The church of Dominus Flevit marks the place where Jesus wept over Jerusalem as He entered it on Palm Sunday at His famous, Triumphal Entry from the Mount of Olives. See everything you want to know about this historical event. Dominus Flevit Church Photo Gallery Places of Interest Dominus Flevit Church Introduction Dominus Flevit Church is located on the Triumphal Entry Path and is where Jesus stopped and wept over Jerusalem. 1. He wept over Jerusalem because they would reject Him, and as a result, destruction would come upon them. 2. The church is shaped like a large teardrop. This is so as it represents the tears Jesus wept over Jerusalem. 3. There are only two times in the Bible where Jesus wept. This is one of them. 4. In the place, you will be in the very footsteps of Jesus. 5. Let's experience and explore this meaningful site. Location 1. Dominus Flevit (Latin for "the Lord wept") is a Roman Catholic church on the Mount of Olives, opposite the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem in Israel. 2. It's located halfway down the western slope of the Mount of Olives and marks the place where Jesus wept over Jerusalem's future fate. 3. The Triumphal Entry begins at the upper part of the Mount of Olives and winds its way down to the bottom of the mountain to the Garden of Gethsemane. Historical Background 1. The present church (finished in 1955) was built upon the foundations of an earlier Byzantine church from the 5th century, which, like most churches, faced east. 2. During the Crusader era (1095-1291 AD), people began commemorating the location. 3. After the fall of Jerusalem in 1187, the church fell into ruin. 4. Around 1525 AD, the Turks claimed to have built a mosque or madrasah using the remains of the earlier church. 5. For quite some time, the Franciscans could not obtain the ruins of the original Dominus Flevit Church. In 1891, they solved this problem by purchasing a plot of land nearby and building a small chapel on it. 6. In 1913, a private home was built in front of the Franciscan chapel. The home was given to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, although they eventually sold it to a Portuguese woman. During the construction of the boundary wall of this private home, the workers found the remains of ancient tombs. The site was then thoroughly excavated from 1953 to 1955. 7. During the sanctuary's construction, archaeologists uncovered artifacts dating back to the Canaanite period, as well as tombs from the Second Temple and Byzantine eras. 8. Other artifacts found were a tomb from the bronze era and a necropolis (building used to encase tombs) dating back between 136 BC and 300 AD. This particular necropolis spanned two different periods, as suggested by the two very different tomb styles. The Second Temple era tombs are in the Koki style, and the Byzantine period tombs had an arcosolium from the 4th century. 9. In 1940, the Benedictine Sisters sold part of the property to the Franciscans. The old boundary wall was moved at this time to make the division. In 1953, the Franciscans began construction of another wall. While digging the foundations, workers unearthed ancient tombs. 10. The modern church, designed by the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi and constructed between 1953 and 1955, is held in trust by the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. Places of Interest 1. Triumphal Entry Path 2. Entrance to Dominus Flevit Church Property 3. Just after entering the church property, to the right are ancient burial caves with different kinds of tombs. This is also called a N ecropolis, which is a building used to encase tombs. The first type of tomb is a slab with an arch. This was a common tomb style during Christ's time. It was used for wealthier people. The second tomb style is an open shaft and was used for middle-class people. Lower-class people were just buried in the ground with little or no markers. During this time period, the bones would be gathered for a second burial after about a year (when the bodies had decomposed) and placed in boxes called "Ossuaries." 4. Outside the Modern Church It was designed by the Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi and constructed between 1953 and 1955. It is held in trust by the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. It is shaped in the form of a tear. Signifying Christ weeping over Jerusalem because of the future destruction He knew would come because the city rejected Him as their Messiah. It has four jars on the upper corners for holding tears, which was common in Jesus's time. A tear bottle is a small glass bottle representing sorrow, described in the Bible. Tear bottles were used to capture an individual’s tears during moments of grief as a sign of mourning or repentance. The bottles on this church represent the tears Jesus shed over Jerusalem. The Bible says that one day, God will wipe away all our tears: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4). 5. Pillars from the Crusader Period It appears these pillars were part of a Crusader Church from around 1150 AD, built over the ruins of the original Byzantine Church. 6. Mosaic from the Byzantine Church Just to the left of the modern church is a Byzantine mosaic floor, dating back to the beginning of the 4th or 5th century AD. Ribbons and wave motifs surround the floor. The center of the carpet is divided by squares containing round frames. The circles contain fruit, vegetables, flowers, and fish. The motifs reflect the importance of agriculture in Jerusalem's Byzantine era. Parts of the mosaic can also be seen inside the modern church building, featuring a limestone slab with a large cross at its center. 7. Inside the Modern Church Apse of the Byzantine Church — After entering the modern church, the original apse (semi-round circle marking the front of a church) can be seen. The original Byzantine church faced east, as did all churches during this era. Some of the mosaic floors from this church have been preserved. A cross from this period can be seen at the center of the floor. Ceiling—The ceiling is covered with gold. This color represents heavenly tears, namely, those of Jesus as He wept for Jerusalem, knowing its coming destruction. Four carved reliefs on the sides of the ceiling show the (1) Triumphal Entry, (2) the destruction of Jerusalem, (3) Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other women, and (4) Peter, James, and John, disciples of Jesus. The western window of the Dominus Flevit Church provides a beautiful view of the Temple Mount. A mosaic on the altar of the Dominus Flevit Church illustrates a hen gathering her chickens, according to Luke 13:34: O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings , and you would not have it! 8. Crown of Thorns Tree Right in front of the modern church is a tree with huge thorns. It was from a tree like this that the crown of thorns was most likely made and placed on Jesus' head. 9. Location Where the Ashes of the Red Heifer Were Offered Some believe the ashes of the Red Heifer would have been offered in this area. It was right across from the Temple and fits the biblical description. Numbers 19:1-3: Now the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 “This is the statute of the law that the Lord has commanded: Tell the people of Israel to bring you a red heifer without defect, in which there is no blemish, and on which a yoke has never come. 3 And you shall give it to Eleazar the priest, and it shall be taken outside the camp and slaughtered before him. 10. Winepress While the Mount of Olives consisted mainly of olive trees, it also had vineyards on it. Here is an ancient winepress that was used for processing grapes. People would crush the grapes in a large pit (barefoot so they wouldn't crush the seeds and make the wine bitter), and then the juice would flow by gravity down into wine barrels for making wine. 11. Bethphage (beginning point of the Triumphal Entry) 12. Mount of Olives 13. Garden of Gethsemane 14. Temple Mount 15. Kidron Valley Triumphal Entry Background 1. The Triumphal Entry was a major event in the life of Jesus wherein He entered Jerusalem on the Sunday before He would be crucified (Friday the Passover) and rise from the dead the following Sunday. 2. Christ designed this event to broadcast to the Nation of Israel that He was their Passover Lamb. 3. It is also called Palm Sunday because palm branches were laid on the road as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. 4. It would mark Christ’s last days of intensive teaching and condemnation of the Jews for rejecting Him and His message. 5. It would begin Christ’s last week on earth. Triumphal Entry in the Bible 1. The Triumphal Entry was prophesied in the Old Testament. Some 450–500 years earlier, the Prophet Zechariah prophesied: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey” ( Zech. 9:9). 2. The Triumphal Entry was fulfilled in the New Testament. Matthew 21:7–9: They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!” 3. Palm Sunday was also the fulfillment of the Prophet Daniel's "seventy-sevens" prophecy. Daniel 9:25: Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince, there shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublesome times. 4. The Triumphal Entry, which occurred on the Sunday before the Passover, was also the day of the lamb selection for the Passover. According to Exodus 12, this was the day set aside for each Israelite family to choose the lamb they would kill for their Passover meal. The blood from their lamb was to be put on the doorposts of their homes so the angel of death would not kill their firstborn children. The Passover was celebrated each year to commemorate their deliverance from Egypt and to acknowledge God's miraculous salvation. The fact that Christ entered Jerusalem on this very day was no accident. He was proclaiming Himself as the Passover Lamb, not only for the Israelites but for all humanity. 5. Christ entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. Luke 19:28–35: And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, "Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' you shall say this: 'The Lord has need of it.'" 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?" 34 And they said, "The Lord has need of it." 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. The meaning of a donkey. A donkey was a symbol of peace; a horse was a symbol of war. Christ came to make peace with mankind at His first coming by dying for our sins. However, at His second coming, He will come riding a horse to wage war with mankind and judge them for their sinful rejection of Him. 6. The crowd took branches of palm trees and cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” John 12:12–13: So, they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" It was a cry for deliverance from Roman occupation. The last time the Israelites had their freedom, during the Maccabean rule from 167–63 BC, their money had the symbol of a palm branch as a sign of freedom. It was like the national flag of a country. It was the Jew’s way of saying that they wanted Christ to be their King and deliver them from the Romans.The meaning of the palm branches. 7. At the place marked by the church, Dominus Flevit, Christ paused and wept over Jerusalem. 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." There are only two times in the Bible where it is noted that Christ wept. The first time was at the death of Lazarus, and the second during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Both places are located on the Mount of Olives. In this account of Christ weeping, He wept for those who aren’t saved and the judgment that awaits them. Within 40 years, in AD 70, Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled. Roman legions besieged Jerusalem and, after six months of fighting, burnt the temple and leveled the city. 8. The first time Christ wept took place at the death of Lazarus, just a week or so earlier on the backside of the Mount of Olives. J ohn 11:33–36: When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" In this account, Christ weeps for those who suffer. Faith Lesson 1. The Triumphal Entry was a prophesied event from the Old Testament and reveals the validity of Scripture and God’s sovereignty. 2. Christ wept over Jerusalem because of their rejection of Him and the judgment that would await them as a result. Does Christ weep for you because you don’t know Him and will be separated from Him in hell for all eternity? 3. Christ wept with those at the death of Lazarus. Does Christ weep with you as He understands your pain and suffering?

Hebron is mentioned 72 times in the Bible. It's the beginning place of the nation of Israel. God's promises and covenants with Abraham and his descendants happened in Hebron or nearby. Later, from Hebron, David would reign for 7 1/2 years before becoming king over all Israel in Jerusalem. Sites of interest include Macpelah: Cave of the Patriarchs, where Abraham, Sara, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah are buried. Oaks of Mamre, David's Palace, Tel Hebron (Tel Rumeida). Hebron Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Hebron Overview Location 1. The city of Hebron is set in the Judean Mountains about 20 miles (32 km.) south of Jerusalem. 2. Hebron stands 3,000 feet (914 m.) above sea level, making it the highest city in Israel. 3. It is located on a well-traveled route that runs north and south through the mountainous part of Israel. Well-known towns like Beersheba, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Bethel, Shiloh, and Schechem are located on this route. 4. Abraham and the other patriarchs traveled this route repeatedly. Historical Background 1. Hebron is one of the most popular places in the Bible being mentioned 72 times. 2. It was inhabited by the Canaanites before Abraham and the Israelites arrived. 3. Hebron is the beginning place and roots of the nation of Israel. God's promises and covenants with Abraham and his descendants happened in Hebron or nearby. These promises would also have wide-reaching implications and include all the nations of the earth. 4. Located in Hebron is Machpelah, the Cave of the Patriarchs. Abraham purchased the cave and the adjoining field at full market price as a burial place for his family some 3,700 years ago. The Cave of the Patriarchs building is the second holiest site in Judaism (after the Western Wall in Jerusalem) and is also sacred to Christians and Muslims. In the cave are the tombs of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, and Jacob and Leah. The tombs of the patriarchs are under the foundation of the building, but their memorial monuments are visible in the building on the first floor. The site was venerated throughout Israel's history, and King David, along with the other kings, preserved and protected it. Just before the time of Christ, King Herod built a massive wall around the cave in around 20 BC to preserve it and establish a memorial place for the Jews. He used the same style of stones as he did for the Temple Mount walls in Jerusalem. In order to appease the Jews, King Herod built three holy sites. These consist of: (1) this site of Machpelah (2) Mamre (just a mile or 1.5 km. north of this site), and (3) the Temple Mount and temple in Jerusalem. This building of Machpelah is the only building in Israel that has remained intact and undamaged since it was built. During the Byzantine period (324-638 AD), the building was used as a church and they erected a small basilica with a roof over part of the interior. The Muslims (638 - 1099 AD) then used it as a mosque. The Crusaders (1099 - 1263) continued to use it as a church and built the roof that exists today that covers the entire building. Today, because Abraham is a central figure in both Judaism and Islam, the Cave of Machpelah building is shared by both the Jews and Muslims. On one side of the building is a synagogue and on the other side is a mosque. The tombs of the patriarchs are under the foundation of the building, but their memorial monuments are visible in the building on the first floor. Places of Interest 1. Cave of the Patriarchs (Machpelah) Jewish Synagogue Mosque Tombs of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs 2. Tel Hebron (Tel Rumeida) Abraham’s Well Ancient Stairs Tomb of Jesse and Ruth (King David’s father and great grandmother) Old Olive Trees Ancient Canaanite City Walls The Canaanite wall overlaid by a glacis from the Israelite period Walls and stone road from the time of Abraham Likely place of King David's Palace Four-room structure from the time of King Hezekiah Ancient Synagogue Stepped street from the Early Roman period Pottery workshop from the Early Roman period Eastern ritual bath from the Early Roman period Western ritual bath from the Early Roman period New Excavations Hebron Observatory 3. Oaks of Mamre (located within Hebron 1 mile or 1.5 km. north of the Cave of Machpelah) Hebron in the Bible 1. After God affirmed His covenant with Abraham, he built an altar to the Lord nearby at Mamre and lived here. Genesis 13:17–18: Arise, walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you.” 18 Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron , and there he built an altar to the Lord. 2. At Hebron, Abraham learned in a dream that his descendants would spend 400 years as slaves in Egypt. Genesis 15:12–14: Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, terror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 God said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, where they will be enslaved and oppressed four hundred years. 14 But I will also judge the nation whom they will serve, and afterward, they will come out with many possessions. 3. At Hebron, Ismael was born to Abraham and Sarah’s handmaid, Hagar (Gen. 16:4). 4. Near Hebron, God made a covenant with Abraham that he would be “the ancestor of a multitude of nations.” Genesis 17:1–8: When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.” 5. At Hebron, Abraham offered hospitality to three servant angels of God and received the promise of a son. Genesis 18:10–14: They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The LORD said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” 6. At Hebron, Abraham bought the Cave of Machpelah as a burial place for his wife, Sarah, and his family. Genesis 23:19: After this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field at Machpelah facing Mamre (that is, Hebron ) in the land of Canaan. 7. Later, Abraham, Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Leah would also be buried in the Cave of Machpelah. 8. Jacob returned to Hebron after he had sojourned in Paddan-aram. Genesis 35:27: Jacob came to his father Isaac at Mamre of Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron ), where Abraham and Isaac had sojourned. 9. Joseph was sent from Hebron to Shechem, where he would be sold into slavery and taken to Egypt. Genesis 37:14: Then he said to him, “Go now and see about the welfare of your brothers and the welfare of the flock, and bring word back to me.” So he sent him from the valley of Hebron , and he came to Shechem. 10. Nearby to Hebron, two of the spies who researched the Promised Land returned with a large cluster of grapes. Numbers 13:21–23: So the men explored the land from the Desert of Zin to the border of Hamath. 22 They went through the Negev and came to Hebron , where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai lived. They are descendants of Anak. (Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 When they came to the Eshcol Valley, they cut off a branch with only one bunch of grapes on it. They carried it on a pole between two of them. 11. Hebron was given to Caleb as an inheritance for his faithfulness to the Lord. Joshua 14:13–14: So Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. 14 Therefore, Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb, the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite until this day, because he followed the Lord God of Israel fully. 12. Samson carried the gates of Gaza 35 miles (55 km.) up to the mountain across from Hebron. Judges 16:1–3: But Samson lay till midnight, and at midnight he arose and took hold of the doors of the gate of the city and the two posts, and pulled them up, bar and all, and put them on his shoulders and carried them to the top of the hill that is in front of Hebron . 13. David was anointed king in Hebron and reigned here for 7 1/2 years (2 Sam. 2:1–4, 11). Faith Lesson from Hebron 1. God confirmed His promises and covenants with Abraham at Hebron and fulfilled them all. Do we believe and embrace the promises of God? 2. Caleb was one of the faithful spies who received Hebron as a reward. Are we faithful like Caleb, and do we have our hope placed in our eternal home in heaven as our reward? 3. David was anointed king in Hebron because he was a person after God’s own heart. Do we love the Lord like David, and are we desiring to serve Him in significant ways as David did?

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

Dr. Todd Michael Fink has authored many books: Israel Biblical Sites Travel Guide, Israel Biblical Sites Bible Companion, Biblical Discipleship: Essential Components for Attaining Spiritual Maturity, Biblical Discipleship Study Guide: 16-Week Discipleship Training Course, Discovering the True Riches of Life, A Biblical Analysis of Corrective Church Discipline, What Is the Gospel & How to Share It, Discipulado Bíblico, Discipulado Bíblico Guia de Estudio Books by Dr. Fink Dr. Fink is a Christ-Centered Pastor, Author, Speaker, and Teacher. He is also the founder of Go Missions to Mexico Ministries and Holy Land Site Ministries. Books by Todd Michael Fink Click on Books for More Info Clink to see more For more on Todd Michael Fink click ToddMichaelFink.com

The Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, is the most sacred place in Judaism where prayer is permitted. Standing at the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, it is the last remaining wall of the Second Temple, destroyed in 70 CE, and has been a place of prayer and pilgrimage for centuries. Western Wall & Plaza (Kotel) Photo Gallery Places of Interest Western Wall & Plaza (Kotel) Introduction The Western Wall Plaza, also known as the Kotel, is the most sacred place in Judaism where large gatherings of Jews can pray and worship. 1. The Western Wall was part of the Temple Mount expansion Herod the Great did around 19 BC. 2. It consists of 45 courses of stone, with 17 still underground and 28 above ground. We'll discuss them later. 3. The Wall is the closest accessible point to the ancient Holy of Holies, making it the holiest place where Jews can pray. 4. Above the Herodian base, later additions from the Umayyad, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods reflect centuries of rebuilding and preservation. 5. For centuries, pilgrims from across the world have come to pray here, leaving written notes in its ancient stones. 6. In this tour, we'll see the following: Crushed stones from the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans. Burnt marks on the walls from the destruction in 70 AD. Remains of an arch leading up to the Temple Mount. The access ramp leading up to the Temple Mount for the general public. The layout of the Western Wall Plaza. The history and background of this area. Many other highlights of the area. Location 1. The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall (because the Jews weep here during their prayers), is located on the western side of the Temple Mount. 2. The Western Wall Tunnel is accessed on the northern side of the Western Wall Plaza and runs north to the end of the Temple Mount Platform. Western Wall & Temple Mount History 1. In order to build the temple on the mountain top of Mount Moriah, supporting walls had to be erected that could be filled in, so there was a large flat place (platform) upon which to build. King Solomon first did this when he constructed the first temple around 950 BC. When the temple was rebuilt under Zerubbabel (537-515 BC), this same platform was used. Later, in 19 BC, King Herod began rebuilding a new massive temple. To accomplish this, he had to enlarge the Temple Mount Platform significantly. When he was done, it measured 985 x 1,575 feet (300 x 480 m.), or the equivalent of 35 football fields in size (35 acres, 14 hectares). 2. King Herod put 10,000 men to work and trained 1,000 priests as masons so they could work on the most sacred parts of the temple. The building was begun in 19 B.C. and completed in 10 years, but the work of decoration was not finished until 64 A.D. 3. The temple King Herod built on this massive Temple Mount Platform was enormous in size. Nothing in the known world at that time compared to it in size and beauty. For comparison’s sake, the temple Herod built was three times the size of the Dome of the Rock (which measures 65 feet wide by 115 feet high, or 20 meters by 35 meters), which can still be seen today. 4. In 70 AD, six years after the temple was fully completed, the Romans burned down and destroyed the temple at Jerusalem, and it has never been rebuilt since. 5. When the Romans destroyed the temple in 70 AD, part of the western side of the Temple Mount Platform survived. For hundreds of years before 1967, people prayed in the small area of the wall that was visible at the time. However, in 1967, following the Six-Day War, Israelis excavated below the ground level of the wall and found two more stone rows. They then cleared the area around the wall to create the Western Wall Plaza that visitors see today. 6. The Western Wall is part of the retaining wall, or support wall, that Herod the Great built in 19 BC when he enlarged the Temple Mount complex to accommodate a larger temple and Temple Mount area. It was a massive undertaking that required exceptional and sophisticated engineering. 7. Unlike what many think, the Western Wall was not part of the wall of the temple that King Herod Built. 8. The Western Wall consists of a total of 45 courses of stone, with 17 still underground and 28 above ground. Following is the history of all the stone courses. Herodian Period (19 BC): Of the visible part of the wall, only the bottom seven stone courses, consisting of large stones with indented borders, are from Herod the Great's enlargement. There are 17 stone courses still buried underground. Some of these can be seen by entering the Western Wall Tunnels. Umayyad Period (650-700 AD): The following four stone courses date back to the Muslim Umayyad Period. Ottoman Period (1516-1917 AD): The subsequent 17 stone courses date back to this period. 9. Located beside the Western Wall, on the left side, or northern side of the Western Wall, is a synagogue. Here Jews gather to study, read, and pray. This is one of the Jews’ most holy synagogues due to its proximity to the original Temple, where the Holy of Holies once resided. Places of Interest 1. The entire length of the Western Wall is 1,575 ft. long (480 m.), almost a third of a mile (.53 km.). 2. Massive Stones: At the southern end of the Western Wall are stones that the Romans cast down when they destroyed the city in 70 AD. 3. Broken Pavement: The broken pavement of the street that the massive stones crushed when they fell is sobering to see. 4. Burn Marks: On the wall remain burnt stones from the fire of the Roman conquest of the city in 70 AD. 5. Shop Ruins: There are remains of shops that were part of a large shopping plaza at the southern part of the Western Wall. This is the same wall that Jesus and His disciples would have seen. 6. Southern Stairs: The Southern Stairs entrance to the temple is where Jesus would have taught His disciples and entered the Temple Mount area. 7. Trumpeter's Stone: At the southernmost end of the Western Wall is a significant stone that stood upon the uttermost southwestern corner of the Temple Mount. It has words written in Hebrew that mean “The Trumpeter’s House.” A priest would stand at this corner announcing the beginning of the Sabbath and other festival days the Jews celebrated with a loud trumpet blast. 8. Isaiah Stone: Right under Robinson's Arch, we can see the so-called "Isaiah Stone." It has a carved inscription in Hebrew with a partial quote or paraphrase of Isaiah 66:14. The carving says: "And them will see, and rejoice your heart, and your bones like grass shall flourish." 9. In 1967, after the Six-Day War, the Israelis removed old homes and cleared the area around the wall to create the Western Wall Plaza that visitors see today. 10. In the Western Wall Plaza area, a walkway bridge can be seen that tourists use to access the Temple Mount. 11. The Western Wall Plaza is divided into two sections: a men’s and a women’s section. 12. The area close to the wall is considered a synagogue, so men must wear a head covering when entering the men’s section. 13. Most Jews do not enter the Temple Mount for fear of unknowingly walking in the place where the Holy of Holies might have been. Plus, Muslims do not want them entering their places of worship as well. 14. The Western Wall Plaza is the closest large public area to the temple and Holy of Holies for the Jews. Therefore, it is their most holy site. 15. On the northern side of the Western Wall is Wilson’s Arch, which is the modern name for a stone arch whose top is still visible today. It once supported a bridge that provided access to a gate level with the surface of the Temple Mount during Jesus' time. Under this arch is a synagogue where Jews pray and read the Scriptures. 16. The Western Wall Plaza is only 10% of the entire Western Wall of the Temple Mount Platform. The majority of the wall is accessible by entering what is known as “The Western Wall Tunnels.” We will see that part shortly. 17. Western Wall Stone Layers: Herodian Period (19 BC): Of the visible part of the wall, only the bottom seven stone courses, consisting of large stones with indented borders, are from Herod the Great's enlargement. There are 17 stone courses still buried underground. Some of these can be seen by entering the Western Wall Tunnels. Umayyad Period (650-700 AD): The following four stone courses date back to the Muslim Umayyad Period. Ottoman Period (1516-1917 AD): The subsequent 17 stone courses date back to this period. Faith Lesson from the Western Wall 1. It's sad that the closest large meeting area the Jews can get to the place where the original temple used to be located is the Western Wall, which, in reality, is just part of the supporting wall of the Temple Mount. 2. It’s sad that because of the Jews’ repeated refusal to heed God’s warnings to obey and follow Him, He sent judgments upon Israel and Jerusalem. 3. It's sad that because the Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah, Jesus prophesied Jerusalem would be destroyed. This was fulfilled in 70 AD. The reality of this destruction is the overarching fact that can be seen all along the Western Wall. 4. Because of the Jews' continual disobedience to God, He prophesied that the Jews would be scattered to the four corners of the earth. This was fulfilled in 70 AD. 5. God also prophesied that He would bring the Jews back to their homeland in the last days. This was fulfilled in 1948. 6. According to many passages in the Bible, God still has a plan for the Jews. He said He would bring them back to their homeland after they had been scattered for thousands of years. He also says that during the Great Tribulation Period, many Jews, if not most of them, will recognize that Jesus is indeed their Messiah and turn to Him in repentance. 7. Amazingly, we see the first prophecy fulfilled in that the Jews returned to their homeland and have their own country back. Many civilizations have occupied the Holy Land, but God has fulfilled prophecy in bringing the Jews back to their homeland today. 8. The stones here cry out that God’s Word is true and is verifiable through the fulfillment of these prophecies. 9. At the Southern Stair entrance area of the Temple Mount is a sad but very true saying, “The Jerusalem Stone, so resilient and supple, bows to the transient follies of humankind, bearing a testimony like a hundred witnesses, and yet, remains silent.” 10. We find in all that has happened to the Jews a powerful and sobering message for us today. Obedience brings God’s blessings, but disobedience brings His discipline. 1 Corinthians 10:11–12: Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

Hidden beneath the streets of the Old City, the Western Wall Tunnels reveal the hidden layers of Jerusalem’s history. Stretching along the length of the Western Wall, these underground passageways bring visitors face-to-face with stones from the time of the Second Temple and the engineering marvels of ancient builders. Western Wall Tunnels Tour Photo Gallery Places of Interest Western Wall Tunnels Tour Introduction Beneath the streets of Jerusalem lies a hidden world—the Western Wall Tunnels. These ancient passageways run along the base of the Temple Mount, taking us back over 2,000 years to the time of Jesus and the Second Temple. One of the most astonishing features here is a stone, measuring over 45 feet long and weighing more than 500 tons. To put that in perspective, that's the size of a full-sized city bus! How the ancient builders moved it into place remains a mystery to this day. From Herodian engineering marvels to sacred prayer chambers still in use today, this isn’t just archaeology; it’s a journey into the soul of biblical history. Join us as we uncover the deep history, spiritual significance, and architectural wonders of the Western Wall Tunnels—an unforgettable journey beneath the heart of Jerusalem. Location 1. The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall (because the Jews weep here during their prayers), is located on the western side of the Temple Mount. 2. The Western Wall Tunnel is accessed on the northern side of the Western Wall Plaza and runs north to the end of the Temple Mount Platform. Historical Background 1. When the Romans destroyed the temple in 70 AD, part of the western side of the Temple Mount Platform survived. For hundreds of years prior to 1967, people prayed in the small area of the wall that could be seen at that time. However, in 1967, following the Six-Day War, Israelis excavated below the ground level of the wall and found two more stone rows. They then cleared the area around the wall to create the Western Wall Plaza that visitors see today. 2. The Western Wall is part of the retaining wall, or support wall, that Herod the Great built in 19 BC when he enlarged the Temple Mount complex in order to accommodate a larger temple and Temple Mount area. It was a massive undertaking that required exceptional and sophisticated engineering. 3. Unlike many think, the Western Wall was not part of the wall of the temple King Herod Built. Places of Interest 1. In the Western Wall Plaza area, a walkway bridge can be seen that tourists use to access the Temple Mount. 2. The Western Wall Plaza is divided into two sections: a men’s and a women’s section. 3. The area close to the wall is considered a synagogue, so men must wear a head covering when entering the men’s section. 4. Most Jews do not enter on the Temple Mount for fear of unknowingly walking in the place where the Holy of Holies might have been. Plus, Muslims do not want them entering there as well. 5. The Western Wall Plaza is the closest large public area to the temple and Holy of Holies for the Jews. Therefore, it is their most holy site. 6. On the northern side of the Western Wall is Wilson’s Arch, which is the modern name for a stone arch whose top is still visible today. It once supported a bridge that provided access to a gate that was level with the surface of the Temple Mount during the time of Jesus. Under this arch is a synagogue where Jews pray and read the Scriptures. 7. The Western Wall Plaza is only 10% of the entire western wall of the Temple Mount Platform. The majority of the wall is accessed by entering what is called “The Western Wall Tunnels.” We will see that part shortly. 8. The entire length of the Western Wall is 1,575 ft. long (480 m.), almost a third of a mile (.53 km.). 9. South of the Western Wall are stones that the Romans cast down when they destroyed the city in 70 AD. under the leadership of the Roman General, Titus. 10. The broken pavement of the street that the massive stones crushed when they fell is sobering to see. 11. Burn marks remain on some of the stones as a result of fire from the Roman conquest of the city in 70 AD. 12. There are remains of shops that were part of a large shopping plaza at the southern part of the Western Wall. 13. This is the same wall that Jesus and His disciples would have seen. 14. On the Southern Stair entrance to the temple is where Jesus would have taught His disciples and entered the Temple Mount area. 15. At the southernmost end of the Western Wall is a significant stone that stood upon the uttermost southwestern corner of the Temple Mount. It has words written in Hebrew that mean “The Trumpeter’s House.” A priest would stand at this corner announcing the beginning of the Sabbath and other festival days the Jews celebrated with a loud trumpet blast. Western Wall Tunnel 1. In order to build the temple on the mountain top of Mount Moriah, there had to be erected supporting walls that could be filled in, so there was a large flat place (platform) upon which to build. King Solomon first did this when he constructed the first temple in around 950 BC. When the temple was rebuilt under Zerubbabel (537-515 BC), this same platform was used. Later, in 19 BC, King Herod began rebuilding a new massive temple. In order to do this, he had to enlarge the Temple Mount Platform immensely. When he was done, it measured 985 x 1,575 feet (300 x 480 m.), or the equivalent of 35 football fields in size (35 acres, 14 hectares). 2. King Herod put 10,000 men to work and trained 1,000 priests as masons so they could work on the most sacred parts of the temple. The building was begun in 19 B.C. and finished in 10 years, but the work of decoration was not completed until 64 AD. 3. The temple King Herod built on this massive Temple Mount Platform was enormous in size. Nothing in the known world at that time compared to it in size and beauty. For comparison’s sake, the temple Herod built was three times the size of the Dome of the Rock (which measures 65 feet wide x 115 feet high or 20 x 35 m.), which can be seen today. 4. In 70 AD, six years after the temple was fully completed, the Romans burned down and destroyed the temple at Jerusalem, and it has never been rebuilt since. 5. Located beside the Western Wall Tour Entrance on the left side, or northern side of the Western Wall is a synagogue. Here Jews gather to study, read, and pray. This is one of the Jew’s most holy synagogues because of its proximity to the original temple wherein the Holy of Holies resided. 6. At the beginning of the Western Wall Tunnel Tour Entrance is a room where the tour begins. Here, tour guides give an overview of the temple Solomon built, the temple Zerubbabel oversaw, and then the temple King Herod built. The history of the Western Wall is meshed in with the history of the temples that once resided next to the Western Wall. 7. Walking along the Western Wall Tunnel, what is known as the master course of stones can be seen. These are some of the first rows of cut stones that support the Temple Mount Western Wall. The largest stone found in the Western Wall measures 44 ft. (13.4 m.) in length (longer than a Greyhound bus). It’s almost 12 ft. (3.66 m.) high (taller than a semi-truck trailer). Its width is 14 ft. (4.26 m.) (almost as wide as some highways). It weighs over 600 tons (equivalent to 200 elephants, or ten tanks, or two 747 jumbo jets, including the people and their luggage). There is no machine big enough today to lift it. It was carved outside the city and then placed here. The stones were carved and placed with such precision that not even a credit card will fit between the joints. By comparison, the largest stones in the Egyptian Pyramids are 15 tons. 8. We next come to what is called Warren's Gate. This is the closest place along the Western Wall to where the temple used to be. It is, therefore, according to the Jews, the holiest place in the Western Wall. Just 200 ft. (61 m.) towards the east is where the temple was originally located. 9. The bedrock of the Western Wall of the Temple Mount can be seen as well. The masons who laid the great stones to build the Western Wall chiseled the bedrock of the mountain to make them look like they were stones, but in reality, they are the bedrock of the mountain upon which the Western Wall rests. 10. Next, the tiles of the original floor where Jesus likely walked are visible in the tunnel. 11. Continuing along the Western Wall Tunnel is a Hasmonean aqueduct built over 2,200 years ago, which was 200 years before Christ. 12. At the northern end of the Western Wall Tunnel is the Struthion Pool, where water was stored for use in the city of Jerusalem. Faith Lesson from the Western Wall 1. It's sad that the closest large meeting area the Jews can get to the place where the original temple used to be located is the Western Wall, which in reality, is just part of the supporting wall of the Temple Mount. 2. It’s sad that because of the Jew’s repeated refusal to heed God’s warnings to obey and follow Him that He sent judgments upon Israel and Jerusalem. 3. It's sad that because the Jews rejected Jesus as their Messiah, Jesus prophesied Jerusalem would be destroyed. This was fulfilled in 70 AD. The reality of this destruction is the overarching fact that can be seen all along the Western Wall. 4. Because of the Jew’s continual disobedience to God, He prophesied that the Jews would be scattered to the four corners of the earth. This was fulfilled in 70 AD. 5. God also prophesied that He would bring the Jews back to their homeland in the last days. This was fulfilled in 1948. 6. According to many passages in the Bible, God still has a plan for the Jews. He said He would bring them back to their homeland after being scattered for thousands of years. He also says that during the Great Tribulation Period that many Jews, if not most of them, will recognize that Jesus is indeed their Messiah and turn to Him in repentance. 7. Amazingly, we see the first prophecy fulfilled in that the Jews returned to their homeland and have their own country back. Many civilizations have occupied the Holy Land, but God has fulfilled prophecy in bringing the Jews back to their homeland today. 8. The stones here cry out that God’s Word is true and is verifiable through the fulfillment of these prophecies. 9. At the Southern Stair entrance area of the Temple Mount is a sad but very true saying, “The Jerusalem Stone, so resilient and supple, bows to the transient follies of humankind, bearing a testimony like a hundred witnesses, and yet, remains silent.” 10. We find in all that has happened to the Jews a powerful and sobering message for us today. Obedience brings God’s blessings, but disobedience brings His discipline. 1 Corinthians 10:11–12: Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

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

Mount Arbel, by the Sea of Galilee, is the most likely place Jesus gave the Great Commission to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Magdala, Gennesaret (Ginasor), Place where Christ called several of His disciples, Chorazin, Tabgha - The likely place Christ restored Peter to ministry, Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Bethsaida, Bethsaida Lookout, Feeding the 5,000, Feeding the 4,000, Kursi, Horvat Susita, Place Jesus walked on water and calmed the sea. Mt. Arbel Photo Gallery Places of Interest Mount Arbel Introduction Welcome to Mount Arbel. This is a significant site in the Bible where one of the most important events occurred. 1. It's the believed place where Christ gave the Great Commission. 2. It has a breathtaking view of the Sea of Galilee, where you can see all the major sites around it. 3. Christ spent around 70% of His ministry time around its shore. We'll look at these places and soak them in. Location 1. Mount Arbel is located on the west side of the Sea of Galilee and the tallest mountain around the Sea of Galilee. 2. It has a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee, which is about 8 miles (12 km.) wide, and about 13 miles (21 km.) long. 3. It rises about 1,200 ft. (365 m.) above the Sea of Galilee. 4. It has on its eastern side a cliff that drops right down to the Sea of Galilee basin. 5. This cliff has many natural caves that have been used throughout history for battles and protection purposes. Historical Background 1. History and tradition locate Mount Arbel as the place where Christ gave the Great Commission mandate to go into all the world and preach the gospel. 2. Many theologians believe this is the place because it is the tallest mountain in the area and provides a perfect view of the Sea of Galilee. 3. Because Christ spent around 60% to 70% of His ministry time around the Sea of Galilee, Mount Arbel would have provided the perfect backdrop as Christ gave His disciples the powerful Great Commission mandate. From this location, we can easily see the following: Magdala Gennesaret (Ginasor) The area where Christ likely called several of His disciples Chorazin Tabgha - The likely place Christ restored Peter to ministry Mount of Beatitudes Capernaum Bethsaida Bethsaida Lookout Feeding the 5,000 Feeding the 4,000 Kursi Horvat Susita Where Jesus walked on water and calmed the sea 4. The Great Commission was one of the last contacts Christ had with His disciples, which shows the importance of this commandment. 5. The cliffs of Mount Arbel have natural caves that have been used as shelters for rebels against Herod the Great, revolts against the Romans, and later periods. The ruins of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine villages lie below the cliffs and on its southwestern side. Places of Interest (Please See Maps Above) 1. Park Entrance 2. Lookout location 3. Arbel Cliffs 4. Magdala 5. Sea of Galilee 6. Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine villages that lie below the cliffs. 7. Ancient Synagogue 8. Fortress 9. Hiking trail Mount Arbel in the Bible 1. Mount Arbel is the believed place where Christ gave the Great Commission. Matthew 28:16-20: Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 2. What does the phrase “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” mean? Colossians 1:15–17: He [Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation [ The Greek word for “firstborn” is proto-tikto which would give us the meaning of “pre-eminence,” and that is what we find here in Colossians 1:15. The Greek word for “first created” would be proto-ktizo, and it is not used here]. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him, all things hold together. Christ is the image of the invisible God. He is God in the flesh so we can understand and know Him better. Christ created all things in heaven and on earth. He created all thrones, dominions, rulers, authorities, and rules over them. He is the head of all things. All of creation is held together and sustained by His power. 3. During Christ’s ministry on earth, He performed every class of miracle to show He was Lord of every aspect of creation. Sickness – Christ healed every kind of sickness among countless people. Demons and the demonic world – Christ repeatedly cast out demons from many people. Weather – Christ calmed the sea and storms. Nature – Christ cursed a fig tree, and it died. Animals – Christ cast out demons into a herd of swine, He performed the miraculous catches of fish, and He rode into Jerusalem on an untamed donkey. Food – Christ fed 5,000 and 4,000 people. The authority to forgive sins. Only God has this authority, so Christ showed Himself as being fully God. Death – Christ raised numerous people from the dead, and He Himself rose from the dead. 4. Every knee in heaven and earth will bow before the authority of Christ. Philippians 2:9–11: Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 5. Based upon the authority that Christ possesses, He commands us to go and make disciples. Matthew 28:19–20: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. Faith Lesson from Mount Arbel 1. All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Christ. Do we truly believe this? 2. We are all called to be missionaries. Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 3. Missionary means “Sent One.” 4. Most missionary work is done locally in our own Jerusalem, as most are not called to foreign missions. 5. Just because we are not foreign missionaries does not mean we aren’t a missionary at our local level. 6. Making disciples entails evangelizing. 7. In supporting foreign missions, there are a few ways we can be involved: We can be goers. We can be supporters by helping financially. We can be encouragers to those in the field. We can be helpers when missionaries return from the field and need help back home. We can be prayer supporters. Am I involved in foreign missions in at least one of the above ways? 8. In fulfilling the Great Commission, it’s not just enough to be a good person and hope our life will show others we’re different. We are commanded to go and speak! 9. While baptism does not save us, we are to emphasize it and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Have I been baptized and encourage others to be baptized as well? 10. We are to teach others to obey all Christ has commanded. Am I involved in doing this? 11. We have the promise that the one who has all authority in heaven and on earth will be with us as we go to evangelize and make disciples. We should realize that: We are not alone in fulfilling the Great Commission but have Christ present and supernaturally helping us. We have all the power and authority necessary in Christ, our helper, so we don’t need to fear any demonic or contrary force. 12. Do I realize Christ is with me in every aspect as I strive to fulfill the Great Commission?

See an overview of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. This will help you see everything in perspective. Old City Jerusalem, Mt. of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Triumphal Entry, Western Wall, City of David, Kidron Valley, Southern Stairs, Temple Mount, Bethesda, Pool of Siloam, Pater Noster Church, Chapel of Ascension, Dominus Flevit Church, Cardo, House of Caiaphas, Upper Room, Kidron Valley, Hinnom Valley, Via Dolorosa, Pilate's Palace and Judgment of Jesus. Jerusalem Holy Sites Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Jerusalem Sites Overview Summary of all the Biblical Sites and Their Locations 1. Mount of Olives 2. Bethphage Beginning of the Triumphal Entry. 3. Chapel of Ascension Place from which Christ ascended to heaven and will return to in power and great glory at the end of the Great Tribulation. 4. Pater Noster Church Place Christ taught the Lord’s Prayer. 5. Tombs of the Prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. 6. Triumphal Entry Pathway The road Christ descended on Palm Sunday, the Sunday before His crucifixion on Friday. 7. Church of Dominus Flevit Place Christ wept over Jerusalem on the Triumphal Entry and prophesied her future destruction. 8. Church of Mary Magdalene Christ cast out seven demons from Mary, and she became a passionate follower of Christ. 9. Garden of Gethsemane – Church of All Nations 10. Tomb of Mary (mother of Jesus) 11. Kidron Valley (Valley of Jehoshaphat) Place Christ will gather the nations in judgment at the end of the Tribulation Period, and their blood will flow to the depth of a horse’s bridle down toward the Dead Sea and beyond. 12. Temple Mount It was enlarged by Herod the Great. It’s the size of 35 football fields (35 acres, 14 hectares). The original temple was located exactly where the Dome of the Rock is today. Place the prophets ministered. The glory of the Lord filled the temple here. Place Christ ministered. Place the apostles ministered. Place the early church met. The Antonia Fortress was located just north of the Temple Mount. 13. Dome of the Rock (not a mosque but a shrine) 14. Western Wall It was part of the original wall of the Temple Mount Herod built. It existed during the time of Christ. It is the closest place (for a large gathering) to the original temple where the Jews pray. 15. Pool of Bethesda - St. Anne Church A lame man was healed here after waiting 38 years. 16. Via Dolorosa (painful path) It’s the believed path Christ took on the way to the Cross. It has 14 stations. 17. Gordon’s Garden Tomb - Golgotha 18. Church of the Holy Sepulcher 19. Absalom’s Tomb 20. Southern Stairs Place Christ taught His disciples. Likely location of Pentecost. 21. City of David 22. David’s Palace 23. Gihon Spring 24. Wall repaired by Nehemiah 25. Pool of Siloam 26. Hinnom Valley Gehenna – Idea of hell and eternal burning. 27. House of Caiaphas Place Peter denied Christ. Place Christ was condemned before Ananias and Caiaphas the high priest. 28. Tomb of David 29. The Upper Room 30. Herod’s Palace ~ Later, it would become Pilate's Palace 31. Citadel of David Gates of Jerusalem 1. Eastern Gate (Golden Gate, Shushan Gate) Gate Christ regularly entered on His way to the temple from the Mount of Olives. Peter and James healed a lame man after entering this gate. Closed by Ottoman Turkish Muslims in the 1541 AD. 2. Lions Gate (Stephen’s Gate) 3. Herod’s Gate 4. Damascus Gate 5. New Gate 6. Jaffa Gate 7. Zion Gate 8. Dung Gate

Videos About Bethlehem and the Place Where Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz Lived In Israel. See the place where the beautiful story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz takes place in the Holy Land! The story takes place during the time of the Judges, in about 1300 BC. It shows God’s love and a welcoming embrace of non-Israelites into the family of His chosen people, even to the extent of being part of the lineage of King David and Christ. It’s a love story planned in heaven and carried out by God. Bethlehem: Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz Bethlehem: Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz 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. One of God’s most beautiful love stories takes place in Bethlehem which is found in the book of Ruth. Here’s some key background info to help us better understand this precious story: The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges about 1300 BC. It shows God’s love and a welcome embrace of non-Israelites into the family of His chosen people, even to the extent of being part of the lineage of King David and Christ. It’s a love story planned in heaven and carried out by God. It all took place here in Bethlehem. Here’s the setting to this beautiful story – Ruth 1:1-5 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. The man's name was Elimelech, his wife's name Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. Now Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah, and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. Next, we see that Ruth chooses the people of God, and God Himself, to be her own God. Ruth 1:16-18: But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you." Now we see how God provides physically for these two widows . Ruth 2: 1-7: Now Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor." And she said to her, "Go, my daughter." So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, "The LORD be with you!" And they answered, "The LORD bless you." Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, "Whose young woman is this?" And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, "She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, 'Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.' So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest." Next, God provides a husband for Ruth. Ruth 3: 1-5: Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not seek rest for you that it may be well with you? Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do." And she replied, "All that you say I will do." And lastly, God provides rich blessings upon Ruth and allows her to be part of the kingly line of David and of Christ the Messiah. Ruth 4: 13-17: So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him." Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi." They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. What are some lessons we see about this story that took place here in Bethlehem? We see that even though it appeared God dealt harshly with Naomi and Ruth, He had a sovereign plan to provide for them. God also wanted to show His acceptance and inclusion of any person outside the Jewish nation who wanted to make God their God. God rewarded Ruth with amazing blessing because of her choice to follow the God of the Israelites. He even allowed her to be included in the lineage of King David and Christ. This story deeply strengthens my faith in God and allows me to see how God will bless those who make sacrifices to follow Him.