matches perfectly with the archaeology discovered here. 5. The prophets Elijah and Elisha traversed Jericho often. 6. The miracle of a blind man healed by Jesus occurred in Jericho. 7. Zacchaeus, the Tax Collector, was from Jericho. 8. Amazingly, Tel Jericho, also known as Tel es Sultan, provides some of the most detailed evidence regarding the truthfulness and accuracy of the Old Testament. The evidence is overwhelming. 9. Unfortunately, over the past 70 years, this site has been turned into the number one attack on the Old Testament. So what provides the greatest evidence for the truthfulness of the Old Testament has been turned into the greatest attack on it. 10. However, you can see the evidence for yourself and come to believe that all the evidence here supports the exact details in the biblical account. It will be quite convincing. Location 1. Jericho is in the Jordan Valley about 8 miles (13 km) north of the Dead Sea and about 15 miles (24 km) east of Jerusalem. 2. It’s situated at 900 ft. (275 m.) below sea level, making it the lowest city in the world. 3. Jericho claims to be the oldest city in the world that has been continuously inhabited. 4. Its name means “City of Palms.” 5. It was located at the crossroads of two main travel routes. It had a north-south route that ran through the Jordan Valley, and an east-west route that connected the east side of the Jordan River with Jerusalem, the Samaritan cities, and the coastal plain towns of the Mediterranean Sea. 6. It has a year-round climate with lots of sun. 7. Tel Jericho is also known today as Tell Es-Sultan. Historical Background 1. Jericho was a well-fortified Canaanite city before the arrival of the Israelites. 2. It’s an ancient city with about six thousand years of history. 3. Archaeologists have uncovered 23 levels of civilization in Tel Jericho. 4. The city was fortified with double walls. 5. Jericho was given by Marc Antony (Roman general under Julius Caesar) to Cleopatra (Pharaoh of Egypt) as a wedding gift in 36 BC. 6. King Herod built a winter palace in Jericho around 20 BC and would later die there as well. 7. During the Byzantine period, homes and churches were built in the area. 8. During the Crusader period, the town was moved about a mile (1.6 km) southeast of Tel Jericho. Conflict Regarding the Dating of When the Walls Fell Down In some brochures about this site, it says the following: "The town was deserted in the late Bronze Age (14th century BC), and the city wall of Jericho (famous for Joshua's invasion) was not found by archaeologists, thus indicating a contradiction between the biblical narrative and the archaeological evidence ." So, in other words, when the Bible says Joshua conquered Jericho, they claim it was already destroyed and deserted around 150 years before Joshua, thus making the biblical account wrong. 1. There have been four significant excavations carried out here: Ernst Sellin & Carl Watzinger: 1907 - 1911 John Garstang: 1930-1936 Kathleen Kenyon: 1952 - 1958 (site in the hands of Jordan) Lorenzo Nigro: 1997-2000 & 2009 to present 2. All agree on the following: This is ancient Jericho The upper brick walls fell outward There is a massive burn layer throughout the tel at the same level Full jars of burnt barley are found throughout the tel There is an abandonment layer throughout the tel Israelite occupation layer throughout the tell 3. What they don't agree upon is the date of the destruction: Ernst Sellin & Carl Watzinger (1907-1911) and John Garstang (1930-1936) all stated that the destruction occurred in 1406, the exact time the Israelites arrived. Kathleen Kenyon said the walls fell 150 years before the Israelites arrived, so there is no connection between them and Jericho. Thus, stating that there is a contradiction between the Bible and archaeology. Lorenzo Nigro: 1997-2000 & 2009 to present, follows Kenyon's claims and promotes the information in brochures, videos, etc. 4. So, what is, in reality, a monumental discovery supporting the Bible has been turned into a discovery claiming the Bible isn't true. 5. We'll be looking at the evidence here showing you that the Bible is indeed true. What caused this change? 1. Between Ernst Sellin & Carl Watzinger's (1907-1911) and John Garstang's (1930-1936) excavations, Israel became a state. 2. During Kathleen Kenyon's excavations, Jericho was under Jordanian rule. It appears the motive was to erase any connection the Israelis had with their past and the conquest of Jericho. 3. Kathleen Kenyon placed the destruction of Jericho at around 1550 BC, around 150 years before the Israelites arrived. She used carbon dating as part of her reasoning. However, this can be off by more than 100 years and is not very precise. She also used the absence of Cypress pottery, which she felt should have been there. However, imitation pieces of this kind of pottery were found. Additionally, she only excavated a small portion of Jericho. To base decisions on the absence of something is poor archaeology. Dr. Bryant Wood (1987) analyzed all the pottery discovered at Jericho and dated it to 1406, the exact year the Israelites conquered Jericho. Places of Interest Around Jericho 1. Tel Jericho 2. Mount of Temptation Monastery 3. Jericho Cable Cars (access to Mount of Temptation Monastery) 4. Hisham’s Palace (8th-century Muslim Palace) 5. Modern Jericho 6. Shittim (where the Israelites camped on the east side of the Jordan River before entering the Promised Land) 7. Camp Gilgal (place where the Israelites camped after entering the Promised Land) 8. Zacchaeus Tree 9. Herod’s Palace 10. St. George’s Monastery (hanging monastery with Cave of Elijah) 11. Baptismal Site of Jesus 12. Jordan River 13. Dead Sea Places of Interest at Tel Jericho 1. Elisha’s Spring (tourist viewing place) 2. Tower 3. Walls 4. Ancient Homes 5. Burn & Ash Layers 6. Palace 7. Building 8. Neolithic Tower 9. Byzantine Homes 10. Walls 11. Preserved Wall and Homes (this area is likely where Rahab lived, as it was spared in the destruction by the Lord) 12. Elisha’s Spring (primary source) Archaeological Evidence at Tel Jericho that Proves the Bible is True Eight key pieces of archaeological evidence prove that this site was Jericho and that its walls fell in 1406 BC. 1. Retaining Walls The walls were constructed of large stones at the base and mud bricks continuing upwards. The exterior wall’s stone base was about 15 feet (5 m) high, and the mud-brick wall on top of it was another 25 feet (8 m) tall, for a total of around 40 feet (13 m). The inner wall was constructed in the same way, only it rose even higher than the exterior wall, for a total height of around 50 feet (15 m). The walls were around 8 ft (2.5 m) wide, and people lived between them. Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall, so that she lived in the wall (Josh. 2:15). These double walls were enormous and overwhelming in size and strength. During this time period, cities were smaller with taller double walls. This was due to the huge battering rams that were made. The double walls had earth between them to absorb the battering rams' blows. The retaining walls can still be seen today. 2. Fallen Mud-Brick Walls Joshua 6:20–22: So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city , every man straight before him, and they captured the city. The Hebrew meaning for 'the wall fell flat' is that it fell outward beneath itself . This is precisely what archaeology reveals. When the walls of Jericho were first uncovered, large quantities of fallen red bricks were visible. However, many of the bricks were removed so the lower layers of excavation could be seen. Nonetheless, the archaeological reports clearly reveal that these red mud bricks were discovered and existed. What was discovered beneath the fallen red bricks were the remains of houses (built in the same red-brick style) from earlier periods, before cities became smaller and taller to withstand the new battering-ram technology. The square shapes of these houses are still visible today. 3. Burn Layer Scripture says that the Israelites burned Jericho with fire after they conquered it. And they burned the city with fire , and everything in it ( Joshua 6:24). A burn layer is clearly visible today throughout the Tel, in ashes and blackened layers. This is most evident in the cut-out section as you walk up the stairs of the Tel, and in its upper part. 4. Area where the burnt full Jars of barley were found. Unfortunately, this evidence has been covered back over by the current excavation team in charge of the site. This has been done intentionally for political reasons to erase any connection between the Bible and the evidence. Because Tel Jericho is in the West Bank, it is under the control of Arabs, who are mainly against the Bible and Jewish history. The burnt clay jars of barley indicate that the battle was brief, as the Bible states . The archaeology at this site confirms this. The battle took place in the Spring during the barley harvest, just as the Bible states. Joshua 5:10: While the people of Israel were encamped at Gilgal, they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening on the plains of Jericho. The fact that the jars were full reveals that the battle was short; otherwise, they would have been eaten over time. Also, Israel was prohibited by God from taking spoils in Jericho, unlike other conquering armies normally did. Joshua 6:18: But you, keep yourselves from the things devoted to destruction , lest when you have devoted them you take any of the devoted things and make the camp of Israel a thing for destruction and bring trouble upon it. 5. Preserved section of the wall where Rahab likely lived. On the east side of the Tel is a preserved section of the wall, suggesting this was the area where Rahab lived, as it was not entirely destroyed. 6. Discovered abandonment layer throughout the Tel due to Joshua's curse on Jericho. Joshua cursed Jericho, and it lay abandoned for many centuries. This formed an abandonment layer that is still visible today. Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed before the Lord is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he will lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he will set up its gates” ( Joshua 6:26). 7. Jericho was rebuilt by the Israelites during the time of King Ahab, according to Joshua's prophecy. This confirms that Tel Jericho lay abandoned for quite some time until it was rebuilt: In his days Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho ; he laid its foundations with the loss of Abiram his firstborn , and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub , in accordance with the word of the Lord, which He spoke by Joshua the son of Nun (1 Kings 16:34). 8. Israelite occupation layer. After Jericho was rebuilt, the Israelites inhabited the city. This is confirmed by an Israelite layer found at the Tel today. 9. What can be seen today at Tel Jericho matches perfectly with the Biblical account of what happened. This is amazing and is just one more piece of evidence that the Bible is true and trustworthy. Jericho in the Bible 1. Rahab, the prostitute, who hid the Israelite Spies, was from Jericho. Joshua 2:1: And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, "Go, view the land, especially Jericho ." And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there. Joshua 2:8–15: Before the men lay down, she came up to them on the roof, 9 and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you devoted to destruction. 11 And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath. 12 Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that, as I have dealt kindly with you, you also will deal kindly with my father's house, and give me a sure sign 13 that you will save alive my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and deliver our lives from death.” 14 And the men said to her, “Our life for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you.” 15 Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was built into the city wall, so that she lived in the wall . 2. The Children of Israel crossed the Jordan River near Jericho. Joshua 3:14–16: So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, 15 and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), 16 the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho . 3. The Israelites camped at Gilgal after entering the Promised Land. Joshua 4:19: The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and they encamped at Gilgal on the east border of Jericho . 4. The Israelites celebrated the Passover after crossing the Jordan River. Joshua 5:10: While the sons of Israel camped at Gilgal, they celebrated the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the month on the desert plains of Jericho. 5. Jericho was the first city captured by the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land. Joshua 6:1–5: Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. 2 And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. 3 You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. 4 Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. 5 And when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up , everyone straight before him.” Joshua 6:15–16: On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times. 16 And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city." 6. The mud-brick walls of Jericho fell flat (beneath themselves) and formed a ramp. Joshua 6:20–22: So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat [Hebrew meaning: fell beneath themselves outward] so that the people went up into the city , every man straight before him, and they captured the city. 21 Then they devoted all in the city to destruction, both men and women, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys, with the edge of the sword. 22 But to the two men who had spied out the land, Joshua said, “Go into the prostitute's house and bring out from there the woman and all who belong to her, as you swore to her.” 7. Joshua burned the city of Jericho with fire. A burn layer found throughout the tel confirms this. Joshua 6:24: And they burned the city with fire , and everything in it. 8. Joshua cursed Jericho, and it lay abandoned for many centuries. This formed an abandonment layer that can be seen today Joshua 6:26: Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed before the Lord is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he will lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he will set up its gates.” 9. Jericho was rebuilt during the time of King Ahab around 875 BC. 1 Kings 16:34: In his days Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho; he laid its foundations with the loss of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub, in accordance with the word of the Lord, which He spoke by Joshua the son of Nun. 10. The prophets, Elijah and Elisha, traversed Jericho often. 2 Kings 2:4: Elijah said to him, "Elisha, please stay here, for the LORD has sent me to Jericho ." But he said, "As the LORD lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you." So they came to Jericho . 11. Elisha healed the water source of Jericho. 2 Kings 2:19–22: Now the men of the city said to Elisha, "Behold, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful." 20 He said, "Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. 21 Then he went to the spring of water and threw salt in it and said, "Thus says the LORD, I have healed this water; from now on neither death nor miscarriage shall come from it." 22 So the water has been healed to this day, according to the word that Elisha spoke. 12. The miracle of a blind man healed by Jesus occurred in Jericho. Luke 18:35–43: As he [Jesus] drew near to Jericho , a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” 38 And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” 43 And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. 13. Zacchaeus, the Tax Collector, was from Jericho. Luke 19: 1–10: He [Jesus] entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small of stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold." 9 And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." 14. The famous story of the Good Samaritan happened on the route from Jericho to Jerusalem (Luke 10:25–37). Faith Lesson from Jericho 1. The first lesson we can learn is that the Bible is true, and we can fully trust it. Jericho provides overwhelming evidence that the events described in the Bible are corroborated by the site's archaeology. Therefore, we can fully trust the Bible as the very word of God, inspired and living. 2. The crumbling of the walls of Jericho by the shout of the Israelites proves to be one of the greatest miracles in the Bible. Do we believe God can crumble the obstacles in our lives today as well? 3. Rahab was a sinner who chose to fear the Lord and turn to Him. She was welcomed into the Jewish faith and became part of the lineage of Christ, along with Ruth, the Moabitess. Matthew 1:5–6: And Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab , and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth , and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king. Amazingly, in the genealogy of Christ, two generations in a row include foreign women who were saved by grace through faith and welcomed into the Jewish faith. 4. The lives of Rahab and Ruth illustrate that salvation has always been and always will be open to anyone willing to listen to God’s call of salvation. 5. Jesus healed a blind man in Jericho because of his persevering faith. What about us? What kind of faith do we have in Christ? Do we give up easily, or do we persevere? 6. Zacchaeus, the Tax Collector, was another outsider who was willing to embrace Christ’s love and offer of salvation. Jericho resounds with examples of outsiders who were rejected by others but sought out by God. Do we believe God loves outsiders today, and do we welcome them into our lives and churches?

See all the outstanding major holy sites (over 55) in Israel, the Holy Land in 4K and with a Drone. Amazing, clear footage with a biblical overview of each site. See amazing and interesting facts about Israel, the Holy Land. Videos, maps, books, talks, archaeology, Bible teachings, history, walls, gates, people, and language of the people and places in Israel. Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea, Masada, Negev, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Hebron, Shechem, Samaria, Jordan River, Beersheba, and more. Israel Overview Tour of All Biblical Sites Israel – God’s Chosen Land Israel . . . Land of the Bible . . . Land of Faith . . . the Holy Land, revered throughout recorded history as the cradle of monotheistic religion. For a person of faith whose beliefs are rooted in the Bible, there is no place on earth like the Holy Land. In this narrow strip of land lies the source of religious belief of much of mankind. Here, amongst the barren hills and fertile plains, man’s spirit learned to soar and from here a new message went out to all the world: “. . . and many peoples shall come, and say, “Come, let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord, to the House of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths. For out of Zion (Hill next to Jerusalem) will go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3,4). The unique factor about the Holy Land is its special location in the World. Situated as it is, straddling the divide between Africa and Asia, the area has almost always been a battleground. Wave after wave of conquerors poured into it, anxious to control the strategic trade routes linking the centers of the ancient world. It’s not by accident that it’s virtually in the center of the world. In God’s master plan of creation, He decided to place Israel exactly in the center of His creation. Located on a tiny land bridge between Africa and Asia, there is no other way to get between the two of them except through Israel. It’s located on the crossroads of the world. Whoever wanted to trade between the two continents, or control the known world, had to conquer and control Israel. For this reason, there have been more wars and events that have taken place in Israel than any other country on earth. God positioned Israel in its unique location in order to influence the world and be on “Center Stage” so all of creation would know that He alone is God. For nearly 2,000 years, Christian visitors from all over the world have come to the Holy Land, the land of their spiritual heritage. With Bible in hand, they have walked the places Jesus walked and prayed in the places He preached and prayed. For Christians, Israel is a place like no other. It provides them a one of a kind opportunity to experience the land of the Bible, to deepen their faith, and to be spiritually transformed for a lifetime.

See and experience an engineering wonder that happened over 2700 years ago. In order to save Jerusalem and its inhabitants, King Hezekiah orchestrated a tunnel that took the water from the Gihon Spring underground to the Pool of Siloam. This kept the water inside the city so the Assyrian army couldn't cut off their water supply and conquer them. Hezekiah's Water Tunnel Photo Gallery Places of Interest Hezekiah's Water Tunnel Location 1. Hezekiah's Water Tunnel, also known as the Siloam Tunnel, is a remarkable ancient water tunnel located in the southern part of the City of David in Jerusalem. 2. The City of David is located just south of the Temple Mount and is the original part of Jerusalem that existed before it was expanded over the centuries. 3. Today, Hezekiah's Tunnel is a popular archaeological site and tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to walk through the ancient waterway. Historical Background 1. It was constructed during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah in around 700 BC. 2. The Bible mentions it in the context of preparations for an impending siege by the Assyrians, led by Sennacherib. 3. The tunnel was designed to transport water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam, effectively securing the city's water supply during the siege by preventing the Assyrian forces from accessing it. 4. The construction of this tunnel is considered an engineering marvel of its time, as it was hewn from solid rock. It measures approximately 583 yards (533 m.) long and has an altitude difference of 12 inches (30 cm.) between its two ends. 5. The historical significance of Hezekiah's Tunnel is also highlighted by the Siloam Inscription, found at the southern end of the tunnel. This inscription describes how two teams of workers, starting from opposite ends, met in the middle to complete the tunnel. This feat is detailed in the biblical passages of 2 Chronicles 32:2–4 and 2 Kings 20:20. Biblical Background 1. After the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms (Israel and Judah), God sent prophet after prophet to warn them to turn from their sinful ways and follow Him. However, all these warnings fell on deaf ears. 2. All the 19 kings who reigned in the northern kingdom of Israel did not follow the Lord and acted wickedly. 3. As a result, the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered and taken into captivity by 722 BC by the Assyrians because of Israel’s continual disobedience. 2 Kings 18:11–12: Then the king of Assyria carried Israel away into exile to Assyria, and put them in Halah and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes, 12 because they did not obey the voice of the Lord their God , but transgressed His covenant, even all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded; they would neither listen nor do it. 4. The Assyrian army was brutal and known for its torturous tactics. They intentionally instilled fear in the hearts of those they conquered to cause other countries to surrender instead of fighting. 5. By 701 BC, the Assyrians, headed by Sennacherib, invaded Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Israel, because they disobeyed God. 6. According to an Assyrian stele found in the ruins of the royal palace of Nineveh, Sennacherib conquered 46 cities in Judea before attempting to conquer Jerusalem. 7. God allowed most of Judah to be conquered but protected Jerusalem because of Hezekiah’s obedience to Him. 8. As Hezekiah began to prepare for what he knew would be a terrible siege by a merciless Assyrian war machine, he had to figure out how to protect his people. This meant building new defenses. 9. During the time of Hezekiah, Jerusalem’s urban population had grown far outside the old walls of the city and were unprotected. 10. King Hezekiah fortified the city's existing walls and built a new wall rapidly to protect those living outside them. 2 Chronicles 32:5: He set to work resolutely and built up all the wall that was broken down and raised towers upon it, and outside it he built another wall, and he strengthened the Millo in the city of David. He also made weapons and shields in abundance. 11. Hezekiah’s new wall measured about 22 feet wide (7 m.) by 25 feet high (8 m.). 12. It was a massive undertaking and measured around 2.5 miles (4 km.) in length. 13. A portion of the wall was discovered in the 1970s by Israeli archaeologist Nahman Avigad and dated to the reign of King Hezekiah (716-687 BC). 14. Archaeologists called it “Hezekiah’s Broad Wall” because of how wide it is. 15. Additionally, King Hezekiah also built a water tunnel to keep the water from the Gihon Spring inside the city walls so the Assyrians couldn’t cut off the water supply (2 Chron. 32:3–4). Places of Interest 1. Hezekiah’s Broad Wall 2. Gihon Spring 3. Pool of Siloam 4. Hezekiah's Water Tunnel 5. City of David 6. Temple Mount Hezekiah in the Bible 1. King Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, was a wicked king. He closed the doors to the temple and burned his children in sacrificial worship to false gods. 2. King Hezekiah was a godly king who reopened the temple and restored worship to God. 2 Kings 18:3–6: And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. 4 He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). 5 He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses. 3. King Hezekiah chose not to serve the King of Assyria. 2 Kings 18:7: And the Lord was with him; wherever he went he prospered. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. 4. Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, conquered the southern part of Judah, including the mighty city of Lachish. King Hezekiah tries to keep him at bay by paying him money. 2 Kings 18:13–16: Now in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and seized them. 14 Then Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong. Withdraw from me; whatever you impose on me I will bear.” So the king of Assyria required of Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. 15 Hezekiah gave him all the silver which was found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasuries of the king’s house. 16 At that time Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the Lord, and from the doorposts which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria. 5. King Sennacherib makes plans to conquer Jerusalem. 2 Kings 18:17: Then the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rab-saris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah with a large army to Jerusalem. So they went up and came to Jerusalem. 6. King Sennacherib mocks King Hezekiah and the God of Israel. 2 Kings 18:32–35: And do not listen to Hezekiah when he misleads you by saying, “The Lord will deliver us .” 33 Has any of the gods of the nations ever delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 34 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? 35 Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?’” 7. King Hezekiah humbles himself before God and sends for the Prophet Isaiah. 2 Kings 19:1–7: And when King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth and entered the house of the Lord. 2 Then he sent Eliakim who was over the household with Shebna the scribe and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz. 3 They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, ‘This day is a day of distress, rebuke, and rejection; for children have come to birth and there is no strength to deliver. 4 Perhaps the Lord your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the Lord your God has heard. Therefore, offer a prayer for the remnant that is left.’” 5 So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. 6 Isaiah said to them, “Thus you shall say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. 7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land. And I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.” 8. King Sennacherib once again threatens King Hezekiah and speaks against the God of Israel. 2 Kings 19:9–12: So he sent messengers again to Hezekiah, saying, 10 “Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. 11 Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, devoting them to destruction. And shall you be delivered? 12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, the nations that my fathers destroyed.’” 9. Hezekiah seeks the Lord’s help. 2 Kings 19:14–19: Then Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it, and he went up to the house of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 15 Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and listen to the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. 17 Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have devastated the nations and their lands 18 and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. So they have destroyed them. 19 Now, O Lord our God, I pray, deliver us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O Lord, are God.” 10. God answers Hezekiah’s prayer. 2 Kings 19:20–22: Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Because you have prayed to Me about Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you.’ 21 This is the word that the Lord has spoken against him: ‘She has despised you and mocked you, The virgin daughter of Zion; She has shaken her head behind you, The daughter of Jerusalem! 22 ‘Whom have you reproached and blasphemed? And against whom have you raised your voice, And haughtily lifted up your eyes? Against the Holy One of Israel!’” 2 Kings 19:32–34: Therefore, thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, “He will not come to this city or shoot an arrow there; and he will not come before it with a shield or throw up a siege ramp against it. 33 By the way that he came, by the same he will return, and he shall not come to this city, declares the Lord. 34 For I will defend this city to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.” 11. God miraculously destroys King Sennacherib and his army. 2 Kings 19:35–37: Then it happened that night that the angel of the Lord went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when men rose early in the morning, behold, all of them were dead. 36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and returned home, and lived at Nineveh. 37 It came about as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son became king in his place. Faith Lesson from the Life of King Hezekiah 1. Even though Hezekiah had a wicked father, he chose to serve the Lord. What about us? Do we realize that no matter what our background might be, and the parents we have, God can still use us greatly if we yield ourselves entirely to Him? 3. King Hezekiah was extremely dedicated to God. 2 Kings 18:5–6: He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel; so that after him there was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he clung to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses. What about us? Do we show the same kind of dedication to God? 4. King Hezekiah trusted in God during times of great trials. What about us? Do we trust God during the trials He send us? 5. God blessed and protected him because of his faith and dedication to Him. What about us? Do we realize that God will bless us too if we stay faithful to Him? 6. He worked hard to fortify the old walls, built a huge new wall, and protected the water source of the city. All this was good, but not needed, as God supernaturally protected Jerusalem because Hezekiah trusted in the Lord. What about us? Do we realize that we can do everything we can think of to protect ourselves, but it's ultimately God who is in control? 7. King Hezekiah lived the kind of life God blesses. What about us? Are we following his example?

See the miraculous events of the Exodus route the Israelites took from Egypt, the location of the Red Sea Crossing, and the location of Mt. Sinai in Arabia. Places of interest include 1. Egypt 2. Goshen 3. Suez Finger of the Red Sea 4. Traditional Red Sea Crossing Place 5. Sinai Peninsula 6. Aqaba Finger of Red Sea 7. Nuweiba Beach 8. Saudi Arabia Beach 9. Red Sea Crossing 10. Marah 11. Elim 12. Magna Oasis 13. Wilderness of Sin 14. Caves of Jethro 15. Rephidim 16. Mount Sinai The Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, & Mt. Sinai Photo Gallery Places of Interest The Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, & Mt. Sinai Location 1. For many years it was believed that the Israelites crossed the Suez finger of the Red Sea just southeast of what is now Cairo, Egypt. However, there are no deep bodies of water in these areas but just shallow marshes and lakes. For this reason, the biblical account of this astounding miracle has been attempted to be discredited or erased altogether by liberal scholars. 2. Many recent archeologists and scholars now believe the Israelites crossed the Red Sea at the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea and that Mount Sinai is in Midian, which is part of modern-day Saudi Arabia. Historical Background 1. God called Abraham and promised him He would make a great nation out of his offspring. Abraham obeyed and left everything to follow God. 2. Abraham birthed Isaac, who birthed Jacob, who birthed 12 sons. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. 3. Jacob and his 12 sons moved to Egypt according to God’s sovereign plan (about 70–75 total people). 4. The Israelites spent 430 years in Egypt (30 years as free people under Joseph and 400 years as slaves). During this time, they grew into a nation of around 2.5 to 3 million people. 5. God performed a miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt by performing 10 amazing miracles. 6. The last miracle, known as the Passover, happened when God killed the firstborn of all the Egyptians who did not put the blood of a lamb over the doorposts of their homes. Places of Interest 1. Egypt 2. Goshen 3. Suez Finger of the Red Sea 4. Traditional Red Sea Crossing Place 5. Sinai Peninsula 6. Aqaba Finger of Red Sea 7. Nuweiba Beach 8. Saudi Arabia Beach 9. Red Sea Crossing 10. Marah 11. Elim 12. Magna Oasis 13. Wilderness of Sin 14. Caves of Jethro 15. Rephidim 16. Mount Sinai The Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, and Mount Sinai in the Bible 1. How many Israelites left Egypt and crossed the Red Sea? Exodus 12:37: Now the sons of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, aside from children. Using the number of 600,000 men only, we can estimate that there were probably 2.5 to 3 million Israelites. 2. How many Egyptian soldiers were chasing them? Exodus 14:6–7: So he made his chariot ready and took his people with him; 7 and he took six hundred select chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. According to Josephus, a historian writer, there were 50,000 horsemen and 200,000 footmen, all armed. 3. Did the Israelites cross the Red Sea by Egypt? It has been generally believed for many years that the Israelites crossed the Suez finger of the Red Sea just east of Cairo, Egypt. However, the sea is not very deep there so many have discredited the biblical miracle by claiming the Israelites crossed in shallow marshes of water. It should be noted that over the years, no archaeological evidence has supported this Red Sea crossing location. It also would have been virtually impossible for such a large army to drown in the shallow lakes and marshes in this area. 4. Over the past several decades, substantial archeological investigation shows convincing evidence for a different location for the Red Sea crossing. The new location places the crossing at Nuweiba Beach on the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea about 40 miles (64 km.) south of Eilat, Israel. 5. God said he brought the Israelites out of Egypt on the very same day they left. Exodus 12:51: And on that same day the Lord brought the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts. The Red Sea crossing happened after they had left Egypt. The border of Egypt at that time was the Suez finger of the Red Sea. Any place the Israelites would have crossed the sea in this area they would still have been in Egypt and not outside of it. 6. The Suez finger of the Red Sea is about 72 miles (116 km.) south of Goshen (place where the Israelites lived and departed Egypt). However, the land directly east of Goshen is dry and easily crossable. The Israelites had exited Egypt on the same day they left. The route directly east of Goshen would have allowed them to leave Egypt on dry ground. Afterward, they would have been in the wilderness of Sinai, which fits well with the biblical narrative, as we will see in the next point. 7. Scripture strongly indicates that the Israelites traveled a long time through a wilderness before crossing the Red Sea. Exodus 13:18-22: Hence, God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea ; and the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones from here with you.” 20 Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. 21 The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night . 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. These verses clearly reveal that the Israelites walked a long way traveling both day and night through a wilderness before crossing the Red Sea. Because the miracle of the Red Sea crossing happened several days after the Exodus, it couldn’t have happened at the Suez finger of the Red Sea because Goshen is just 20 miles (32 km.) from the sea, a distance of just a few hours walk. Moreover, between Goshen and the believed traditional crossing place of the Red Sea is not a wilderness. The Sinai Peninsula is a wilderness that would fit the biblical narrative of the Israelites traveling by day and by night before crossing the sea. Research shows that a person could cross the Sinai Peninsula in 3 days traveling day and night at a normal walking pace of just 3 or so miles an hour. Scripture also says that there were no feeble ones among them and that God carried them supernaturally on eagle’s wings during their exodus. These factors provide more evidence that the Israelites could have easily crossed the Sinai Peninsula and arrived at the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea at Nuweiba Beach. Meaning of Yam Suph Now the reason some believe that the Israelites crossed the Sea close-by to Egypt is because of how the Hebrew words Yam Suph, and specifically, Suph is translated. The translation of the word Yam means sea, or large body of water, and Suph mainly means end, edge, shoreline, red, and a few times as reeds. Therefore, some believe the Israelites crossed just east of Egypt because there are many shallow waters with reeds there. However, the words Yam Suph together are mentioned 24 times in the Old Testament, with 7 of them referring to specific locations which are around the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea and not by Egypt. For example, in Exodus 23:31, the word is used to describe the boundary of Israel going from the Aqaba northern tip of the Red Sea by Eilat to the Sea of the Philistines which would be the Mediterranean Sea. In 1 Kings 9:26, Yam Suph refers again to the northern tip of the Aqaba Finger of the Red Sea and is where Solomon had a fleet of ships stationed at Eloth, which is modern-day Eilat. Therefore, the term Yam Suph does not only mean reeds and refer to the area east of Egypt. The term is mainly used of the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea. Taking this into account, the Aqaba Finger of the Red Sea is referred to as Yam Suph as well in the Bible. 8. There has been found in the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea at Nuweiba Beach amazing evidence of coral growth on objects that look like old chariot wheels, axles, etc. These same objects have also been found on the shore across from Nuweiba Beach on the Saudi Arabian side of the Red Sea. Coral doesn’t grow in sandy areas and must have some object to grow on. The Red Sea is very sandy from Nuweiba Beach to the Saudi Arabian shore, so there’s no reason coral would grow in this area unless there were foreign objects for it to grow on. 9. Nuweiba Beach is very large and could have easily accommodated the 3 million or so Israelites. The beach at Nuweiba is large, flat, and sandy, a perfect place for the 2.5 to 3 million Israelites to camp. 10. The ocean floor of the Red Sea by Nuweiba Beach gradually goes down and then gradually goes up to the shore of Saudi Arabia. Just north or south of this area, there are deep impassible ravines on the ocean floor. The Nuweiba Beach location is the only place on the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea that would have allowed the Israelites to cross. It seems reasonable to suggest that God, in His sovereignty, divinely created this sandy, gradual crossing place for the Israelites to use for this magnanimous miracle. The maximum depth of the ocean floor at this crossing place is about 2,500 ft. deep (762 m.). This fits the biblical narrative that God divided the “mighty waters” of the sea. Exodus 14:29: But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea , and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. Exodus 15:10: You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; They sank like lead in the mighty waters . Isaiah 51:10: Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep ; who made the depths of the sea a pathway for the redeemed to cross over? The shallow lakebeds and marshes by Egypt were certainly not waters of the great deep. 11. Solomon referred to the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea, and archaeological discoveries have found two pillars he erected on each side of the Red Sea crossing. 1 Kings 9:26: King Solomon also built a fleet of ships in Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth [modern-day Eilat] on the shore of the Red Sea , in the land of Edom. At Nuweiba Beach, and on the beach of Saudi Arabia across from Nuweiba Beach, are pillars Solomon erected marking the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites. 12. When the Israelites arrived at the location of Nuweiba Beach, they were certainly hemmed in as Scripture says. Exodus 14:1–3: Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea , in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea . 3 For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, ‘They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in .’” The landscape at Nuweiba Beach is unique and mountainous and would fit the biblical narrative. 13. As a result of being hemmed in and threatened by the Egyptian army, the Israelites cried out to Moses in anger and desperation. Exodus 14:13-14: But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. 14 The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.” 14. Then the hand of God performed one of the greatest miracles ever recorded in Scripture. Exodus 14:15-31: Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. 16 As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. 17 As for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. 18 Then the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen.” 19 The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. 20 So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus, the one did not come near the other all night. 21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. 22 The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea. 24 At the morning watch, the Lord looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion. 25 He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from Israel, for the Lord is fighting for them against the Egyptians.” 26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen.” 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea . 28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh’s entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained. 29 But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea , and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 When Israel saw the great power which the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses. The entire Egyptian army drowned in the sea, and if the army was around 250,000, this couldn’t have happened in the shallow marshes east of Egypt. So it had to occur in a wide and deep body of water. 15. After crossing the Red Sea, the Bible says the Israelites then traveled to Mount Sinai. Does the location of Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia, which was biblical Midian, fit the biblical narrative? When Moses fled to Egypt, to save his life, Scripture says he went to Midian. Exodus 2:15: When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the presence of Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian , and he sat down by a well. Midian is in Saudi Arabia, not in the Sinai Peninsula. Galatians 4:25: Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. When God appeared to Moses in a burning bush at Mount Sinai, God said that Moses would bring the people out of Egypt and worship at the same Mount Sinai (also known as Mount Horeb). Moses was in Midian when this event occurred, so it seems very convincing that Mount Sinai is in Midian. Exodus 3:1–2: Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian ; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God . 2 The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. Exodus 3:12: And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain .” 17. Evidence from the places the Israelites camped on their way from the Red Sea crossing to Mount Sinai supports Mount Sinai's location in Midian. Location of Elim Exodus 15:27: Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters. The location of Elim has been identified in Saudi Arabia, about 26 miles (42 km.) south of the Red Sea crossing. Magna Oasis We then find in Numbers 33:10 that the Israelites then journeyed from Elim and camped by the Red Sea. Now we have strong and convincing evidence of where Elim is so taking into consideration the geography of the land, the most obvious place would have been south of Elim a bit at the modern-day location of Magna Oasis by the Red Sea. You can see that this is a large area with plenty of water that would fit the biblical requirements for this place. There is also a well here called by the Saudis as the well of Moses. Wilderness of Sin From the Israelites’ encampment by the Red Sea, which we believe is modern-day Magna Oasis, Numbers 33:11-14 tells us they traveled to the Wilderness of Sin. Now the name Wilderness of Sin does not refer to something sinful but is just a name. It says: And they journeyed from the Red Sea and camped in the wilderness of Sin. It appears they backtracked to Elim and then went to the Wilderness of Sin from there. Exodus 16:1-3 provides the details: Then they set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the sons of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt. 2 But the whole congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3 The sons of Israel said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread until we were full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this entire assembly with hunger!” At the encampment at the Wilderness of Sin, several major events would take place. Because the Israelites grumbled against God, He supernaturally gave the Israelites Manna; of which they would eat until the day they entered the Promised Land some 40 plus years later. He provided quail, of which they became sick on, and then He instituted the Sabbath Day. Caves of Jethro There are caves named after Jethro the Midianite (Moses’ father-in-law) that have been found by the route the Israelites took from the Red Sea crossing to Mount Sinai. This shows that Jethro lived in this area and that it was the land of Midian at that time. Split Rock at Rephidim Exodus 17:1: Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin, according to the command of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim , and there was no water for the people to drink. Exodus 17:6: Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it , that the people may drink.” This rock at Rephidim is believed to have been found. It is a large rock that is split from top to bottom and shows water grooves where massive amounts of water ran down from it. 18. Evidence for the location of Mount Sinai in Midian. 1. Large area to camp at the base of the mountain. Exodus 19:2: When they set out from Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and camped in the wilderness; and there Israel camped in front of the mountain. 2. Burnt top of the mountain and surrounding mountains. Exodus 19:18: Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the Lord descended upon it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. 3. Plateau partway up the mountain where the seventy elders could have worshiped while Moses continued up the mountain. Exodus 24:1: Then He said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and you shall worship at a distance. 4. Altar of Moses at the base of the mountain. Exodus 24:4: And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. Then he got up early in the morning, and built an altar [b]at the foot of the mountain with twelve memorial stones for the twelve tribes of Israel. 5. Speaking platform partway up the mountain. Exodus 24:3: Then Moses came and reported to the people all the words of the Lord and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the Lord has spoken we will do!” 6. Golden Calf Altar. Exodus 32:1: Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled around Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who will go before us; for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt—we do not know what happened to him.” 7. Streams of water and dry lakebed at the base of the mountain. Exodus 32:19-20: And it came about, as soon as Moses approached the camp, that he saw the calf and the people dancing; and Moses’ anger burned, and he threw the tablets from his hands and shattered them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. 20 Then he took the calf which they had made and completely burned it with fire, and ground it to powder, and scattered it over the surface of the water and made the sons of Israel drink it. 8. Wells at the base of the mountain. 9. Massive graveyard close by to the mountain. Exodus 32:27-28: And he said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: ‘Every man of you put his sword on his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate in the camp, and kill every man his brother, and every man his friend, and every man his neighbor.’” 28 So the sons of Levi did as Moses instructed, and about three thousand men of the people fell that day. 10. Cave of Elijah at the mountain. 1 Kings 19:8-9: So he arose and ate and drank, and he journeyed in the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 Then he came there to a cave and spent the night there; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 11. Artifacts found in the area. Items like a menorah drawing, writings, and footprint drawings all give further evidence that the Israelites were in this area. 12. This area is a designated archaeological site by the Saudi government. Today, sections of the area, along with the mountain, are fenced off by the Saudi Arabian government and designated as archeological sites. However, there are no excavations permitted on them at this time. Other Evidence from ancient historians. Several Jewish documents dating 600 years before Christ locate Mount Sinai in Midian, and Philo and Josephus (Jewish historians) also locate Mount Sinai in Midian of Arabia. Faith Lesson from the Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, and Mount Sinai 1. The miracles of the Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, God’s supernatural leading of the Israelites, and all that happened at Mt. Sinai, are massive miracles that reveal God’s glory and greatness. 2. They teach us deep theological truths that God wants us to believe and embrace. Truths like God’s greatness, ability to help and rescue us out of our sin and problems, how God is able to provide for us, protect us, and lead us are foundational concepts these miracles communicate. 3. God wants us to believe them instead of doubting and trying to explain them away, or believe they happened by natural means, as many liberal scholars attempt to do. 4. God calls unbelief a sin in His Word, 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. 5. While the miracles of the Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, and the events that happened at Mt. Sinai are massive in size, they are tiny in comparison to God’s greater miracles of creating everything that exists, giving life to everything that exists, and sustaining everything that exists. Acts 17:27 says: He [God] is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist. It is God who gives life to our bodies and spirits and is allows us to live, move, and exist. 6. When I listen to liberal theologians explaining away the miracles of the Exodus, Red Sea crossing, events at Mt. Sinai, and so forth, I can’t help but think that if God was to remove His sustaining power from their lives they would cease to exist in the very moment they are speaking and denying God’s power. 7. God was deeply grieved with the Israelites who doubted His power and ability on many occasions. He can also be deeply grieved with us today when we do the same. 8. Unlike Moses, who tried to fulfill God’s promise in his own strength and wound up killing an Egyptian, we should wait on God’s timing and not force things when they don’t happen as we think they should. We should never have to do evil or manipulate things in fulfilling God’s will for us.

Learn about the 5 cities of the Philistines. 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. They were involved in a huge miracle wherein God afflicted them with sores until they returned the Ark of the Covenant back to the Israelites at Beth Shemish. The Five Philistine Cities Photo Gallery Places of Interest The Philistines and Their Five City Strongholds Location The Philistine territory encompassed the southern coastal plain of Israel. They occupied five city-states that controlled a major travel route connecting Africa with Asia and Europe called the Via Maris . The cities of the Philistines were Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gaza, Ekron, and Gath. Historical Background 1. The Philistines were an ancient people who lived on the south coast of Canaan from around 2000 BC until 604 BC. From around 715 BC to 604 BC they were controlled by the Assyrian Empire and then destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar II of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. 2. After becoming part of the Babylonian Empire and later part of the Persian Empire, they lost their distinct ethnic identity and disappeared from the historical and archaeological record by the late 5th century BC. 3. The Philistines are best known in the Bible for their biblical conflict with the Israelites. The Philistines are mentioned around 222 times in the Bible, beginning with Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament, and ending with Zechariah, the second to the last book of the Old Testament. 4. It appears that a sea people called the Peleset, from the Aegean Sea area, settled and mixed in with the Philistines in around 1155 BC. 5. The Philistines worshiped the false god, Dagon, a god of fertility. A couple of references to Dagon temples in the Philistinian cities of Gaza and Ashdod are mentioned in Judges 16:23, and 1 Samuel 5:2-5. The Five Philistine City Strongholds 1. Ashdod 1. Ashdod is located on the Mediterranean Sea and is the northernmost city of the five Philistine cities. 2. It's about 18 miles (29 km.) south of Jaffa and Tel Aviv. 3. Tel Ashod is just about 2.75 miles (4.5 km.) inland from the sea. It remains in its natural form and has had some excavations carried out but not extensive ones. 4. It appears that the city was large and extended all the way to the sea, or had another part of the city that was by the sea. 5. During the conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua and the Israelites, giants known as Anakim were found here (Josh. 11:22). Ashdod was allotted to Judah, but they failed to conquer it (Josh. 13:3, 15:46–47). 6. During the time of Samuel, Ashdod, and the other main cities of the Philistines were still independent. 7. Ashdod was conquered and came under the authority of Assyria in around 711 BC. Later, Babylon conquered it as well in around 605 BC. 8. In later times, the Ashdod-Yam Fortress (also called Qal’at el-Mina) was built by Caliph Abd al-Malik (685-705 C.E) at the end of the seventh century AD on the ruins of a Byzantine settlement. The fortress was part of a coastal defense system designed to prevent a Byzantine invasion from the sea. The system consisted of a string of strongholds along the Mediterranean Sea situated in sight of one another. In times of danger, massages were conveyed by means of beacons of fire (by night) and smoke signals (by day). In 1033, the fortress was destroyed by an earthquake and abandoned. It was reconstructed and resettled during the Crusader Period, (12th and 13th centuries AD). Its name was changed to Castellum Beroart. It was finally abandoned after the Crusaders were banished from the country in 1290. Ashdod in the Bible 1. The Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and took it to Ashdod and placed it in the House of Dagon (their false god). 1 Samuel 5:1-2: Now the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod . 2 Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the house of Dagon , and placed it beside Dagon. The Ark may have resided in the house of their false god, Dagon, which could have been by the sea. From Ashdod, the Ark was taken to Gath. 2. God prophesied that a people of mixed origins or nationalities would live in Ashdod and among the Philistines. This was certainly fulfilled in history and can even be seen today. Zechariah 9:6: And a people of mixed origins will live in Ashdod , and I will eliminate the pride of the Philistines . 3. Ashdod was the recipient of many prophecies proclaiming its doom and destruction. Isaiah 20:11, Amos 1:8, Jeremiah 25:20, and Zechariah 2:4, 9:6. However, Ashdod continued to be inhabited as the Jews intermarried with its inhabitants after their return from Babylon (Neh. 13:23–24). 4. In the New Testament, Ashdod is called Azotus. Acts 8:40: But Philip found himself at Azotus , and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. 2. Ashkelon 1. Ashkelon is located just south of Ashdod, it also is on the Mediterranean Ocean and was one of the five cities of the Philistines. The origin of the name Ashkelon appears to come from the word “shekel,” denoting a measure of weight – a fitting name for a commercial port city. The specific name Ashkelon is mentioned in the Egyptian execration texts of the 19th century BC, and it appears again in other, later Egyptian inscriptions. 2. Ashkelon has the world's oldest Canaanite Gate in the world that dates back to almost 4000 years ago. Ashkelon in the Bible 1. Joshua and the Israelites conquered Ashkelon in the conquest of the Promised Land (Josh. 13:3), and it was allotted to Judah, who then occupied it (Judg. 1:18). 2. One of the golden tumors (emerods) that was returned with the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines was from Ashkelon. 1 Samuel 6:17: Now these are the gold tumors which the Philistines returned as a guilt offering to the Lord: one for Ashdod , one for Gaza , one for Ashkelon , one for Gath , and one for Ekron . 3. Askelon is mentioned by David when, after Saul and Jonathan die, David laments and mourns over them. 2 Samuel 1:19-20: Your beauty, Israel, is slaughtered on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! 20 Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon , or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will celebrate. 4. Ashkelon was also denounced by Jeremiah (Jer. 25:20, 47:5–7), Zephaniah (2:4–7), and Zechariah (9:5). 3. Gaza 1. Gaza is located south of Ashkelon and Ashdod, it also is on the Mediterranean Ocean and was one of the cities of the Philistine Pentapolis. It is the southernmost city. Today, virtually no ruins remain from this city as it has been destroyed in later years due to what appears to be political reasons. 2. It was on a hill rising about 200 ft. (61 m.) above the valley floor. There were sand dunes between it and the sea, which was about 2 miles away. 3. Today, because ancient Gaza lies in the Gaza Strip, where land is scarce and Israeli interests are not valued, the remains of ancient Gaza are practically nonexistent. Gaza in the Bible 1. In the conquest of the Promised Land, Joshua and the Israelites failed to conquer Gaza, along with several other main cities of the Philistines (Josh. 10:41, 11:22). 2. Later, the tribe of Judah captured Gaza but couldn’t control it for long, and it fell back into the hands of the Philistines (Judg. 1:18). 3. Samson had many encounters with the Philistines. In one encounter, Samson carried heavy gates from Gaza all the way to the Hebron area, a distance of around 42 miles (72 km.). Judges 16:1: Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a prostitute there, and had relations with her. Judges 16:3: Now Samson lay asleep until midnight, and at midnight he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate and the two doorposts, and pulled them up along with the bars; then he put them on his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of the mountain which is opposite Hebron . 4. Samson met his death in Gaza. Judges 16:28-30: Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 Then Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and braced himself against them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left. 30 And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he pushed outwards powerfully, so that the house fell on the governors and all the people who were in it. And the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed during his lifetime. 5. After the Philistines defeated the Israelites in battle and captured the Ark of the Covenant during the priesthood of Eli and his two wicked sons, Gaza, along with the other main cities of the Philistines, sent a trespass offering to God when the ark was returned to the Israelites at Beth-Shemesh (1 Sam. 6:17–18). 6. When Hezekiah reigned, he defeated and pursued the Philistines to Gaza but did not seem to have captured the city. However, the Assyrians later captured it in 720 BC. 7. In the New Testament, Philip was sent to Gaza to evangelize the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8:26: But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Get ready and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza .” 4. Gath 1. Gath (Tell Es-Safi) is located east of Ashkelon about 17 miles (28 km.) The word Gath means “winepress.” 2. Gath was one of the five main cities of the Philistines (Josh. 13:3; 1 Sam. 6:17). 3. The site is a large, multi-period site that is made up of many layers. Each layer represents a different phase in the history of the site. 4. Tell 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. 5. It was a well-fortified walled city (2 Chron. 26:6). 6. Joshua and the Israelites were unable to conquer Gath despite the numerous conflicts between the Israelites and the inhabitants of Gath. 7. It wasn’t until King David that the city was conquered and became part of the Israelite Kingdom (1 Chron. 18:1). 8. Its name is most remembered as the home of the giant, Goliath, whom David slew (1 Sam. 17:4). Gath in the Bible 1. It has archaeological remains that are unusual that reveal 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. 5. Ekron 1. Ekron is located east of Ashdod and the Mediterranean Sea about 13 miles (20 km.) 2. In archeological terms, Tel Ekron (Tel Miqne-Ekron) is significant because it is one of the largest Iron Age sites in Israel. 3. More than 100 oil presses were found here, as well as the Ekron Inscription, which clearly identifies the site as Philistine, Ekron. 4. Just to the west of Tel Ekron is Kibbutz Revadim, where a Museum of the History of Philistine Culture shows a reconstructed Philistine street with many artifacts. Ekron in the Bible 1. Joshua and the Israelites failed to conquer Ekron in the conquest of the Promised Land as found in Joshua 13:3. 2. It was allotted to Judah in the division of the land and then to the tribe of Dan as found in Joshua chapters 15-19. 3. However, the tribe of Dan failed to conquer the area and moved to the northern part of Israel. Judah wound up conquering Ekron and inhabiting it as found in Judges 1:18. 4. Ekron was one of the Philistine cities where the Ark of the Covenant resided before being returned to the Israelites at Beth Shemesh. 1 Samuel 5:10: So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And as the ark of God came to Ekron , the Ekronites cried out, saying, “They have brought the ark of the God of Israel to us, to kill us and our people!” 1 Samuel 6:13-16: Now the people of Beth-shemesh were gathering in their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced at seeing it. 14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite and stopped there where there was a large stone; and they split the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord. 15 And the Levites took down the ark of the Lord and the saddlebag that was with it, in which were the articles of gold, and put them on the large stone; and the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices that day to the Lord. 16 When the five governors of the Philistines saw it, they returned to Ekron that day. 5. After David killed Goliath in the Valley of Elah, the Israelites pursued and defeated the Philistines all the way to Ekron. 1 Samuel 17:52: Then the men of Israel and Judah rose up and shouted, and they pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron . And the Philistine dead lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron . 6. Ekron is included, among other cities, in pronouncements of judgment by the prophets Amos 1:8, Jeremiah 25:20, Zephaniah 2:4, and Zechariah 9:5–7. The Philistines in the Bible 1. According to Genesis 10:6-14, the Philistines were descendants of Ham, one of Noah's sons. Genesis 10:13-14: Mizraim fathered Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, 14 Pathrusim, Casluhim (from whom came the Philistines ), and Caphtorim. 2. At Beersheba, Abraham made a covenant with Abimelech, king of the Philistines. Genesis 21:32: So they made a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, got up and returned to the land of the Philistines . Genesis 26:1: Now there was a famine in the land, besides the previous famine that had occurred in the days of Abraham. So Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines . 3. Abraham lived in the territory of the Philistines which included much of the Negev (southern part of Israel). Genesis 21:34: And Abraham resided in the land of the Philistines for many days. 4. In the book of Judges, God used the Philistines to punish the Israelites because of their disobedience. Judges 10:7: And the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines , and into the hands of the sons of Ammon. 5. King Saul fought against the Philistines all throughout his reign. 1 Samuel 14:52: Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any warrior or any valiant man, he attached him to his staff. 6. The well-known story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 takes place in the Valley of Elah just east of Gath, which was the hometown of Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:1-3: Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle; and they were gathered at Socoh which belongs to Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. Saul and the men of Israel were assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, and they drew up in battle formation to confront the Philistines . The Philistines were standing on the mountain on one side, while Israel was standing on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them. 7. When Saul pursued David, David fled and lived with the Philistines. 1 Samuel 27:1: Then David said to himself, “Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to safely escape into the land of the Philistines . Then Saul will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.” 8. The Philistines killed King Saul and his sons in battle. 1 Samuel 31:2: And the Philistines also overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. 9. King David defeated the Philistines and subdued them. 2 Samuel 8:1: Now it happened afterward that David defeated the Philistines and subdued them ; and David took control of the chief city from the hand of the Philistines. 10. During King Saul's time, he ruled over the Philistines. 1 Kings 4:21: Now Solomon was ruling over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. 11. God prophesied that the cities of Gaza Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron would become desolate. This prophecy has certainly come to pass. Zephaniah 2:4: For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will become a desolation; the inhabitants of Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted. Faith Lesson from the Philistines 1. God used the Philistines to punish the Israelites because they turned away from Him and followed false gods. In the same way, God often uses people in our lives to get us back on track with the Lord when we stray. 2. God revealed Himself as the Creator and true Lord to the Philistines on different occasions so they would know He was the true God. God reveals Himself to everyone through His creation so that everyone is without excuse. Romans 1:18-20: 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 . 3. Any person from any nation was welcome to join in the Jewish faith and obtain salvation and be right with God. The Philistines had this opportunity like every other nation. 4. What about us? Are we right with God and letting our lights shine to a world that needs God and His salvation through Jesus Christ?

See and learn about the famous Madaba Map! Madaba, in Jordan, possesses the oldest map of the Holy Land and beyond. Located in St. George's Greek Orthodox Church, it's made of small tiles and is extremely accurate. Madaba: Madaba Map & St. George's Church Madaba: Madaba Map & St. George's Church Location 1. Madaba is about 25 miles (40 km.) east of Jericho and 20 miles (32 km.) southwest of Amman, Jordan. 2. It's located on the King's Highway, a famous road that linked Africa and Egypt with Asia and Europe. This was a major traffic and trade route during ancient times. 3. Modern roads today still follow the same route as it provides the best geographical way to navigate the natural terrain. Historical Background 1. Madaba can be traced back at least 4,500 years. The ancient settlement, now mostly buried ben eath the modern town, lies on a natural rise created by branches of the Wadi Madaba. 2. Madaba has a long history. It once belonged to the Moabites, Nabateans, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Muslum rule, and today, is home to the biggest Christian community in all of Jordan, proportionally speaking. Catholics and Greek Orthodox Christians make up around 10 percent of the total population of Madaba. 3. Accounts of Christians living in Madaba can be traced back to around 200 AD. Partial evidence for this can be found in the Acts of the Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD. They appear to have erected sites of worship in the area. Later, during the Byzantine period, around 350 AD, they erected a church where St. George's Church is located today. 4. During the 5-8 centuries AD, many mosaics were built in Madaba, causing it to be called "the City of the Map, or Maps." The most elaborate and famous of these mosaic maps is located where the Church of St. George is today and is called the "Madaba Map." 5. The Byzantine church known today as St. George's Church stood on the very spot of this famous mosaic map but was destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th century. After this, it lay largely abandoned for many centuries. It stayed desolate until the 19th century when its remnants were discovered. 6. In the 1880s, tensions arose between Muslims and Christians in the city of Karak, Jordan, and the Christians were forced to leave and relocate to Madaba. These Christians wanted to build churches but only were allowed to do so on the condition that these churches were built on sites where churches had once stood before. 7. These Christians originally lived in caves as they had no homes yet. However, as they began building homes, they often did so over the foundations of ancient structures. In so doing, they came upon mosaic after mosaic. Many were incorporated as floors in the new houses being built by the settlers. The announcement in 1897 of the discovery of the famous "Madaba Map" of the Holy Land, dating to the Byzantine era, created a sensation. By the end of the century, the majority of the known mosaics of Madaba had been at least partially uncovered. In most cases, they were preserved and can be seen today. 8. At the heart of Madaba is St. George's Greek Orthodox Church. The church broke ground in 1884 when the Greek Orthodox community saved enough funds to start construction. But to the surprise of the builders, under it were the remains of a Byzantine Church dating back to the 3rd century AD. It was on the floor of this ancient Greek church that the earliest, most extant map of Israel and surrounding areas were found that today is called the "Madaba Map." It has 157 captions (in Greek) depicting all the major biblical sites of the Middle East. This mosaic map is dated to around 560 AD. It was originally around 66 ft. (20 m.) long and 20 ft. (6m) wide. It once contained more than two million pieces, but only one-third of the original mosaic has survived. Sites of Interest 1. St. George's Greek Orthodox Church Famous Madaba Map The Madaba Mosaic is located in the apse of St. George's Church. As you approach the map, you will discover that it is oriented to the east (most tourists assume northwards). Therefore, your east is the top of the map, and the north falls on your left-hand side. In the center of the map, there is a very detailed description of Jerusalem. At the center of the map is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which marks the place of Golgotha, where Christ was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead. On the right side of Jerusalem, you will find Bethlehem, and on the left, you will see Jacob’s well. In the upper-middle part, there is the Sea of Galilee with two boats. 2. Madaba Visitor Ce nter Madaba’s visitor center is worth a visit to learn more about Madaba’s history and its mosaics. It's located in a scenic, renovated traditional house and is right next to St. George's Church and the Archeological Park. 3. Madaba Archeological Park While the map of Madaba in Saint George’s Church gets most of the attention, some claim that the most beautiful mosaics are at Madaba’s Archeological Park. Here you can find some of the oldest mosaics in Jordan. The site has some Roman ruins as well as the remains from the church of the Virgin Mary. Some of the most beautiful mosaics are in the Hippolytus H all, where you can find another famous Madaba mosaic that tells the myth of Hippolytus. 4. Apostles' Church The largest mosaic floor can be found at the Apostles' Church. The church might look rather simple, but the inside is beautiful. The mosaic is dedicated to the twelve apostles and has lots of images, including animals and other interesting details. 5. Church of St. John the Baptist This Roman Catholic church is the only tourist place in Madaba where mosaics are not the main attraction. Although there is a small museum with some replicas, One of the biggest reasons to visit this church is to climb the bell tower. From the very top, it provides a spectacular view over Madaba. Madaba in the Bible Note: The Hebrew word for Madaba is Medeba 1. Madaba occurs in the Bible as part of a lament describing the conquest of a series of Moabite cities, including Madaba, by the Amorite King Sihon of Heshbon. Numbers 21:30 : But we have shot them down with arrows, Heshbon is destroyed as far as Dibon, then we have laid waste as far as Nophah, which reaches to Medeba ” [Madaba]. 2. Madaba was part of the inheritance of the 2 1/2 tribes of Isreal that settled on the east side of the Jordan River. Joshua 13:8-9: With the other half-tribe, the Reubenites and the Gadites received their inheritance which Moses gave them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the Lord gave to them; 9 from Aroer, which is on the edge of the Valley of the Arnon, with the city which is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain of Medeba [Madaba], as far as Dibon. Joshua 13:15-16: So Moses gave an inheritance to the tribe of the sons of Reuben according to their families. 16 Their territory was from Aroer, which is on the edge of the Valley of the Arnon, with the city which is in the middle of the valley and all the plain by Medeba [Madaba]. 3. When King David wanted to show kindness to the son of Nahash, king of Ammon, his servants were humiliated. Then, the son of Nahash went to war with King David but was defeated at Madaba. 1 Chronicles 19:7: So they hired for themselves thirty-two thousand chariots, and the king of Maacah and his people, who came and camped opposite Medeba. And the sons of Ammon gathered together from their cities and came to the battle. 4. It was conquered by Israelite King Omri, as found in Numbers 32 and 2 Kings 3:4-27. 5. The prophet Isaiah pronounced judgment over Madaba. Isaiah 15:2: The people have gone up to the temple and to Dibon, to the high places to weep. Moab wails over Nebo and Medeba [Madaba]; Everyone’s head is bald and every beard is cut off.

Resources to learn all about the History of Israel. Videos, books, talks, maps, and more. Learn about its walls, gates, people, language, and more. History of Israel

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