Holy Land Tour Trips to Israel. In-depth Bible-centered tour trips to Israel. November 6-22, 2026, 17-Day Package Trip. Affordable tours of all the biblical sites in Israel. Holy Land Tour Trip to Is rael The Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime November 6 ~ 22, 2026 17-Day Trip (Includes travel to and from Israel) The length of your trip can be shortened if needed. You can start or depart the tour at any time. Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone worldwide with a valid passport for travel to Israel. Would you like to have a life-changing and never-to-be-forgotten experience in the Holy Land? If so, it is our joy to invite you to join us on a trip of a lifetime to the Land of the Bible, where you will find a new dimension in understanding the Bible and the life of Jesus. We will take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, visit places where Jesus walked, lived, taught, performed miracles, walked on the water, calmed the sea, and where He was crucified and raised from the dead. We will immerse ourselves in the Land of the Bible and experience it in the depths of our souls. You will never be the same, nor will you read your Bible the same way, after a trip like this. If it's Bible you want, then this trip is for you. At each site, we will give biblical and historical teaching, along with a faith lesson. Therefore, this trip is designed to provide an in-depth study and perspective on the events and places of the Bible as outlined in the Scriptures. Our goal is to offer a highly biblical, non-touristy, and inspirational trip to the Land of the Bible. Our trips also include sites that are off the beaten path. ___________________ "An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country. I've gone to Israel with this dear friend of mine twice. It's an 11 out of 10 trip!" Dan Reeves "I've looked and looked, but I just haven't found any groups with the same approach I got spoiled by when we went with you to Israel. Also, they're not really Bible-teaching tours. Your teaching tour is still head and shoulders above anything else, so if it works out, I'd like to go with you again next year." Todd Yaney Quick Links Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,750 USD Hotel Reservation Bookings & Airplane Flights About Your Tour Hosts Trip Registration, Deposits, Payments, & Cancelation Info Documents Needed to Enter Israel Itinerary Holy Land Trip Travel Orientation Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources Anchor 5 The Holy Land Experience! 17-Day Trip (Includes travel to and from Israel) Total Holy Land Trip Cost: $5,450 USD COST BREAKDOWN HolyLandSite.com Fee: $2 ,2 50 USD Items Included in HolyLandSite.com Fee: Transportation in Israel via a deluxe A/C motorcoach. All park & entrance passes. Holy Land Site tour guide and Bible teacher (Dr. Todd Fink). Wireless headsets for a better listening experience. All tips for tour bus driver and hotel staff. Personal Expenses: $3,200 USD To keep our trips as affordable as possible, and provide maximum flexibility, we have tour trip participants book their own lodging, airfare, and pay for their own meals. The costs below are estimates. Your price may vary depending on airfare from your location, room selection, and the level of dining expense you prefer. Items each individual pays for on their own: Meals in Israel: $500 per person ~ Meals can be eaten at the hotels, local restaurants, or in your room. Lodging in Israel: $1,250 per person ~ Based on private, double occupancy rooms. ~ We provide links to the three hotels we use, and you book them. ~ Hotels can be found below . Airfare: $1,400 per person Personal transportation in Israel: $50 per person Note: Personal transportation means travel from Ben Gurion Airport to Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel in Tel Aviv and from Prima Park Hotel in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. Taxis are the best method of transportation. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate everyone's time schedules due to the different arrival and departure times of our tour trip participants. However, we are happy to help in any way possible with these arrangements. Total Cost of Trip HolyLandSite.com Fee: $2,2 50 Personal Costs: $3,200 (Estimated Costs) Total: $5,4 50 USD THIS IS A CUSTOM-DESIGNED TRIP If you want to spend more time in Israel and see more holy sites, this trip is designed for you. Most trips to the Holy Land include around 7-8 full touring days in Israel. This severely limits what can be seen. Therefore, most who go to the Holy Land miss seeing many significant holy sites. Our trips include 13 full touring days in Israel. This allows you to see almost every significant site in Israel. A 17-day trip like ours is typically quite expensive (if you can find one). Why can we do it so inexpensively? We eliminate tour companies, travel agencies, and tour guides, and provide these services directly. We also allow you to book your own airfare, lodging, and pay for your own meals, providing you with a great deal of flexibility and options. We are pleased to serve you and our Lord Jesus Christ by offering you this unique and affordable trip of a lifetime. Since this is a custom trip, each participant is responsible for booking their airfare, lodging, and purchasing their meals. DO WE OFFER SHORTER TOUR TRIPS? If the length of the trip is too long, you are welcome to start or end at any time. You are not required to participate in the entire trip. MEALS IN ISRAEL (Paid by Each Individual) Eating in Israel is really quite simple. Below is what most people on our tours do: Breakfast ~ The hotels provide a large buffet-style breakfast, which can be paid for when you book your lodging or at the hotel. We highly recommend eating breakfast at the hotels as it saves a lot of time. They are large buffet meals that are already prepared, hot, and ready to eat. However, you can eat breakfast at a local restaurant or make it yourself in your hotel room if desired (all rooms have small refrigerators). Lunch ~ Because eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant while sightseeing, each trip participant will need to prepare a daily sack lunch. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores, or you can take extra items and your leftovers from the breakfast buffets at the hotels. All hotels have refrigerators in the rooms. Dinner ~ Many enjoy the local culture by eating out at local restaurants. However, if you prefer to eat at the hotels, they offer large buffet-style dinners. You can also by food at local stores and eat in your hotel room if desired (all rooms have small refrigerators). PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Those considering this trip should be in reasonably good physical shape. Our estimated daily walking distance (including some steps and minor hiking) will be about 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km). Each day will consist of about 8 hours of sightseeing. If desired, you are welcome to take a day off or stay on the tour bus to rest at any time during the trip. GROUP SIZE LIMIT To provide a more intimate and enhanced experience, we limit our group size to approximately 40 people. This allows us to be more efficient and see more places in Israel. Larger teams bring a different dynamic that slows things down and makes travel more difficult. AIR TRAVEL Each person will be responsible for booking their own air travel to Israel (Ben Gurion Airport). Please plan to arrive with plenty of time to attend our required orientation and get-acquainted meeting, scheduled for 7:00 pm at the Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel in Tel Aviv. Due to customs, luggage collection, and other factors, please allow 3 hours from the time of airport arrival to hotel arrival. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic conditions. Note: For those with the time and resources, arriving a day early will allow you to rest up and better prepare for your experience in Israel. TRANSPORTATION IN ISRAEL We will be transported via a large, air-conditioned motorcoach . Our bus driver is an Arab Christian who can take us to all the sites in Israel. LODGING IN ISRAEL During our time in Israel, we will stay at three nice hotels with private rooms and bathrooms. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Jerusalem. LUGGAGE SIZE AND AMOUNT We don't have a specific luggage size and number allowance per person, but we suggest not exceeding 40-50 lbs (18-22 kg) per piece of luggage, as it makes handling easier. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your luggage during the trip (although we, or others in the group, can help you if needed), so please pack only what you can comfortably lift. PARK & ENTRANCE PASSES Holy Land Site Ministries will pay all park and entrance fees for all sites. You are responsible for paying any entrance fees you want to see during your free time. WHAT WILL OUR VISITS TO EACH SITE BE LIKE? Our visits will typically last around two hours. We'll begin with an introduction to the site, then explore and experience its key points of interest. When touring the sites, we will take our time and walk at a leisurely pace, stopping along the way to explore and discuss the points of interest. Our estimated daily walking distance (including some steps and minor hiking) will be about 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km). We'll then find a quiet spot to reflect on the main events from the Bible that took place there and conclude with a faith lesson to learn the key truths God desires to teach us. Afterward, you will have approximately 15 minutes to purchase souvenirs, and use the bathroom. TRIP PREPARATION Please utilize the videos and information on our website, which provide helpful guidance and orientation to better understand the many biblical sites we will be visiting, the history of Israel, and other relevant information. Additionally, we will provide helpful details leading up to our trip to help you get the most out of your Holy Land experience. We also ask that you familiarize yourself with our Travel Orientation Material, which can be found on our website. You will find it extremely helpful. TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TRIP We’ve chosen the dates of this trip to visit Israel because the weather is stable, and there are no Jewish Holidays that will interfere with our travels. DAILY ITINERARY Please note that the schedule may be slightly adjusted due to circumstances beyond our control. MONEY IN ISRAEL Credit cards and Dollars are readily accepted, and Shekels can be drawn from ATMs. INTERNET IN ISRAEL Phone SIM and eSIM cards can be purchased for around $39.99 if you want Internet service in Israel. You can also activate your phone for international service. If you don't have Internet access through your phone service, free Wi-Fi is available at each hotel, and the tour bus offers complimentary Internet service. DIGITAL MAPS OF DAILY TRIP ITINERARY For each day's tour trip itinerary , a link to a Google Map of the route and sites we'll see is provided . These maps are in the Itinerary Section. Here's an example: Tour Day 1: G oogle Map Itinerary DAILY SCHEDULE We will meet in the main lobby of each hotel at 7:15 am and depart promptly at 7:30 am to board the tour bus. We will return around 4:00 - 5:00 pm. After returning to our hotel at the end of each day, you will have free time to relax, dine at the hotel, explore the local sites, enjoy dining out, and experience the local culture. PERSONAL TRAVEL IN ISRAEL You can take a taxi, walk, or use the bus or light rail train system. It's helpful to have Internet service (you can activate your phone or obtain an Israeli SIM, eSIM card) and use Google or Apple Maps to navigate. It will tell you which bus, light rail train, or walking route suits you best. It also works in real-time, so you can see precisely when buses and trains are arriving and departing. AGE LIMIT The minimum age for trip participants is 12 years old unless other arrangements have been made with us. ITINERARY Please see our detailed itinerary below. DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO ENTER ISRAEL Valid Passport Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone worldwide with a valid passport for travel to Israel. Passports must have at least six months left before expiration. B2 Stay Permit This permit is issued upon arrival at the airport. Self-service kiosks are available, where you can scan your passport, and a printed B2 Stay Permit will be issued. It's essential to keep this permit safe, as you will be required to present it multiple times during your stay in Israel. For convenience, you may want to place it inside your passport or wallet. Here is our helpful Ben Gurion Arrival Orientation Video that shows all about this: https://youtu.be/65N9VktYE0c Visas Israel does not require Visas from almost all countries in the world to enter its country. However, if you are from a country that Israel does require a Visa from before entering its country, you will need to check and verify this in advance. ETA-IL Electronic Document The rules for travel to Israel have changed. Starting from January 2025, visitors from Visa-exempt countries (meaning you don't need a Visa to enter Israel) are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel and stay for up to 90 days per visit. All Visa-exempt travelers to Israel must have an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. ETA-IL is designed to smoothen border control upon arrival in Israel and ensure Israel's national security. How long is an ETA-IL valid? Obtaining an ETA-IL indicates you can travel to Israel as a tourist and stay up to 90 days. Your ETA-IL authorization is generally valid for multiple trips over a period of two years from the date your application is approved, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. What does the ETA-IL application cost? 25 NIS ($7.50 USD) per applicant. How to apply for an ETA-IL? The application is made online through the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority website. Here's the link: ETA-IL (piba.gov.il) When to apply for ETA-IL Please apply no later than one month before your trip departure date to allow for any issues that may arise. You can submit your application sooner if you prefer. Helpful video from the Israeli government website about the ETA-IL document, and how to obtain it: How to Use ETA-IL for Eligibility to Enter Israel Anchor 1 TOUR HOSTS Todd & Letsy Fink More about the Finks TRIP REGISTRATION, DEPOSITS, PAYMENTS, & CANCELATION INFO HOW TO REGISTER & CONFIRM YOUR SPOT 1. Please fill out the online registration form, and we will notify you of your acceptance on the tour trip team. 2. After being notified of your acceptance on the tour team, please pay your non-refundable registration deposit of $500 USD. Your deposit is what confirms your spot on the tour team. REGISTRATION, DEPOSIT, AND FINAL PAYMENT LINKS Holy Land Trip Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,750 USD FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE Your final payment deadline is August 1, 2026 . For those who wish to attend this trip after August 1 , 2026, we will handle reservations on a space availability basis. Thanks for your understanding. CANCEL ATIONS & REFUNDS Deposit Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries All deposit payments are non-refundable and non-transferable to other trip dates, as HolyLandSite.com has significant overhead commitments invested in each trip, including reservations, office staff, travel arrangements, bus rental, and so forth, which cannot be recuperated. Refund of Final Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries 1. If you need to cancel your trip for personal reasons before August 1, 2026 , Holy Land Site Ministries will only be able to refund one-half of your final payment. 2. If you must cancel your trip for personal reasons after August 1 , 2026 , Holy Land Site Ministries will not be able to refund any of your final payment due to expenses already incurred that cannot be recuperated. Transferring Payments to a Different Tour Trip Date No payments to Holy Land Site Ministries can be transferred from one tour trip to another. Refunds from Purchases of Airline Tickets, Lodging, etc. Holy Land Site Ministries cannot refund any of these funds because they were not paid to Holy Land Site Ministries. Refund if the Trip is Canceled Due to Events Out of Our Control, like Covid, Other Viruses, War, and So Forth 1. 100% of the final payment to Holy Land Site Ministries will be refunded. 2. The deposit payment of $500 is not refundable because HolyLandSite.com has many overhead commitments invested in each trip, such as reservations, office staff, travel commitments, bus rental, and so forth, that cannot be recuperated. However, rest assured that we are "Old School" and don't cancel trips unless it's impossible for us to go. The fact that we have led tour trips during wartime reveals that we don't cancel our trips. 3. Refunds from flights and lodging will be the responsibility of each person, as these were booked personally. 4. Unfortunately, Holy Land Site Ministries cannot act as your trip insurance if the trip must be canceled or you choose to cancel for personal reasons. Therefore, we encourage you to follow our suggestions below to book your trip with little financial commitment. IDEAS TO BOOK YOUR TRIP WITH LITTLE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT 1. Book Your Lodging Through Booking.com They require no upfront charge and allow free cancelation up to one week or so before your trip. 2. If Possible, Book Your Airfare With Cancelation Coverage 3. Buy Trip Protection Insurance If you would like trip protection insurance to protect you in the event of trip cancelation for any reason, many third-party insurance agencies offer travel protection insurance in case of unforeseen cancelations. Travel Protection Agency Options Travel Guard: https://www.travelguard.com Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com Seven Corners: sevencorners.com World Nomads: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKINGS & AIRLINE FLIGHTS Lodging For those with the time and resources, arriving a day or two early in Israel will allow you to rest up and better prepare for your experience in Israel. Hotels generally allow bookings about one year in advance. It's wise to book your lodging as soon as possible within this timeframe, as accommodations in Israel fill up quickly. Flights You can book your flights at your convenience. Most people book their flights around four to six months before the trip. Israel's main international airport is Ben Gurion Airport, abbreviated TLV. HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKING LINKS We strongly suggest choosing the "Free Cancelation" option when booking. This will protect you in case of some unforeseen change in plans. You can book using the hotel direct links provided below (best price) or book using the hotel booking platform of your choice. When booking your lodging, please mention in the message section that you are part of the HolyLandSite.com Tour Group. They will give you better rooms, along with other benefits. Be certain to check your dates. Some of the hotel sites can be a little confusing. The dates you want to confirm will appear directly to the right of the room selection. Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel , 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv Check-in: November 7 Check-out: November 8, one-night stay. Hotel Direct Reservation Link Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, 1 El Hadif Street, Tiberias Check-in: November 8 Check-out: November 12 , four-night stay. Hotel Direct Reservation Link Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem Check-in: November 12 Check-out: November 21 , nine-night stay. Hotel Direct Reservation Link Promo code (Holyland12) gives our tour group a 12% discount at this hotel. Note: Be certain the promo code (Holyland12) appears in the top-right box. If for some reason you need to update the search results, the dates will be set back by one day. This can be confusing. You will need to re-enter the correct dates. Also, the dates that appear on the top of the page in the search box will be off by one day. The correct dates that matter are just to the right of the room selection option. Sorry about this! It's an issue with the hotel's website. If, for some reason, a hotel is full, just book a hotel of your choice nearby and meet us at the main lobby of the hotel at 7:15 am to board the tour bus. CONTACT INFO: Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website : HolyLandSite.com Anchor 2 Anchor 4 DAILY ITINERARY FRI, NOVEMBER 6 DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND Please plan to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, no later than November 7, by 3:00 pm if possible. This will give you plenty of time for everything before attending the required orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. We'll meet at the main check-in lobby of the Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel and then go to our meeting place. Note: For those with the time and resources, arriving a day early will allow you to rest up and get better prepared for your experience in Israel. Click to see the "Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Orientation Video." SAT, NOVEMBER 7 TEL AVIV After arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, you will proceed through the airport. Please don’t lose the small B2 Stay Permit paper you will be provided at one of the kiosks. Afterward, you can take a taxi to Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. Due to customs, luggage pickup, and so forth, please allow approximately 3 hours of travel time from the airport to the hotel. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic conditions. The orientation and get-acquainted meeting is at 7:00 pm. Please meet in the main hotel lobby. Free time afterward. Lodging at Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel, 7 Peretz Berenstein Street, Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv. One night total. Google Map from Ben Gurion to Kfar Maccabiah Hotel SUN, NOVEMBER 8 TEL AVIV – SEA OF GALILEE AREA Refreshed from a good night's sleep, we’ll visit Old Jaffa (Joppa), the traditional home of Simon the Tanner, the port from which Jonah sailed, and the logs arrived for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. We’ll then pass through the fast-growing towns and farms of the Plain of Sharon en route to Caesarea Maritima , where the Holy Spirit came to the Gentiles and the site of major events in the lives of Peter and Paul. We’ll drive through the rolling hills of Galilee to Nazareth , where Jesus grew up, and visit the Church of the Annunciation , where the angel, Gabriel, announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. We'll then drive through Cana , where Christ performed His first public miracle. Then it’s on to Tiberias by the beautiful Sea of Galilee . Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Galil Tiberias Hotel, 1 El Hadif Street, Tiberias. Four nights total. Tour Day 1: Google Map Itinerary MON, NOVEMBER 9 SEA OF GALILEE AREA This day alone is worth the trip! We are now literally walking in the footsteps of Jesus. We'll start the day with a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in a replica of an ancient wooden boat used during Jesus' time. We’ll visit the Mount of Beatitudes , the location of the beautiful Sermon on the Mount, where Christ preached his longest and most famous sermon. Then, on to Capernaum , where Jesus established his home ministry base and often preached in the ancient synagogue. We will continue our drive around the Sea of Galilee to Kursi , where Christ cast out a legion of demons from a demon-possessed man. We'll conclude this amazing day of walking in the footsteps of Jesus by visiting Kinar Beach, where the Feeding of the 5,000 most likely happened. At this beach, you'll have the rare treat of swimming in the beautiful waters of the Sea of Galilee . Free time afterward. Tour Day 2: Google Map Itinerary TUES, NOVEMBER 10 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll journey north to Caesarea Philippi , where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God ." We'll then visit Chorazin , one of the towns Jesus cursed because of their unbelief in Him. We’ll visit Tabgha , the place where Jesus restored Peter to fellowship and ministry. We'll wrap up the day with a visit to Magdala , the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. Free time afterward. Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary WED, NOVEMBER 11 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll drive along the Jordan Valley to Beth Shean , a stunning Roman Decapolis city and the place where Saul and his son’s bodies were hanged after defeat in battle. We’ll either visit Gideon’s Spring , where Gideon selected his soldiers to battle against the Midianites, or Tel Megiddo (Armageddon), where a key end time battle will happen. We’ll return to the Sea of Galilee and finish the day on top of Mt. Arbel , the site believed to be where Christ gave the Great Commission, and where we'll see all the sites of the Sea of Galilee from its breathtaking view. Free time afterward. Tour Day 4: Google Map Itinerary THURS, NOVEMBER 12 JORDAN VALLEY AREA We’ll drive south along the Jordan Valley , following the footsteps that Jesus and His disciples would have walked, arriving at the Baptismal Site of Jesus, where John baptized Jesus. We'll provide an option for those who would like to get baptized to do so. Then to Jericho , the oldest known walled city, and the first place Joshua and the Israelites conquered upon entering the Promised Land. We’ll then visit Qumran , where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. Then, we'll ascend and enter Jerusalem as pilgrims have done since ancient times to fulfill the words of the prophet: I was glad when they said unto me: "Our feet shall stand within thy Gates, O Jerusalem." Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem. Nine nights total. Tour Day 5: Google Map Itinerary FRI, NOVEMBER 13 DEAD SEA AREA We’ll begin the day by driving to Masada , a massive fortress rock column that overlooks the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on earth). We'll ascend Masada by cable car to visit the remnants of Herod's Palace, where in 73 AD, the Zealots made their last stand against the might of Rome. We'll drive by En Gedi , pointing out where David hid in this area from King Saul. We’ll visit ancient Gomorrah , one of the cities God destroyed by fire and brimstone due to their wickedness. Then, what would a visit to Israel be without taking a dip, or rather a float, in the Dead Sea ? Free time afterward. Tour Day 6: Google Map Itinerary SAT, NOVEMBER 14 BETHLEHEM – JUDAH AREA We'll begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Herodian Fortress . While there, we'll view Bethlehem in the distance, the Shepherds' Fields, the Fields of Boaz and Ruth, and see where David kept his sheep as a young man . Then, we'll visit Bethlehem, Manger Square, and the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. We’ll continue our travels to the Valley of Elah , where David slew Goliath. Then on to Beth Shemesh , where key events in the life of Samson took place, and where the Ark of the Covenant was miraculously returned to the Israelites by the Philistines. Free time afterward. Tour Day 7: Google Map Itinerary SUN, NOVEMBER 15 SAMARIA AREA Today, we’ll travel north to the ancient Samaria region of the Bible. We'll visit Shechem , where Abraham first entered the Promised Land and erected an altar. We’ll see and drink from Jacob’s Well , where Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman. We’ll see where Joseph’s bones were buried at the Tomb of Joseph . We’ll see ancient Shiloh , where the Tabernacle resided for 369 years, and Hannah prayed for a son (Samuel). Then it’s on to ancient Bethel , where Jacob saw a ladder to heaven, where the tabernacle resided, and where Jeroboam erected a Golden Calf. We'll drive by the site of ancient Ai , the second city Joshua and the Israelites destroyed. Free time afterward. Tour Day 8: Google Map Itinerary MON, NOVEMBER 16 NEGEV & ISRAEL MUSEUM Today, we’ll travel to Hebron , where Abraham had many encounters with God, and from where King David reigned over Judah for 7 1/2 years. We'll begin by seeing the Oaks of Mamre, where God made one of the most important covenants in the Bible with Abraham. We'll then travel a short distance to the Cave of Machpelah , where the patriarchs and their wives are buried. Close to Machpelah are the ruins of ancient Tel Hebron . We'll then return to Jerusalem and visit the Israel Museum , where an amazing model of Jerusalem from 66 AD is located. We'll also see the Shrine of the Book and the archaeological wing of the museum. Free time afterward. Tour Day 9: Google Map Itinerary TUES, NOVEMBER 17 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day at the highest point on the Mount of Olives , where we'll v isit the Chapel of Ascension , the place Christ ascended back to heaven, and where His feet will touch down at His glorious second coming. We'll then visit Pater Noster Church , where Christ taught His disciples how to pray. As we descend the Mount of Olives , we’ll stop at a lookout spot that offers a magnificent view of Old City Jerusalem , allowing us to orient ourselves to the city's layout and key places . We'll see the Tombs of the Prophets , where Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are believed to be buried. We’ll then walk the Triumphal Entry Path to Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations . Along the way, we’ll visit Dominus Flevit Church , where Christ wept over Jerusalem. We’ll then see Mary’s Tomb and then finish the day visiting Gethsemane Cave , where Jesus spent His last hours before going to the cross to be crucified. Free time afterward. Tour Day 10: Google Map Itinerary WED, NOVEMBER 18 JERUSALEM Today, we’ll visit and walk on the Temple Mount , the location of Solomon’s Temple and the holiest and most contested piece of land in the world. We'll then see the Western Wall , the Jews’ most sacred site in Israel. We’ll visit the Jerusalem Archaeological Park , which has numerous amazing attractions, including the Southern Stairs Area , the main entrance to the Temple Mount —a place where Christ and His disciples would have often been —and the likely location where those who received Christ at Pentecost were baptized. We’ll then walk through part of the Cardo , an original Roman street, and see the amazing remains of the massive Broad Wall built by King Hezekiah. We'll wind up the day by walking the Rooftop Walk over Old City Jerusalem. Free time afterward. Tour Day 11 : Google Map Itinerary THURS, NOVEMBER 19 JERUSALEM Today, we'll be privileged to visit the City of David , where everything began in Jerusalem. While in the City of David, we'll see David's Palace , ancient ruins, the remains of Nehemiah's Wall, and King David's Tomb. For those who would like, you can walk through Hezekiah's Water Tunnel , which diverts the water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam. For the others, you can walk the Canaanite Dry Tunnel . We'll then all meet and see the Pool of Siloam , where Christ healed a blind man, and walk part of the Pilgrims' Road . We’ll then walk part of the Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat), where God’s winepress of wrath will be poured out on the gathered nations at Christ's second coming and from where the blood (the height of a horse’s bridle) will flow to the Dead Sea and beyond. We'll then visit the Upper Room , the location of the Last Supper , and where an early Christian church/synagogue was built shortly after the time of Christ. Next, we'll see the House of Caiaphas , where Christ was tried before Caiaphas, Peter denied Christ three times, and where Christ was beaten and spent the night in a dungeon . While at the House of Caiaphas, we'll see a Model of Jerusalem dating to around 600 AD. Tour Day 12: Google Map Itinerary FRI, NOVEMBER 20 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day by walking along the Eastern Wall and seeing the famous Eastern Gate , where we'll see ancient stones dating back to Solomon's time and evidence of the original Temple Mount and its expansions over the years. Then it's on to see the Pools of Bethesda , where Jesus healed a sick man after he had waited 38 long years. We’ll walk the traditional path of the Via Dolorosa and see the 14 Stations of the Cross that lead to Golgotha, where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located today. We'll then visit and explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see why it's the best candidate for Golgotha. From there, we'll walk the biblical Via Dolorosa to Pilate’s Palace and Gabbatha (the stone-paved judgment place where Christ was condemned to crucifixion). Tour Day 13: Google Map Itinerary Farew ell Dinner at 6:00 pm. Free time afterward. SAT, NOVEMBER 21 ISRAEL - HOME Unless you plan to continue your stay in Israel, you’ll transfer to the airport and arrive home with wonderful memories of your visit to the Land of the Bible! You will be responsible for your own transportation from the hotel to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The hotel in Jerusalem (Prima Park) offers several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. All of them can be prearranged in advance. Check-out time at the hotel is 11:00 am. However, they will hold your luggage in a secure place if your flight is later in the day or in the evening. Travel time to Ben Gurion Airport is about one hour. We recommend arriving at Ben Gurion Airport at least 3 hours before flight departure. This means you should leave the hotel in Jerusalem at least 4 hours in advance. The following are your transportation options: 1. Taxi: C osts around $140 USD for up to 4 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). 2. Shuttle Taxi: Costs around $160 USD for up to 6 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). Please arrange transportation with the hotel's front desk at least a day in advance. All transportation options take approximately an hour to reach the airport and operate daily, including on Shabbat (Saturday). Google Map from Prima Park Hotel to Ben Gurion Airport C li ck t o see the "Ben Gurion Airport Departure Orientation Video." SUN, NOVEMBER 22 ARRIVE HOME Return home filled with an overflowing heart, knowing that you walked in the footsteps of Christ and experienced the actual places where many of the events in the Bible took place. Anchor 3

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

Holy Land Tour Trips to Israel. In-depth Bible-centered tour trips to Israel. April 30 - May 16, 2027, 17-Day Package Trip. Affordable tours of all the biblical sites in Israel. Holy Land Tour Trip to Is rael The Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime April 30 ~ May 16, 2027 17-Day Trip (Includes travel to and from Israel) You can shorten the trip if needed. You can start or depart the tour at any time. Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone worldwide with a valid passport for travel to Israel. This trip is currently full. Please consider one of our upcoming trips or join the waiting list. Would you like a life-changing, unforgettable experience in the Holy Land? If so, we're delighted to invite you to join us on a trip of a lifetime to the Land of the Bible, where you'll gain a new dimension of understanding of the Bible and the life of Jesus. We will take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee and visit places where Jesus walked, lived, taught, performed miracles, walked on the water, calmed the sea, and was crucified and raised from the dead. We will immerse ourselves in the Land of the Bible and experience it in the depths of our souls. After a trip like this, you will never be the same, and you will never read your Bible the same way. If you want a Bible-rich experience, this trip is for you. At each site, we will give biblical and historical teaching, along with a faith lesson. Therefore, this trip is designed to provide an in-depth study and perspective on the events and places of the Bible as outlined in the Scriptures. Our goal is to offer a highly biblical, non-touristy, and inspirational trip to the Land of the Bible. Our trips also include off-the-beaten-path sites. ___________________ "An absolutely amazing trip with a guy who knows his Bible and can relate it to you in-country. I've gone to Israel with this dear friend of mine twice. It's an 11 out of 10 trip!" Dan Reeves "I've looked and looked, but I just haven't found any groups with the same approach I got spoiled by when we went with you to Israel. Also, they're not really Bible-teaching tours. Your teaching tour is still head and shoulders above anything else, so if it works out, I'd like to go with you again next year." Todd Yaney Quick Links Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,850 USD Hotel Reservation Bookings & Airplane Flights About Your Tour Hosts Trip Registration, Deposits, Payments, & Cancelation Info Documents Needed to Enter Israel Itinerary Holy Land Trip Travel Orientation Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources Anchor 5 The Holy Land Experience! 17-Day Trip (Includes travel to and from Israel) Total Holy Land Trip Cost: $5,850 USD COST BREAKDOWN HolyLandSite.com Fee: $2 ,3 50 USD Items Included in HolyLandSite.com Fee: Transportation in Israel Via a Deluxe A/C Motorcoach All Park & Entrance Passes Holy Land Site Tour Guide and Bible Teacher (Dr. Todd Fink) Wireless Headsets for a Better Listening Experience All tips for the tour bus driver and hotel staff. Personal Expenses: $3,500 USD To keep our trips as affordable as possible and allow maximum flexibility, trip participants book their own lodging and airfare and pay for their own meals. The costs below are estimates. Your price may vary depending on airfare from your location, your room selection, and your preferred dining level. Items each individual pays for on their own: Meals in Israel: $500 per person ~ Meals can be eaten at the hotels, local restaurants, or in your room. Lodging in Israel: $1,550 per person ~ Based on private, double occupancy rooms. ~ We provide links to the three hotels we use, and you book them. ~ Hotels can be found below . Airfare: $1,400 per person Personal transportation in Israel: $50 per person Note: Personal transportation includes travel from Ben Gurion Airport to the Abba Hotel in Tel Aviv and from the Prima Park Hotel in Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport. Taxis are the best option. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate everyone's schedules because our tour participants have different arrival and departure times. However, we are happy to help with these arrangements in any way we can. Total Cost of Trip HolyLandSite.com Fee: $2,3 50 Personal Costs: $3,500 (Estimated Costs) Total: $5,8 50 USD THIS IS A CUSTOM-DESIGNED TRIP If you want to spend more time in Israel and see more holy sites, this trip is designed for you. Most Holy Land trips include about 7-8 full touring days in Israel. This severely limits what you can see. As a result, many who go to the Holy Land miss significant holy sites. Our trips include 13 full touring days in Israel. This allows you to see almost every significant site in Israel. A 17-day trip like ours is typically quite expensive (if you can find one). Why can we do it so inexpensively? We eliminate tour companies, travel agencies, and tour guides, and provide these services directly. You can also book your own airfare and lodging and pay for your own meals, giving you great flexibility and options. We are pleased to serve you and our Lord Jesus Christ by offering this unique, affordable trip of a lifetime. Because this is a custom trip, each participant is responsible for booking their airfare and lodging and purchasing their meals. DO WE OFFER SHORTER TOUR TRIPS? If the trip is too long, you can start or end at any time. You don't need to participate in the entire trip. MEALS IN ISRAEL (Paid by Each Individual) Eating in Israel is really quite simple. Below is what most people on our tours do: Breakfast ~ Hotels provide a large buffet-style breakfast, which you can pay for when you book your lodging or at the hotel. We highly recommend eating breakfast at the hotels as it saves a lot of time. They are large buffet meals that are already prepared, hot, and ready to eat. However, if you prefer, you can eat breakfast at a local restaurant or make it yourself in your hotel room (all rooms have small refrigerators). Lunch ~ Because eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant while sightseeing, each trip participant will need to prepare a daily sack lunch. You can buy lunch items at local grocery stores, or take extra items and leftovers from the hotel breakfast buffets. All hotels have in-room refrigerators. Dinner ~ Many enjoy the local culture by eating out at local restaurants. However, if you prefer to eat at the hotels, they offer large buffet-style dinners. You can also buy food at local stores and eat in your hotel room if desired (all rooms have small refrigerators). PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Those considering this trip should be in reasonably good physical shape. Our estimated daily walking distance (including some steps and minor hiking) will be about 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km). Each day includes about 8 hours of sightseeing. If you'd like, you can take a day off or stay on the tour bus to rest at any time during the trip. GROUP SIZE LIMIT To provide a more intimate, enhanced experience, we limit our group size to about 40 people. This allows us to be more efficient and see more places in Israel. Larger teams bring a different dynamic that slows things down and makes travel more difficult. AIR TRAVEL Each person will be responsible for booking their own air travel to Israel (Ben Gurion Airport). Please plan to arrive with plenty of time to attend our required orientation and get-acquainted meeting, scheduled for 7:00 pm at the Kfar Maccabiah Business & Sport Hotel in Tel Aviv. Due to customs, luggage collection, and other factors, please allow 3 hours between your airport arrival and your hotel arrival. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. Note: If you have the time and resources, arriving a day early will let you rest and better prepare for your experience in Israel. TRANSPORTATION IN ISRAEL We will travel by a large, air-conditioned motorcoach . Our bus driver is an Arab Christian who can take us to all the sites in Israel. LODGING IN ISRAEL During our time in Israel, we will stay at three nice hotels with private rooms and bathrooms. Our itinerary shows the hotels where we will stay: Tel Aviv, Tiberias, and Jerusalem. LUGGAGE SIZE AND AMOUNT We don't have a specific luggage size or number allowance per person, but we suggest keeping each piece of luggage under 40-50 lbs. (18-22 kg) to make handling easier. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your luggage during the trip (though we or others in the group can help if needed), so please pack only what you can comfortably lift. PARK & ENTRANCE PASSES Holy Land Site Ministries will pay all park and entrance fees for all sites. You are responsible for paying any entrance fees for sites you want to visit during your free time. WHAT WILL OUR VISITS TO EACH SITE BE LIKE? Our visits will typically last around two hours. We'll begin with an introduction to the site, then explore and experience its key points of interest. During the tour, we will take our time and walk at a leisurely pace, stopping along the way to explore and discuss the points of interest. Our estimated daily walking distance (including some steps and minor hiking) will be about 2 to 4 miles (3 to 6 km). We'll then find a quiet spot to reflect on the main events from the Bible that took place there and conclude with a faith lesson that teaches the key truths God wants us to learn. Afterward, you will have approximately 15 minutes to purchase souvenirs and use the bathroom. TRIP PREPARATION Please use the videos and information on our website, which provide helpful guidance and orientation to help you better understand the many biblical sites we will visit, Israel's history, and other relevant information. We will also provide helpful details leading up to our trip so you can get the most out of your Holy Land experience. We also ask that you familiarize yourself with our Travel Orientation Material, which can be found on our website. You will find it extremely helpful. TIME OF YEAR FOR THIS TRIP We chose these dates to visit Israel because the weather is stable and no Jewish holidays will interfere with our travels. DAILY ITINERARY Please note that we may adjust the schedule slightly due to circumstances beyond our control. MONEY IN ISRAEL Credit cards and Dollars are readily accepted, and you can withdraw shekels from ATMs. INTERNET IN ISRAEL You can buy a phone SIM or eSIM for around $20.00 if you want Internet service in Israel: IsraelieSIM - Israel's fastest cellular network | Pelephone . You can also activate your phone for international service. If your phone service doesn't include Internet access, free Wi-Fi is available at each hotel, and the tour bus offers complimentary Internet service. DIGITAL MAPS OF DAILY TRIP ITINERARY For each day's tour itinerary , we provide a link to a Google Map of the route and sites we'll see . These maps are in the Itinerary Section. Here's an example: Tour Day 1: G oogle Map Itinerary DAILY SCHEDULE We will meet in the main hotel lobby each day at 7:15 am to depart for the tour bus. The tour bus will leave the hotel promptly at 7:30 am. Unfortunately, we cannot wait for late arrivals, so each person is responsible for being on time. We have a schedule, and the bus will depart promptly at the indicated times . Thank you for your understanding. We will return around 4:00 - 5:00 pm. After returning to the hotel each day, you will have free time to relax, dine at the hotel, explore local sites, dine out, and experience local culture. PERSONAL TRAVEL IN ISRAEL You can take a taxi, walk, or use the bus or light rail train system. It's helpful to have Internet service (you can activate your phone or obtain an Israeli SIM or eSIM card) and use Google or Apple Maps to navigate. It will tell you which bus, light rail train, or walking route suits you best. It also works in real time, so you can see exactly when buses and trains arrive and depart. AGE LIMIT The minimum age for trip participants is 12, unless you have made other arrangements with us. ITINERARY Please see our detailed itinerary below. DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO ENTER ISRAEL Valid Passport Our Holy Land Trips are open to anyone worldwide with a valid passport for travel to Israel. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. B2 Stay Permit You receive this permit upon arrival at the airport. Self-service kiosks let you scan your passport and print your B2 Stay Permit. Keep this permit safe, as you will need to present it multiple times during your stay in Israel. For convenience, you may want to place it inside your passport or wallet. Here is our helpful Ben Gurion Arrival Orientation Video that shows all about this: https://youtu.be/65N9VktYE0c Visas Israel does not require Visas from almost all countries. However, if you are from a country that Israel requires a visa for, you will need to check and verify this in advance. ETA-IL Electronic Document Travel rules for Israel have changed. Starting in January 2025, visitors from Visa-exempt countries (meaning you don't need a Visa to enter Israel) must obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Israel. An approved ETA-IL lets you travel to Israel and stay up to 90 days per visit. All Visa-exempt travelers to Israel must obtain ETA-IL approval before starting their journey. ETA-IL is designed to smooth border control upon arrival in Israel and ensure Israel's national security. How long is an ETA-IL valid? An ETA-IL lets you travel to Israel as a tourist and stay up to 90 days. Your ETA-IL authorization is generally valid for multiple trips within two years of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. What does the ETA-IL application cost? 25 NIS ($7.50 USD) per applicant. How to apply for an ETA-IL? You apply online through the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority website. Here's the link: ETA-IL (piba.gov.il) When to apply for ETA-IL Please apply at least one month before your departure date to allow time for any issues that may arise. You can submit your application sooner if you prefer. Helpful video from the Israeli government website about the ETA-IL document and how to obtain it: How to Use ETA-IL for Eligibility to Enter Israel Anchor 1 TOUR HOSTS Todd & Letsy Fink More about the Finks TRIP REGISTRATION, DEPOSITS, PAYMENTS, & CANCELATION INFO HOW TO REGISTER & CONFIRM YOUR SPOT 1. Please fill out the online registration form, and we will notify you of your acceptance to the tour team. 2. After being notified of your acceptance to the tour team, please pay your non-refundable registration deposit of $500 USD. Your deposit is what confirms your spot on the tour team. REGISTRATION, DEPOSIT, AND FINAL PAYMENT LINKS Registration Form (Required for each person) Deposit Payment ~ $500 USD Final Payment ~ $1,850 USD FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE Your final payment deadline is February 1, 2027 . If you wish to attend this trip after February 1, 2027, we will handle reservations based on space availability. Thanks for your understanding. CANCEL ATIONS & REFUNDS Deposit Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries All deposit payments are non-refundable and non-transferable to other trip dates, as HolyLandSite.com has significant overhead commitments for each trip, including reservations, office staff, travel arrangements, bus rental, and so forth, that cannot be recovered. Refund of Final Payment to Holy Land Site Ministries 1. If you need to cancel your trip for personal reasons before February 1, 2027 , Holy Land Site Ministries will only be able to refund one-half of your final payment. 2. If you must cancel your trip for personal reasons after February 1, 2027 , Holy Land Site Ministries will not be able to refund any of your final payment due to expenses already incurred that cannot be recovered. Transferring Payments to a Different Tour Trip Date Unfortunately, we cannot transfer payments to Holy Land Site Ministries from one tour trip to another. Refunds from Purchases of Airline Tickets, Lodging, etc. Holy Land Site Ministries cannot refund any of these funds because they were not paid to Holy Land Site Ministries. Refund if the Trip is Canceled Due to Events Out of Our Control, like COVID, Other Viruses, War, and So Forth 1. 100% of the final payment to Holy Land Site Ministries will be refunded. 2. The deposit payment of $500 is not refundable because HolyLandSite.com has many overhead commitments invested in each trip, such as reservations, office staff, travel commitments, bus rental, and so forth, that cannot be recuperated. However, rest assured that we are "Old School" and don't cancel trips unless we absolutely can't go. Our experience leading tours during wartime shows we don't cancel trips. 3. Refunds from flights and lodging will be the responsibility of each person, as these were booked personally. 4. Unfortunately, Holy Land Site Ministries cannot act as your trip insurance if the trip must be canceled or you choose to cancel for personal reasons. Therefore, we encourage you to follow our suggestions below to book your trip with little financial commitment. IDEAS TO BOOK YOUR TRIP WITH LITTLE FINANCIAL COMMITMENT 1. Book Your Lodging Through Booking.com They require no upfront charge and allow free cancelation up to one week or so before your trip. 2. If Possible, Book Your Airfare with Cancelation Coverage 3. Buy Trip Protection Insurance If you would like trip protection insurance to protect you in the event of trip cancelation for any reason, many third-party insurance agencies offer travel protection insurance in case of unforeseen cancelations. Travel Protection Agency Options Travel Guard: https://www.travelguard.com Allianz Travel Insurance: allianztravelinsurance.com Seven Corners: sevencorners.com World Nomads: https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-insurance HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKINGS & AIRLINE FLIGHTS Lodging If you have the time and resources, arriving a day or two early in Israel will let you rest up and better prepare for your experience. Hotels generally allow bookings about one year in advance. Please book your lodging as soon as possible within this timeframe, as accommodations in Israel fill up quickly. Flights You can book your flights at your convenience. Most people book their flights 4 to 6 months before the trip. Israel's main international airport is Ben Gurion Airport, abbreviated TLV. HOTEL RESERVATION BOOKING LINKS We strongly suggest choosing the "Free Cancelation" option when booking. This will protect you if your plans change unexpectedly. You can book using the hotel's direct links below (best price) or through the booking platform of your choice. When booking your lodging, please mention in the message section that you are part of the HolyLandSite.com Tour Group . They will offer you better rooms and other benefits. Be certain to check your dates. Some of the hotel sites can be a little confusing. Sometimes the dates in the search box may be different from the correct dates. The dates you want to confirm will appear directly to the right of the room selection. You can also change currencies by checking the money box. Abba Hotel Tel Aviv-Yafo - Formerly Numa, Sheerit Israel 1, Tel Aviv Check-in: May 1 Check-out: May 2, one-night stay. Hotel Direct Reservation Link (If this page opens in Hebrew, go to the top left corner and click the English flag. You will then need to enter the check-in and check-out dates.) Emily's Hotel, HaGalil 66, Tiberias Check-in: May 2 Check-out: May 6, four-night stay. Hotel Direct Reservation Link (You can also become a Club Member and save 5%.) Note: Emily's Hotel has a sister hotel (same owner) right beside it called Aviv Holiday Flat. The quality is not as nice as Emily's Hotel, but the price is much lower. Guests at Aviv Holiday Flat eat their meals in the dining room at Emily's Hotel. Here is the info if you'd like to book it instead. Aviv Holiday Flat, 2 Hanotar Street, Tiberias Hotel Direct Reservation Link Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem Check-in: May 6 Check-out: May 15, nine-night stay. Hotel Direct Reservation Link: Promo Code (Holyland12) gives our tour group a 12% discount at this hotel. Note: Be certain the promo code (Holyland12) appears in the top-right box. If you need to update the search results, the dates will be set back by one day. This can be confusing. You will need to re-enter the correct dates. Also, the dates that appear at the top of the page in the search box will be off by one day. The correct dates that matter are just to the right of the room selection option. Sorry about this! It's an issue with the hotel's website. If one of the above hotels is full, book a nearby hotel of your choice and meet us in the main lobby at 7:15 am, where the rest of the group is staying. We will depart the hotel lobby promptly at 7:30 to board the tour bus. CONTACT INFO: Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website : HolyLandSite.com Anchor 2 Anchor 4 DAILY ITINERARY FRI, APR 30 DEPART FOR THE HOLY LAND Please plan to arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, by 3:00 pm on May 1, if possible. This will give you plenty of time to get everything done before the required orientation and get-acquainted meeting at 7:00 pm. We'll meet in the Abba Hotel's main check-in lobby in Tel Aviv, then head to our meeting place. Note: If you have the time and resources, arriving a day early will let you rest and get better prepared for your experience in Israel. Click to see the "Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Orientation Video." SAT, MAY 1 TEL AVIV After arriving at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel, you will proceed through the airport. Please don’t lose the small B2 Stay Permit paper you'll receive at one of the kiosks. Afterward, you can take a taxi to Abba Hotel Tel Aviv-Yafo - Formerly Numa, Sheerit Israel 1, Tel Aviv . Because of customs, luggage pickup, and other factors, please allow about 3 hours to travel from the airport to the hotel. The hotel is about 15 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. The orientation and get-acquainted meeting is at 7:00 pm. Please meet in the main hotel lobby. Free time afterward. Lodging at Abba Hotel Tel Aviv-Yafo - Formerly Numa, Sheerit Israel 1, Tel Aviv. One night total. Google Map from Ben Gurion to Abba Hotel, Tel Aviv SUN, MAY 2 TEL AVIV – SEA OF GALILEE AREA Refreshed from a good night's sleep, we’ll visit Old Jaffa (Joppa), the traditional home of Simon the Tanner, the port from which Jonah sailed, and the port from which the logs arrived for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. We’ll then pass through the fast-growing towns and farms of the Plain of Sharon en route to Caesarea Maritima , where the Holy Spirit came to the Gentiles and where major events in the lives of Peter and Paul took place. We’ll drive through the rolling hills of Galilee to Nazareth , where Jesus grew up, and visit the Church of the Annunciation , where the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the mother of the Messiah. We'll then drive through Cana , where Christ performed His first public miracle. Then it’s on to Tiberias by the beautiful Sea of Galilee . Free time afterward. Lodging at Emily's or Aviv Flat Hotel, HaGalil 66, Tiberias. Four nights total. Tour Day 1: Google Map Itinerary MON, MAY 3 SEA OF GALILEE AREA This day alone is worth the trip! We're literally walking in the footsteps of Jesus. We'll start the day with a most memorable boat ride on the Sea of Galilee in a replica of an ancient wooden boat used during Jesus' time. We’ll visit the Mount of Beatitudes , home to the beautiful Sermon on the Mount, where Christ preached his longest and most famous sermon. Then we'll head to Capernaum , where Jesus established his ministry base and often preached in the ancient synagogue. We will continue our drive around the Sea of Galilee to Kursi , where Christ cast out a legion of demons from a demon-possessed man. We'll end this amazing day by walking in Jesus' footsteps at Kinar Beach, where the Feeding of the 5,000 most likely took place. At this beach, you'll have the rare treat of swimming in the beautiful waters of the Sea of Galilee . Free time afterward. Tour Day 2: Google Map Itinerary TUES, MAY 4 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll journey north to Caesarea Philippi , where Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God ." We'll then visit Chorazin , one of the towns Jesus cursed because of their unbelief in Him. We’ll visit Tabgha , the place where Jesus restored Peter to fellowship and ministry. We'll wrap up the day with a visit to Magdala , Mary Magdalene's hometown, where Christ cast out seven demons. Free time afterward. Tour Day 3: Google Map Itinerary WED, MAY 5 SEA OF GALILEE AREA We’ll drive along the Jordan Valley to Beth Shean , a stunning Roman Decapolis city and the place where Saul and his son’s bodies were hanged after defeat in battle. We’ll visit either Gideon’s Spring , where Gideon selected his soldiers to battle the Midianites, or Tel Megiddo (Armageddon) , where a key end-time battle will happen. We’ll return to the Sea of Galilee and end the day on Mt. Arbel , believed to be where Christ gave the Great Commission, and take in the Sea of Galilee from its breathtaking view. Free time afterward. Tour Day 4: Google Map Itinerary THURS, MAY 6 JORDAN VALLEY AREA We’ll drive south along the Jordan Valley , following the footsteps Jesus and His disciples would have walked, and arrive at Jesus' baptismal site, where John baptized Him. We'll offer an option for those who would like to be baptized. Then we'll go to Jericho , the oldest known walled city and the first place Joshua and the Israelites conquered upon entering the Promised Land. We’ll then visit Qumran , where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. Then, we'll ascend and enter Jerusalem as pilgrims have since ancient times, fulfilling the prophet's words: "Our feet shall stand within thy Gates, O Jerusalem ." Free time afterward. Lodging at Prima Park Hotel Jerusalem: 2 Vilnay Street, Jerusalem. Nine nights total. Tour Day 5: Google Map Itinerary FRI, MAY 7 DEAD SEA AREA We’ll start the day by driving to Masada , a massive rock fortress overlooking the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on earth). We'll take the cable car up Masada to see the remnants of Herod's Palace, where the Zealots made their last stand against Rome in 73 AD. We'll drive by En Gedi , pointing out where David hid from King Saul. We’ll visit ancient Gomorrah , one of the cities God destroyed with fire and brimstone because of their wickedness. Then, what's a visit to Israel without taking a dip, or rather a float, in the Dead Sea ? Free time afterward. Tour Day 6: Google Map Itinerary SAT, MAY 8 BETHLEHEM – JUDAH AREA We'll begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Herodian Fortress . From there, we'll view Bethlehem in the distance, the Shepherds' Fields, the Fields of Boaz and Ruth, and the place where David kept his sheep as a young man . Then, we'll visit Bethlehem, Manger Square, and the Church of the Nativity, where Jesus was born. We’ll continue our travels to the Valley of Elah , where David slew Goliath. Then we'll head to Beth Shemesh , where key events in Samson's life took place, and the Philistines miraculously returned the Ark of the Covenant to the Israelites. Free time afterward. Tour Day 7: Google Map Itinerary SUN, MAY 9 SAMARIA AREA Today, we’ll travel north to the ancient Samaria region of the Bible. We visit Shechem , where Abraham first entered the Promised Land and erected an altar. We’ll see and drink from Jacob’s Well , where Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman. We’ll see where Joseph’s bones were buried at the Tomb of Joseph . We’ll see ancient Shiloh , where the Tabernacle resided for 369 years, and Hannah prayed for a son (Samuel). Then we'll head to ancient Bethel , where Jacob saw a ladder to heaven, the tabernacle once stood, and Jeroboam erected a golden calf. We'll drive by the site of ancient Ai , the second city Joshua and the Israelites destroyed. Free time afterward. Tour Day 8: Google Map Itinerary MON, MAY 10 NEGEV & ISRAEL MUSEUM Today, we’ll travel to Hebron , where Abraham had many encounters with God and from where King David reigned over Judah for 7 1/2 years. We'll begin at the Oaks of Mamre, where God made a covenant with Abraham, one of the Bible's most important covenants. We'll then travel a short distance to the Cave of Machpelah , where the patriarchs and their wives are buried. Close to Machpelah are the ruins of ancient Tel Hebron . We'll then return to Jerusalem and visit the Israel Museum , which features an amazing model of Jerusalem from 66 AD. We'll also see the Shrine of the Book and the museum's archaeological wing . Free time afterward. Tour Day 9: Google Map Itinerary TUES, MAY 11 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day at the highest point on the Mount of Olives , where we'll v isit the Chapel of Ascension , where Christ ascended back to heaven and where His feet will touch down at His glorious second coming. We'll then visit Pater Noster Church , where Christ taught His disciples how to pray. As we descend the Mount of Olives , we’ll stop at a lookout spot offering a magnificent view of Old City Jerusalem , helping us orient ourselves to the city's layout and key places . We'll see the Tombs of the Prophets , where Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are believed to be buried. We’ll then walk the Triumphal Entry Path to Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations . Along the way, we’ll visit Dominus Flevit Church , where Christ wept over Jerusalem. We’ll then see Mary’s Tomb and then finish the day visiting Gethsemane Cave , where Jesus spent His last hours before going to the cross to be crucified. Free time afterward. Tour Day 10: Google Map Itinerary WED, MAY 12 JERUSALEM Today, we’ ll visit and walk on the Temple Mount , home to Solomon’s Temple and the world's holiest and most contested piece of land. We'll then see the Western Wall , the Jews’ most sacred site in Israel. We’ll visit the Jerusalem Archaeological Park , which has numerous amazing attractions, including the Southern Stairs Area , the main entrance to the Temple Mount—a place where Christ and His disciples would have often been—and the likely location where those who received Christ at Pentecost were baptized. We’ll then walk through part of the Cardo , an original Roman street, and see the amazing remains of the massive Broad Wall built by King Hezekiah. We'll end the day with a walk on the Rooftop Walk over Old City Jerusalem. Free time afterward. Tour Day 11 : Google Map Itinerary THURS, MAY 13 JERUSALEM Today, we'll be privileged to visit the City of David , where it all began. While in the City of David, we'll see David's Palace , ancient ruins, the remains of Nehemiah's Wall, and King David's Tomb. If you'd like, you can walk through Hezekiah's Water Tunnel , which diverts water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam. Others can walk the Canaanite Dry Tunnel . We'll then all meet and see the Pool of Siloam , where Christ healed a blind man, and walk part of the Pilgrimage Road . We’ll then walk part of the Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat), where God’s winepress of wrath will be poured out on the gathered nations at Christ's second coming and from where the blood (the height of a horse’s bridle) will flow to the Dead Sea and beyond. We'll then visit the Upper Room , where the Last Supper took place and where an early Christian church/synagogue was built shortly after Christ. Next, we'll see the House of Caiaphas , where Christ was tried before Caiaphas, Peter denied Christ three times, and where Christ was beaten and spent the night in a dungeon . While at the House of Caiaphas, we'll see a Model of Jerusalem from around 600 AD . Tour Day 12: Google Map Itinerary FRI, MAY 14 JERUSALEM We’ll begin the day by walking along the Eastern Wall and seeing the famous Eastern Gate , where we'll see ancient stones dating back to Solomon's time and evidence of the original Temple Mount and its expansions over the years. Then we'll see the Pools of Bethesda , where Jesus healed a sick man after he had waited 38 long years. We’ll walk the traditional path of the Via Dolorosa and see the 14 Stations of the Cross that lead to Golgotha, where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located today. We'll then visit and explore the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and see why it's the best candidate for Golgotha. From there, we'll walk the biblical Via Dolorosa to Pilate’s Palace and Gabbatha (the stone-paved judgment place where Christ was condemned to crucifixion). Tour Day 13: Google Map Itinerary Farew ell Dinner at 6:00 pm. Free time afterward. SAT, MAY 15 ISRAEL - HOME Unless you plan to continue your stay in Israel, you’ll transfer to the airport and arrive home with wonderful memories of your visit to the Land of the Bible! You will be responsible for your own transportation from the hotel to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The hotel in Jerusalem (Prima Park) offers several options for direct transportation to Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. You can arrange all of them in advance. The hotel check-out time is 11:00 am. However, they will hold your luggage in a safe place if your flight is later in the day or evening. The drive to Ben Gurion Airport takes about one hour. We recommend arriving at Ben Gurion Airport at least 3 hours before flight departure. This means you should leave the hotel in Jerusalem at least 4 hours in advance. The following are your transportation options: 1. Taxi: C osts around $140 USD for up to 4 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). 2. Shuttle Taxi: Costs around $160 USD for up to 6 people (depending on how much luggage each person has). Please arrange transportation with the hotel's front desk at least a day in advance. All transportation options take approximately an hour to reach the airport and operate daily, including on Shabbat (Saturday). Google Map from Prima Park Hotel to Ben Gurion Airport C li ck t o see the "Ben Gurion Airport Departure Orientation Video." SUN, MAY 16 ARRIVE HOME (Depending on when you leave for home.) Return home with an overflowing heart, knowing you walked in the footsteps of Christ and experienced the places where many events in the Bible took place. Anchor 3

October 16-November 1, 2026, Registration Form. An in-depth 17-day Bible-centered Holy Land tour to Israel that allows you to see more holy sites in Israel. Holy Land Trip Registration Form October 16~November 1, 2 026 Trip How to Register and Secure Your Spot on the Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime! 1. Fill out and submit the online registration form below. 2. Upon receiving and accepting your form, we will notify you of availability and acceptance into the tour trip group. 3. Upon acceptance into the group, please pay your $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. Registration Deposit Link Final Paym ent Link CONTACT INFO: Pastor Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website: HolyLandSite.com NEXT STEPS 1. Upon receiving and accepting your form, we will notify you of availability and acceptance into the tour trip group. 2. Upon acceptance into the group, please pay your $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. Registration Deposit Link Final Payment Link 3. In the meantime, check out our video teachings to the left or see other info about Holy Land Trip orientation, etc. CONTACT INFO: Pastor Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website: HolyLandSite.com TOUR HOSTS Dr. Todd & Letsy Fink - Tour Hosts More about the Finks

See what Jerusalem looked like shortly after the time of Jesus. Understand the city layout like never before! This is a must-see tour to understand ancient Jerusalem from around 66 AD. Jerusalem Model Tour Photo Gallery Jerusalem Model Tour Introduction Welcome to the Model of Jerusalem at the Israel Museum. 1. It's located a couple of miles (km) west of Old City Jerusalem. 2. It's right beside the Shrine of the Book Museum, where many of the Dead Sea Scrolls are located. 3. This model will provide you with an exceptional understanding of what Jerusalem was like shortly after the time of Jesus. 4. We're going to explore and learn all about the city. 5. When we're done with this site, you'll understand Jerusalem and its layout shortly after the time of Jesus like the back of your hand. 6. We like to bring our tour groups here at the beginning of our time in Jerusalem so that they'll understand everything about Jerusalem and the surrounding area. 7. It's a must-see site to get the most out of your visit to Jerusalem. 8. Are you ready to explore and experience this site? Let's go! Location The Jerusalem Model is located at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. The museum has several sections, and the model is located right beside the Shrine of the Book section. Historical Background 1. The Holyland Model of Jerusalem, also known as the Model of Jerusalem at the end of the Second Temple period, is a 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem from around 66 AD. 2. It covers an area of about 1,000 square meters and recreates the city at the height of its glory before the Jewish revolt against the Romans. 3. It was designed by Michael Avi-Yonah and moved from its original location at the Holyland Hotel in Bayit Vegan, Jerusalem, to its new site at the Israel Museum in June 2006. 4. The model was built from 1962 to 1966. At this time, almost the entire area it represents was under Jordanian rule and, therefore, off-limits for Israeli archaeologists and visitors. Thus, its layout was based mainly on historians and the Bible. 5. The model is not entirely accurate, as many discoveries have been made since it was built in 1966. 6. However, it still gives us a fantastic example and layout of what Jerusalem looked like shortly after the time of Jesus. Sites of Interest Temple & Temple Mount Layout The outer courts of the Temple Mount were called the courts of the Gentiles. All non-Jews, unless they converted to Judaism, were allowed in this area but not in the inner courts of the Temple. Next is the Beautiful Gate. It was the gate leading into the Women's Courtyard. Here, Peter and John healed the lame man, as recorded in Acts 3. Each corner of the Women's Court had chamber rooms. We have the Chamber of Wood, the Chamber of the Nazarites, the Chamber of Lepers, and the Chamber of Oils. The Nicanor Gate led toward the temple. It led into the Inner Courtyard. Here was the Altar and Bronze Laver. From the Inner Court, you would enter the Holy Place, and then, beyond the curtain, the High Priest, once a year on the Day of Atonement, also called Yom Kippur, would enter the Holy of Holies. The Royal Stoa stood on the southern end of the Temple Mount platform. We believe Pentecost took place around it. Antonia Fortress Eastern Gate Location Didn't line up with the temple. It was located where it is today. The Mishnah account of a gate through which you could see into the temple from the Mount of Olives refers to the Nicanor Gate. Damascus Gate Lions' Gate (Stephen's Gate) City of David Southern Stairs Huldah Gates ~ Entrance and Exit Gates Robinson's Arch Pilgrimage Road Ophel Mikvehs ~ 48 south side of Temple Mount, 25 west side. Dry Moat David's Palace Kidron Valley Hinnom Valley Tyropean Valley Gihon Spring Hezekiah's Tunnel Tomb of King David Pool of Siloam Western Hill Expansion by Hezekiah Hezekiah's Broad Wall (700 BC) Built to protect refugees fleeing from the north. House of Caiaphas Herod's Palace Complex Northern Towers and soldier barracks Palace Garden area Palace Soldier barracks Jesus' Route to the Cross Gethsemane Kidron Valley House of Caiaphas Pilate's Palace (built by Herod the Great) Herod Antipas Palace (Herod the Great's son) Via Dolorosa Jaffa Gate Gennath Gate Golgotha Walls of Jerusalem, Time of Jesus Walls of Jerusalem in 44 AD Pools of Bethesda Hezekiah built the Northern Pool around 700 BC. The Hasmoneans built the Southern Pool around 140 BC. They were living water pools because water ran in and out of them. Pool of Israel Struthion Pool Faith Lesson from Jerusalem 1. Jerusalem has played a key role as the center of God’s dwelling place and ministry on this earth. 2. Since the time it was first captured by King David, until now, it has been a place of extreme blessing and punishment. When the Israelites obeyed God, they experienced supernatural blessings, protection, and miracles, and became God's voice to minister to the surrounding nations. 3. However, when they disobeyed God, they experienced punishment, a lack of protection, and judgment, and were a terrible example to minister to the surrounding nations. What about us? Do we want God's blessings in our lives or be under his hand of punishment and judgment? 4. It's estimated that Jerusalem has been destroyed and rebuilt around 40 times. God destroyed it as judgment for disobedience and rebuilt it through His blessings because of obedience. What about us? When we disobey God, He destroys our lives. However, when we obey, our lives are rebuilt and become testimonies of God's work and blessing. If we are wise, we'll seek the Lord and obey Him.

Tour Mount Nebo & all the sites of interest. It's the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land and died. Learn why Moses was prohibited from entering the Promised Land. Mount Nebo & Moses Overview Mt. Nebo & Moses Overview Mount Nebo is in the country of Jordan today. However, it was originally part of the Promised Land. It was conquered by the Israelites and then possessed by 2 1/2 tribes of Israel (Rueben, Gad, and 1/2 of Manassah). Location 1. Mount Nebo is a high mountain in Moab where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. It rises more than 4,000 feet or 1,200 meters above the Dead Sea. 2. It is located on the east side of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. 3. This site is on the highest place of the mountains in this area. It fits the biblical description of being on the peak of a mountain opposite Jericho. 4. Arc haeology, history, eyewitness accounts, and the Bible all support this site as the authentic place where Moses reached the end of his ministry. 5. There is no reason to dispute this site as the authentic place where Moses looked over the Promised Land. It's quite sobering to be in the very footsteps of Moses and ponder this place and site. Historical Background 1. The word "Nebo " was a reference to the Mesopotamian god, Nabu . From this false god, world leaders would attach it to their name. For example, Nebuchadnezzar did this. It would be like saying, "god Nebuchadnezzar." Nebuchadrezzar was king of Babylonia from approximately 605 BC until approximately 562 BC and is mentioned around 90 times in the Bible, most of which is in the book of Daniel. In biblical history, Nebuchadnezzar is most famous for conquering Judah and the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem in 586 BC. 2. M ount Nebo has a long history of religious significance because it's believed to be where Moses stood to view the Promised Land before his death. 3. According to the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses died on Mount Nebo and was buried in Moab. 4. Sometime before 300 AD, a structure was built here to venerate this site. Its date seems unknown at this time. 5 . In the 4th century AD, a sanctuary mentioned by the pilgrim nun Egeria was built on Mount Nebo to honor Moses. This was certainly built upon the site of an even older structure. The church was finished by 394 AD and had three east apses flanked by funerary chapels on the north and south sides. 6. In the 6th century, the church was enlarged and transformed into a basilica with a sacristy and new baptistery (whose surviving floor mosaics date from c.530 AD). Soon the church was the heart of a large monastery and pilgrimage center that would thrive for nearly six centuries. The basilica still stands on Mount Nebo today and contains a fascinating collection of Byzantine mosaics. 7. The site was abandoned by 1564 and remained abandoned and neglected for several centuries. The Franciscans bought the site in 1932 and were responsible for excavating most of the church and monastery's ruins and reconstructing much of the basilica. During this period, a protective shelter was installed over the archaeological remains to protect them. Today, Mount Nebo is an active Franciscan monastery and the headquarters of the Franciscan Archaeological Institute. Sites of Interest Bianchi Sculpture The first site on the path to the Moses Memorial Church is a rock sculpture by Vincenzo Bianchi, commemorating the visit of Pope John Paul II to Mount Nebo, in the year 2000. Pope John Paul II visited the Mount Nebo in holy land, and during his visit to the Moses Memorial Church he also planted an olive tree. Mount Nebo Siyagha Memorial of Moses Stone Just past the Bianchi Scupture Stone is a large rock commemorating Moses. Abu Badd Rolling Sto ne This rolling stone was used as a fortified door of a Byzantine monastery in the old village of Faisaliyah, once known as Kufr Abu Badd. Some say this stone may be from the Tomb of Jesus. It stands today‬ as a memorial to ‪Moses, marking where it's thought Moses stood to look at the “Promised Land.” Moses Memorial Church A church was first constructed in the second half of the 4th century to commemorate the place where Moses died. The church design follows a typical basilica pattern. It was enlarged in the late fifth century AD and rebuilt in 597 AD. It has a large number of mosaics that date back to 530 AD. The mosaics have been well preserved and portray images of wildlife and hunting, a common pastime in the Byzantine era. The church is first mentioned in an account of a pilgrimage made by a lady name d Aetheria in 394 AD. Six tombs have been found hollowed from the natural rock beneath the mosaic-covered floor of the church. In 1989 a new shelter consisting of a complete basilica was built over the ancient church. The Ancient Baptistery On the left side of the Memorial Church of Moses is the excavated Baptistery, complete with the most spectacular mosaics ever excavated. These magnificent mosaics are dated to August 531, thanks to an inscription in Greek. It also lists the three workers on this project and the Bishop when it was built. The Bishop listed was Elias. Theotokos Chapel This chapel was dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus, and was added about 604 CE at the time of Bishop Leontius. It's located next to the exit door and was added in the 7th century, where three monastery rooms previously stood. Its apse has a mosaic of a square object that may be a vessel for the Eucharist. The floor of the chapel is paved with mosaics of plants and flowers. Diakonikon Baptistery The Diakonikon Baptistery inside the rebuilt basilica houses several remains of antique mosaics. Narthex This marks the entrance to the old church structure. The Brazen Serpent Monument The Brazen Serpent is a sculpture situated on Mount Nebo. It has become so popula r that it is now recognized as the symbol of Mount Nebo. It was created by Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni and is symbolic of the bronze serpent created by Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9) and the cross upon which Jesus was crucified (John 3:14). A glimpse of the serpent protected one from the deadly plague God sent. Memorial Viewpoint A small sign at the viewpoint has lines pointing to some of the major landmarks visible from Mount Nebo, and if the day is clear, you can see all the way to Jerusalem itself. Ancient Monastery On the highest se ction of this site, the complete remains of an ancient Byzantine church and the original monastery can be seen. These were found in the excavation of 1933. The walls of this ancient monastery can be seen as you exit and go outside. Caves on Mount Nebo According to extra-biblical legend, the prophet Jeremiah hid the ark in a cave on Mount Nebo and said that this "place shall remain unknown until God gathers his people together again and shows his mercy" (2 Maccabees 2:7). Museum The Mount Nebo Interpretation Center is a small, single-room museum at this site. Inside are several reconstructions of mosaics, a Roman milestone from the area, and a number of smaller archaeological finds from the surrounding areas. Mt. Nebo & Mo ses in the Bible 1. Mt. Nebo is where the ministry of Moses ended; he looked at the Promised Land from a distance and died. Deuteronomy 32:48-52: Now the Lord spoke to Moses that very same day, saying, 49 “Go up to this mountain of the Abarim, Mount Nebo , which is in the land of Moab opposite Jericho , and look at the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the sons of Israel as a possession. 50 Then you are to die on the mountain where you ascend, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, 51 because you broke faith with Me in the midst of the sons of Israel at the waters of Meribah-kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, because you did not treat Me as holy in the midst of the sons of Israel. 52 For you will see the land at a distance but you will not go there, into the land which I am giving the sons of Israel.” Deuteronomy 34: 1-6: Moses ascended from the desert plain of Moab toward Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the entire land, from Gilgal as far as Dan, 2 all of Naphtali, the territories of Ephraim and Manasseh, and the entire territory of Judah all the way to out over the sea, 3 including the Negev, the Arabah, the valley of Jericho, and the city of the palm trees as far as Zoar. 4 Then the Lord told him: “This is the land that I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob by an oath when I said, ‘I’ll give it to your descendants.’ I’ll let you see it with your eyes, but you won’t cross over there.” 5 So Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, just as the Lord had said. 6 He was buried in the valley opposite Beth Peor, in the land of Moab, but no one knows to this day where his burial place is. 2. The life of Moses can be divided into three 40-year periods. From birth to fleeing to the land of Midian in Arabia. During this period, he was raised in Egyptian royalty and prestige. He knew he was called to deliver God's people. During this period, he could be classified as a "somebody." After killing an Egyptian in his attempt to deliver God's people by his own power and might, he fled to Midian, where he married and became a shepherd. During this period, he could be classified as a "nobody." Then God supernaturally moved in his life, and by God's hand, he delivered God's people and led them to Mt. Nebo, just on the edge of the Promised Land. During this period, he could be classified as an "everybody." 3. We should realize that Moses was a godly man who was used greatly by God. He was very humble and sought to please God in everything. Deuteronomy 12:3: Now the man Moses was very humble , more than any person who was on the face of the earth. 4. However, Moses was forbidden to enter the Promised Land because of a major sin he committed. This sin is often overlooked, and God is viewed as harsh and overreacting. 5. What was this major sin, and why did God forbid Moses from entering the Promised Land after he had served God for 40 long, difficult years? There are two accounts where God provides water from a large rock supernaturally. Moses was forbidden to enter the Promised Land due to how he treated the rock, which represented God and Christ. 6. Account 1 Exodus17:1-7: Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin, according to the command of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim, and there was no water for the people to drink. 2 So the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water so that we may drink!” And Moses said to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?” 3 But the people were thirsty for water there; and they grumbled against Moses and said, “Why is it that you have you brought us up from Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” 4 So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, “What am I to do with this people? A little more and they will stone me!” 5 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Pass before the people and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and take in your hand your staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock , and water will come out of it, so that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 Then he named the place Massah and Meribah because of the quarrel of the sons of Israel, and because they tested the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us, or not?” In this first account of the rock and water, Moses obeys God fully, so God is pleased with Moses. 7. Account 2 Numbers 20:1-13: Then the sons of Israel, the whole congregation, came to the wilderness of Zin in the first month; and the people stayed at Kadesh. Now Miriam died there and was buried there. 2 There was no water for the congregation, and they assembled against Moses and Aaron. 3 Then the people argued with Moses and spoke, saying, “If only we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord! 4 Why then have you brought the Lord’s assembly into this wilderness, for us and our livestock to die here? 5 Why did you make us come up from Egypt, to bring us into this wretched place? It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, nor is there water to drink!” 6 Then Moses and Aaron came in from the presence of the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them; 7 then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 8 “Take the staff; and you and your brother Aaron assemble the congregation and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it shall yield its water. So you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and have the congregation and their livestock drink.” 9 So Moses took the staff from before the Lord, just as He had commanded him; 10 and Moses and Aaron summoned the assembly in front of the rock. And he said to them, “Listen now, you rebels; shall we bring water for you out of this rock ?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff ; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their livestock drank. In this account, God is displeased with Moses. 12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Since you did not trust in Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, for that reason you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them .” 13 Those were called the waters of Meribah, because the sons of Israel argued with the Lord, and He proved Himself holy among them. First, we must understand that the rock represents God and Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4: For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our fathers were all under the cloud and they all passed through the sea; 2 and they all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 and they all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ . 8. The three sins of Moses that prevented him from entering the Promised Land. 1. He did not trust God. “Since you d id not trust in Me" 2. He did not treat God as Holy in the sight of the Israelites. “Since you d id not trust in Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel" 3. He acted in anger toward the people and God. Psalm 106:32-33: They also provoked Him to wrath at the waters of Meribah, So that it went badly for Moses on their account. 33 Because they were rebellious against His Spirit, he spoke rashly with his lips. Faith Lesson 1. Moses was very humble and greatly used by God. What about us? Humility is not viewing ourselves as worthless but means that we rely upon God and not ourselves. 2. Moses was forbidden to enter the Promised Land because he did not trust in God the second time he was to bring water from the rock, which represented God and Christ. What about us? Do we follow God in the midst of storms and pressure? It's when we're under pressure and extreme stress that we reveal the depth of our spiritual maturity and faith. 3. Moses did not treat God as holy in the sight of the people he led. What about us? Do we treat God as holy and honor Him in our dealings with others? 4. Moses was angry with God's people and God. What about us? Do we deal harshly and angrily with others? 5. Even though God forgave Moses, there were still consequences for his sin. We see this also in the life of King David. What about us? Do we realize that God forgives us but doesn't always remove the consequences of our sins? Also, sometimes it takes time for the consequences to heal.

Learn about Gaza and the 5 cities of the Philistines. What all happened in Ashdod? What is its history? Who were the Philistines, where did they come from, and where did they live? They are mentioned in many places in the Old Testament and were the enemies of the Israelites. The Other Cities Were: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, and Gath. Biblical Gaza Photo Gallery Places of Interest Gaza Location 1. Gaza is located south of Ashkelon and Ashdod, it also is on the Mediterranean Ocean and was one of the cities of the Philistine Pentapolis. It is the southernmost city. Today, virtually no ruins remain from this city as it has been destroyed in later years due to what appears to be political reasons. 2. It was on a hill rising about 200 ft. (61 m.) above the valley floor. There were sand dunes between it and the sea, which was about 2 miles away. 3. Today, because ancient Gaza lies in the Gaza Strip, where land is scarce and Israeli interests are not valued, the remains of ancient Gaza are practically nonexistent. Gaza in the Bible 1. In the conquest of the Promised Land, Joshua and the Israelites failed to conquer Gaza, along with several other main cities of the Philistines (Josh. 10:41, 11:22). 2. Later, the tribe of Judah captured Gaza but couldn’t control it for long, and it fell back into the hands of the Philistines (Judg. 1:18). 3. Samson had many encounters with the Philistines. In one encounter, Samson carried heavy gates from Gaza all the way to the Hebron area, a distance of around 42 miles (72 km.). Judges 16:1: Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a prostitute there, and had relations with her. Judges 16:3: Now Samson lay asleep until midnight, and at midnight he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate and the two doorposts, and pulled them up along with the bars; then he put them on his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of the mountain which is opposite Hebron . 4. Samson met his death in Gaza. Judges 16:28-30: Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 Then Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and braced himself against them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left. 30 And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he pushed outwards powerfully, so that the house fell on the governors and all the people who were in it. And the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed during his lifetime. 5. After the Philistines defeated the Israelites in battle and captured the Ark of the Covenant during the priesthood of Eli and his two wicked sons, Gaza, along with the other main cities of the Philistines, sent a trespass offering to God when the ark was returned to the Israelites at Beth-Shemesh (1 Sam. 6:17–18). 6. When Hezekiah reigned, he defeated and pursued the Philistines to Gaza but did not seem to have captured the city. However, the Assyrians later captured it in 720 BC. 7. In the New Testament, Philip was sent to Gaza to evangelize the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8:26: But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Get ready and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza .” Faith Lesson from Gaza 1. The Israelites failed to conquer the people of Gaza and as a result, they caused continual problems for Israel. In the same way, if we fail to be victorious over sin and problems in our lives we will continue to suffer the consequences as well. 2. God used Samson to reveal Himself as God to those of Gaza. Therefore, they knew who the true God was and had no excuse for rejecting Him. 3. Unfortunately, Samson failed in many ways to fulfill the mission and calling God intended for him. He met his death in Gaza as a defeated, blind servant instead of a strong victorious, and successful servant. 4. What about us? Are we victorious successful servants of God or do we live weak defeated lives? God gives us all the power and grace we need to be victorious. Romans 8:37: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

If you want an in-depth Bible-centered trip and see more holy sites in Israel than other tours, then this trip is designed for you. Holy Land Trip Deposit Secure Payment Link Registration Deposit Payment To complete your registration, please pay your registration deposit of $500 by either credit card, PayPal, or check. Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If paying by credit card or PayPal, a 4% fee is added to cover fees charged by credit cards and PayPal. If paying by credit card or PayPal, click the button below. PayPal does not require you to create a PayPal account to use your credit card. $500.00 Deposit Payment Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If you would like to avoid the Credit Card fees, then you can send your check to the following address if you live in the U.S.A. or Canada. Holy Land Site (Make checks payable to: Holy Land Site) 6945 Burnett St., SE Salem, OR, 97317-5202 (Using regular mail is preferred as there's not always someone available to sign for certified mail).

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

Take a tour of the stunning and mystical Dead Sea. See all the places of interest. Learn about its past and future, Bible prophecies, Dead Sea Scrolls, beaches, and more. Sites of interest include Zoar, Admah, Zeboiim, Jericho, Baptismal Site of Jesus (Qsar al-Yahud), Judean Desert, Jordan River, Northern Beaches, Qumran (Dead Sea Scrolls), Avnat (Kidron Valley Drainage from Jerusalem), Ein Gedi, Sink Holes, Masada, Southern Beaches, Dead Sea Mineral Factories. Dead Sea Area Photo Gallery Places of Interest Dead Sea Area At the very lowest point on earth, at about 1,410 feet (430 meters) below sea level, lies a natural wonder replete with its own unique ecosystem, breathtaking desert views, and mineral treasures that have attracted visitors for thousands of years. Because of its unique location, healing properties, geological and historical background, surrounding ecosystem, and the epic biblical events that have happened around it, the Dead Sea is an irresistible venue for tourists. Location 1. The Dead Sea is a large salt lake located in the Judean desert of southern Israel. It's about 15 miles (25 km.) east of Jerusalem and is Israel's largest body of water within its borders. It also forms part of the border between Israel and Jordan, with Jordan being on the east side. Historical Background & Info 1. The Dead Sea is one of the world's four saltiest bodies of water. These special conditions are an outcome of its extreme geomorphological structure alongside a harsh desert climate. These create constant dramatic changes that form a landscape different from any other in the world. The unique mineral content of the air, land, and water in the area is globally renowned for its therapeutic qualities. Even since the time of Herod the Great (37-4 BC), it has been a health resort. 2. The Jordan River is the only major water source flowing into the Dead Sea, although there are small perennial springs under and around the lake, forming pools and quicksand pits along its edges. Today, after diversifying the waters from the Sea of Galilee in the 1960s, the only incoming water sources are from sulfur springs and wastewater, along with rare drizzles and flash floods. 3. The water level of the Dead Sea has been receding gradually, at an average yearly rate of about 3 feet (1 meter). This is causing large concern about the Dead Sea drying up. This drop in water level is caused by evaporation under the harsh desert sun, but also because little water is now flowing into the Dead Sea. 4. Why is it called the Dead Sea? For several reasons. Because it has 10 times more salt than other oceans. Because of this, fish and plant life cannot exist. There is absolutely no life whatsoever in the Dead Sea. In various languages, the Dead Sea is referred to by different names, all reflective of its characteristics. The earliest known name is recorded in the Hebrew Bible, referred to as “the Salt Sea," due to its significantly high salt content. It was also called the "Sea of Arabah." It's called in Hebrew "Yam HaMelaẖ" (Salt Sea), and in Arabic "Al-Baḥr Al-Mayyit," ( Sea of Death). Salt was a highly valued commodity in the later Roman era – Roman soldiers were paid in salt rather than money! This is also the source of the Latin word “salary,” which comes from “salt.” In a spiritual sense, some have likened it to being dead because water comes in but doesn't leave. That's what happens to us. If we only receive but don't give, then we will also be spiritually dead. 5. The Dead Sea is globally renowned for the therapeutic effect of the minerals in its waters and mud, which are especially high in concentration. Dead Sea minerals in the water and mud have helped improve many skin conditions, such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, and acne. 6. Why is the Dead Sea so salty? It appears that after the Great Flood, this body of water was landlocked. Like the other oceans, this water had a certain level of salt. Then, over the years, its salt content was derived from the erosion of rocks on land, with their salt ions driven by rivers into the landlocked lake. Its extremely low elevation means that water cannot escape the Dead Sea once it enters, and exposed to the intense heat, the water evaporates more quickly, leading to an intense salinity. Another reason it is so salty appears to be because God destroyed the area, as found in Genesis 19:23–29. Deuteronomy 29:23 mentions, "All its land is brimstone and salt , burned debris, unsown and unproductive, and no grass grows on it, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in His anger and in His wrath." 7. Why do you float in the Dead Sea? Because of the high concentration of salt, the water is much denser than plain fresh water, meaning that our body weight is lighter – which causes us to float! It's important not to say in the water for long periods as it can be dangerous. B e careful about getting water in your eyes or open cuts. It's best not to shave too soon before entering the water as this can cause burning and irritation. Lastly, it's best not to dunk your head under the water. 8. The drop in the level of the water after 1960 or so, has changed the physical appearance of the Dead Sea. Most noticeably, the peninsula of Al-Lisan gradually extended eastward until a dry land strip separated the lake’s northern and southern basins. In addition, the southern basin was eventually subdivided into dozens of large evaporation pools (for the extraction of salt), so by the 21st century, it had essentially ceased to be a natural body of water. The northern basin—effectively now the actual Dead Sea—largely retained its overall dimensions despite its great loss of water, mainly because its shoreline plunged downward so steeply from the surrounding landscape. 9. The Dead Sea lies in a desert. Rainfall is scarce and irregular. It averages about 2.5 inches (65 mm) of rain a year. Because of the lake’s extremely low elevation and sheltered location, winter temperatures are mild, averaging around 63 °F (17 °C) in the winter months. Freezing temperatures never occur. Summer is oppressively hot, averaging 93 °F (34 °C) in August, with a recorded maximum of 124 °F (51 °C). Evaporation of the lake’s waters often creates a thick mist above the lake. Places of Interest 1. Sodom Lot’s Wife Mount Sodom 2. Gomorrah Sphinx Pyramid 3. Zoar 4. Admah 5. Zeboiim 6. Jericho 7. Jordan River Crossing Site 8. Baptismal Site of Jesus (Qsar al-Yahud) 9. Judean Desert 10. Jordan River Inlet 11 . Northern Beaches 12. Qumran (Dead Sea Scrolls) 13. Avnat (Kidron Valley Drainage from Jerusalem) 14. En Gedi 15. Sink Holes 16. Masada 17. Southern Beaches 18. Dead Sea Mineral Factories The Dead Sea in the Bible There are many mentions of the Dead Sea in the Bible, and it has long been associated with mysticism, wonderment, and religious significance. 1. It appears the area around the Dead Sea was lush and well-watered before God destroyed the area with fire and brimstone. Genesis 13:10: Lot raised his eyes and saw all the vicinity of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere—this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah—like the garden of the Lord , like the land of Egypt going toward Zoar. 2. It appears that after God destroyed the area, it changed to the state it is today, a dry, barren desert. Deuteronomy 29:23: All its land is brimstone and salt , burned debris, unsown and unproductive, and no grass grows on it, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in His anger and in His wrath . 3. It is referenced often to describe the borders of Israel. Numbers 34:12: And the border shall go down to the Jordan, and its termination shall be at the Salt Sea . This shall be your land according to its borders on all sides. 4. It was a densely populated area during the time of Abraham before God destroyed the area. Genesis 14:1-3: And it came about in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, 2 that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). 3 All these kings came as allies to the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). 5. Sodom and Gomorrah, along with the other cities of the valley, were wicked, sinful people. Genesis 18:20–21: And the Lord said, “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is indeed great, and their sin is exceedingly grave. 21 I will go down now and see if they have done entirely according to its outcry, which has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” 6. God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19:23–29: The sun had risen over the earth when Lot came to Zoar [located south of Sodom and Gomorrah]. 24 Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven, 25 and He overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But his wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. 27 Now Abraham arose early in the morning and went to the place where he had stood before the Lord; 28 and he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the valley , and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land ascended like the smoke of a furnace. 29 Thus, it came about, when God destroyed the cities of the valley , that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot lived. 7. The slopes of Mount Sodom are located in the southeast corner of the Dead Sea, and they feature salt formations that look like pillars – which are traditionally referred to as Lot’s wife. 8. At the end of the Tribulation Period, when God judges the nations in the Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat), the blood will flow from Jerusalem down to the Dead Sea, and south. The drainage system from the Kidron Valley empties into the Dead Sea at Avnat. Revelation 14:20: And the wine press was trampled outside the city [Jerusalem], and blood came out from the wine press, up to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of 1,600 stadia [185 miles, 300 km.]. The Kidron Stream is about 30 miles, 50 km., from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. This blood river will then flow south from Avnat for a distance of 150 miles, 241 km., to the Red Sea. 9. During the Millennial Reign of Christ on earth after the Great Tribulation Period, a supernatural river will flow from Jerusalem, using the same Kidron Valley drainage system, and will change the Dead Sea area entirely. Ezekiel 47:7-11: Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river there were very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8 Then he said to me, “These waters go out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah; then they go toward the sea [Dead Sea], being made to flow into the sea, and the waters of the sea become fresh . 9 And it will come about that every living creature which swarms in every place where the river goes, will live. And there will be very many fish, for these waters go there and the others become fresh ; so everything will live where the river goes. 10 And it will come about that fishermen will stand beside it; from Engedi to Eneglaim there will be a place for the spreading of nets. Their fish will be according to their kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea, very many. 11 But its swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. 12 And by the river on its bank, on one side and on the other, will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month because their water flows from the sanctuary, and their fruit will be for food and their leaves for healing.” Zechariah 14:8-9: And on that day living waters will flow out of Jerusalem , half of them toward the eastern sea [Dead Sea] and the other half toward the western sea [Mediterranean Sea]; it will be in summer as well as in winter. 9 And the Lord will be King over all the earth; on that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one. Faith Lesson from the Dead Sea Area 1. The main lesson we'll take from this area is that of Sodom and Gomorrah. The reason it was destroyed is a serious, sobering message we should allow to sink in deeply. 2. The primary sin for which God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah was homosexuality. However, they sinned in many other ways as well. 3. Sodom and Gomorrah are a foreshadow of what hell will be like. 4. Jesus talked about how His second coming would be like that of Sodom and Gomorrah. Jesus also spoke more about hell than heaven. 5. If God, the prophets, Christ, and the apostles used Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of the eternal judgment in hell that awaits the ungodly, then we should do the same today as well. 6. God is a God of love and has done everything He can to save us, but for those who reject His offer of salvation, eternal suffering in the Lake of Fire awaits them (Rev. 20:10).