Videos About Bethlehem: The Place Where David Wrote Many of the Psalms In the Bible. See the area around Bethlehem where David would have grown up as a shepherd. Bethlehem means, “House of Bread.” Maybe because many wheat and barley fields were in this area. Sites of interest in the Bethlehem area include the Church of the Nativity, Shepherds' Fields, Herodian Fortress, and Rachel's Tomb. Bethlehem: David and the Psalms Bethlehem: David & the Psalms Welcome to the Holy Land and the biblical site of Bethlehem. See the Bible come to life as we take a look at one of the key events from the Scriptures that took place here. In this area that David grew up and wrote many of the Psalms. Here are some key points to help us understand this area better. Bethlehem means, “House of Bread”. Maybe because many wheat and barley fields were in this area. We know that in the story of Ruth and Boaz that Boaz was a wealthy farmer from Bethlehem who had a large field of barley here and that Ruth gleaned these fields to provide for her and her mother in law, Naomi. King David was born and raised here in Bethlehem. It was in the hills surrounding Bethlehem that David wrote many of the Psalms we find in Scripture. Let’s take a look at Psalm 23 which is one of the most famous and well known of all the Psalms David wrote. So here we read in this God-inspired Psalm of how God is our shepherd and does the following for us: "The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want" David was a shepherd and understood shepherding very well. A shepherd was the least sought after job. It’s boring, lonely and entails long hours. During David’s long hours he learned to sing, play instruments, write Psalms, throw rocks with a sling and learned about leadership. God is our shepherd and provides all we need both physically and spiritually if we’ll follow and obey Him. "He makes me lie down in green pasture" The green pastures of Bethlehem were desert areas so green pastures were like heaven to a desert animal and shepherd. It was in these green pastures David led his sheep and realized that God leads us to as well. "He leads me beside still water" To a desert shepherd caring for his sheep, water was more important than food and was life itself. These waters in the desert were accessible, peaceful, and gave new life. God does the same for us as He leads us by still waters. He refreshes and sustains our soul. In fact, Christ referred to Himself as, “the Water of life”. Desert people certainly understood the value of water and that it was the most important thing for survival. "He restores my soul" To restore speaks of giving new life, new strength, new desire to go on, of healing, and of a new purpose for living. "He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake" The paths on the hillside of a desert lead to many areas, some good, and some bad. God leads us in the paths that lead to goodness and health and we can trust Him to lead us in the right way. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. It doesn’t matter what storms life may bring us, we can face them all because God will be with us. God’s rod and staff correct us, guide us, and comfort us. A shepherd's rod or staff was his main instrument to guide and direct. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows" In the presence of our enemies and even evil, we still find blessing and joy in the Lord. Our cup overflows with goodness and joy and God sustains us in the midst of trials and difficulties. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever." The goodness of God will bless us all the days of our lives. We will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. As a result, we have extreme hope and purpose in this life and in the life to come. This anchor of the soul keeps us steadfast despite what life, enemies, sin, and trials may bring us. What can we learn from this beautiful Psalm? David took advantage of his free time and developed his gifts and abilities so later on God could use these for His kingdom and purposes. David learned key truths about God that would provide the foundation for his success and leadership qualities as he meditated on the Lord and His Word. So I should ask myself if I’m taking advantage of my free time to develop my skills for God or not? Am I developing my relationship with God during the desert times in my life so I can be more a more useful tool in the hands of God later on? Do I have the kind of relationship with God that allows Him to lead and correct me as well?

Beersheba (Beer Sheva) was located on a significant travel route linking Africa and Egypt with Asia and Europe. The Nabateans, who were centralized in Petra, passed through here on caravans with trade goods. Beersheba is the beginning place of God’s master plan for the Nation of Israel. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob also lived in Hebron at times as well. Beersheba was in the territory of the Philistines (Gen. 21:33–34). Abraham’s Well (230 ft., 70 m. deep, is at Tel Beersheba. Beersheba Photo Gallery Places of Interest Beersheba Location 1. Beersheba is located in the Negev, which is a semi-desert. 2. The tel of Beersheba lies a little east of the modern city, which is the region's largest city and administrative capital. 3. It’s about 45 miles (70 km.) south of Jerusalem and about 30 miles (45 km.) from the Mediterranean Ocean. 4. It’s located between the Beersheba and Hebron Streams (which are dry much of the time). 5. It was located on a significant travel route linking Africa and Egypt with Asia and Europe. The Nabateans, who were centralized in Petra, passed through here on caravans with trade goods. Historical Background 1. Beersheba is the beginning place of God’s master plan for the Nation of Israel. 2. In essence, each person has the same tendencies as the Nation of Israel. Therefore, when God wanted to speak to all mankind, He used Israel as the example (1 Cor. 10:11). 3. The name Negev means “dry land” in Hebrew, but the Bible often uses the term to refer to the southern part of Israel. 4. Because Beersheba is in the Negev, which receives an annual rainfall of 6–8 inches (18 cm.), there was not a lot of population in the area, and most of the people living here were nomadic shepherds. 5. Beersheba was in the territory of the Philistines (Gen. 21:33–34). 6. After a conflict over Abraham’s well, which he had dug in Beersheba, a covenant was made between Abimelech and Abraham to settle the dispute (Gen. 21:25–34). To ratify the covenant, Abraham gave Abimelech seven ewe lambs. Therefore, Beersheba means “well of the oath” or “well of the seven lambs.” 7. Later, Abraham's son, Isaac, would have another conflict with Abimelech, and would confirm an agreement as well: "So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace. 32 It came to pass the same day that Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.” 33 So he called it Shebah. Therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day" (Gen 26:30-33). 8 . When the writers of Scripture wanted to speak of all Israel, they would often use the expression “from Dan (the northern-most city) to Beersheba" (the southern-most city). Places of Interest 1. Four Horned Altar This altar belonged to cult worship or was misused by the Israelites as it doesn’t comply with Scripture. Altars were to be made of “stones on which you have not used an iron tool” (Deut. 27:5). This altar used hand-shaped stones. The altar was likely one of those torn down during the religious reforms of King Josiah (2 Kings 23:8). 2. Abraham’s Well – 230 feet deep (70 m.) 3. Outer Gate 4. Inner Gates 5. City Square 6. Governor’s Palace 7. Roman Bath Pools 8. Basement House 9. Four-room House 10. Casement Wall 11. Roman Fortress 12. Observation Tower 13. Storerooms 14. Street with Shops 15. Beersheba Stream 16. Hebron Stream 17. Water Cistern Beersheba in the Bible 1. About 2000 years before Christ, God called Abraham from Mesopotamia to leave his family and possessions and journey to a new land with the promise that his descendants would become a great nation. Genesis 12:1–3: Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation , and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 2. After Abraham passed through the Land of Israel, he settled in the Negev area (Gen. 12:9). 3. When a severe famine came upon the land, Abraham left the Negev for a bit and went to Egypt (Gen. 12:10). 4. After the famine, Abraham returned to the Negev (close to Hebron), and God confirmed His covenant with him. Genesis 13:14–17: The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, 15 for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever . 16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth , so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. 17 Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.” The Abrahamic Covenant includes two promises: (1) a land, and (2) a nation of people. From this covenant comes the Nation of Israel and their land. 5. After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham settled in Beersheba and “Lived there many days” (Gen 21:34), probably meaning the rest of his life. 6. Close-by to Beersheba, Hagar, the mother of Ismael, was sent away by Abraham and an angel of the Lord ministered to her, saying “Her offspring would be blessed” (Gen. 21:14–18). 7. Isaac, the son and heir Abraham and Sarah had waited all their lives to have, was born in Beersheba. 8. It was from Beersheba that Abraham journeyed with his son Isaac to Mount Moriah at Jerusalem, where God had ordered him to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering. Mount Moriah is the exact place that Solomon would later build the temple in Jerusalem where countless sacrifices would be made, the most significant being the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Genesis 22:1-5: After these things, God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." 2 He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day, Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you." Genesis 22:10-19: Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, "Abraham, Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." 12 He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me." 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place, "The LORD will provide"; as it is said to this day, "On the mount of the LORD it shall be provided." 15 And the angel of the LORD called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, "By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice." 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham lived at Beersheba. 9. It was at Beersheba that Isaac and Rebecca met, falling in love at first sight (Gen. 24:62–67). 10. Isaac’s son, Jacob, stole the birthright from his brother Esau while the family lived in Beersheba (Gen. 27). 11. Jacob lived in Beersheba when he and all his family moved to Egypt to live with Joseph (Gen. 46:45–47). 12. The Prophet Elijah came to Beersheba when he fled from Jezebel after the great showdown on Mount Carmel between God and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah. Elijah had the prophets killed, whom Jezebel supported, so he was running for his life. Faith Lesson from Beersheba 1. Beersheba is the beginning place of God’s sovereign master plan for the Nation of Israel, and through them, all mankind. 2. Beersheba played a key role in the lives of all the Patriarchs. 3. Abraham left his family and country in Mesopotamia in obedience to God and settled in Beersheba. 4. God tested Abraham at Beersheba, and he proved he loved God more than any earthly treasure, even his own son. 5. Do we understand that God often tests us as well? 6. Do we understand that God’s greatest question for us is, “What do you love more than me?” 7. Do I have anything in my life that stands between God and me? 8. Do I know what my “Isaac” is, and would I be willing to give it up to God if He asked me to? 9. Abraham is called "Our father of faith" because of his obedience and devotion to God. Do we have like Abraham?

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

Videos About Biblical Bethel In Israel. Only Jerusalem is mentioned more than Bethel in the Bible. Bethel (Beit El) is an amazing place. Bethel (also called Luz) is in the Samaria region about 10 miles (17 km.) north of Jerusalem. Bethel stood at several main crossroads in Israel. It was on the main north-south road that passed through the central hill country from Hebron in the south to Shechem in the north, and it was on the main east-west route leading from Jericho to the Mediterranean Sea. Bethel (Beit El) Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Bethel Introduction There were three locations at Bethel where significant events in the Bible occurred. 1. Lower place east of the town of Bethel. This is where Abraham built one of the first altars mentioned in the Bible, and there he “invoked the name of the Lord.” After Abraham fled to Egypt to escape a famine in the Holy Land, he returned to the same place near Bethel and invoked the name of the Lord once more. 2. High Place west of Bethel While fleeing from his brother Esau, Jacob stopped for the night at Bethel, where he had a dream. Bethel was a place where the Tabernacle resided for some time during the period of the Judges. After the Kingdom of Israel was divided, Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom, set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan. 3. Town of Bethel. Jacob moved to Bethel to live after he returned to the Holy Land. God spoke to him and changed his name from Jacob to Israel. Location 1. Bethel (originally called Luz in the Bible) is in the hill country of the Samaria region, about 10 miles (17 km) north of Jerusalem. 2. Bethel stood at several main crossroads in Israel. It lay on the main north-south road through the central hill country, from Hebron in the south to Shechem in the north, and on the main east-west route from Jericho to the Mediterranean Sea. 3. In addition to the main city of Bethel, which today is called Baytin or Beit El, there are two other key sites close to the main city of Bethel. The first is the original place where Abraham and Jacob pitched their tents and erected altars. It lies just outside Bethel, to the east, a short distance away. The second is the high place of worship. It's about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) north of the main city of Bethel. It's one of the highest places in Israel, sitting at an elevation of 2,900 ft. (886 m.). For this reason, it was a place of worship for both God and false gods. It's believed the tabernacle resided here for some time during the period of the Judges, and it was where Jeroboam set up one of his Golden-Calf altars after the Kingdom of Israel divided. Today, the Israeli government recognizes this high place of worship as the Khalom Ya'akov Antiquities Site. It's fenced and secured. Historical Background 1. Bethel is mentioned sixty times in the Bible, representing over thirty distinct stories and prophecies, all found in the Old Testament. Only Jerusalem is mentioned more times than Bethel. 2. Bethel means “House of God.” 3. The site of Bethel, the nearby sites of Abraham and Jacob, and the high place are all holy to Christians, Jews, and Muslims. They have artifacts, buildings, tombs, and ruins pertaining to each religion. Places of Interest 1. The site where Abraham and Jacob pitched their tents and built altars. Ruins at this site provide strong evidence that Abraham and Jacob pitched their tents here and built altars. Later, a Byzantine church was erected here, marking this spot. Jerome (347-420 AD), an early Christian leader, confirms this. He wrote: "There is also a church built where Jacob slept as he passed to Mesopotamia." 2. The original city of Bethel. This site was once excavated, revealing walls, buildings, and the remains of ancient Bethel. Local residents have since abandoned it and filled it in. However, some remains can still be seen in various places. 3. The high place of worship. 1. A flat stone area where it's believed Jacob slept and had his dream of a ladder going up to heaven. 2. A 1,000-year-old oak tree and other ancient trees (trees were never cut at holy sites). 3. The foundational walls and column fragments of the 4th–6th-century Byzantine basilica directly underlie the vaulted Crusader-era chapel and the later Islamic prayer room (Maqam Sheikh Abdallah). 4. Crusader Chapel - Built over the Byzantine churches. 5. Muslim Prayer Shrine - Built over the Byzantine churches. 6. Ancient walls around the high place. 7. Towers of protection – these would have been used during times of war between Judah and Israel after the nation divided. 8. Burial Tombs 9. Cave with an olive press that Jews use today as a type of small synagogue study area. 10. Ruins of a foundation measuring the exact size of the tabernacle. 11. Jeroboam’s Golden-Calf Altar Bethel in the Bible 1. It was near Bethel that Abraham built one of the first altars mentioned in the Bible, and there he “invoked the name of the Lord.” Genesis 12:8: From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD. 2. After Abraham fled to Egypt to escape a famine in the Holy Land, he returned to the same place near Bethel, and once again invoked the name of the Lord. Genesis 13:2–4: Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. 3 And he journeyed on from the Negev as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 4 to the place where he had made an altar at the first. And there Abram called upon the name of the LORD. 3. When Jacob was fleeing from his brother Esau, he stopped for the night at Bethel, where he had a dream. Genesis 28:10–22: Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11 And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! 13 And behold, the LORD stood above it and said, “I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. 14 Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” 17 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” 18 So early in the morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head and set it up for a pillar and poured oil on the top of it. 19 He called the name of that place Bethel , but the name of the city was Luz at the first. 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, 21 so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God, 22 and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.” 4. When Jacob was in Paddan-aram, God told him to return to the land of Israel. Genesis 31:13: I am the God of Bethel , where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me; now arise, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth. 5. After Jacob returned to the Holy Land, he moved to Bethel to live. God spoke to him and changed his name from Jacob to Israel. Genesis 35:1: Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” Genesis 35:9-15: Then God appeared to Jacob again when he came from Paddan-aram, and He blessed him. 10 God said to him, "Your name is Jacob; You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” Thus, He called him Israel. 11 God also said to him, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come forth from you. 12 The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give it to you, and I will give the land to your descendants after you.” 13 Then God went up from him in the place where He had spoken with him. 14 Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He had spoken with him, a pillar of stone, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. 15 So Jacob named the place where God had spoken with him, Bethel . 6. Bethel was a place where the Tabernacle resided for some time during the period of the Judges. Judges 20:26–27: Then all the people of Israel, the whole army, went up and came to Bethel and wept. They sat there before the LORD and fasted that day until evening, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. 27 And the people of Israel inquired of the LORD (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days ). 7. After the Kingdom of Israel was divided, Jeroboam, the king of the northern kingdom, set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan. 1 Kings 12:26–29: And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 29 And he set one in Bethel , and the other he put in Dan. 8. God warned Jeroboam about erecting the golden calves at Bethel. Jeroboam’s arm withered and was then restored by a prophet to show Jeroboam that God was serious about his great sin. However, Jeroboam did not heed God’s warning (1 Kings 13:1–34). 9. The continual disobedience of Jeroboam and the succeeding kings sealed the fate of Bethel. By the time of Jesus’ birth, Bethel had faded into obscurity and was not mentioned in the New Testament. 10. Josiah, a righteous king, destroyed the Golden-Calf Altar that Jeroboam had erected at Bethel. 2 Kings 23:15: Moreover, the altar at Bethel , the high place erected by Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, that altar with the high place he pulled down and burned, reducing it to dust. He also burned the Asherah. 11. Just before Elijah ascended to heaven, he and Elisha were in Bethel. 2 Kings 2:1–3: Now when the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven by a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were on their way from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel .” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets who were in Bethel came out to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that today the Lord will take away your master from over you?” And he said, “Yes, I know it; keep quiet.” 12. After Assyria conquered and exiled the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the king of Assyria sent one of the captured Israelite priests back to Bethel to teach the people from other nations who lived in Israel how to worship Yahweh, the true and living God (2 Kings 17:24–41). Faith Lesson from Bethel 1. Bethel was a place of two different kinds of responses to God. It was a place where Abraham and Jacob had special encounters with God and worshiped Him, and where the Ark of the Covenant dwelt, representing God's presence and glory. Unfortunately, it also represents a place of disobedience to God and the worship of false gods and idols. 2. We could learn a great lesson from this biblical site of Bethel. 3. Are we going to be like those who worshiped and obeyed God, or like those who disobeyed and worshiped their own desires and plans?

Learn all about the traditional route of the Via Dolorosa and the 14 Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem. Lions’ Gate, Temple Mount, Antonia Fortress, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Ecce Homo Arch, Original stone pavement section, Old City wall in the time of Christ, Golgotha. The Via Dolorosa Photo Gallery Places of Interest The Via Dolorosa Introduction 1. Via Dolorosa means “The Painful Path.” 2. The traditional Via Dolorosa route is the path some say Jesus walked as he went from His trial before Pilate at Antonia’s Fortress to His crucifixion at Golgotha. 3. The Via Dolorosa has 14 stations honoring the events that took place as Christ made His way to Golgotha to be crucified. 4. In the 4th century, Byzantine pilgrims believed the Via Dolorosa began at Herod's Palace, south of Jaffa Gate, and ended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 5. In the 8th century, the route changed. It began at the Garden of Gethsemane, headed south to Mount Zion, and then returned around the Temple Mount to the Holy Sepulchre. 6. During the Crusader Period (1095-1291 AD), the Crusaders believed the Via Dolorosa began at the Antonia Fortress and ended at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 7. Up until the 16th century, there were only eight recognized stations of the cross. The stations were either historical or legendary places where pilgrims stopped along the way for spiritual contemplation and reflection. However, in the 16th century, the churches in Europe persuaded the church in Jerusalem to expand the number of stations to fourteen and to name this road the Via Dolorosa. 8. The present route was marked out by the Franciscans in 1342 after the Mamluk Sultan granted them authority over the Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. 9. Some believe the Via Dolorosa started at the Palace where Pilate was staying, located just south of Jaffa Gate. We'll discuss this further when we visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Herod's Palace. 10. Nine of the stations are biblical, and five are taken from traditional beliefs handed down over the centuries. Biblical Stations: We will read the Bible verses clarifying the events (the biblical stations are: 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14). Traditional Stations: The stations that have been handed down through tradition are listed below, along with the event believed to have occurred at each location (the traditional stations are: 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9). Stations 1–9 each have a large, rounded metal plaque with Roman numerals marking their locations. Stations 10—14 are located at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 11. While we're not totally sure this is the actual route of the Via Dolorosa, we can still contemplate and experience this monumental event. 12. The suffering of Christ shows His love and His desire to have a relationship with us. 13. Along this route, we'll also see other significant sites. Location 1. The Via Dolorosa starts (Station 1) at the original place of the Antonia Fortress, which is currently by a Muslim Elementary School and the Chapel of the Flagellation. 2. Station 1 is located on Lions' Gate St., several hundred yards (m.) inside the Old City west of the Lion’s Gate. 3. The Via Dolorosa ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Places of Interest 1. Lions’ Gate 2. Temple Mount 3. Antonia Fortress 4. Church of the Holy Sepulchre 5. Ecce Homo Arch 6. Original Stone Pavement Section 7. Old City Wall in the Time of Christ The 14 Stations of the Via Dolorosa 1. Station 1: Jesus is condemned to death (biblical event). Location: Two places side by side mark station number one. On the north side of the Via Dolorosa Street is the Church of the Flagellation, and on the south is Umariya Muslim Elementary School, where the Antonia Fortress was located. Permission is needed to enter the school courtyard. Matthew 27:27: Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, gathering the whole battalion before him. Luke 23: 13–25: Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him. 16 I will, therefore, punish and release him." 18 But they all cried out together, "Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas"— 19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus, 21 but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!" 22 A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will, therefore, punish and release him." 23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed. 24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted. 25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will. 2. Station 2: Jesus is given His cross (biblical event). Location: Church of Condemnation. This is just a short distance west of Station 1. John 19:16–17: So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. In the western part of this plaza, a map shows the route of the Via Dolorosa as marked by the Crusaders. Between Stations 2 and 3 is the Ecce Homo Arch (behold the man). This was actually an archway built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian around 135 AD, marking one of the main entrances into Jerusalem. Just after Station 2 is what is believed to be the Prison of the Apostles. Acts 5:17-21: But the high priest stood up, along with all his associates (that is, the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public prison . 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and leading them out, he said, 20 “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple area [q]the whole message of this Life.” 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple area about daybreak and began to teach. 3. Station 3: Jesus falls the first time (traditional event). Location: Take a left (south) at the corner of Via Dolorosa St. and Al Wad St., and Station 3 is immediately on the left. In front of Station 3, there are ancient stones on the street dating to the time of Christ that were discovered beneath this area and placed here for all to see. 4. Station 4: Jesus meets His mother (traditional event). Location: A short distance southward from Station 3 on El-Wad St. 5. Station 5: Simon of Cyrene carries Christ’s cross (biblical event). Located at the corner of Via Dolorosa St. and El-Wad St. From this corner, the street takes a sharp turn to the right and then starts ascending uphill with a series of stairs along the way. Luke 23:26: And when they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyren e, as he was coming in from the country , and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus. A short distance up from Station 5 is a stone embedded in the wall. It is believed that Jesus stumbled against this wall, and in losing His balance, he touched it, leaving behind bloodstains. Initially, this ancient rock was approximately 15 feet lower, below street level, at the time of Jesus. It was raised to its current level as the city level changed. 6. Station 6: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus (traditional event). Location: Just west of Station 5 on Al Wad Street along the western stretch of the Via Dolorosa. According to tradition, Veronica felt compassion when she saw Jesus carrying his cross to Golgotha and gave him her veil so that he could wipe the sweat from his forehead. Jesus supposedly wiped His face and then handed it back to her with the image of His face miraculously impressed upon her veil. Veronica means true image in Latin. A short distance before Station 7, part of the original city wall is visible. Golgotha was located outside the city during the time of Christ, and this wall marked the city's exit. 7. Station 7: Jesus falls the second time (traditional event). Location: At the corner of Al Wad Street and Khan es-Zeit St. Inside the Chapel of Station 7, a recent discovery was made. In 2017, the wall separating the two rooms of the Seventh Station was torn down, revealing a remarkable surprise behind it. Here, the public got its first look at what is believed to be the western wall of the city of Jerusalem, dating to the first century. 8. Station 8: Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem (biblical event). Location: From Station 7, take a step to the right and walk up Ma'alot E-Khanka St. a short distance. Beneath the metal disk on the wall is a carved stone set at eye level. It is marked by a cross with Greek letters forming an abbreviation of “Jesus Christ conquers.” Luke 23:27–31: And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. 28 But turning to them Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!' 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.' 31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” 9. Station 9: Jesus falls the third time (traditional event). Location: Walk back down to Station 7, take a right (south) on Beit HaBad St. Continue on Beit HaBad St. for about 75 yards (70 meters), and you will notice on the right a stairway leading to Station 9. Station 9 is the most difficult to locate. It’s located by the Coptic Patriarchate Building, through a narrow alley. Stations 10–14 are at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Location: From Station 9, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre can be accessed in two ways: (1) by a green door that leads to the courtyard of the Holy Sepulcher, or (2) by returning to Beit HaBad St. and continuing south, then taking a right on Shuk ha-Tsaba'im St. and following it to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 10. Station 10: Jesus is stripped of His garments (biblical event). Location: In a room outside the church called "The Chapel of the Franks," on the right side of the church entrance. It can be seen behind glass panels by going up the stairs. It can also be seen before Station 11 by looking down through a glass window. John 19:23–24: When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, "They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things. 11. Station 11: Jesus arrives at Golgotha and is nailed to the cross (biblical event). Location: Just after entering the church, take a right and go up the stairs to the second level. A Franciscan altar marks Station 11. John 19:17–18: And he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 12. Station 12: Jesus dies on the cross (biblical event). Location: Beside Station 11, a Greek Orthodox crucifixion altar marks Station 12. Matthew 27:45–54: Now from the sixth hour [12:00 pm] there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour [3:00 pm]. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. 51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” Beside Station 12 is a large, cracked rock, believed to have been caused by the earthquake at Christ’s death. On the lower level of the church, this rock is also visible. 13. Station 13: Jesus' body is removed from the cross (biblical event). Location: Between stations 11 and 12 is a shrine of Mary, the mother of Jesus, with a spear piercing her heart. This marks the spot of Station 13 of the Via Dolorosa, where the body of Jesus was removed from the Cross. Station 13 is also affiliated with the Unction Stone, located just inside the church entrance. John 19:38–40: After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 14. Station 14: Jesus is laid in the tomb and covered in incense (biblical event). Location: In the church's large rotunda, an enclosed tomb marks Station 14. John 19:41–42: Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. For a more detailed look at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, please click this link: Church of the Holy Sepulchre In-depth Tour Faith Lesson from the Via Dolorosa 1. Roman crucifixions always took place in the most public areas possible. 2. Jesus was led through the busy streets for maximum humiliation. 3. Christ’s crucifixion happened on the day of Passover, so Jerusalem was at its busiest time of year, and there could have easily been around one million people present in the city at this time. 4. The blood lost during the floggings, the crown of thorns, and beatings was unbearable and life-threatening. 5. Christ was so weak that Simon of Cyrene had to carry His cross most of the way to Golgotha. 6. The total time elapsed from Christ’s suffering that began in the Garden of Gethsemane to His death on the cross was about 18 hours of sleepless, intense torment and pain. 7. The physical suffering was only a drop in the bucket compared to the spiritual suffering Christ endured to pay for our sins. 8. Do we really understand the price that was paid for the forgiveness of our sins, the privilege we have of being right with God, and the gift of eternal life in heaven? 9. Do we warn others of the reality of the judgments of God and the price of rejecting Christ’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life? 10. If we refuse to believe in the existence of a literal hell, then all Christ suffered has little meaning or purpose. This would be a horrendous slap in the face of Christ for all He did on the cross.

Learn about the 5 cities of the Philistines. Who were the Philistines, where did they come from, and where did they live? They are mentioned in many places in the Old Testament and were the enemies of the Israelites. They were involved in a huge miracle wherein God afflicted them with sores until they returned the Ark of the Covenant back to the Israelites at Beth Shemish. The Five Philistine Cities Photo Gallery Places of Interest The Philistines and Their Five City Strongholds Location The Philistine territory encompassed the southern coastal plain of Israel. They occupied five city-states that controlled a major travel route connecting Africa with Asia and Europe called the Via Maris . The cities of the Philistines were Ashkelon, Ashdod, Gaza, Ekron, and Gath. Historical Background 1. The Philistines were an ancient people who lived on the south coast of Canaan from around 2000 BC until 604 BC. From around 715 BC to 604 BC they were controlled by the Assyrian Empire and then destroyed by King Nebuchadnezzar II of the Neo-Babylonian Empire. 2. After becoming part of the Babylonian Empire and later part of the Persian Empire, they lost their distinct ethnic identity and disappeared from the historical and archaeological record by the late 5th century BC. 3. The Philistines are best known in the Bible for their biblical conflict with the Israelites. The Philistines are mentioned around 222 times in the Bible, beginning with Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament, and ending with Zechariah, the second to the last book of the Old Testament. 4. It appears that a sea people called the Peleset, from the Aegean Sea area, settled and mixed in with the Philistines in around 1155 BC. 5. The Philistines worshiped the false god, Dagon, a god of fertility. A couple of references to Dagon temples in the Philistinian cities of Gaza and Ashdod are mentioned in Judges 16:23, and 1 Samuel 5:2-5. The Five Philistine City Strongholds 1. Ashdod 1. Ashdod is located on the Mediterranean Sea and is the northernmost city of the five Philistine cities. 2. It's about 18 miles (29 km.) south of Jaffa and Tel Aviv. 3. Tel Ashod is just about 2.75 miles (4.5 km.) inland from the sea. It remains in its natural form and has had some excavations carried out but not extensive ones. 4. It appears that the city was large and extended all the way to the sea, or had another part of the city that was by the sea. 5. During the conquest of the Promised Land under Joshua and the Israelites, giants known as Anakim were found here (Josh. 11:22). Ashdod was allotted to Judah, but they failed to conquer it (Josh. 13:3, 15:46–47). 6. During the time of Samuel, Ashdod, and the other main cities of the Philistines were still independent. 7. Ashdod was conquered and came under the authority of Assyria in around 711 BC. Later, Babylon conquered it as well in around 605 BC. 8. In later times, the Ashdod-Yam Fortress (also called Qal’at el-Mina) was built by Caliph Abd al-Malik (685-705 C.E) at the end of the seventh century AD on the ruins of a Byzantine settlement. The fortress was part of a coastal defense system designed to prevent a Byzantine invasion from the sea. The system consisted of a string of strongholds along the Mediterranean Sea situated in sight of one another. In times of danger, massages were conveyed by means of beacons of fire (by night) and smoke signals (by day). In 1033, the fortress was destroyed by an earthquake and abandoned. It was reconstructed and resettled during the Crusader Period, (12th and 13th centuries AD). Its name was changed to Castellum Beroart. It was finally abandoned after the Crusaders were banished from the country in 1290. Ashdod in the Bible 1. The Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and took it to Ashdod and placed it in the House of Dagon (their false god). 1 Samuel 5:1-2: Now the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod . 2 Then the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it into the house of Dagon , and placed it beside Dagon. The Ark may have resided in the house of their false god, Dagon, which could have been by the sea. From Ashdod, the Ark was taken to Gath. 2. God prophesied that a people of mixed origins or nationalities would live in Ashdod and among the Philistines. This was certainly fulfilled in history and can even be seen today. Zechariah 9:6: And a people of mixed origins will live in Ashdod , and I will eliminate the pride of the Philistines . 3. Ashdod was the recipient of many prophecies proclaiming its doom and destruction. Isaiah 20:11, Amos 1:8, Jeremiah 25:20, and Zechariah 2:4, 9:6. However, Ashdod continued to be inhabited as the Jews intermarried with its inhabitants after their return from Babylon (Neh. 13:23–24). 4. In the New Testament, Ashdod is called Azotus. Acts 8:40: But Philip found himself at Azotus , and as he passed through he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. 2. Ashkelon 1. Ashkelon is located just south of Ashdod, it also is on the Mediterranean Ocean and was one of the five cities of the Philistines. The origin of the name Ashkelon appears to come from the word “shekel,” denoting a measure of weight – a fitting name for a commercial port city. The specific name Ashkelon is mentioned in the Egyptian execration texts of the 19th century BC, and it appears again in other, later Egyptian inscriptions. 2. Ashkelon has the world's oldest Canaanite Gate in the world that dates back to almost 4000 years ago. Ashkelon in the Bible 1. Joshua and the Israelites conquered Ashkelon in the conquest of the Promised Land (Josh. 13:3), and it was allotted to Judah, who then occupied it (Judg. 1:18). 2. One of the golden tumors (emerods) that was returned with the Ark of the Covenant by the Philistines was from Ashkelon. 1 Samuel 6:17: Now these are the gold tumors which the Philistines returned as a guilt offering to the Lord: one for Ashdod , one for Gaza , one for Ashkelon , one for Gath , and one for Ekron . 3. Askelon is mentioned by David when, after Saul and Jonathan die, David laments and mourns over them. 2 Samuel 1:19-20: Your beauty, Israel, is slaughtered on your high places! How the mighty have fallen! 20 Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon , or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will celebrate. 4. Ashkelon was also denounced by Jeremiah (Jer. 25:20, 47:5–7), Zephaniah (2:4–7), and Zechariah (9:5). 3. Gaza 1. Gaza is located south of Ashkelon and Ashdod, it also is on the Mediterranean Ocean and was one of the cities of the Philistine Pentapolis. It is the southernmost city. Today, virtually no ruins remain from this city as it has been destroyed in later years due to what appears to be political reasons. 2. It was on a hill rising about 200 ft. (61 m.) above the valley floor. There were sand dunes between it and the sea, which was about 2 miles away. 3. Today, because ancient Gaza lies in the Gaza Strip, where land is scarce and Israeli interests are not valued, the remains of ancient Gaza are practically nonexistent. Gaza in the Bible 1. In the conquest of the Promised Land, Joshua and the Israelites failed to conquer Gaza, along with several other main cities of the Philistines (Josh. 10:41, 11:22). 2. Later, the tribe of Judah captured Gaza but couldn’t control it for long, and it fell back into the hands of the Philistines (Judg. 1:18). 3. Samson had many encounters with the Philistines. In one encounter, Samson carried heavy gates from Gaza all the way to the Hebron area, a distance of around 42 miles (72 km.). Judges 16:1: Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a prostitute there, and had relations with her. Judges 16:3: Now Samson lay asleep until midnight, and at midnight he got up and took hold of the doors of the city gate and the two doorposts, and pulled them up along with the bars; then he put them on his shoulders, and carried them up to the top of the mountain which is opposite Hebron . 4. Samson met his death in Gaza. Judges 16:28-30: Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 Then Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and braced himself against them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left. 30 And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he pushed outwards powerfully, so that the house fell on the governors and all the people who were in it. And the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed during his lifetime. 5. After the Philistines defeated the Israelites in battle and captured the Ark of the Covenant during the priesthood of Eli and his two wicked sons, Gaza, along with the other main cities of the Philistines, sent a trespass offering to God when the ark was returned to the Israelites at Beth-Shemesh (1 Sam. 6:17–18). 6. When Hezekiah reigned, he defeated and pursued the Philistines to Gaza but did not seem to have captured the city. However, the Assyrians later captured it in 720 BC. 7. In the New Testament, Philip was sent to Gaza to evangelize the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8:26: But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Get ready and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza .” 4. Gath 1. Gath (Tell Es-Safi) is located east of Ashkelon about 17 miles (28 km.) The word Gath means “winepress.” 2. Gath was one of the five main cities of the Philistines (Josh. 13:3; 1 Sam. 6:17). 3. The site is a large, multi-period site that is made up of many layers. Each layer represents a different phase in the history of the site. 4. Tell Es-Safi has a long history of settlement. The site was first settled sometime around 5000 BC. It has been continually settled until modern times. The last settlement there was an Arab village that was abandoned during the Israeli War of Independence in 1948. 5. It was a well-fortified walled city (2 Chron. 26:6). 6. Joshua and the Israelites were unable to conquer Gath despite the numerous conflicts between the Israelites and the inhabitants of Gath. 7. It wasn’t until King David that the city was conquered and became part of the Israelite Kingdom (1 Chron. 18:1). 8. Its name is most remembered as the home of the giant, Goliath, whom David slew (1 Sam. 17:4). Gath in the Bible 1. It has archaeological remains that are unusual that reveal giants once lived here. This is affirmed by the Bible. 1 Chronicles 20:8: These were descended from the giants in Gath , and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants. It was also the hometown of the warrior Goliath, who appears in the Bible. 2. It was one of the Philistine cities where the Ark of the Covenant resided before being taken to Ekron. 1 Samuel 5:8: So they sent word and gathered all the governors of the Philistines to them, and said, “What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?” And they said, “Have the ark of the God of Israel brought to Gath .” So they took the ark of the God of Israel away. 3. Goliath, the giant that young David slew was from Gath. 1 Samuel 17:4: Then a champion came forward from the army encampment of the Philistines, named Goliath, from Gath . His height was six cubits and a span. 4. When King Saul was seeking to kill David, David went to Gath to hide from Saul and acted like a crazy person because he feared the king of Gath. 1 Samuel 21:10-15: Then David set out and fled that day from Saul, and went to Achish king of Gath . 11 But the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing of this one as they danced, saying, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” 12 David took these words to heart and greatly feared Achish king of Gath . 13 So he disguised his sanity while in their sight and acted insanely in their custody, and he scribbled on the doors of the gate, and drooled on his beard. 14 Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, you see the man is behaving like an insane person. Why do you bring him to me? 15 Do I lack insane people, that you have brought this one to behave like an insane person in my presence? Shall this one come into my house?” 5. Later, when King Saul was again pursuing David to kill him, David fled and lived in Gath for a while. 1 Samuel 27:2-3: So David set out and went over, he and the six hundred men who were with him, to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath . And David lived with Achish in Gath , he and his men, each with his own household—David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal’s widow. 5. Ekron 1. Ekron is located east of Ashdod and the Mediterranean Sea about 13 miles (20 km.) 2. In archeological terms, Tel Ekron (Tel Miqne-Ekron) is significant because it is one of the largest Iron Age sites in Israel. 3. More than 100 oil presses were found here, as well as the Ekron Inscription, which clearly identifies the site as Philistine, Ekron. 4. Just to the west of Tel Ekron is Kibbutz Revadim, where a Museum of the History of Philistine Culture shows a reconstructed Philistine street with many artifacts. Ekron in the Bible 1. Joshua and the Israelites failed to conquer Ekron in the conquest of the Promised Land as found in Joshua 13:3. 2. It was allotted to Judah in the division of the land and then to the tribe of Dan as found in Joshua chapters 15-19. 3. However, the tribe of Dan failed to conquer the area and moved to the northern part of Israel. Judah wound up conquering Ekron and inhabiting it as found in Judges 1:18. 4. Ekron was one of the Philistine cities where the Ark of the Covenant resided before being returned to the Israelites at Beth Shemesh. 1 Samuel 5:10: So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And as the ark of God came to Ekron , the Ekronites cried out, saying, “They have brought the ark of the God of Israel to us, to kill us and our people!” 1 Samuel 6:13-16: Now the people of Beth-shemesh were gathering in their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced at seeing it. 14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite and stopped there where there was a large stone; and they split the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord. 15 And the Levites took down the ark of the Lord and the saddlebag that was with it, in which were the articles of gold, and put them on the large stone; and the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices that day to the Lord. 16 When the five governors of the Philistines saw it, they returned to Ekron that day. 5. After David killed Goliath in the Valley of Elah, the Israelites pursued and defeated the Philistines all the way to Ekron. 1 Samuel 17:52: Then the men of Israel and Judah rose up and shouted, and they pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron . And the Philistine dead lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron . 6. Ekron is included, among other cities, in pronouncements of judgment by the prophets Amos 1:8, Jeremiah 25:20, Zephaniah 2:4, and Zechariah 9:5–7. The Philistines in the Bible 1. According to Genesis 10:6-14, the Philistines were descendants of Ham, one of Noah's sons. Genesis 10:13-14: Mizraim fathered Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, 14 Pathrusim, Casluhim (from whom came the Philistines ), and Caphtorim. 2. At Beersheba, Abraham made a covenant with Abimelech, king of the Philistines. Genesis 21:32: So they made a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, got up and returned to the land of the Philistines . Genesis 26:1: Now there was a famine in the land, besides the previous famine that had occurred in the days of Abraham. So Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines . 3. Abraham lived in the territory of the Philistines which included much of the Negev (southern part of Israel). Genesis 21:34: And Abraham resided in the land of the Philistines for many days. 4. In the book of Judges, God used the Philistines to punish the Israelites because of their disobedience. Judges 10:7: And the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines , and into the hands of the sons of Ammon. 5. King Saul fought against the Philistines all throughout his reign. 1 Samuel 14:52: Now the war against the Philistines was severe all the days of Saul; and when Saul saw any warrior or any valiant man, he attached him to his staff. 6. The well-known story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 takes place in the Valley of Elah just east of Gath, which was the hometown of Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:1-3: Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle; and they were gathered at Socoh which belongs to Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. Saul and the men of Israel were assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah, and they drew up in battle formation to confront the Philistines . The Philistines were standing on the mountain on one side, while Israel was standing on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them. 7. When Saul pursued David, David fled and lived with the Philistines. 1 Samuel 27:1: Then David said to himself, “Now I will perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to safely escape into the land of the Philistines . Then Saul will despair of searching for me anymore in all the territory of Israel, and I will escape from his hand.” 8. The Philistines killed King Saul and his sons in battle. 1 Samuel 31:2: And the Philistines also overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. 9. King David defeated the Philistines and subdued them. 2 Samuel 8:1: Now it happened afterward that David defeated the Philistines and subdued them ; and David took control of the chief city from the hand of the Philistines. 10. During King Saul's time, he ruled over the Philistines. 1 Kings 4:21: Now Solomon was ruling over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt; they brought tribute and served Solomon all the days of his life. 11. God prophesied that the cities of Gaza Ashkelon, Ashdod, and Ekron would become desolate. This prophecy has certainly come to pass. Zephaniah 2:4: For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will become a desolation; the inhabitants of Ashdod will be driven out at noon, and Ekron will be uprooted. Faith Lesson from the Philistines 1. God used the Philistines to punish the Israelites because they turned away from Him and followed false gods. In the same way, God often uses people in our lives to get us back on track with the Lord when we stray. 2. God revealed Himself as the Creator and true Lord to the Philistines on different occasions so they would know He was the true God. God reveals Himself to everyone through His creation so that everyone is without excuse. Romans 1:18-20: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse . 3. Any person from any nation was welcome to join in the Jewish faith and obtain salvation and be right with God. The Philistines had this opportunity like every other nation. 4. What about us? Are we right with God and letting our lights shine to a world that needs God and His salvation through Jesus Christ?

This video provides the most comprehensive and complete evidence that proves the original temple of Solomon, and the rebuilt temples of Zerubbabel and Herod the Great, were located on the Temple Mount, exactly where the Dome of the Rock is today. Today, some are promoting the theory that the Temple was in the City of David and that the Temple Mount was a Roman Fort. We will answer each of their arguments with facts, the Bible, archeology, and eyewitness accounts. Temple Location Photo Gallery Places of Interest Temple Mount Location Location 1. Archaeological discoveries now reveal the location of the original temple and the Temple Mount platform of Solomon, Hezekiah, Zerubbabel, the Hasmoneans, and Herod's temple, wherein Christ ministered. 2. Today, a growing number of people claim that the temple and Temple Mount were located in the City of David. This is simply not true. Therefore, we will attempt to show, from Scripture, historical, archaeological, and practical reasons, why their claims are untrue. 3. The Temple Mount is located on the eastern side of Old City Jerusalem 4. It occupies 1/6 of the current city. 5. It is 35 acres (14 hectares) in size, the equivalent of 35 football fields. Historical Background 1. The Temple Mount has played a “center stage” role for much of Israel’s history and has functioned as the center of God’s dwelling place and ministry on this earth. 2. About one-tenth of all the stories about Jesus took place on the Temple Mount. 3. It will play a key part during the Millennial Reign of Christ on the earth as well. 4. God has chosen to focus His presence and attention there like a laser beam from heaven, like no other place. 5. Solomon built the first temple around 960 BC, which the Babylonians destroyed in 586 BC. 6. The second temple was overseen by Zerubbabel after the deportation and return of the Jews. It was dedicated in 515 BC. 7. The Hasmoneans enlarged the Temple Mount to the south around 140 BC. 8. King Herod dismantled Zerubbabel’s Temple only after he had prepared the materials and workers. He then rebuilt the sanctuary on new foundations at the same sacred site, while significantly expanding the surrounding Temple Mount platform and courts. It was still called the Second Temple because Jewish worship continued in the same sacred institution that had begun under Zerubbabel. But architecturally, by Jesus’ day, it was essentially Herod’s magnificent replacement and expansion of Zerubbabel’s much smaller Temple. The following is a 10-part series done by Leen Ritmeyer, who is probably the leading archaeologist on the Temple Mount and its history: 1. Mount Moriah 2. The Temple Mount During the Jebusite Period 3. The Temple Mount During the Time of Solomon 4. The Temple Mount During the time of King Hezekiah 5. The Temple Mount During the Times of Ezra and Nehemiah 6. The Temple Mount During the Hellenistic and Hasmonean Periods 7. The Temple Mount During the Herodian Period 8. The Temple Mount During the Roman Period 9. The Temple Mount During the Byzantine Period 10. The Temple Mount in the Early Muslim Period Places of Interest 1 . Location of Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform. Archaeological, historical, and eyewitness accounts place the first and second temples directly beneath the Dome of the Rock. According to the Mishnah (Jewish writings on various aspects of Jewish law, customs, measurements, and so forth), the original Temple Mount Platform measured 500 cubits square. Using the royal cubit, the standard unit of measurement at the time (20.67 inches, or 525 mm), Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform measured 861 ft (262.5 m) in length. Amazingly, evidence supports these exact measurements on each side of Solomon's original platform. 2. The Southwest corner of the original Temple Mount Platform that Solomon built. This can be located through archaeological work at Barclay's Gate. 3. Western side of the original platform. Warren's Gate: Evidence can be seen in an additional gate called “Warren’s Gate,” which can be found butted up against the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform beneath the platform surface. Western Wall location today. 4. Dome of the Rock Platform Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform was at approximately the same level. 5. Northwestern Corner of Solomon's Original Temple Platform Evidence from massive stones dating back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah is visible today. They run parallel with the Eastern Wall. The boss can't be seen today because it's covered with stone tiles, but photos from the 1960s show it. The boss style is from the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. This same style of stone can be seen at the base of the Eastern Gate. The distance from this corner to the eastern wall of the Temple Mount platform is exactly 500 cubits, 861 ft., or 262.5 m. 6. Antonia Fortress The Jewish historian Josephus writes that it was built on bedrock. You can see the bedrock on which it was built. Currently, a grade school is located there. There were steps in this area leading up from the Temple Mount to the Antonia Fortress. It is here that Paul addressed the angry crowd below. Acts 21:34-36: Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps , he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!” The rock face has holes or sockets where beams for the portico that ran along its southern side were attached. 7. Northern Side of the Original Temple Mount Platform This is on the same line as the northern part of the Dome of the Rock platform today. Evidence of a pre-Herodian wall was found underground by cistern 29. 8. Eastern Side of the Original Temple Mount Platform Just north of where the northern wall of the 500-cubit mount platform meets the Eastern Wall, we find an offset in the wall, located 68 feet (20.73 meters) to the north. This offset indicates that a tower once stood at this corner for protection purposes. Measuring from where the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform meets the Eastern Wall going south, we find a curious bend in the wall at exactly 861 feet, or 262.5 meters. This bend in the wall resulted from later construction added to the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform during the Hasmonean period, around 140 BC. Their construction used a slightly different angle than the original platform. Also, there is a change in the stone style. The stones after the bend have a boss shape that dates to the Hasmonean period. The stone positioning and configurations also indicate that a corner was once located at this bend in the wall. Further south along the Eastern Wall, we see a seam in the construction. The stone styles change, and the stones are butted against one another. This marks the beginning of Herod the Great's expansion of the Temple Mount Platform. 9. Eastern Gate In the Eastern Gate area, we also see ancient stones with boss shapes that date back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. It is worth noting that the location of the Eastern Wall remained unchanged throughout the entire history of the Temple Mount. This is due to the Kidron Valley and its steep decline on this side. So, again, these ancient stones reveal that the Eastern side of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform dates back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. 10. Solomon's Portico Important gathering place. Acts 5:12: Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico . 11. Muslim Excavations In 1999, the WAQF, the Jordanian body that retains authority over the Temple Mount and other Muslim holy places, used bulldozers to remove some 10,000 tons of dirt (400 dump truck loads) from the area known as King Solomon’s Stables to create an emergency exit for the Marwani Mosque, which can accommodate 10,000 people. This was dumped in the Kidron Valley. Israelis took this dirt to a location on Mount Scopus, where it is now being sifted. This is known as the "Sifting Project." Its contents reveal overwhelming evidence that the Temple Mount is the authentic location of the original temple. The original stone tiles of Herod's renovated Temple Mount Platform have been found. Until 1920, Muslim pamphlets describing the Dome of the Rock stated that it was built directly over the site where the original temple once stood. Today, the stairs descend to the Al-Marwani Mosque, inaugurated in 1996, located under the Temple Mount in the area once called Solomon's Stables by the Crusaders. 12. Royal Stoa It is most likely that Pentecost happened at the southern end of the Temple Mount in the area of the Royal Stoa. It is unlikely that Pentecost occurred in the Upper Room, since a multitude gathered to witness this astounding event. The Upper Room couldn’t have accommodated a crowd of 15,000–30,000. Scripture says the coming of the Holy Spirit filled a house. It doesn’t mention the Upper Room. In many places in the Bible, the temple is referred to as the House of the Lord or just the house. The Hebrew word for "house" in Acts 2:2 is "Har Ha Bait," which means "the mountain of THE house," or "the dwelling place of God." "House" can also refer to just a covered area. At the southern side of the Temple Mount, just above the Southern Stairs, was the Royal Stoa. The coming of the Holy Spirit occurred at 9:00 a.m., the time of morning prayers at the temple. According to Scripture, it was customary for the apostles to visit the temple during these times of prayer. The Temple Mount and Southern Stair area could easily have accommodated the large crowd of 15,000–30,000 who gathered at Pentecost. Acts 2:41 says 3,000 were saved and baptized. Around the Southern Stairs are many mikveh cleansing pools that could have been used to baptize those who were saved. The southern part of the Temple Mount would have been a natural place for Pentecost to occur, as it was a center of public activity. The Upper Room area was a residential neighborhood, and there's no reason 15,000-30,000 people would have been there when the events of Pentecost happened that drew such a large crowd. This area also had all the mikvehs necessary for baptizing, as well as space to accommodate such a large crowd. 13. Southern Stairs Area Trumpeter's Stone Destroyed Roman Street by Robinson's Arch 14. South end of the Temple Mount Platform: it had a slightly different length than the three other sides. It measured 495 cubits, 853 ft., 260 m. It's believed that this was due to the Ophel rise, which made it difficult to build over. 15. Al Aqsa Mosque The Al-Aqsa mosque (also “Al-Aksa”, which means “the remote” mosque). It was named after the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad’s imaginative travel from Mecca to a remote mosque. It was built around 685 to 715 AD. It has been rebuilt and restored many times. When the Crusaders were in control, they referred to it as "The Temple of Solomon." Only Muslims are allowed inside. The Israeli police may enter only if necessary. The mosque can hold around 5,000 people. 16. Ancient Stone Steps These are original stones from the time of Herod or earlier, which would have been steps leading from the Court of the Gentiles to the Outer Court of the Temple. 17. Dome of the Rock It was built in 691 AD. It sits exactly over where the original temples stood. Inside is a square shaped like the Ark of the Covenant. When the Crusaders were in control, they referred to it as "The Temple of the Lord." It is a Muslim shrine today. Only Muslims may enter. All others by permission only. 18. Recycled Decorated Stone from a Byzantine Church This is found at the base of the Dome of the Rock, just to the right of the main entrance facing east. It was placed there in the Umayyad Period, specifically when the Dome of the Rock was being constructed under the orders of Caliph Abd al‑Malik between 691 and 692 AD. It has some crosses that have been scratched away. 19. Baptistry Chapel from the Byzantine Period The baptismal tank is near the chapel. 20. The Temple Treasury Located on the north side of the Temple sanctuary. The most notable words of Jesus in this location are “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32), and ‘Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). About one-tenth of all the stories about Jesus took place on the Temple Mount. 21. Dome of the Spirits Also known as the Dome of the Tablets, this small dome was constructed around 950 AD during the Muslim Umayyad Period. One theory suggests that it is located above the “Spirits Cave,” where the spirits of the dead gather for prayer. Another theory, called the Dome of the Tablets, holds that the tablets were kept inside the Ark of the Covenant, implying that this might be the location of the Holy of Holies — a theory with which most scholars disagree. It was built on a large Herodian paving stone measuring 12 ft (3.70m) by 11.5 ft (3.50m). According to Warren’s survey maps, it is situated approximately 10 feet (3m) above the natural bedrock. It was part of the pavement laid north of the buildings surrounding the Temple. 22. Original Temple Location Holy of Holies According to the Mishnah, only a rectangular depression in the bedrock remained where the Ark once stood. This exact shape has been identified inside the Dome of the Rock. Holy Place Altar Nicanor Gate/Beautiful Gate Inner Court Outer Court Court of the Gentiles 23. Threshing floor of Arunah (Ornan), the Jebusite that David purchased. 24. Dome of the Chain Located just east of the Dome of the Rock, this is where the Holy Place of the original temples stood. 25. Dome of the Prophet Located just northwest of the Dome of the Rock Built in 1539 AD, it is traditionally believed that Muhammad led the former Jewish prophets (including Jesus) and angels in prayer at this spot on the night he ascended into heaven. 26. Dome of the Ascension Located just north of the Dome of the Prophet. It was built sometime between the 7th and 10th centuries AD. Some believe it was built on the spot from which Muhammad ascended into Heaven on his night journey. The Original Temple Mount Platform Location 1. It was not in the City of David but on Mount Moriah, where the Temple Mount Platform is today. After Solomon built the temple, he brought the Ark of the Covenant out of the City of David to the temple on Mt. Moriah. 2 Chronicles 5:2: "Then Solomon assembled to Jerusalem the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ households of the sons of Israel, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the City of David , which is Zion." 2. The Northern Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform According to the Mishnah (Jewish writings on various aspects of Jewish law, customs, measurements, and so forth), the original Temple Mount Platform measured 500 cubits square. Using the royal cubit, the universal unit of measurement of the time, would be 861 ft (262.4 m) . Amazingly, the distance from the corner of this Pre-Herodian stone step to the Eastern Wall is exactly 861 feet, or 262.4 meters. This northern edge of the original Temple Mount Platform also aligns with the current Dome of the Rock Platform. Additional evidence of a pre-Herodian wall can also be found underground by cistern 29. Considering these factors, we now have strong evidence of the location of the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Next, we come to the Eastern Wall. Just north of where the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform meets the eastern wall, we find an offset in the wall, located 68 feet (20.73 meters) to the north. This offset indicates that a tower once stood at this corner for protection purposes. 3. The Eastern Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform Measuring south from where the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform meets the Eastern wall, we find a curious bend in the wall at exactly 861 ft (262.5 m). This bend in the wall resulted from later construction added to the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform during the Hasmonean period, around 140 BC. Their construction used a slightly different angle than the original platform. Also, there is a change in the stone style. The stones after the bend have a boss shape that dates to the Hasmonean period. The stone positioning and configurations also indicate that a corner was once located at this bend in the wall. This archaeological evidence reveals that this point was the corner of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Again, this section of the Eastern Wall measures exactly 861 ft (262.5 m), or 500 cubits. In this Eastern Gate area, we also see ancient stones with boss shapes that date back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. It should be noted that the Eastern Wall location remained unchanged throughout the entire history of the Temple Mount. This is due to the Kidron Valley and its steep decline on this side. So, again, these ancient stones reveal that the Eastern side of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform dates back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. 4. The Southern Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform Next, we’ll look at the southern wall of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Measuring 495 Cubits ( 853 feet, 260 meters from the southwest corner of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform, which has a bend in the wall, we come to the entrance of Barclay’s Gate. This gate was built later by Herod and was butted up against the southern wall of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. This slight difference in measurement amounts to less than 1% and was probably the result of the two corners being obscured by the elevation of Mt. Moriah between them. 5. The Western Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform The Western Wall section of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform can be located by the established corners of the northwest and southwest corners and measures exactly 861 feet (262.5 meters). Additionally, the Excavations of Barclay's Gate also show this corner. More evidence can be seen in an additional gate called “Warren’s Gate,” which can be found butted up against the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. In summary, we see overwhelming evidence of the original 500-cubit-square Temple Mount Platform. Evidence of the Enlargements of the Temple Mount Platform We can also see the evidence of the Hasmonean and Herodian additions to the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Hasmonean Enlargement Around 140 BC, the Hasmoneans added a section to the southern part of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Again, this is evident in the bend of the Eastern Wall and the varied stone styles employed. Herod the Great Enlargement Herod the Great embarked on a massive expansion of the Temple Mount Platform around 19 BC. Josephus, the Jewish historian who lived around the time of Christ, describes how the Temple Mount was doubled in size after the Hasmonean expansion. He enlarged it to the south, west, and north. Today, we see this evidence throughout the expansion sections. One key place is the expansion of the southern part of the Eastern Wall. A notable seam in the wall reveals Herod’s expansion, which was added to the Hasmonean expansion. This seam clearly shows the change from Hasmonean to Herodian stone styles. The location and configuration of the Hasmonean and Herodian stones indicate that this was once a corner. Additionally, the Herodian stones along the Western Wall section attest to Herod’s expansion on this side. Additionally, on the northern wall of the Temple Mount are holes indicating the location of a former portico. Again, the Eastern Wall of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform was never altered; it was merely repaired and extended to the southern end. Evidence Inside the Dome of the Rock T he location of the original temples can also be established with certainty. Inside the Dome of the Rock is the highest point of Mt. Moriah. On this massive stone, a cut-out square can be seen that once housed the Ark of the Covenant, and to the sides, the foundations of the Holy of Holies. It should be noted that the altar that David purchased from Arunah the Jebusite was just east of the top of the mountain in a flatter area. Here you can see where the altar would have been located in relation to the rock inside the Dome of the Rock. How Was the Temple Mount Supplied with Water for Sacrifices and Purification Needs? 1. The requirement for living water was only needed for three purposes: (1) defilement by a corpse (Num. 19:17), (2) by a non-routine bodily discharge (Lev. 15:11), or (3) by leprosy (Lev. 14:5, 50). In these instances, part of the purification process requires the use of living water (flows continuously). In all other cases of defilement, purification is accomplished by washing in water, without requiring running water. 2. There were massive cisterns on the Temple Mount (around 37), totaling more than 10.5 million gallons or over 40 million liters of water. Many of these cisterns date to the time of Solomon, Hezekiah, and Zerubbabel. 3. There are around 16 cisterns that are in the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform Solomon and Hezekiah built. All these water sources supplied more than enough water for the temple's use. 4. There were other large pools north of the Temple Mount as well. The need for living water was met by nearby pools with living water (for example, the Pools of Bethesda, Siloam, and the Pool of Israel). These three pools alone provided over 54 million gallons, or approximately 205 million liters, of water. 5. A recent discovery close to the southwestern side of the Temple Mount shows a massive cistern that was fed by water from the Tyropean Valley. 6. There were aqueducts from Bethlehem to the Temple Mount that existed in at least 250 BC that supplied living water to the temple. Many archaeologists believe that the aqueducts date back to the time of Solomon. 7. There are 50-plus mikvehs on the southern steps and on the west side of the Temple Mount. The Temple Mount in the Bible 1. The Temple Mount is also called Mount Moriah and was the place where Abraham was to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. Genesis 22:1–2: After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." 2 He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." 2. King David purchased the original Temple Mount when it was a threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 21:18: Now the angel of the LORD had commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and raise an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan [also called Araunah] the Jebusite. 3. King Solomon then built the Temple in this exact location. 2 Chronicles 3:1: Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to David his father, at the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 4. During the dedication of Solomon’s temple, the glory of the Lord filled it in such a way that the priests had to suspend their activities until God’s glory subsided. 1 Kings 8:10–11: And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. 5. The prophets spoke to the nation of Israel from the Temple Mount. 6. The first temple was destroyed in 586 BC by Babylon because of Israel’s continued disobedience to God. 2 Kings 24:10: At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. 7. The temple was rebuilt again from 538-515 BC under Zerubbabel. Ezra 6:3: In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. Its height shall be sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits. 8. Nehemiah rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem in 444 BC. Nehemiah 2:17: Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision. 9. The Temple Mount was enlarged enormously by King Herod in 19 BC to the size it is today. God, in His sovereignty, made the Temple Mount large enough to accommodate the crowds Jesus would teach, the 3,000 saved at Pentecost, the 5,000 saved in Acts 4, and to serve as a place where the Early Church could meet and grow. 10. Herod also made the temple more beautiful than any before it, and it was more than twice the size of the current Dome of the Rock. 11. Zachariah received the vision of having a son, John the Baptist, while serving at the temple. Luke 1:13: But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” 12. Jesus was dedicated to the Lord at the temple. Luke 2:22: And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 13. At the age of 12, Jesus appeared and dialogued with the religious leaders at the temple. Luke 2:46–47: After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 14. The temple was where the Devil tempted Christ to throw himself down headlong. Luke 4:9–12: And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' 11 and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" 12 And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 15. Christ taught at the temple frequently. Luke 19:47: And he was teaching daily in the temple. 16. Christ drove out the money changers on the Temple Mount. Mark 11:15–17: And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." 17. Christ was possibly tried before Pilate nearby at Herod's Palace and condemned to crucifixion. 18. Next to the Temple Mount, at the Southern Stairs, is the likely place where Pentecost took place; 3,000 were saved, and the Early Church was born. Acts 2:41: Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 19. A lame man was healed on the Temple Mount by Peter and John, causing 5,000 men to be saved. Acts 3:1–8: Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. Acts 4:4: But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. 20. The Temple Mount became the meeting place of the Early Church. Acts 2:46–47: And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 21. Close to the Temple Mount, Stephen was martyred (Acts 7). 22. Because Israel rejected Christ as their Messiah, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount were destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans. Luke 19:41–44: And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation. 23. The Antichrist will commit the abomination of desolation on the Temple Mount during the middle of the Tribulation Period. 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4: Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God , displaying himself as being God. 24. Christ will reign from the Temple Mount (along with believers) for 1,000 years after the Tribulation Period. Revelation 20:6: Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Faith Lesson from the Temple Mount 1. In the Old Testament, the temple was a focal place where God dwelt; in the New Testament, believers are now the temple in which God dwells. 1 Corinthians 3:16–17: Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 2. What kind of temple are we?

Petra Trip Extension Info & Payments Petra Trip Info & Payments Petra, Mt. Nebo, Madaba, Extension Private, Custom Tour Because of all the Jordanian requirements, we have booked this trip via a trusted tour company in Israel called "Keshet Journeys." We have used their services before and were extremely pleased. They are a Christian-based travel agency. This is a unique extension trip that is only being offered for this Holy Land Tour Trip. We want to do Bible teaching videos on Petra, Mt. Nebo, and Madaba, so this is the m ain reason for this trip. For this reason, Holy Land Site is paying its own trip expenses . We are happy to invite you to join our ministry family for this venture . PETRA TRIP INFO Dates November 4-5 Cost $485 per person (double occupancy per hotel room) $525 per person (single occupancy per hotel room) Cost Includes 4 -Star Hotel Room in Petra Dinner & Breakfast at the Hotel in Petra All border crossing fees to and from Jordan Entry Pass to Petra Horseback ride in Petra Transportation via AC Deluxe bus with free Wifi Professional Tour Guide to accompany us. Jordan requires this (Todd Fink will still do all the Bible teachings and guiding) Cost Does Not Include Breakfast and lunch - November 4 (we will pack our own lunch) L unch and dinner - November 5 (we will pack our own lunch) Tips (because Holy Land Site is not charging any extra costs, each participant will need to tip the bus driver and tour guide $15.00 USD each) Other tips, etc. How to Confirm Your Spot for This Trip ~ Payment Link Below Pay a deposit of $150.00 (non-refundable) Final Payment Due by August 1, 2023 ~ Payment Link Below $335 balance (double hotel occupancy, non-refundable) $375 balance (single hotel occupancy, non-refundable) ITINERARY DAY 1: NOV 4 - MT. NEBO & MADABA 7:00 – Depart Prima Hotel Jerusalem 8:00 – Cross border at Allenby Bridge 10:00 – Visit Mt. Nebo 1:00 – Visit Madaba 2:30 – Drive to Petra 5:30 – Arrive at Petra DAY 2: NOV 5 - PETRA 7:30 – 1 :30 Visit Petra 1:30 – Depart Petra 5:00 – Cross border at Allenby Bridge 6:30 – Arrive in Jerusalem REMINDER Hotel in Jerusalem: Don't forget to include lodging in Jerusalem for this extension trip if needed. To register for this trip, please fill out the registration form below. Most of the info is for the travel agency in Israel that will need the info for the border crossing into Jordan. After filling out the form, please pay your deposit. Secure Payment Link Registration Deposit Payment To confirm your trip to Petra, please send your registration deposit of $150 by either credit card, PayPal, or check. The payment is set up for single and double payments. Just select the one that applies to you. 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. Single Person Payment $150 Double Person Payment $300 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 check payable to this name, please) 196 Hambrick Ave. Sutherlin, OR 97479 Secure Payment Link Final Payment Due by August 1, 2023 To pay the balance of your trip to Petra, please pay by credit card, PayPal, or check. The payment is set up for single and double payments. Just select the one that applies to you. 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. Single Person Payment $375 Double Person Payment $670 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 check payable to this name, please) 196 Hambrick Ave. Sutherlin, OR 97479

Jacob's Well in Shechem (Sychar) is the place where Jesus met the Samaritan woman. Shechem is also where Abraham & Jacob lived. Joshua rallied the nation of Israel together and gave the curses and blessings on Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Ebal. The nation of Israel was divided at Shechem. Tel Balata, Joshua’s Stone, Mount Gerizim, Mount Ebal, Joshua’s Rectangular Altar, Circular Altar below Rectangular Altar (possibly from Abraham or Jacob), Jacob’s Well, Joseph’s Tomb, Modern Shechem (Nablus), Sychar Shechem Photo Gallery Places of Interest Shechem Introduction Welcome to Shechem. Shechem had a significant role in the Bible and is mentioned 58 times. These are the highlights. 1. Shechem is the place where God first appeared to Abraham after he entered the Promised Land. 2. It was at Shechem where Jacob settled after reuniting with his estranged brother, Esau, upon his return from Paddan-aram. 3. The defilement of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, took place at Shechem. 4. To the rich pastureland near Shechem, Joseph came to seek his brethren and was sold into slavery and taken to Egypt. 5. The bones of Joseph were buried in Shechem. 6. On the mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, Moses commanded the Israelites to pronounce blessings and curses for their obedience or disobedience to Him. 7. When his end was approaching, Joshua gathered the tribes of Israel at Shechem and gave them his final words of counsel and exhortation. Afterward, he erected a large stone as a monument to mark the covenant with the people and God. This stone can be seen today at Tel Balata. 8. At Shechem, the nation of Israel became divided, and Jeroboam reigned over the northern section (Israel) and Rehoboam over the southern section (Judah). 9. King Jeroboam fortified Shechem, and it became the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam ordered that two golden calves be erected in Bethel and Dan. 10. Later, Shechem became the central city of the Samaritans, who built their own temple on Mt. Gerizim. 11. Shechem, called Sychar, is the place where Jesus met a woman at Jacob’s well and conversed with her. Location 1. Biblical Shechem is also known as Sychar in the New Testament and as Tel Balata and Nablus today. 2. Shechem is located about 30 miles (48 km) north of Jerusalem and about 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Tel Aviv. 3. It was in the Samaria region of Israel in the territory of Ephraim during Bible times. 4. It was on a main north-south travel route that linked the northern and southern parts of Israel. 5. It was also on a main east-west route that linked the coastal plain of Israel with the Jordan Valley. 6. Shechem lies between the two famous mountains of Gerizim and Ebal. Places of Interest 1. Tel Balata Mount Ebal ~ Place of cursings for disobedience. Altar built on Mount Ebal (need for forgiveness) Joshua’s Rectangular Altar Circular Altar below Rectangular Altar (possibly that of Abraham or Jacob) Mount Gerizim ~ Place of blessings for obedience. Northwest Gate City Wall Joshua’s Stone ~ Erected after Joshua renewed the covenant with the Israelites shortly before his death. Fortress Temple ~ Built shortly after Gideon. Sacred Courtyard Houses Eastern Gate 3. Jacob’s Well 4. Joseph’s Tomb 5. Modern Shechem (Nablus) 6. Sychar History of the Samaritans on Mount Gerizim 1. The Samaritans were Israelites who remained in the land of Israel and intermarried with foreign unbelievers after the deportation of Israel by the Assyrians in 722 BC. 2. They established their own religion at Mount Gerizim and built their own temple. They were despised and rejected by the Jews and considered unclean. The Samaritans, likewise, despised the Jews and had few dealings with them. 3. The Samaritans only believe in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament). 4. The Samaritans worshiped on top of Mount Gerizim, and there are substantial ruins there today. The Samaritans first built a temple here for worship in the 5th century. Later, in the 2nd century, they built walls around the temple to protect it. In the latter part of the 2nd century, the Hasmoneans (Jewish rule from 165–63 BC) destroyed the Samaritans’ temple on Mount Gerizim and the city at the base of the mountain (ancient Shechem). During the Roman occupation of Israel, the Samaritans were permitted by the Romans to rebuild their temple and city. In 475 AD, under Byzantine rule, the Samaritan temple was destroyed, and a Byzantine church was erected. Later, a monastery was also built. 5. Jesus met with a Samaritan woman (John 4) at Jacob’s Well in Shechem. Today, this well is located in a Greek Orthodox church called "The Church of Jacob's Well." Shechem In the Bible 1. Shechem is the place where God first appeared to Abraham after he entered the Promised Land. Genesis 12:4–7: So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan, 6 Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem , to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land .” So he built there an altar to the Lord , who had appeared to him. 2. It was at Shechem where Jacob settled after reuniting with his estranged brother, Esau, upon his return from Paddan-aram. Genesis 33:18–20: And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem , which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city. 19 And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent. 20 There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel (God; the God of Israel). 3. The defilement of Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, took place at Shechem. Genesis 34:1–4: Now Dinah, the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to see the women of the land. 2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he seized her and lay with her and humiliated her. 3 And his soul was drawn to Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. He loved the young woman and spoke tenderly to her. 4 So Shechem spoke to his father Hamor, saying, “Get me this girl for my wife.” Genesis 34:25–27: On the third day, when they were sore [from being circumcised], two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, took their swords and came against the city while it felt secure and killed all the males. 26 They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword and took Dinah out of Shechem's house and went away. 27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain and plundered the city, because they had defiled their sister. 4. In Shechem, Jacob buried his foreign gods and committed himself entirely to the true and living God of his forefathers. Genesis 35:4: So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods that they had, and the rings that were in their ears. Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree that was near Shechem . 5. To the rich pastureland near Shechem, Joseph came to seek his brethren and was sold into slavery and taken to Egypt. Genesis 37:12–14: Now his brothers went to pasture their father's flock near Shechem . 13 And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers pasturing the flock at Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” 14 So he said to him, “Go now, see if it is well with your brothers and with the flock, and bring me word.” So he sent him from the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem . 6. The bones of Joseph were buried in Shechem. Joshua 24:32: Now they buried the bones of Joseph , which the sons of Israel brought up from Egypt, at Shechem , in the piece of ground which Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for one hundred pieces of money; and they became the inheritance of Joseph’s sons. 7. On the mountains of Gerizim and Ebal, Moses commanded the Israelites to pronounce blessings and curses for their obedience or disobedience to Him. Deuteronomy 27:11–13: That day Moses charged the people, saying, 12 “When you have crossed over the Jordan, these shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people : Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. 13 And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse : Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.” The blessings and curses pronounced on Gerizim and Ebal would become the foundational reference point to which God would refer in punishing Israel and Judah by sending them wars, famines, and pestilences. Eventually, their disobedience would lead to their deportations. Because they had repeatedly broken the covenant on Gerizim and Ebal, they deserved the discipline God gave them. 8. As commanded by Moses, Joshua erected an altar on Mount Ebal with uncut stones. Deuteronomy 27:1–8: Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, “Keep the whole commandment that I command you today. 2 And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. 3 And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 4 And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. 5 And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them; 6 you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones . And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God, 7 and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. 8 And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.” 9. When his end was approaching, Joshua gathered the tribes of Israel at Shechem and gave them his final words of counsel and exhortation. Afterward, he erected a large stone as a monument to mark the covenant with the people and God. This stone can be seen today at Tel Balata. Joshua 24:1: Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel. And they presented themselves before God. Joshua 24:14–16: Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord . Joshua 24:25–27: So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and put in place statutes and rules for them at Shechem . 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the terebinth that was by the sanctuary of the Lord . 27 And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord that he spoke to us. Therefore, it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.” 10. After God delivered the Israelites through the hand of Gideon, they turned their backs on God again and built a temple here to worship false gods. Judges 8:33-34: Then it came about, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the sons of Israel again committed infidelity with the Baals, and made Baal-berith their god . 34 So the sons of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had saved them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. 11. Abimelech, son of Gideon, reigned wickedly over Shechem for three years. It was he who burned down the fortress temple here called "El-Berith," and killed 1,000 people who had taken refuge in it. Later, he was killed by a woman who threw a millstone down on his head. Judges 9:46, 49: When all the leaders of the tower of Shechem heard about it, they entered the inner chamber of the temple of El-berith. 49 So all the people also cut down, each one, his branch and followed Abimelech, and put them on top of the inner chamber and set the inner chamber on fire over those inside, so that all the people of the tower of Shechem also died, about a thousand men and women. Judges 9:52-54:So Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and approached the entrance of the tower to burn it down with fire. 53 But a woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head, crushing his skull. 54 Then he called quickly to the young man, his armor bearer, and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, so that it will not be said of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” 12. At Shechem, the nation of Israel became divided, and Jeroboam reigned over the northern section (Israel) and Rehoboam over the southern section (Judah). 1 Kings 12:1–2: Rehoboam went to Shechem , for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. 2 And as soon as Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it (for he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), then Jeroboam returned from Egypt. 1 Kings 12:16–17: And when all Israel saw that the king (Rehoboam) did not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, David.” So Israel went to their tents. 17 But Rehoboam reigned over the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah. 13. King Jeroboam fortified Shechem, and it became the capital of the northern tribes of Israel. Jeroboam ordered that two golden calves be erected in Bethel and Dan. 1 Kings 12:25–29: Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there . And he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David. 27 If this people go up to offer sacrifices in the temple of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn again to their lord, to Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.” 28 So the king took counsel and made two calves of gold. And he said to the people, “You have gone up to Jerusalem long enough. Behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 29 And he set one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 14. Later, Shechem became the central city of the Samaritans, who built their own temple on Mt. Gerizim. 15. Shechem, called Sychar, is the place where Jesus met a woman at Jacob’s well and conversed with her. John 4:1–26: Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph . 6 Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep [120 feet, 40 m.]. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” 19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain [Gerizim] , but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” John 4:39–42: Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman's testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. 41 And many more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” Faith Lesson from Shechem 1. Of all the events that happened at Shechem, Jesus summed up God’s desire for us when He told the woman at the well, “The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth ” (John 2:23–24). 2. Do we worship God in Spirit? 3. Do we walk in the Spirit and stay in close fellowship with God (Gal. 5:16–26)? 4. Do we worship God in truth? 5. Do we know God’s Word well and the truth it contains (2 Tim. 2:15)? 6. We will only know God to the degree we know His Word. How well do you know God?

The Antonia Fortress was a military headquarters and barracks built to protect the Temple Mount. Later, it was renovated by the Hasmoneans (164 BC) and Herod the Great (19 BC) to protect the Temple Mount area and the city of Jerusalem. It was named after Herod's patron, Mark Antony. Some believe Jesus appeared before Pilate here and was condemned to death by crucifixion. Antonia Fortress Photo Gallery Places of Interest Antonia Fortress Location 1. The Antonia Fortress was located just outside the Temple Mount area on its northwestern side. 2. Today, Umariya Elementary School and other buildings lie atop its ruins. 3. Tradition places the Antonia Fortress as the beginning point of the Via Dolorosa (painful path). Historical Background 1. The geography of ancient Jerusalem dictated its defenses. While the city was naturally protected by steep ravines to the east, south, and west, the northern approach lacked natural barriers. Consequently, the northwestern corner of the Temple Mount was its most vulnerable point. 2. Following the Babylonian exile, a fortress called the Birah (citadel) was constructed near this spot by Nehemiah to protect the Second Temple on the Temple Mount originally built by King Solomon. 3. During the Hellenistic and Hasmonean periods (332-63 BC), the Jewish priest-kings built a heavily fortified tower known as the Baris. It housed a military garrison, protected the northern flank of the Temple Mount, and securely stored the sacred vestments of the High Priest. 4. Construction by Herod the Great (35–31 BC). When Herod the Great captured Jerusalem and secured his throne as the Roman client king of Judea in 37 BCE, he recognized the necessity of controlling a volatile city that largely viewed him as an illegitimate ruler. He completely rebuilt and expanded the old Baris into a formidable, state-of-the-art military complex. When completed. it was a massive, strategically vital military citadel situated on a rocky escarpment at the northwestern corner of the Temple Mount, it stood as a towering symbol of military might and imperial control over the sacred heart of Judaism. 5. Herod named the citadel the Antonia Fortress in honor of his Roman patron and friend, the general and triumvir Mark Antony. Because Antony was defeated by Octavian at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC and died shortly after, the fortress was certainly built and named prior to that date. 6. Architecture: Our primary source for the physical appearance of the fortress is the 1st-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. He recorded that it was built on a steep rock outcropping 50 cubits (23 meters) high, covered with smooth stone slabs to prevent scaling. The Four Towers: The citadel was rectangular and featured massive corner towers. Three were 50 cubits high, but the southeastern tower was 70 cubits (32 meters) high. This specific tower offered a direct, unobstructed view down into the courts of the Temple Mount, allowing soldiers to monitor the massive crowds below. 7. Interior and Function: Though built as an impregnable fortress, Josephus noted it was designed with the luxury of a palace, containing baths, broad courtyards, and barracks large enough to house a full Roman cohort. Subterranean passages and staircases connected the fortress directly to the northern porticoes of the Temple. Was the Size of the Antonia Fortress? The exact length and width of the Antonia Fortress are not explicitly recorded in any ancient historical texts. However, modern archaeologists have been able to calculate its dimensions based on the bedrock foundation that remains today. Here are the measurements based on modern archaeological consensus, as well as the surviving ancient accounts regarding its height: 1. Length and Width (Modern Archaeological Measurements) Because the fortress was completely destroyed by the Roman army in 70 AD during the siege of Jerusalem, its footprint has been determined by measuring the massive, rectangular rock outcropping (or scarp) it was built upon. 2. Today, this bedrock foundation is located at the northwest corner of the Temple Mount, partially beneath the modern-day Omariya Boys' School. Based on surveys of this footprint, the accepted dimensions of the Antonia Fortress are roughly: Length (East to West): Approximately 115 to 120 meters. Width (North to South): Approximately 35 to 45 meters. Note on older estimates: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many historians believed the fortress was much larger—roughly 150 by 90 meters. This was because archaeologists found a massive stone pavement nearby called the Lithostrotos and assumed it was the fortress's courtyard. However, in the 1970s, archaeologist Pierre Benoit conclusively proved that this pavement belonged to a 2nd-century plaza built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, meaning Herod's original fortress was much smaller and confined strictly to the bedrock scarp). Was the Antonia Fortress Where Jesus was Tried? 1. Some believe Jesus appeared before Pilate here and was condemned to death by crucifixion. Others believe that Pilate’s Headquarters, also called Pilate’s Palace or Praetorium, was the place Christ appeared before Pilate. 2. If the stones of the Lithostrotos are from a century later, we have to ask: Where was the actual trial of Jesus? Where was Pilate's Praetorium? 3. For centuries, pilgrims assumed Pilate stayed right here at the Antonia Fortress, which is why the Via Dolorosa starts at the Antonia Fortress today. However, Roman history tells us a different story. Pontius Pilate usually lived in luxury on the Mediterranean coast in Caesarea. When he came to Jerusalem for Passover, he did not sleep in a sweaty, cramped military barracks with the common soldiers. 4. Historical records from ancient writers like Flavius Josephus and Philo indicate that Roman governors like Pilate did not stay in the cramped Antonia Fortress when visiting Jerusalem. They stayed in the most luxurious location in the city: Herod's Palace (located on the western side of the city near the modern Jaffa Gate/Tower of David). Therefore, the actual Praetorium (trial site) was almost certainly across town. 5. So why do we walk the Via Dolorosa here, on the east side? Because faith and tradition are powerful. During the Crusader and medieval periods, the ruins of Herod's palace were repurposed, and pilgrim routes shifted based on safety and the locations of churches. The Franciscans finalized this route in the Middle Ages. The Via Dolorosa is a spiritual journey—a physical meditation on the Passion of Christ—not an exact GPS map. Was the Present-Day Temple Mount Once the Antonia Fortress? 1. Some believe that the Antonia Fortress encompassed all the current Temple Mount and that the original Temple Mount was in the City of David. However, Scripture clearly states that at the dedication of the temple that Solomon built, in 2 Chronicles 5, that the Ark of the covenant was brought, “out of the City of David ” to the temple. “Then Solomon assembled to Jerusalem the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ households of the sons of Israel, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the City of David , which is Zion” (2 Chron. 5:2). 2. If the Ark was brought out of the City of David to the temple, then the temple couldn't have been in the City of David. There is also overwhelming historical and archaeological evidence, and the writings of the famous Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, that contradict the belief that the Antonia Fortress encompassed all the Temple Mount. Evidence that the Antonia Fortress Did Not Encompass all the Temple Mount, and that the Temple Mount was not in the City of David. Some believe all of the current Temple Mount platform we see today was the Antonia Fortress, and that a Roman Legion was stationed there during the time of Jesus. They also believe the original Temple Mount Solomon built, and the later expansions of it, were in the City of David. What does the evidence say? 1. Contrary to what some say, the current Temple Mount we see today existed long before the Romans arrived. Its platform was first built by Solomon. Later, its foundations were repaired during the time of Zerubbabel when the second temple was built. We see evidence of this in the ancient stones around the Eastern Gate. They date back to the time of Solomon, Hezekiah, Zerubbabel, and Nehemiah. So, the platform we see today, existed long before the Romans arrived. 2. Later, in around 141 BC, the Hasmoneans built an extension to the southern end of the Temple Mount. This can be seen in the Eastern Wall, where the bend in the wall exists. Thus, there is a change in stone styles from earlier periods to the Hasmonean period. 3. Then, in around 19 BC, Herod the Great began to enlarge the Temple Mount Platform. He would double the size of what it was during the Hasmonean period. This can be seen in the Eastern Wall as well, where there is a seam in the wall. The stone styles change from Hasmonean to Herodian. Josephus confirms this: “Accordingly, in the fifteenth year of his reign [23-22 BC], Herod rebuilt the temple, and encompassed a piece of land about it with a wall, which land was twice as large as that before enclosed. The expenses he laid out upon it were vastly large also, and the riches about it were unspeakable” (Wars of the Jews, Bk 1, Ch. 21, Sect. 401). Therefore, the current Temple Mount existed long before the Romans arrived and was not expanded to be a Roman Fort. 4. There are also no historical records that a Roman Legion was stationed in Jerusalem before 66–67 AD. At this time, the Jews had revolted and recaptured Jerusalem from Roman control. The 10th Roman Legion was then moved to Jerusalem to conquer it. This was a fulfillment of Christ’s prophecy. The city was destroyed and conquered in 70 AD. 5. Facts about the 10th Roman Legion. It was founded in around 41 or 40 BC. It was also called the X Fretensis or Legio X. It was never stationed in Jerusalem until it arrived to overthrow the Jewish rebellion that had taken place wherein the Jews overtook the Roman Soldiers who were in Jerusalem and regained control. It was the 10th Roman Legion, led by Vespasian, that would win the battle to recapture Jerusalem from the Jews in 70 AD. From 67 onward, X Fretensis fought in the war against the Jews. It was commanded by Marcus Ulpius Trajanus, the father of the future emperor. The supreme commander of the Roman forces in Judaea was general Vespasian, who was to become emperor during the civil war that broke out after the suicide of Nero in 68 AD. After the conclusion of the Jewish revolt in around 73 AD, Legio X was garrisoned at Jerusalem. Their main camp was positioned on the Western Hill, located in the southern half of the old city, now leveled of all former buildings. The camp of the Tenth was built using the surviving portions of the walls of Herod the Great's palace, demolished by order of Titus. The camp was at the end of the cardo maximus of Aelia Capitolina (Pace, H. Geva, "The Camp of the Tenth Legion in Jerusalem: An Archaeological Reconsideration," IEJ 34, 1984, pp. 247-249). 6. Josephus clearly describes and clarifies that the Antonia Fortress was destroyed by the Romans when they conquered and tore down the temple in 70 AD: “Titus now ordered the troops that were with him to raze the foundations of Antonia and to prepare an easy ascent [into the Temple Mount] for the whole army” (Wars Ch. 6, Sect 93). “Meanwhile, the rest of the Roman army, having in seven days overthrown the foundations of Antonia, had prepared a broad ascent to the Temple” (Wars Ch. 6, Sect. 149). It is vital to understand that when Josephus wrote this, it was in 70 AD, more than 70 years after Herod enlarged the Temple Mount Platform. Also, the Tenth Roman Legion never was stationed in Jerusalem until after it was conquered in 70 AD. So, the idea that the current Temple Mount Platform was built for the Tenth Roman Legion is entirely false. 7. If the Antonia was destroyed in seven days, it reveals that it wasn’t that big. Also, it was destroyed, so there is no way the current Temple Mount could be the Antonia Fortress. Places of Interest 1. Ecce Homo Arch (behold the man) 2. Convent of the Sisters of Zion 3. Cistern hewed out of the rock. 4. Pavement stones with Roman carved games on them. 5. Pavement stones with carved grooves. 6. Temple Mount Antonia Fortress in the Bible 1. The Antonia Fortress is the believed place where the Via Dolorosa begins. Tradition places the Antonia Fortress as the beginning place of the Via Dolorosa. However, the site with the best evidence for being the beginning place of the Via Dolorosa is Pilate’s Palace, located just south of the Jaffa Gate. 2. Paul addressed an angry mob from the Antonia Fortress. Acts 21:27–40: When the seven days were almost over, the Jews from Asia, upon seeing him [Paul] in the temple, began to stir up all the crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, come to our aid! This is the man who preaches to all men everywhere against our people and the Law and this place; and besides he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then all the city was provoked, and the people rushed together, and taking hold of Paul they dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. 31 While they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the Roman cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 At once he took along some soldiers and centurions and ran down to them; and when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the commander came up and took hold of him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; and he began asking who he was and what he had done. 34 But among the crowd some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks . 35 When he got to the stairs , he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob; 36 for the multitude of the people kept following them, shouting, “Away with him!” 37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks , he said to the commander, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” 39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city; and I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.” 40 When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand; and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew dialect. Faith Lesson from the Antonia Fortress 1. Paul suffered at the Antonia Fortress for his faith. Are we willing to boldly proclaim our faith and suffer as a result if necessary? 2. Paul shared his testimony often. Do we have our testimony memorized, and do we share it when talking to others about God?