It was 3,000 years ago that King David made the City of David, also known as Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. Later, David would be buried in the City of David. Learn all about the true location that has been lost over the years. Tomb of King David Photo Gallery Places of Interest Tomb of King David Introduction 1. Welcome to this site of the Tomb of King David. Today, this tomb is not really visited much. Most people go to the lower floor of the Upper Room at Mount Zion, where a large casket is placed in veneration of King David's Tomb. 2. Where is the correct location of King David's Tomb? And why is it so important? If possible, it's always best to know the true holy sites and venerated them in their authentic location. There are also other sites around the true site that add value and awe. 3. We'll see how, by just using the Bible, we can accurately locate the true site of David's tomb. 4. Join us as we uncover the layers of time and learn why almost everyone who once visited King David's tomb here in the city of David now visits the synagogue under the Upper Room, believing it to be the correct location. 5. We'll also learn some valuable lessons from the Bible about David and his burial place. So, join us on this journey as we discover the actual site of King David's Tomb. Location 1. The place tourists go today to see the Tomb of King David is on the Western Hill at the exact location as the Upper Room. This is so because the Crusaders (1095–1291 AD) believed Pentecost took place at the Upper Room and interpreted a verse in Peter's sermon as meaning King David's tomb was at the Upper Room and not in the Jerusalem area: "Brothers, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day" (Acts 2:29). Later, a Jewish Rabbi had a vision that King David's tomb was in the same area, so a synagogue was placed over the same building as the Upper Room, and a casket was placed there to honor King David. The casket is empty and does not have David's bones in it. In 1913, Raymond Weill discovered the Tomb of David in the lower part of the City of David, and for about 50 years, tourists visited that site. However, after 1960, tourists returned to the Upper Room, where they believed the Tomb of David was located. Why did this change occur? We will see why in a moment. 2. The Bible provides quite accurate information regarding the location of the Tomb of David. 1 Kings 2:10: Then David lay down with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David . This verse makes it clear that the Tomb of David was located inside the City of David. The current site where tourists visit the Tomb of David is not in the City of David but on the upper part of the Western Hill, west of the City of David, about 0.5 miles (1 km) away. Nehemiah 3:15-16: Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, the official of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He built it, made a roof for it, and installed its doors with its bolts and its bars, and the wall of the Pool of Shelah [Siloam] at the king’s garden as far as the steps that descend from the city of David . 16 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, official of half the district of Beth-zur, made repairs as far as a point opposite the tombs of David , and as far as the artificial pool and the house of the mighty men. The context of Nehemiah 3 makes it clear that these verses form part of a description of the rebuilding of the city wall, beginning at the southern tip of the city of David and moving north along the eastern wall, the section being rebuilt. Verse 15 starts at the pool of Siloam. It ends at the steps. The following section, described in verse 16, begins at these unknown steps and continues farther north towards the temple mount up to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool. Based on this information, it is estimated where the royal tombs should be located. Based on this location and the section of the wall described in Nehemiah, Raymond Weill began digging in this area in 1913. Using around 200 local workers and 30 donkeys, Weill's team cleared the entire area all the way down to bedrock. Weill then found the remains of nine tombs in front of an ancient pool just as the Bible had indicated. The tombs were extensively damaged due to the stones that were quarried out of the site (to rebuild Jerusalem into Aelia Capitolina) later on, and the intentional destruction by Roman Emperor Hadrian (135 AD), who tried to wipe out the remains of a Jewish presence in the area. However, two of the most important and monumental tombs were clearly visible. Weill identified the most monumental tomb as that of King David. It should be noted that only kings were allowed to be buried within the city walls of a city, as they were considered royalty and were exempt from obeying Moses' command to bury the dead outside the city walls because they were deemed unclean. This provides additional evidence that David's Tomb is located in this area. Historical Background 1. King David died around 970 BC and was buried in the City of David (1 Kings 2:10). The City of David was 11 acres (4.5 hectares) in size (about the size of 11 football fields). 2. David's Tomb was known and venerated during the time of Nehemiah (around 444 BC). As we have seen from Nehemiah's account, David's Tomb is located on the east side of the City of David, north of the Pool of Siloam. The location of Raymond Weill's excavations confirms this location. 3. A synagogue dating to around 100 BC, which appears to have venerated David's Tomb, was discovered, with its remains still visible today. It's called the Theodotos synagogue and is located right below David's Tomb. Raymond Weill found a stone bearing a dedication inscription for the synagogue. In this inscription, Theodotus, a ruler of the synagogue and the son and grandson of synagogue rulers, built the synagogue for three things: 1) the reading of the Torah, 2) the teaching of the commandments, and 3) as a guest house for travelers. 4. The Apostle Peter, on the day of Pentecost, indicates that the Tomb of David was still venerated during the New Testament period. “Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day ” (Acts 2:29). 5. Josephus Flavius, a Jewish historian writing around 60-80 AD, located the Tomb of David in the City of David. According to Josephus, Herod broke into David's tomb to rob it, but when he tried to enter the inner chamber, tongues of fire shot out (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 16:7:1). 6. Around 135 AD, the Roman Emperor, Hadrian, knew where David's Tomb was and intentionally quarried stones there for his building projects. It's this destruction that removed the top of David's Tomb and destroyed many other tombs of royal kings buried in this area. 7. In summary, the historical and archeological data reveal that the Tomb of David in the City of David was venerated from the time of David's death in 970 BC until around 638 AD, when the Muslims took over Israel and destroyed many Christian and Jewish sites. It would be at this time that the tomb would become neglected and buried under dirt and debris. Change in Location from the City of David to Mount Zion 1. The Crusaders began venerating the location of the Tomb of David on Mount Zion around 1125 AD. This was because the Tomb of David was buried in the City of David, and its location was unknown. 2. Also, the Crusaders believed Pentecost took place in the Upper Room and interpreted a verse in Peter's sermon as indicating that King David's tomb was there (Acts 2:29). 3. Later, a Jewish Rabbi had a vision that King David's tomb was in the same area, so a synagogue was placed over the same building as the Upper Room, and a casket was placed there to honor King David. The casket is empty and does not have David's bones in it. 4. The site on Mount Zion has no biblical or archaeological evidence supporting it as the location of David's Tomb. 5. The site is where the Upper Room was located. After it was destroyed in 70 AD, a new Judeo-Christian Synagogue was built on the original site, with subsequent churches constructed to mark the Upper Room location as well. Change in Location from Mount Zion Back to the City of David 1. After Raymond Weill discovered David's Tomb in the City of David, it would be the site where all the tourists would visit and venerate once again. 2. Raymond Weill's discovery of the Tomb of David was widely accepted by his colleagues. An example of this is Benjamin Mazar, one of the father figures of Israeli archaeology. He wrote a famous book about his excavations around Jerusalem. On the back of his book is a photo showing the tombs from the House of David that Weill discovered. So we have an example of how Weill's discovery was accepted in scholarship for many years. Change in Location from the City of David Back to Mount Zion 1. In 1960, Kathleen Kenyon excavated the Tomb of David site in the City of David. However, the site and Kathleen Kenyon's work were then under the authority of Jordan and the Jordan Antiquities Authority. It appears Kathleen's goal was to overturn any Jewish connections to the biblical sites and replace them with different views. She did this in Jericho and other places. It seems she was politically and not archaeologically motivated. 2. Kathleen interpreted the tombs as cisterns. This is remarkably irresponsible, as all the evidence at these sites clearly supports them as being tombs and not cisterns. Cisterns are vertical in nature. David's Tomb is horizontally shaped. Cisterns don't have openings at the bottom. David's Tomb has an opening at the bottom for entry. Cisterns usually don't have two levels. David's Tomb has a lower level and an upper level. The upper level is where his body was located. Cisterns are entirely covered with plaster, so water doesn't escape or leak out. David's Tomb has very little plaster. Cisterns don't have cutouts in their sides for oil lamps. This tomb has them. 3. Katheen admitted that what Weill had identified as the Tomb of David was not like any other observed cistern known. Here is her quote from her book, "Digging Up Jerusalem," pgs. 31-32. “The particular cuttings revealed by Weill were certainly unusual , consisting of two rock-cut tunnels side by side. They are not like any observed cisterns , though the plaster that covers the rock shows that they were at some stage used as cisterns." 4. As a result of Kathleen's interpretation, tourists began going to Mount Zion, the site of the first floor of the Upper Room and no longer visited the actual site in the City of David. In fact, most tourists don't even know the story behind what has happened and are ignorant of the location of the actual site. Location of the Tomb of David, According to the Israeli Antiquities Authority The Israeli Antiquities Authority oversees and is the ultimate authority on excavations and discoveries in Israel. They have posted signs in the City of David marking the location of the Tomb of David (and the other tombs of the House of David), along with the Theodotos Synagogue, and more. In so doing, they confirm the location of King David's Tomb in the City of David. Places of Interest 1. Pool of Siloam 2. Tomb 1: King David's Tomb 3. Tomb 2 4. Horizontal Tomb Shaft of Tomb 1 5. Burial niche at the very back of Tomb 1 6. Carved out trough at the back of the Tomb 1 horizontal shaft. This is likely the place where King David's bones were buried. 7. Quarried Area 8. Theodotos Synagogue 9. Ancient 3,000-year-old walls of the City of David 10. Walls Nehemiah repaired that can be seen today 11. Upper Room The Tomb of David and the Bible 1. The importance of the discovery of King David's palace and tomb can be found in Psalm 16.:9-11. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely. 10 For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; You will not allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. 2. Was David writing about himself or someone else? He couldn't have been writing about himself as he died, his body decayed, and his bones turned to dust. 3. However, God made a promise to David that He would establish a house of lineage for him and establish that there would come someone from his lineage who would reign forever. This would be the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ, who would come from David's lineage. 2 Samuel 7:11-13: The Lord also declares to you that the Lord will make a house for you. 12 When your days are finished and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come from you, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever . 4. For around a thousand years after David's death, the Israelites continued to remember this promise given to David and looked for their coming Messiah, the Son of David, who would fulfill this prophecy. Psalm 89:3-4: I have made a covenant with My chosen; I have sworn to My servant David, 4 I will establish your descendants forever and build up your throne to all generations. Psalm 89:35-37: Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David. 36 His descendants shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me. 7 It shall be established forever like the moon, and a witness in the sky is faithful. 5. Christ fulfilled this prophecy. His tomb was empty, and Christ never saw decay. He will reign forever, and His kingdom will have no end. Faith Lesson from the Tomb of David 1. The prophecy that the Messiah would come from David's House was fulfilled in Christ. What about us? Do we realize how fulfilled prophecy confirms the truthfulness of the Bible? Do we trust the Bible as God's Word? 2. The fact that Jesus rose from the dead proves we also, have the hope of rising from the dead and receiving eternal life. What about us? Are we living in the light of the hope we have of eternal life? Do our priorities and decisions align with this hope? 3. Have we received Christ as our Lord and Savior, and will we be a part of Christ's eternal kingdom?

Few other places in Scripture provide so much meaning by understanding the location. It was here that Peter made the divinely inspired declaration that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Caesarea Philippi was a Greco-Roman city. This place has been associated with intense false god worship and evil for many years. It was a worldwide gathering place of worship to many false gods. It was literally considered the “Gate of the Underworld (Hades)” by the known world at that time. Caesarea Philippi Photo Gallery Places of Interest Caesarea Philippi Introduction Welcome to this biblical site of Caesarea Philippi. This is an unbelievable place with unbelievable things that took place here. 1. There are few places in the Bible where the location plays a more critical role than here. If you don't understand the context of what happened here, you will miss what Christ said about Peter's confession. 2. Right here is where Peter confessed that Jesus Christ was the Son of the Living God. Jesus asked them, "Who do men say that I am?" Peter said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." 3. When Christ said I will build my church, and the Gates of Hell won't prevail against it, He brought them up here because right here was believed to be the Gate to Hell. 4. When you see the location and understand all that happened here, this place and the understanding of Christ building his church upon the rock is going to come alive. It's a powerful, sobering place. 5. Let's take a look and explore this site. Location 1. Caesarea Philippi was an impressive Greco-Roman city near a huge spring that comes out of a cave and is one of the primary sources of the Jordan River. 2. It’s about 30 miles (48 km) north of the Sea of Galilee and is at the foothills of Mount Hermon. 3. It was close to a High Place where Jeroboam set up a golden calf for the northern tribes of Israel to worship, which led to their downfall. 4. In around 1000 AD, there was an earthquake that collapsed part of the cave and changed the water flow. Now the water comes out of the ground below the cave. Historical Background 1. This place has been associated with intense false god worship and evil for many years. 2. Baal worship took place here during the period of the kings of Israel. 3. King Jeroboam set up a golden calf not far from here and commanded all the Israelites in this area to worship it. 4. Later, under the Greeks, it became the key place of worship to the fertility god, Pan. Pan was a half-human, half-goat-looking creature. 5. Then the Romans incorporated it into a place of false god worship as well. 6. Caesarea Philippi was called initially Panion or Panias, after the Greek god Pan. Later, it became known as Banias. 7. Herod the Great’s son, Philip, established it as the capital of his territory and named it Caesarea to honor the emperor of Rome. It became a large, flourishing Roman city. 8. It was known as Caesarea Philippi to distinguish it from other cities with the same name. 9. During the time of Christ, there were 6 main areas of worship to false gods that took place here. Herod the Great built a temple right at the mouth of this huge spring to honor Augustus Caesar. A courtyard area for the worship of Pan. A temple dedicated to the false god Zeus. Court of Nemesis: Female goddess of vengeance. An upper Tomb Temple of the Dancing Goats. A lower Tomb Temple of the Dancing Goats. 10. It was a worldwide gathering place of worship to numerous false gods. 11. It was literally considered the “Gate of the Underworld (Hades)” by the known world at that time. 12. Children would be thrown alive into the entrance to the cave as a sacrifice to the god Pan, believing this would appease the gods and bring fertility to their crops. 13. Some even believe that men would mate with goats in the courtyard of Pan and on the Tomb Temples in ritualistic fertility acts, believing this would help their crops. They would also have goats mating with goats in these areas. 14. It was a sick cesspool of evil and represented the worst Satan and sinful humanity could offer. 15. The disciples were very uncomfortable coming to this eerie, demonic, dark place, and no good Jew would have even considered coming here. 16. However, Jesus purposefully brought His disciples here to embed within their hearts the imperative truth of who He was, what the mission of His church would be, and the astounding power His church would have over evil through Him. Places of Interest 1. Cave Entrance (the place where the large spring was located) 2. Temple of Augustus 3. Courtyard of the false god, Pan 4. Temple of Zeus 5. Court of Nemesis: Female goddess of vengeance. 6. Upper Tomb Temple of the Dancing Goats 7. Lower Tomb Temple of the Dancing Goats 8. Hermon Stream (flows from the cave entrance) 9. Byzantine Church 10. Cardo 11. Moat 12. Church 13. Crusader Church 14. Palace of Agrippa II 15. Flour Mill 16. Roman Bridge Caesarea Philippi in the Bible 1. Peter’s confession regarding the identity of Christ. Matthew 16:13-15: Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, " Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" 14 And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16 Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God ." To properly understand the meaning of this passage, we must understand the big question Christ asked and the purpose for which He asked it. The question was about who Christ was, His identity, and His essence. In contrast to the false gods worshipped at this site, Christ established that He is the only true and living God who should be worshipped. 2. Peter’s confession was a direct revelation from God. Matthew 16:17: And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 3. Christ will build His Church. Matthew 16:18: And I tell you, you are Peter [petros – small pebble], and on this rock [petra – large, massive rock], I will build my church , and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. This passage has had two main interpretations throughout history. The Roman Catholic Church claims that the rock upon which Christ will build His Church is Peter, upon which they build the papacy. Evangelicals claim that the rock is Christ, based on Peter’s confession. Evidence that the rock is Christ, not Peter. Christ used the word petros in describing Peter. He used the word petra in describing upon whom He would build His Church. Christ certainly wouldn’t build His Church upon a pebble. Christ didn’t say He would build His Church upon Peter because He says, “Upon this rock.” He didn’t say to Peter, “Upon you.” Peter had three significant failures in his ministry life: (1) In Matthew 16:23, just shortly after Peter confessed who Christ was, Christ rebuked Peter and told him, “Get behind me Satan” (2) Peter denied Christ shortly before Christ’s crucifixion, and (3) Paul rebuked Peter in Galatians 2:11, in front of everyone for a serious matter regarding the gospel. Christ certainly wouldn’t build His Church upon a frail human. Christ is referred to as the Cornerstone and foundation of the Church. Peter understood he was not the rock upon which Christ would build His church, as he states in 1 Peter 2:4–6: As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” The rock upon which the Church is being built is Christ, the Cornerstone. 4. The Gates of Hell will not prevail against Christ’s Church. Matthew 16:18: And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it . Christ purposefully took His disciples to this evil Pagan place to show them that His Church would be so powerful that the gates of hell wouldn’t be able to prevail or stand against it. Gates were used in the ancient world for defensive purposes. They were used to keep an enemy from entering a certain place. This means that the church is on the offensive, and the gates of hell will not be able to withstand its entry and power. Contrary to what some might believe, the church is not on defense in a stationary mode, standing its ground. God has designed His Church to be in the world, but not of it. This means we should be involved in influencing the world for Christ, not retreating and hiding from it. Christ wants His Church to be involved in society and reach every hidden corner of it for Him. 5. From Caesarea Philippi, Jesus began His journey to Jerusalem to be crucified. Matthew 16:21-23: From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” 6. Christ teaches about the commitment level He demands from the disciples of His Church. Matthew 16:24–27: Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done. Faith Lesson from Caesarea Philippi 1. Are we on the offense and influencing our world for Christ, or are we retreating and hiding out? 2. Do we truly believe that Christ and His Church are more powerful than Satan and the culture we live in? 3. Do we know God’s Word so we can use it effectively in advancing the truth against the lies of Satan and the world? 4. Do we understand the spiritual battles that are taking place today? The belief that truth is just what each person believes it to be and what works for them personally. The belief that feelings and emotions determine truth, and what’s right and wrong. The belief that if it feels good, it must be right, or if it makes me happy, it can’t be wrong. The belief that there are no absolute standards of right and wrong that apply to everyone. The belief that truth is rigid, intolerant, and judgmental. The belief that if we speak the truth of God’s Word to someone, we are judging them and intolerant. 5. Are we willing to pay the cost Christ demands to be His disciples?

See a tour of all the key sites at Tel Dan and learn the devastating reality of why the northern 10 tribes of Israel fell and were led into captivity by the Assyrians in 722 BC. Jeroboam set up an altar to worship a golden calf, and the remaining Kings of Israel followed in his steps. The city of Dan was located in the northernmost part of Israel, north of the Sea of Galilee. The tribe of Dan failed to take the original territory allotted to them, so they captured and moved to this area. The City of Dan Photo Gallery Places of Interest Dan Location 1. The city of Dan was located in the northernmost part of Israel, about 24 miles (38 km.) north of the Sea of Galilee. 2. It is a well-watered lush area superb for agriculture. Historical Background 1. The tribe of Dan failed to take the original territory allotted to them, so they captured and moved to this area (Judges 18). 2. When referring to all Israel, the phrase “From Dan to Beersheba” was commonly used. 1 Kings 4:25: Judah and Israel lived safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon. 3. Just after Solomon’s reign, the kingdom of Israel was divided because Solomon turned from the Lord and introduced the worship of false gods into the nation. 1 Kings 11:1–2: Now King Solomon loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, 2 from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the sons of Israel, “You shall not associate with them, nor shall they associate with you, for they will surely turn your heart away after their gods .” Solomon held fast to these in love. 1 Kings 11:6–11: Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not follow the Lord fully, as David his father had done. 7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the detestable idol of Moab, on the mountain which is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech the detestable idol of the sons of Ammon. 8 Thus also he did for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. 9 Now the Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart was turned away from the Lord , the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice , 10 and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods ; but he did not observe what the Lord had commanded. 11 So the Lord said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you , and will give it to your servant. 4. Rehoboam was given the southern 2 tribes of Israel (called Judah from this time forward), and Jeroboam received the northern 10 tribes of Israel (called Israel from this time forward). Places of Interest 1. Entrance 2. Dan Spring 3. Dan River 4. Flour Mills 5. Pooh Bear Tree 6. Pistachio Tree 7. Wading Pool 8. Jeroboam’s Golden Calf High Place 9. Command Post Lookout 10. Israelite Outer Gate 11. Israelite Inner Gate 12. Canaanite Gate The City of Dan in the Bible 1. God appeared to Jeroboam and promised to bless him if he would serve Him. 1 Kings 11:38: Then it will be, that if you listen to all that I command you and walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight by observing My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build you an enduring house as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you. 2. Jeroboam turned away from the Lord and built golden calves in Bethel and Dan. 1 Kings 12:25-31: Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will return to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will return to their lord, even to Rehoboam king of Judah; and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 So the king consulted, and made two golden calves , and he said to them, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt.” 29 He set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan . 30 Now this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one as far as Dan. 31 And he made houses on high places, and made priests from among all the people who were not of the sons of Levi. 3. After a severe warning from God, Jeroboam continued in sin. The worship of false gods would eventually seal the doom of the northern 10 tribes of Israel. 1 Kings 13:33–34: Even after this, Jeroboam did not change his evil ways, but once more appointed priests for the high places from all sorts of people. Anyone who wanted to become a priest he consecrated for the high places. 34 This was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its downfall and to its destruction from the face of the earth. 4. The sin of Jeroboam became a pattern that the rest of the kings of Israel would follow. 1 Kings 15:33–34: In the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baasha son of Ahijah became king of all Israel in Tirzah, and he reigned twenty-four years. 34 He did evil in the eyes of the LORD, walking in the ways of Jeroboam and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit. 1 Kings 16:26: He [Omri] walked in all the ways of Jeroboam son of Nebat and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit, so that they provoked the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger by their worthless idols. 5. In 722 BC, as judgment from God for their continual disobedience, the 10 northern tribes of Israel were deported by the Assyrian Empire. 6. Eighty years later, Josiah became King of Judah and chose to follow God with all his heart. As a result of finding and reading the Scriptures, he led one of the most significant revivals Israel ever experienced. 2 Kings 22:1–2: Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother's name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. 2 He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left. 2 Kings 23:25: Before him, there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him. 7. As a result of Josiah’s obedience, he renewed the covenant of the Lord with Israel and destroyed the golden calves Jeroboam had erected. 2 Kings 23:15: Furthermore, the altar that was at Bethel and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, had made, even that altar and the high place he broke down. Then he demolished its stones, ground them to dust, and burned the Asherah. 2 Kings 23:19: Josiah also removed all the houses of the high places which were in the cities of Samaria , which the kings of Israel had made provoking the Lord; and he did to them just as he had done in Bethel. Faith Lesson from the city of Dan 1. Despite God supernaturally revealing Himself two times to Solomon, he turned away from the Lord in his latter years. There is a tendency to grow apathetic the longer we are Christians. Are you apathetic and lukewarm in your relationship with God? 2. Despite God supernaturally revealing himself two times to Jeroboam, he turned his back on God and built altars to false gods all throughout the land. God gives grace to each person to receive and obey Him, but those who reject Him and His grace will be judged accordingly. 3. The sin of Jeroboam became a pattern that the rest of the kings of the northern tribes of Israel followed. What kind of example are we? Are we following the sinful patterns of our parents and those around us? 4. In 722 BC, the 10 northern tribes of Israel were deported because of their refusal to return to God. 5. The worship of false gods at Bethel and Dan became the downfall of the northern tribes of Israel. False gods and idols can be anything we make more important in our lives than God. Do you have any idols in your life? 6. Josiah chose to follow God with all his heart and tore down the two golden calf altars Jeroboam had set up. Do we follow God with all our heart like Josiah, and work with God to tear down the lies and false philosophies of Satan and the world with God’s Word (2 Cor. 10:4–5)?

See and learn about the epic battle between Gideon and the Israelites, and the Midianites. Sites of interest include the Hill of Moreh, where the Midianites camped. Jezreel Valley. Gilboa Mountains, where the Israelites hid out in. The period of the Judges saw the nation of Israel experience many cycles of obedience and disobedience. One verse is repeated several times in Judges that summarizes their day: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Gideon's Spring Photo Gallery Places of Interest Gideon’s Spring Introduction Welcome to Gideon's Spring. This is where the famous battle took place between Gideon and his 300 men and the Midianites, who were in number like the sand of the sea. All the places mentioned in the Bible can be found in this vicinity. 1. Hill of Moreh, where the Midianites camped. 2. Midianite Camp 3. Jezreel Valley 4. Battle Area 5. Gideon’s Spring, where Gideon chose 300 men for battle. 6. Gilboa Mountains: Where the Israelites hid out. Location Gideon’s Spring, or also known as Harod Spring, is located in the fertile Jezreel Valley about 26 miles (42 km.) from the Mediterranean Sea and about 17 miles (28 km.) south of the Sea of Galilee. Just to the south of Gideon’s Spring are the Gilboa Mountains. Historical Background 1. The period of the Judges saw the nation of Israel experience many cycles of obedience and disobedience. 2. They would walk with God for a bit and then fall away. 3. One verse is repeated several times in the book of Judges that summarizes the mentality of their day: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6, 21:25). 4. In order to bring the nation of Israel back to Himself, God would send them oppressors to make their lives difficult. 5. As a result, the Israelites would look to the Lord, and He would send them a deliverer, or also known as a Judge. 6. Gideon was one of these deliverers that God raised up to deliver the Israelites out of the hand of the Midianites who were oppressing Israel at that time. 7. There were a total of 13 Judges or Deliverers in the book of Judges. 8. Gideon was the 5th Judge. Places of Interest 1. Hill of Moreh: Hill area where the Midianites camped. 2. Midianite Camp 3. Jezreel Valley 4. Battle Area 5. Gideon’s Spring: Area where Gideon chose 300 men for battle. 6. Gilboa Mountains: Where the Israelites hid out. 7. Hankin House Museum: Located above the spring entrance. Gideon’s Spring in the Bible 1. God gave the Israelites into the hands of the Midianites because they abandoned and disobeyed Him. Judges 6:1–6: Then the sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord ; and the Lord gave them into the hands of Midian seven years. 2 The power of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of Midian the sons of Israel made for themselves the dens which were in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds. 3 For it was when Israel had sown, that the Midianites would come up with the Amalekites and the sons of the east and go against them. 4 So they would camp against them and destroy the produce of the earth as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance in Israel as well as no sheep, ox, or donkey. 5 For they would come up with their livestock and their tents, they would come in like locusts for number, both they and their camels were innumerable ; and they came into the land to devastate it. 6 So Israel was brought very low because of Midian, and the sons of Israel cried to the Lord. 2. God hears the prayers of the Israelites and decides to deliver them. Judges 6:7–10: Now it came about when the sons of Israel cried to the Lord on account of Midian, 8 that the Lord sent a prophet to the sons of Israel, and he said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘It was I who brought you up from Egypt and brought you out from the house of slavery. 9 I delivered you from the hands of the Egyptians and from the hands of all your oppressors, and dispossessed them before you and gave you their land, 10 and I said to you, “I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live. But you have not obeyed Me.” 3. God visits Gideon through an angel and chooses to deliver the Israelites through him. Judges 6:11–12: Then the angel of the Lord came and sat under the oak that was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite as his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press in order to save it from the Midianites. 12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior.” 4. Gideon responds by saying that his family was the least in the tribe of Manasseh and that he was the youngest in his family (Judges 6:15). This is similar to the response of Moses when God called him. 5. God allows the angel to show Gideon a couple of miracles to prove God will help him. Judges 6:21: Then the angel of the Lord put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread ; and fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the Lord vanished from his sight. 6. God commands Gideon to tear down the altars to Baal that his father had erected and to erect an altar to the Lord in their place (Judges 6:28–32). 7. Shortly afterward, many nations gathered together to wipe out the Israelites. Judges 6:33–35: Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the sons of the east assembled themselves ; and they crossed over and camped in the valley of Jezreel [just north of Gideon’s Spring]. 34 So the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon ; and he blew a trumpet, and the Abiezrites [descendants of Abiezer, the son of Gilead] were called together to follow him. 35 He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, and they also were called together to follow him; and he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they came up to meet them. The Midianites were the descendants of Midian and therefore, children of Abraham. They settled in “the land of the east.” When Moses fled the wrath of Pharaoh, he traveled to Midian (Exodus 2:15). There, Moses met and married his wife, Zipporah, and served his father-in-law, Jethro, as a shepherd for forty years. The Amalekites were the first ones to attack the Israelites upon their exodus from Egypt. Genesis 36 refers to the descendants of Amalek, the son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau, as Amalekites. So, the Amalekites were somehow related to, but distinct from, the Edomites. 8. As a result of the nations who had gathered together to wipe out the Israelites, Gideon asks for a sign from God that he will be successful. The sign of the wet and dry fleeces is used by Gideon to seek assurance of God’s help (Judges 6:36–40). However, it reveals a lack of faith in what God had said He would do. 9. God commands Gideon to choose 300 men for battle so that He gets all the glory for the victory. Judges 7:1-7: Then Jerubbaal [Gideon] and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod . And the camp of Midian was north of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 2 The LORD said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.' 3 Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, 'Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.'" Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained. 4 And the LORD said to Gideon, "The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall go with you,' shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall not go with you,' shall not go." 5 So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, "Everyone who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, everyone who kneels down to drink." 6 And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. 7 And the LORD said to Gideon, "With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” It's believed God chose those who lapped like dogs because they were less civilized. This would give God even more glory for the victory. 10. The size of the opposing army was enormous. Judges 7:12: Now the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the sons of the east were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. 11. God allows Gideon to visit the camp of the opposing army to be assured of victory. Judges 7:13–14: When Gideon came, behold, a man was relating a dream to his friend. And he said, “Behold, I had a dream; a loaf of barley bread was tumbling into the camp of Midian, and it came to the tent and struck it so that it fell, and turned it upside down so that the tent lay flat.” His friend replied, “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given Midian and all the camp into his hand.” 12. God delivers the nations into the victorious hands of the Israelites. Judges 7:15-25: As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, "Arise, for the LORD has given the host of Midian into your hand." 16 And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. 17 And he said to them, "Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. 18 When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, 'For the LORD and for Gideon.'" 9 So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch [10:00 pm to 2:00 am], when they had just set the watch. And they blew the trumpets and smashed the jars that were in their hands. 20 Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held in their left hands the torches, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow. And they cried out, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" 21 Every man stood in his place around the camp, and all the army ran. They cried out and fled. 22 When they blew the 300 trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his comrade and against all the army. And the army fled as far as Beth-shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel- meholah, by Tabbath [cities by the Jordan River directly east]. 23 And the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali and from Asher and from all Manasseh, and they pursued after Midian. 24 Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down against the Midianites and capture the waters against them, as far as Beth-barah , and also the Jordan." So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters as far as Beth- barah , and also the Jordan. 25 And they captured the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of Zeeb. Then they pursued Midian, and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon across the Jordan. Faith Lesson from Gideon’s Spring 1. God sent oppression to get the attention of the Israelites because they had fallen away from Him. He often sends us problems to get our attention as well. 2. God often puts us in difficult situations, so He gets all the glory when He helps us with our problems. 3. We, like the Israelites, can worship idols as well. An idol is anything that distracts us from our time and attention on God. What is distracting you away from God at this time in your life? 4. We should look at the size of our God rather than the size of our difficulties. 5. God delights in our faith but is grieved by our lack of it. 6. God chooses the weak things to show His glory: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God (1 Cor. 27-29). 6. Even if we have weaknesses, God can use us if we trust and follow Him.

The latest discoveries show that Tel Khirbet el-Maqatir and Et Tell provide the most evidence for being the biblical Ai. The Bible story of how this city was destroyed by Joshua and the lesson to be learned by it is found here. Ai is in the hill country of the Samaria region. Two locations close to one another provide evidence of the location of Tel Ai. The first location is called Et-Tell. The second, and most recent excavation site, is called Khirbet el-Maqatir (Khirbet means ruins in Hebrew). Tel Ai: Et-Tell & Khirbet el-Maqatir Photo Gallery Places of Interest Tel Ai: Et-Tell & Khirbet el-Maqatir Location 1. Ai is in the hill country of the Samaria region about 14 miles (22 km.) west of Jericho and about 10 miles (17 km.) north of Jerusalem. 2. Two locations close by to one another provide overwhelming evidence as to the location of Tel Ai. The first location, which is the oldest excavation site, is called Et-Tell. The second, and most recent excavation site, is called Khirbet el-Maqatir (Khirbet means ruins in Hebrew). It is the view of HolyLandSite.com that both places are the same biblical Ai. Ai was a large city and had at least 12,000 inhabitants (Josh. 8:25). Because both sites are almost adjacent to one another, it appears that both belong to the same city of Ai and are just different parts of the city. 3. Both places are undeveloped sites, and no fees are charged to visit them. Et-Tell is located to the north of the modern town of Dayr Dibwan, and Khirbet el-Maqatir is located just west of Dayr Dibwan. Historical Background 1. Ai was the second town Joshua and the Israelites conquered after they entered the Promised Land. 2. It was a small town compared to Jericho, but because of sin among one person, Joshua and the Israelites had a hard time conquering this city and were taught a major lesson of how God feels about sin in the midst of His people. 3. Khirbet el-Maqatir is also the believed place of the New Testament town of Ephraim. This is significant because after Christ raised Lazarus from the dead, He and His disciples came here to stay awhile. John 11:54: Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim , and there he stayed with the disciples. 4. There has been some dispute regarding the location of Ai, with the believed place being Et-Tell for many years. However, in 1995, excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir were begun by Bryant Wood and sponsored by the Associates of Biblical Research (ABR). They excavated much of the site and made substantial discoveries, all indicating this site as the biblical Ai. ABR deserves the bulk of the credit for the excavations and discoveries at this site. However, as mentioned, we believe both sites of Et-Tell and Khirbet el-Maqatir are part of biblical Ai. 5. Byzantine monks built a large monastery at Khirbet el-Maqatir in the 4th century AD. Normally, churches were built at significant holy sites to preserve and commemorate them. This helps confirm this site as Ai. 6. The earliest reports by Edward Robinson in 1838 show that the local people thought Khirbet el-Maqatir was Ai. It’s likely that the Byzantine monastery helped preserve the memory of this location. 7. Evidence shows that Khirbet el-Maqatir was occupied and destroyed by fire during the time of Joshua, matching the biblical account. Ash layers have been discovered here supporting destruction by fire. 8. The Bible states that when Joshua arrived at Ai with his army, he stood in front of Ai on its north side (Joshua 8:11). In 1995, Associates for Biblical Research discovered the remains of a gate on the north side of the city wall. This matches the biblical account for the layout of biblical Ai. 9. At Khirbet el-Maqatir, a Canaanite border fortress was discovered that shows evidence of being destroyed by military action in around 1406 BC. This matches the exact time of the destruction of Ai in the Bible. The rough outline of the walls of the fortress has been marked out and small sections have been excavated. 10. Many pieces of pottery and artifacts dating to the time of Joshua have been uncovered at both sites. Among these are two Egyptian scarabs (small seals that look like coins). 11. The geography of the land in the area fits the locations of Khirbet el-Maqatir and Et-Tell perfectly. 12. Khirbet el-Maqatir and Et-Tell are on one of the highest mountains to the east of Bethel. Places of Interest at Et-Tell 1. Temple 2. Sacred Stones 3. Northern Gate 4. Tower 5. Building area of Ai that was covered with stones 28 feet (8.53 m.) high. This matches the biblical account in Joshua 8:29. Places of Interest at Khirbet el-Maqatir 1. City Towers 2. City Gate 3. City Walls 4. Ash remains from the destruction of Ai. 5. Byzantine church and monastery. 6. Mikveh 7. Dwellings 8. Silos 9. Cisterns General Places of Interest Around Ai 1. City of Bethel 2. Bethel Site of Abraham and Jacob 3. Bethel High Place of Worship – Currently named Khalom Ya'akov Antiquities Site. 4. Jericho Ai in the Bible 1. Close by to Ai, Abram (Abraham) built an altar to the Lord. Genesis 12:7-8: The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord who had appeared to him. 8 Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord. 2. Before conquering Jericho, God gave strict orders that the Israelites were not to take any items from it. It was for the Lord as a kind of “First Fruits Offering” because it was the first city the Israelites conquered in the Promised Land. Joshua 6:17-19: The city shall be under the ban, it and all that is in it belongs to the Lord; only Rahab the harlot and all who are with her in the house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. 18 But as for you, only keep yourselves from the things under the ban, so that you do not covet them and take some of the things under the ban, and make the camp of Israel accursed and bring trouble on it. 19 But all the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron are holy to the Lord; they shall go into the treasury of the Lord.” 3. God gave the Israelites a miraculous victory over Jericho. After marching around the city one time each day for six days, and seven times the seventh day, God caused the walls to fall by the shout of His people. Joshua 6:20: So the people shouted, and priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat , so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city. 4. Achan disobeyed God’s orders and took forbidden items from Jericho. Joshua 7:1: But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the things under the ban, therefore the anger of the Lord burned against the sons of Israel. It’s interesting that God held all of Israel guilty for the sin of one person. It appears He wanted to show them that they were a family and community, and what affects one person affects everyone. 5. After seeing a miraculous victory over Jericho, the Israelites then proceeded to Ai, thinking they would take it with ease. However, God was angry over Achan’s sin and decided to teach the whole nation of Israel a big life lesson. Joshua 7:2-5: Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and said to them, "Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3 They returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to Ai; do not make all the people toil up there, for they are few.” 4 So about three thousand men from the people went up there, but they fled from the men of Ai. 5 The men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of their men, and pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent, so the hearts of the people melted and became as water. 6. God spoke to Joshua and revealed the problem. Joshua 7:10-13: So the Lord said to Joshua, “Rise up! Why is it that you have fallen on your face? 11 Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. And they have even taken some of the things under the ban and have both stolen and deceived. Moreover, they have also put them among their own things. 12 Therefore the sons of Israel cannot stand before their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, for they have become accursed. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy the things under the ban from your midst. 13 Rise up! Consecrate the people and say, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for thus the Lord, the God of Israel, has said, “There are things under the ban in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you have removed the things under the ban from your midst.” 7. Achan’s sin is dealt with, and the Israelites are cleansed. Joshua 7:22-26: So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and behold, it was concealed in his tent with the silver underneath it. 23 They took them from inside the tent and brought them to Joshua and to all the sons of Israel, and they poured them out before the Lord. 24 Then Joshua and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the mantle, the bar of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent and all that belonged to him; and they brought them up to the valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The Lord will trouble you this day.” And all Israel stoned them with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones. 26 They raised over him a great heap of stones that stands to this day, and the Lord turned from the fierceness of His anger. 8. The Israelites easily conquer Ai and burn it with fire. Joshua 8:11–12: And all the fighting men who were with him went up and drew near before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai, with a ravine between them and Ai . 12 He took about 5,000 men and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city . Joshua 8:14–17: And as soon as the king of Ai saw this, he and all his people, the men of the city, hurried and went out early to the appointed place toward the Arabah to meet Israel in battle. But he did not know that there was an ambush against him behind the city. 15 And Joshua and all Israel pretended to be beaten before them and fled in the direction of the wilderness. 16 So all the people who were in the city were called together to pursue them, and as they pursued Joshua they were drawn away from the city. 17 Not a man was left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel. They left the city open and pursued Israel. Joshua 8:19–21: And the men in the ambush rose quickly out of their place, and as soon as he had stretched out his hand, they ran and entered the city and captured it. And they hurried to set the city on fire. 20 So when the men of Ai looked back, behold, the smoke of the city went up to heaven , and they had no power to flee this way or that, for the people who fled to the wilderness turned back against the pursuers. 21 And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had captured the city, and that the smoke of the city went up, then they turned back and struck down the men of Ai. Faith Lesson from Ai 1. Sin is a serious thing in the life of a believer or church. 2. Our sin not only affects us but others around us as well. 3. If there is unconfessed sin in our lives, God will likely allow us to be defeated. 4. If our hearts are right before God, He will give us victory.

Other than the main sites we have on our website, this page lists many other sites of interest around the Sea of Galilee: Berko Archaeological Park, Gamla Nature Reserve, Hamat Tverya National Park, Hippos (Horvat Susita), Mitzpe Ofir Observation Point, Tiberias Promenade, Tiberium Light Show Other Sites Around the Sea of Galilee Photo Gallery Places of Interest Other Sites of Interest Around the Sea of Galilee Berko Archaeological Park The Berko Archaeological Museum provides a unique glimpse into Tiberias of the first century. Tiberias was founded in 18 AD by Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great and Jewish ruler of the Galilee (4 BC-39 AD). Herod Antipas made the new city his capital and named the city after the Roman emperor Tiberius Caesar. The park includes an ancient Roman gate, a theater, a bathhouse, and a thousand-year-old drainage system. It also features gardens with paths throughout and balconies offering panoramic views of the ancient city. The Theater of Roman Tiberias was constructed in the 1st century AD, then enlarged in the 2nd or 3rd centuries AD, and had a seating capacity of 7,000 people. It continued to be used for gatherings until the end of the Byzantine period, when it was destroyed by an earthquake that struck the city in 749 AD. The site is located near the southern entrance of Tiberias, between the ancient cemetery and the hotels of Hammat Tiberias. A parking lot is located near the south gate, north of the Holiday Inn hotel. Gamla Nature Reserve High in the Golan Heights of northern Israel lies the Gamla Nature Reserve, home to the ancient city of Gamla and the Gamla Stream Waterfall (the tallest flowing waterfall in Israel). The park is full of wildlife and breathtaking views. Gamla (camel in Hebrew) was an ancient fortified city on the Golan Heights, located on a high ridge above a crossing of two gorges. During the Great Revolt against the Romans in 66 AD, it became an important stronghold where Jewish rebels fought bravely to the death. The observation terrace offers a view over the ancient city from its ridge and of the remains of the early synagogue. To explore the ruins of Gamla up close, you need to take the hiking trail, aptly named “Ancient Trail,” which is about .62 miles (1 km) each way. However, because it involves some climbing and descending over stones, it can take about 2 hours. There is a viewing place by the park headquarters that grants a beautiful view of the ruins for those who don’t care to hike down to them. Gamla Stream Waterfall lookout point offers views of the cliffs of the Gamla Stream canyon and a colony of nesting birds of prey. There is an easy 90-minute trail (45 minutes each way) leading to the lookout terrace from which the highest waterfall in Israel, 170 ft (51 m), flows year-round. Along the way, you will pass ancient dolmens and a collection of Bronze Age burial mounds made of huge boulders. Hamat Tverya National Park This park is in the ancient village of Hamat and is much older than Tiberias. “Hama” means hot spring. It was one of the fortified cities mentioned in the Bible within the Tribe of Naftali: “And the fortified cities were Tziddim, Tzer, and Hamat , and Rakkat, and Chinneret ” (Josh. 19:35). After the founding of Tiberias, Hamat became Hamat Tverya. The distance between the two cities was one mile (1.6 km). In the park, the remains of mosaics from 3 synagogues, built one on top of the other, can be found. The first synagogue was built about 230 AD, the second existed in the 4th century AD, and the third was rebuilt after being destroyed in an earthquake in the 5th century. The synagogue underwent preservation, restoration, and reconstruction, and is now surrounded by glass walls. Tiberias Hot Springs – Hamat Tverya National Park – At the Tiberias Hot Springs site, seventeen thermo-mineral springs flow at a temperature of about 140 F (60 C). The water flows in a system of underground channels to the Turkish Hamam, a beautifully preserved 18th-century structure. Surplus water that does not flow into the Tiberias hot baths is collected in an on-site pool. Because of the waters' reputed curative properties, the Romans built luxurious baths that attracted people from all over the empire. The remains of the ancient Roman baths are located at the southern end of the site. Hippos (Horvat Susita) The ruins of the ancient city of Hippos (Greek for "horse"), known today as Horvat Susita, are located 1.2 miles (2 km) east of the Sea of Galilee on the plateau of a diamond-shaped mountain, 1,148 ft (350 m) above sea level. The city was almost entirely isolated from its surroundings, with just a narrow saddle-bridge leading towards the western slopes of the Golan Heights. The entire city was surrounded by an imposing fortification wall. The ruins of Hippos span the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods, dating from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD. During the Roman period, Hippos belonged to the Decapolis, a group of ten cities regarded as centers of Greek culture in an area that was predominantly Jewish. Archaeologists have uncovered a main colonnaded street, Roman fortifications, public baths, and temples from both the Hellenistic and Roman periods. More recently, a Roman basilica and the remains of at least seven different churches built during the Byzantine period have been uncovered. This confirms that by the 4th century AD, the majority of the city's residents were likely Christian. Hippos continued to exist until the mid-8th century, when the city was destroyed by the catastrophic earthquake of 749 AD and was never again resettled. Mitzpe Ofir Observation Point This is a beautiful lookout and rest area in the southern Golan Heights that offers a view of the entire Sea of Galilee. From this viewpoint, not only can you see the whole lake, but you can also see the Lower Galilee mountains, the Upper Galilee, and the Golan Heights. The lookout is also part of a long hiking trail down to old Derech Bnei Yehuda (village settlement). This is a great place to spend a late afternoon and witness spectacular sunsets. Mitzpe Ofir was established and is maintained by Mr. Shaal of Givat Yoav, who chose this beautiful spot to memorialize his son Ofir, who died of a long illness when he was only 16 years old. A grove of 16 olive trees has been planted there, one for each year of Ofir’s life. Tiberias Promenade The Yigal Allon Promenade in Tiberias is more commonly known as the Tiberias Promenade. It’s located along the Sea of Galilee near the Old City of Tiberias and the small Marina. The Promenade offers a pleasant stroll by the water, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful view of the water, boats, and the marina. You can take a ride on a boat on the Sea of Galilee from here as well. Sunset and the evening are exceptional times to visit the Promenade, with its many restaurants and souvenir shops open and busy. Tiberium Light Show Israel’s world-renowned multimedia design company created a breathtaking water, music, and light show in Tiberias. This spectacular show features dancing fountains with artistic laser lights, music, and pyrotechnics screened onto jets of water, reaching over ten meters high to create a dazzling display of water and light. The show takes place at the south end of the Yigal Alon Promenade and is free to the public three times each evening from 7-9 pm, except in rainy weather. (Note: Tiberium depends on the water level of the Sea of Galilee. If the level is too high, the light show will not take place.)

See a powerful message from the Hippodrome in Beth Shean, Israel, about the persecution and suffering of Christians. Prepare yourself for persecution because the day is coming when suffering and persecution will arise. The amphitheater/hippodrome was also used to persecute Christians during the early church period and later. On many occasions, they were released in a game-like event where believers who refused to deny Christ were torn to pieces and eaten alive while the crowd roared in a frenzy. Beth-Shean Amphitheater/Hippodrome Photo Gallery Places of Interest Beth-Shean Amphitheater Location 1. Beth-Shean, also known as Beit Shean or Bet She’an, was a major biblical and secular city for thousands of years. 2. It’s located in the center of several main crossroads between the Jordan Valley and the Jezreel (Yizreel) Valley. 3. It’s about 15 miles (25 Km.) south of the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee and about 35 miles (55 Km.) east of the Mediterranean Sea. 4. The Romans used the amphitheater/hippodrome in Bet-Shean for pleasure events, games with animals, and gladiator-type activities. 5. This arena seems to have served as both an amphitheater and hippodrome as it has openings into the arena from under the grandstands. It was common in Greek and Roman times that a city would have one stadium that could be used for both purposes because of financial and real estate reasons. 6. An amphitheater is different from a theater. An amphitheater has a full circle of seating, wherein a theater just has a semi-circle of seating. 7. The amphitheater/hippodrome was also used to persecute Christians during the early church period and later. 8. This amphitheater/hippodrome has underground rooms where wild beasts were released to devour people and other animals. 9. On many occasions, they were released in a game-like event where believers who refused to deny Christ were torn to pieces and eaten alive while the crowd roared in a frenzy. 10. It’s sobering and gives a person chills to just think about it! Historical Background 1. Beth-Shean was a key city long before the arrival of the Israelites because of its location. In the late Canaanite period (1600–1400 BC), the Egyptians ruled the area and the entire land of Israel. 2. Later, around 1000 BC, the Philistines also ruled the city for a time as they hung the body of King Saul on its walls after defeating the armies of Israel in the Battle of Gilboa. 3. When King David reigned (1010–970 BC), he conquered Beth-Shean, and it became part of Israel’s territories. 4. Later, in 732 BC, the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser III, destroyed Beth-Shean after defeating the northern Kingdom of Israel. 5. In the 4th century BC, Hellenistic (Greek) new settlers established a city-state (polis) in Beth-Shean. During the Hellenistic period, the city was named Nisa Scythopolis. 6. In 63 BC, the city was conquered by the Romans and became one of the cities of the Decapolis – a group of cities with a Hellenistic-Roman cultural character, most of them in Transjordan. Beth-Shean was one of the key cities of the Roman Empire in this area south of Galilee. Places of Interest (Please See Maps Above) 1. The Arena: Comes from the word “sand.” It’s where the activities were carried out and was in the center. 2. Grandstands where the people were seated. The stadium’s many seats have crumbled over the years, but it’s estimated the seating capacity would have been between 10,000-20,000 people. 3. Entrance openings into the arena from under the grandstands. 4. Rooms under the grandstands where the animals and people would wait before being released into the area. The Amphitheater in the Bible 1. Persecution was a common practice, and the Bible makes reference to what many believers faced. Hebrews 11:35–38: Some were tortured, refusing to accept release so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated of whom the world was not worthy, wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Acts 7 records how Stephen was one of the first to suffer early Christian persecution. He was stoned to death outside the gates for the faithful manner in which he preached the gospel. After this, a great persecution arose against all who professed belief in Christ as the Messiah. Acts 8:1: And Saul approved of his [Stephen] execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2. History and tradition provide rich data regarding the believed fate of many of the apostles, along with other believers who suffered persecution for their faith in Christ during the early church period. James the Great, the elder brother of John the Apostle, was beheaded in 44 A.D. Philip, who served in Upper Asia, was scourged in Phrygia, thrown into prison, and later crucified in 54 A.D. Matthew, the tax collector, served the Lord in Parthia and Ethiopia, where he was slain with a halberd (a shafted weapon with an ax-like cutting blade and a speared end) in the city of Nadabah in 60 A.D. James the Less, the brother of the Lord, served the church in Jerusalem and wrote the book of James. He suffered martyrdom at the age of 94 by being beaten and stoned by the Jews. Matthias, the man who was chosen to replace Judas as an apostle, was stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded. Andrew, the brother of Peter, preached the gospel to many Asiatic nations and was crucified on a cross at Edessa. The ends of his cross were fixed transversely in the ground, thus the derivation of the term, St. Andrew's cross. Mark was converted to Christianity by Peter and served as his personal scribe. He was dragged to pieces and died by the people of Alexandria. The Apostle Peter was sought by Nero to be put to death. Jerome wrote that Peter was crucified with his head down and his feet up because he thought himself unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Christ. The Apostle Paul was persecuted all throughout his ministry. He was scourged, stoned, and finally, Nero had him beheaded by a sword. Jude, the brother of James, commonly called Thaddeus, was crucified at Edessa in A.D. 72. Bartholomew preached in several countries and translated the Gospel of Matthew into the language of India. He was cruelly beaten and then crucified by impatient idolaters. Thomas (doubting Thomas) preached the gospel in Parthia and India. His ministry caused the rage of the pagan priests, and he was martyred by being thrust through with a spear. Luke, the author of Luke and Acts, traveled with Paul through various countries and was supposed to have been hanged on an olive tree by the idolatrous priests of Greece. Simon the Zealot preached the gospel in Mauritania, Africa, and even Britain, where he was crucified in A.D. 74. John, the apostle whom Jesus loved, was sent from Ephesus to Rome, where he was put into a cauldron of boiling oil. He escaped by a miracle without injury but was then banished to the Isle of Patmos, and there he wrote the book of Revelation. Nerva, Domitian's successor, said he was the only apostle who escaped a violent death. 3. There are ten persecutions mentioned in Foxe's Book of Martyrs that are quite gruesome. The first mass persecution occurred under Nero in 67 AD. He was the sixth emperor of Rome and is remembered as the one who set Rome aflame and then blamed the Christians for the deaths and destruction caused by the fire. He had some Christians sewn up in skins of wild beasts and thrown to the dogs. Some Christians were dressed in shirts made stiff with wax, fixed to axletrees, and set on fire in Nero’s gardens in order to illuminate them. Rather than diminishing the spirit of Christianity, this persecution increased the devotion and commitment of Christians instead. The second persecution happened under Domitian in 81 AD. Anything bad that happened like famine, pestilence, or earthquakes he blamed on the Christians and put them to death. The third persecution occurred under Trajan in 108 AD. Christians were beaten, beheaded, and devoured by wild beasts, causing about ten thousand Christians to be put to death. The fourth persecution took place under Marcus Aurelius Antoninus in 162 AD. The fifth persecution is credited to Severus in 192 AD. Christians were burned at the stake, had hot tar poured on their heads, beheaded, placed in boiling water, and ravaged by wild beasts. The sixth persecution took place under Maximus in 235 AD. At this time, numerous Christians were slain without trial and buried indiscriminately in mass graves, sometimes fifty or sixty cast into a pit together. The seventh persecution happened under Decius in 249 AD. The main person martyred was Fabian, the bishop of Rome, who was beheaded on January 20, 250 AD. The eighth persecution occurred under Valerian in 257 AD. Once again, every manner of torture was used to mock those claiming to be Christians. Persecution was also used for the entertainment of the rulers and their guests. The ninth persecution occurred under Aurelian in 274 AD. when Felix, bishop of Rome, was martyred. The tenth persecution took place under Diocletian in 303 AD. This was commonly called the Era of the Martyrs. Persecutions were carried out with racks, scourges, swords, daggers, crosses, poisons, and famine. Today, there are more martyrs for Christ than there have ever been at any time in the history of the church. Many of these take place in the Middle East and go unnoticed by the public eye. According to BBC News, there are around 100,000–250,000 martyrs each year for Christ. Faith Lesson from Beth-Shean Amphitheater 1. God used persecution to give more validity, power, and meaning to the message of the gospel. 2. We show the world the value of our faith by what it cost us to keep and obey it. 3. During the years between 313 and 325 AD., Constantine, the Roman Emperor of that time, became a Christian and later declared Christianity the religion of the Roman Empire. 4. It was the persecution of Christians that God used most to convert the Roman Empire to Christianity. 5. Through persecution, God changed the religion of the most powerful nation on the earth to Christianity. 6. The church has seen its greatest growth and maturity during the periods it was persecuted the most. 7. We are nearing a time when it is going to cost us to follow Christ as well. Hebrews 12:1-6: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses , let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 8. Are we willing to suffer for our faith? 9. What does it cost us to follow Christ? 10. Do we stand firm on God’s word despite opposition? 11. Do we allow ourselves to be persuaded to compromise our faith because of pressure from our peers? 12. Do we subtly deny Christ in moments when we’re around people who don’t share our faith? 13. The only thing these Christians who died in this amphitheater here in Beth-Shean would have had to do to save their lives and not be shredded to pieces by the wild beast was to deny Christ. 14. But they didn’t, and today they have a special reward in heaven for being a martyr. 15. How about us? Are we willing to do the same?

The history of the gates of Jerusalem plays a key role in understanding all God has done throughout its history. See each time period with maps, videos, talks, descriptions, and more. History of the Gates of Jerusalem Photo Gallery Places of Interest History of the Gates of Jerusalem There are eight gates around Old City Jerusalem. Seven are open, and one is closed (Eastern Gate). We'll look at these gates in a clockwise (right to left) circle, starting at the Jaffa Gate. Overview The Old City of Jerusalem covers about one square mile (2.6 square kilometers). The gates are the portals or entry passages into the city. The number of gates has varied over time. Until the Crusader Period (1099–1291), there were just four gates, one on each side of the city. Jaffa Gate (West) Damascus Gate (North) Eastern Gate (East) Zion Gate (South) From 1535 to 1542, the Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent restored and rebuilt the crumbling Old City walls to protect the city from a feared Crusader invasion. In addition to restoring many of the gates, Suleiman rebuilt two destroyed gates from previous years: Dung Gate Lions' Gate Herod's Gate Suleiman reclosed the Eastern Gate in 1541 AD. In modern times (1875-1889), two additional gates were opened into the city walls. Herod's Gate - Reopened in 1875 New Gate - 1889 Each gate has openings in the wall above it that enable the release of “weapons” such as boiling liquids, arrows, or stones aimed at the attackers below. The Bible records various uses of city gates. At the gates, people finalized business deals (Genesis 23), arranged marriages (Ruth 4), and settled disputes in the presence of witnesses (Amos 5). The king used gates to address his subjects (2 Samuel 18). Many of the gates are named after the location or destination they led toward. A number of the gates are shaped like an "L," designed to slow attackers attempting to enter the city. Jaffa Gate The Jaffa Gate is named so because the road leading from this gate heads westward to the port city of Jaffa, or Joppa. The gate as it stands today was rebuilt in 1538 by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Great over the previous gate, which dates back to the time of the Hasmoneans around 140 BC. Facing due west, the Jaffa Gate is the best-known and busiest of the gates of Jerusalem. It is the only gate on the western side of the Old City. Today, it is the primary vehicle entry point into the Old City and one of only two gates in Jerusalem that allow vehicle access. When the German Kaiser Wilhelm II visited the Holy Land and Jerusalem in 1898, the Ottoman authorities opened the city wall beside Jaffa Gate so the Kaiser (emperor) could enter with his vehicle escorts. They also filled in the moat that surround the Tower of David complex. In 1917, British general Edmund Allenby entered the Old City through the Jaffa Gate, giving a speech at the nearby Tower of David. Allenby entered the city on foot in a show of respect for the city and a desire to avoid comparison with the Kaiser's entry in 1898. There are many bullet holes in the face of the gate due to wars before and during the Six-Day War in 1967. New Gate It's one of Jerusalem's newer gates. It was built in 1889 with the permission of the Turkish Sultan Abdul Hammid II, who gave it the alternative name The Gate of Hammid. The New Gate is in the northwest corner of the city. It is the only gate in Jerusalem that leads directly into the Christian Quarter. The Gate was built to allow easy access from the many Christian monasteries outside the walls to the Christian Quarter within. The New Gate is the simplest and least adorned of the gates of Jerusalem. Damascus Gate It's located on the northern side of the Old City walls, facing due north to Shechem and beyond to Damascus. The Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent completed the Damascus Gate between 1537 and 1542. It was built over previous gate ruins dating back to the time of Roman Emperor Hadrian, around 135 AD. It is the busiest of Jerusalem's gates, and many claim the most splendid. On Fridays and Saturdays, markets and bazaars make this one of the busiest parts of the city. Directly inside the gate is the Muslim Quarter, which serves as the Old City's Arab business center. During the Byzantine period (324 - 638 AD), it was known as St. Stephen's Gate (although the Lions' Gate is also known as such). Christian tradition claims Stephen was drug out of the city through this gate and stoned on the other side of today's road, becoming the first martyr. Of the two gates of Jerusalem, also named St. Stephen's Gate, this is the most likely sight of Stephen's stoning. The gate is one of the highest in the city because the northern part of the city was the most vulnerable to attacks due to the slope of the terrain. It was built in a double "L" shape to slow down would-be attackers. It was the beginning point of the Cardo Street, which the Roman Emperor Hadrian built around 135 AD. Part of the original gate Hadrian built can be seen to the left and below the newer gate. Ruins from previous gates can also be seen here. The gate Hadrian built was magnificent, with three arches. Arabs mainly use the gate today. Herod's Gate It bears this name because it was once believed to have led to a structure erroneously identified by Christians as Herod Antipas' Palace. The Jewish and Muslim communities know the gate as the Flower Gate, which derives from the floral designs in its architecture. It is located in the northern wall, to the east of the Damascus Gate. Herod's Gate leads into the Muslim Quarter, which provides Muslims with direct access to the Temple Mount. The gate as it stands today was built in 1875. Making it the newest gate of the city. Its main purpose before 1875 was to relieve traffic flow in the city's northern part. It was built with an internal L-shaped structure, like many of the other gates of Jerusalem. The Crusaders broke through the wall in this area to capture the city. Eastern Gate (Golden Gate) Perhaps the most intriguing of the gates of Jerusalem faces east toward the rising sun. East was the direction the Jewish Temple faced and opened up to. The gate was located along Jerusalem's eastern walls, facing east towards the Kidron Valley and Mount of Olives. It is the closest gate to the Temple Mount and, as such, has taken on special significance throughout Jerusalem's history. The Golden Gate is the oldest in Jerusalem, and scholars and archaeologists debate its exact timeline. Ancient stones at the base of the wall strongly suggest it dates back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah (950-700 BC). It contains many biblical prophecies concerning the Messiah's entrance through it. Many of which have already been fulfilled. The Muslims established a cemetery in front of it, thinking this would stop the Messiah from entering through it in the future. Lions' Gate It is the eastern entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Like many of Jerusalem's gates, it was built by the Ottomans in 1538-39 AD along the same stretch of walls as the Golden Gate. The Lion's Gate faces the Kidron Valley and Mount of Olives. The gate was originally built with an L-shaped structure, similar to the other Ottoman gates of Jerusalem. However, this L-shaped structure was later altered to allow vehicle access. The gate was also named St. Stephen's Gate, though the Damascus Gate is the likeliest site of Stephen's martyrdom. Four lions decorate the gate's facade, lending the gate its name. These lions were said to have been built by Suleiman under the influence of a dream. The legend goes that Suleiman desired to punish the Jews of Jerusalem. However, he had a dream in which lions devoured him, thus swaying his mind. Instead, he built the Lion's Gate, adding the lions to commemorate the occasion. Dung Gate Of all the gates of Jerusalem, the Dung Gate has unquestionably the most interesting name, and for obvious reasons. It is the smallest, possessing the lowest archway, and is built into the south walls. Like most of Jerusalem's other gates, the present gate was built by Suleiman around 1538 AD. The Dung Gate only allowed foot traffic until 1967, when the opening was enlarged. The Dung Gate derives its name from the fact that refuse and ash were escorted out of the city through this gate and dumped in the Hinnom Valley. It was a gate for trash from not only the Old City but also the Temple Mount. To the west of the gate, part of the original Cardo Minor Roman Emperor Hadrian, built in 135 AD, can be seen. It is the only gate without much defense abilities. This was so because of its location. Today, it's the closest and most used gate to the Western Wall. Tanners' Gate It's not included as one of the main eight gates of Old City Jerusalem. It was a small side entrance a short distance west of the Dung Gate. It's directly over the Cardo Minor Roman Emperor Hadrian, built in 135 AD. It was used to access animal purchases for sacrifices at the temple. It was named the "Tanners' Gate" because of those who tanned the hides of the animals slaughtered for temple sacrifices. Zion Gate This gate faces south and is located along the southwestern walls of the Old City. It is named such because it faces Mount Zion and provides access to It. The gate was rebuilt over previous ones by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1540. It is one of the gates of Jerusalem that lead into the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. Walls near the Zion Gate date from the Hasmonean and Herodian periods of the history of Jerusalem. Like the previously mentioned gates of Jerusalem, the Zion Gate was built with an L-shaped internal structure. One window on each side of the gate lent its distinguishable characteristic. It can support both foot and vehicle traffic. However, vehicles can only exit through the gate, not enter. It has many bullet holes and damage from the 1947 and 1967 wars fought in this area. Other Notable Sites of Old City Jerusalem's Walls Zedekiah's Cave The entrance to Zedekiah's Cave is just beneath the Old City wall, between the Damascus and Herod Gates. It's on the north side of Old City Jerusalem, just outside its walls. Only the cave's mouth is natural. The interior was carved over several thousand years. Zedekiah’s Cave is a 5-acre (2 hectares) underground limestone quarry that stretches under five city blocks of the Muslim Quarter of Old City Jerusalem. It was carved over several thousand years and is a remnant of the largest quarry in Jerusalem. Solomon very likely used this quarry to construct the temple and temple mount platform he built. Herod the Great likely used the main quarry at Zedekiah's Cave as building blocks to renovate the temple and its retaining walls. Stones from the quarry may also have been used for Herod Agrippa I's building projects. The cave was also said to have been King Zedekiah's hiding place when the Babylonians came to siege Jerusalem. Archaeology by the Bethesda Pools Recent discoveries outside the current walls by the pools of Bethesda strongly suggest they were outside the city walls during the time of Christ. Curious Bend in the Eastern Wall This bend marks where the Hasmoneans added onto the Temple Mount Platform around 140 BC. Seam in the Eastern Wall This marks where King Herod added onto the Temple Mount Platform around 19 BC. Southern Stairs The Southern Stairs were one of the main entrances from the south to the Temple Mount during Christ's time. Two main gate entrances led from these stairs up to the Temple Mount Platform. These gates are commonly known as the Hulda Gates. The gate for entering the Temple Mount Platform was on the right (east side), and the gate for leaving the Temple Mount was on the left (western side). King Herod had them redone and staggered them so no one could enter or depart the presence of God (signified by entering or departing the temple area) without being thoughtful in the process. They were the main access to the temple from the City of David and the city's western area, where most of the population lived. There were also many purification mikvehs at the base of the Southern Stairs (around 48 in total). The Southern Stairs were also called “The Rabbis’ Stairs” or the “Teaching Stairs” as rabbis taught their disciples on them. Jesus would have no doubt walked on these stairs and taught His disciples here. It’s also likely that the young Apostle Paul sat here under Gamaliel's teaching (Acts 22:3). It’s very likely that part of Pentecost took place here or ended up here. The Royal Stoa was located just above us on the southern end of the Temple Mount. It was a huge covered portico that ran the whole length of the Temple Mount at the southern part. We don't have time to discuss all the reasons now, but the Hebrew word for house means the House, referring to the temple or a covered structure. It doesn't really refer to a home. So just think that you are in the area where Pentecost took place. And, of course, around here are all these Mikvehs where the 3,000 who received Christ on Pentecost would be baptized. Pilate's Palace Judgment Seat This is the most likely place where Jesus was tried and condemned to crucifixion by Pilate. It has all the archaeological evidence to verify this event. Gate Entrance to Pilate’s Palace from Outside the Palace Steps Leading Up to the Gate Entrance to Pilate's Palace Preserved Wall of Herod the Great Preserved Stone Pavement Bema Seat – Judgment Seat Bema Seat Stone

Doctrinal Statement of HolyLandSite.com Doctrinal Statement Doctrinal Statement The Bible We believe the Bible is inspired and inerrant in every word and thought by God and therefore, is the perfect Word of God without error (2 Tim. 3:16-17). We believe all scripture is the product of men writing as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit and is therefore totally accurate and God inspired (2 Pet. 1:19-21). We believe God’s word was not the product of man’s idea but came about as the result of God using man to write the very words He desired (2 Pet. 1:19-21). We believe the Bible is God's complete revelation to mankind and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16). We see that Christ and the Apostles referred to virtually every book of the Old Testament in their writings and sayings as the very word of God so we believe the same. We believe God is so powerful that to preserve His word is no great task for Him to accomplish. God said through the prophet Isaiah, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8). Christ said,"It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). The Nature of God We believe that God is the Creator of all that exist and is worthy of complete adoration by His creation (Gen.1-2). He gives life to every living creature and sustains them as well. He holds all things together and is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, transcendent, immanent, eternal and all-powerful (Col. 1). All things exist by Him and for Him. We believe in one living God who exists as God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each of the Deity is fully God and totally united in essence and purpose. Jesus Christ We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God (Jn. 1:1) and through the virgin birth became fully man as well. Jesus lived a perfect life without sin and gave His life as the complete and perfect payment for our sins. Christ rose from the dead the third day and now is our High Priest forever. Through His work on the cross, we are forgiven for our sins and made totally righteous in Him. Through Christ's work on the cross, we receive the gift of the forgiveness of sins, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life (Rom. 3:23, Rom. 6:23, Jn. 3:16, Rom. 5:8, Rom. 10:9,10). The Holy Spirit We believe that the Holy Spirit is also fully God and is the agent of the new birth. He convicts men and the world of sin and calls them to repentance. He lives within the believer to guide and empower them to please God, give power for living the Christian life and fulfill His plan for their lives (Gal. 5:16-26). Satan We believe Satan is a real adversary of the believer and must be battled with spiritual weapons (Eph. 6). He is a fallen angel and roams about seeking to destroy. He will ultimately be thrown into the Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:10). Mankind We believe mankind was created in the image of God, but that through the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, is now born with a sinful self-will and nature (Gen. 3, Rom 1-3). Mankind is completely unable to become righteous on his own and is spiritually dead until God enters their life and they are reborn. Mankind is totally depraved and falls short of the glory of God Rom. 3:23). The wages of sin is death and unless man is born again he remains dead in his sins and without hope of eternal life (Jn. 3:3, Rev.20:15). Salvation We believe that as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve, mankind is totally depraved, dead in their sins, and without hope of eternal life with God in heaven. If not born again during their lifetime, they will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire separated from God (Rom. 3:23, Rev. 20:11-15). As a result of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, each person's sins are forgiven and paid for upon receiving the free gift of salvation in Christ alone (Jn 3:16). Salvation is by faith in Christ alone, and not by works of righteousness by man by which salvation can be earned (Eph. 2:8,9). It is given by the grace of God and is available to all who believe (Jn. 3:16). Genuine salvation must involve repentance from sin and a realization that only Christ’s sacrifice on the cross can pay for one’s sins and make them right with God. The gift of salvation is found only in believing and receiving Christ and there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). Note: Todd Fink holds the following Bible degrees Bachelor of Theology Degree from Freelandia Bible College Master of Divinity studies at Western Seminary Master of Theology Degree from Freedom Bible College Master of Biblical Theology from Trinity Theological Seminary Doctor of Theology Degree (Ph.D.) from Trinity Theological Seminary. Click here for more about us

See how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament Feasts. Many people don't understand the importance of the Old Testament Feasts and how they relate to Jesus. See the Bible come to life as you see how the feasts are fulfilled in Jesus. The seven Old Testament Feasts are: 1. The Passover: This is the foundational feast 2. Unleavened Bread: This feast was to last for 7 days 3. First Fruits 4. Pentecost or Feast of Weeks 5. Feast of Trumpets 6. Day of Atonement 7. Feast of Tabernacles Jewish Holy Days & How Jesus Fulfills Them Understanding the Old Testament Jewish Holy Days and How Jesus Fulfills Them See how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament Festivals (Feasts, Appointed Times). Many people don't understand the importance of the Old Testament Festivals and how they relate to Jesus. See the Bible come to life as you see how the festivals are fulfilled in Jesus. The seven Old Testament Festivals are: 1. The Passover: This is the foundational feast 2. Unleavened Bread: This feast was to last for 7 days 3. First Fruits 4. Pentecost or Feast of Weeks 5. Feast of Shouting (Also known as Trumpets) 6. Day of Atonement 7. Feast of Tabernacles These festivals can be broken down into two basic divisions: 1. The Spring Festivals 2. The Fall Festivals Spring Festivals 1. Passover Feast — Leviticus 23:4-8 This feast remembers the last plague in Egypt when the angel of death “passed over” the children of Israel who applied the blood of the lamb to their doors. The Israelites took a bundle of hyssop and dipped it into the blood in the basin at the threshold. Going up, they put it up on the lintel, then touched the two sides of the frame (Exodus 12). When you look carefully at the imagery, the way the blood was placed on the doorframe formed the shape of a cross. The first three feas ts of the Lord (Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits) tak e place close together. Passover takes place on Friday, Unleavened Bread takes place the next day (Saturday, and lasts for a week), and Firstfruits takes place on Sunday. Passover began on a Friday of the 1st month (14th of Nisan) of the Jewish calendar, which was established by God because this was when the Israelites left Egypt. This was a major feast that all male Jews were required to attend in Jerusalem at the temple. Fulfillment in Christ When John the Baptist said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29), he understood the Old Testament reference. And in the New Testament, we see that Jesus, born in a stable, visited by shepherds, and led to the slaughter, is that lamb sent for us. His death allows the judgment we deserve to pass over us. When we accept Christ, we accept the loving gift of a second chance — because of his death on the cross, we have a clean slate! Additionally, 1 Corinthians 5:7 clearly states that Jesus is the Passover Lamb: "Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb , has been sacrificed." In summary , the Passover pointed to the Messiah as our Passover Lamb whose blood would be shed for our sins. Jesus was crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover, at the same time that the lambs were being slaughtered for the Passover meal that evening. 2. Unleavened Bread Feast — Leviticus 23:6 This seven-day feast begins on the day after Passover (Saturday, 15th of Nisan) and lasts for a week ((15th - 21st of Nisan) . In the haste of the Israelites to leave Egypt, there was no time to add leaven (yeast) to their bread. During this time, remembering the hardships in Egypt and how God freed them from captivity, the Jews eat nothing leavened. Leaven often represents sin and decay in the Bible. Once incorporated, yeast becomes an inseparable part of the bread; the same is true for sin’s effect on our lives. The Jews were constantly sacrificing unblemished animals to atone for sin temporarily. Fulfillment in Christ Only the Messiah, the perfect, sinless sacrifice, could offer a permanent solution. The unleavened bread represents Jesus’ sinless life; he is the only perfect sacrifice for our sins. In John 6:35, Jesus boldly states that he is the bread of life. Not only does he remove our sins, He nourishes our souls! In summary , the Unleavened Bread pointed to the Messiah’s sinless life, making Him the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ body was in the grave during the first days of this feast, like a kernel of wheat planted and waiting to burst forth as the bread of life. 3. Feast of Fruits — Leviticus 23:10 The Feast of First Fruits took place on the day after Unleavened Bread started (Sunday, 16th of Nisan), and is a harvest feast to thank and honor God for all he provided. Although they didn’t know it at the time, the children of Israel were celebrating what would become a very important day. The priests sacrificed Passover lambs on the 14th day of the month of Nisan, and the first day of Passover was the 15th. The Feast of First Fruits was celebrated the third day , the 16th of Nisan. So you can see how the first three feasts take place one right after another (with the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasting seven days). Passover is on Friday, Unleavened Bread started on Saturday, and Firstfruits on Sunday. Fulfillment in Christ This “third-day ” celebration was the same day that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul refers to Jesus as the first fruits of the dead. He represents the first of the great harvest of souls — including you — that will resurrect to eternal life because of the new covenant in his blood (Luke 22:20). In summary , the First Fruits pointed to the Messiah’s resurrection as the first fruits of the righteous. Jesus was resurrected on this very day, which is one of the reasons that Paul refers to him in I Corinthians 15:20 as the “first fruits from the dead.” 4. Feast of Weeks or Pentecost — Leviticus 23:16 This feast takes place on the 7th day of the 3rd month, Sivan. This feast is the second of the three harvest feasts. It occurs exactly seven weeks after the Feast of First Fruits, so it’s also called Pentecost, which means “50 days.” Traditionally, people were expected to bring the first harvest of grain to the Lord, including two leavened loaves of bread. This was a major feast that all male Jews were required to attend in Jerusalem at the temple. Fulfillment in Christ God’s plan to save souls included more than the Jews. Through Jesus, this plan was revealed. In Matthew 9:37, Jesus tells his disciples that “the harvest is great, but the workers are few .” Then he put the plan into place: In Acts 1:4, he tells them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. That arrival was the day the Church was born — Pentecost — and the harvest began with 3,000 souls. The message spread to both Jews and Gentiles (the two leavened loaves of bread), extending the harvest to us! In summary , the Feast of Pentecost — (Called Shavuot today), pointed to the great harvest of souls, both Jew and Gentile, that would come into the kingdom of God during the Church Age. The Church was actually established on this day when the Messiah poured out the Holy Spirit, and 3,000 souls responded to Peter’s first proclamation of the Gospel. Interval Between Spring and Fall Festivals The long interval of three months between Harvest and Trumpets pointed to the current Church Age, a period of time that was kept as a mystery to the Hebrew prophets in Old Testament times. That leaves us with the three fall feasts, which are yet to be fulfilled in the life and work of the Messiah. Because Jesus literally fulfilled the first four feasts and did so on the actual feast days, I think it is safe to assume that the last three will also be fulfilled and that their fulfillment will occur on the actual feast days. We cannot be certain how they will be fulfilled, but they will be in God's way and timing. Fall Festivals Similar to the first three spring feasts, the fall feasts take place one right after another. The Feast of Trumpets starts on the 1st day of the 7th month, Tishri, the Day of Atonement on the 10th day of Tishri, and the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths) on the 15th - 22nd of Tishri. 5. Fe stival of Shouting ( Trumpets) — Leviticus 23:24 This feast began on the 1st day of the 7th month, Tishri. In a beautiful declaration, God commands his people to rest. During this time, all regular work is prohibited, and men and women present a food offering to God. This feast lasts 10 days and begins with trumpet blasts to signal the time to prepare for the Day of Atonement Feast. Traditionally, it's also referred to as the "Ten Days of Awe." It's a time to afflict your soul and engage in serious soul searching. It's a time to repent and get right with God. In Leviticus 23:24, God commands his people to gather and commemorate the decree with trumpet blasts. Fulfillment in Christ In the same way, the sound of a trumpet is also associated with the rapture, or the time Jesus will return for his bride (1 Corinthians 15:52). Once he returns, there will be a wedding feast of celebration. Revelation 19:9 says, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb .” He’s preparing us to celebrate! In summary , the Feast of Trumpets (Called Rosh Hashana today), points to the Rapture when the Messiah will appear in the heavens as a Bridegroom coming for His bride, the Church. The Rapture is always associated in Scripture with the blowing of a loud trumpet (I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and I Corinthians 15:52). 6. Day of Atonement — Leviticus 16, 23:26-32 ; Numbers 29 This day was actually not a feast but a day of fasting. It began on the 10th day of the 7th month, Tishri. To make “atonement” is to make restitution for wrongs committed. As a day of humility and repentance to God, it was a time for the Jews to get their hearts, consciences, and lives right before him. The observance involved the sacrifice of animals as the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies. What the High Priest did there couldn’t offer more than an annual payment for their sins. However, hiding in plain sight was the promise of one who could atone for their sins permanently (Hebrews 9:12). This feast is when the entire nation of Israel's sins were dealt with as a whole. It's when the high priest would go inside the Holy of Holies (only once a year and on this day) to offer atonement for the sins of the entire nation. Fulfillment in Christ Where is Jesus in these sacrificed animals? The bull and one of the goats were an offering of thanks, but the “scapegoat” took on their sins (Leviticus 16:10). The scapegoat was to be burdened with all the sins of Israel and sent into the wilderness. The Jewish leaders condemned Jesus, and he — burdened with the sins of all mankind — was led out of the city to be crucified: “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins — and not only our sins but the sins of the world” (1 John 2:2). The necessity of the Day of Atonement was rendered void by Jesus’ death on the cross — our debt has been paid! In summary , the Day Atonement (Called Yom Kippur today), points to the day of the Second Coming of Jesus when He will return to earth. That will be the day of atonement for everyone and the Jewish remnant when they “look upon Him whom they have pierced ,” repent of their sins and receive Him as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10 and Romans 11:1-6, 25-36). 7. Feast of Tabernacles or Booths — Leviticus 23:34 This feast takes place on the 15th - 22nd days of the 7th month, Tishri. Celebration always follows the Day of Atonement. The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates God’s provision and protection for the people of Israel during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. During the seven days of the feast, people live in temporary structures as they did in the wilderness. The Lord himself was with the Israelites in the desert, in a tented temple called the tabernacle, so the feast also celebrates his presence as he tabernacles (dwells) with us. This was a major feast that all male Jews were required to attend in Jerusalem at the temple. Because the Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement were connected to the Feast of Booths, most Jews would arrive in Jerusalem to attend these three feasts that were one right after another. Fulfillment in Christ Jesus is called Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23). He put on a temporary tabernacle — a human body — to dwell on this earth and offer himself as a sacrifice. This feast also points to the promise that God will return and rally with his people — in the person of Jesus. And when he does, he has promised that there will be no more death and suffering, that he himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). His return is the final answer to the hope we’ve carried our entire lives. What a day that will be! In summary , the Feast of Tabernacles (Called Sukkot today.) Points to the Lord’s promise that He will once again tabernacle with His people when He returns to reign over all the world from Jerusalem (Micah 4:1-7). Faith Lesson 1. The New Testament is full of imagery of that is based on the Old Testament. What about us? Are we students of the Old Testament and do we know it well? 2. If we don't know the Old Testament well, we will miss many treasures in the New Testament. What about us? Can we spot the fulfillments of the imagery and types in the New Testament? 3. Christ said that He came to fulfill the Law. What about us? Can we see how Christ fulfills all the Old Testament prophecies and imagery of the Old Testament? Credit for some of the information on this page: Wycliffe.org, ChristInProphecy.org