Other than the main holy sites we have on our website about southern Israel and the Negev, this page lists many other sites of interest: Dead Sea, Ein Bokek Public Beach, Zohar Public Beach, Kalia Beach, Biankini Beach, Neve Midbar, Ein Gedi Hot Springs, Ziklag Other Sites of Interest In Southern Israel Photo Gallery Places of Interest Other Sites of Interest In Southern Israel Dead Sea What would a trip to Israel be without taking a dip in the famous Dead Sea? Following is some helpful info for helping you decide which beach is best for you. Northern Beaches The northern beaches are privately owned and charge a fee to enter, even if your stay is for a quick dip in the sea. They have more of the mud for skincare, the water is a little cooler, they have higher waves and a little less salt content. However, there is still plenty of salt, so you can float quite easily. For health reasons, a strong warning is given regarding swallowing the saltwater in the Dead Sea. It has 7 times more salt than any other body of water in the world, and it’s easy to get salt poisoning if even a small amount of water is ingested. All the beaches have changing rooms, restrooms, showers, and bathrooms. All have great places to eat at and shop. The northern beaches have gift shops, while the southern beaches have access to gift shops, but they’re not always right at the resorts. 1. Kalia Beach – Less waves, cheaper entrance fee. 2. Biankini Beach 3. Neve Midbar 4. Ein Gedi Hot Springs – More expensive entrance fees, natural hot mineral springs. Southern Beaches The southern beaches have a higher concentration of salt, are more turquoise in color, have more transparent water, are more gradual with fewer waves, are smoother, and are free as they are public beaches. 1. Ein Bokek Public Beach 2. Zohar Public Beach 3. Segregated Public Beach – This beach separates the men from the women for Jewish reasons. Ziklag While the exact location of biblical Ziklag is debated, most archaeologists now place it at Tel Ser'a (Tel esh-Shariah), which is in the southernmost area of Judea about 14 miles (23 km.) northwest of Tel Beer Sheba and about 15 miles (24 km.) east of Gaza. Ziklag is first mentioned in the Bible as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah (Josh. 15:31). It was allotted to the tribe of Simeon (within the tribe of Judah), but the Israelites apparently failed to conquer it because Ziklag was still under Philistine control when Saul reigned as king (Josh. 19:5). Because for many years King Saul sought to harm David, David fled to Ziklag seeking refuge after the death of Samuel. As a result, he lived in Ziklag with six hundred men and their households in Philistine territory. While living in Ziklag, David petitioned Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, to give him the city of Ziklag (1 Sam. 27:5–6). Achish consented and gave Ziklag to David. During David’s rule over Ziklag, which lasted 16 months, he made it his military home base. From Ziklag, David raided many of the cities of the Amalekites. Because many soldiers from Israel were disappointed with Saul’s leadership, they joined forces with David’s private army during this time (1 Chron. 12:1–22). When war broke out between the Philistines and Israel during the reign of King Saul, David and his small army attempted to join the Philistine army to fight against Saul. However, the Philistine leaders rejected David and sent him away from the battle. While David and the Philistines were away, the Amalekites attacked Ziklag. They burned the city and took captive all the women, children, and the elderly. When David and his men returned to Ziklag, they found it had been destroyed by fire, and their families had been taken captive (1 Sam. 30:1–3). In response, David and his army pursued the Amalekites and recovered their families and possessions. (1 Sam. 30:16–31). While David was living in Ziklag, he received the news of the defeat of Israel by the Philistines and Saul and Jonathan's deaths (2 Samuel 4:10). Ziklag remained in control of Israel from this point on and is last mentioned in the Bible as one of the cities the Jews inhabited after returning from exile in Babylon (Neh. 11:28).

Every kind of resource for learning about the Holy Land. Bible videos, talks, maps, information, and much more. See amazing and interesting facts and truths about Israel, the Holy Land. Videos, maps, books, talks, archaeology, Bible teachings, history, walls, gates, people, and language of the people and places in Israel. Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea, Masada, Negev, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Hebron, Shechem, Samaria, Jordan River, Beersheba, and more. Learning Resources Helpful Holy Land Learning Resources Books by Dr. Todd M. Fink Old Testament Detailed Bible Timeline New Testament Detailed Bible Timeline List of the Good and Bad Kings of Israel and Judah Timeline of Israel's History Maps of Israel ~ High Definition Holy Sites Bible Verses Photos and Info About the Holy Land Chronological Order of the Byzantine Empire History of the Holy Land from the Beginning Until Present Timeline of the Life of Christ Timeline of the Life of Christ (pdf format) Map of the Holy Land During the Time of Christ Website with Many Maps of the Holy Land and Surrounding Areas Map of Abraham's Journey to the Holy Land Map of the Travel Locations of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph Travels of Moses and the Children of Israel Location of the 12 Tribes of Israel in the Holy Land Harmony of the 4 Gospels (Chronological timeline of events of the Life of Jesus) Biblical Sites for Christian Visitors Booklet Great Website for photos and info on the Holy Land Chronology of the Byzantine Empire (330-1453 A.D.) Maps for Purchase Map of Israel Map of Jerusalem Satellite Poster of Israel In the Footsteps of Jesus Map Sea of Galilee Booklet & Map Via Dolorosa Booklet & Map Posters & Maps in General

At the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ began 18 hours of grueling and painful suffering that would end at the Cross. Learn about all that happened along with the history of the Church of All Nations. The Garden of Gethsemane, located at the base of the Mount of Olives, is the place Jesus sweat drops of blood and was arrested. Learn all about this site. Gethsemane & Church of All Nations Photo Gallery Places of Interest Garden of Gethsemane & Church of All Nations Introduction The Garden of Gethsemane is the place where Jesus spent His last hours before being crucified for our sins. 1. It was here in this area that Jesus' sweat would become like drops of blood. 2. It was here that He would be arrested and begin His path to the cross. 3. Gethsemane comes from the Hebrew words gat, which means press, and shemanim, which means oil. 4. It was a place where Olive Oil would be pressed. 5. In the same way olives were pressed and crushed, Jesus would be pressed and crushed here as well. 6. Inside the church is the rock upon which Jesus prayed, and His sweat became like blood falling to the ground. 7. In this place, Christ taught us how to overcome temptation, as He prayed three times in the midst of His struggle. 8. Let's allow the somberness of this place to grip us as we experience it and walk in the footsteps of Christ and His suffering for us. Location 1. The Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations are located at the base of the Mount of Olives. 2. The Church of All Nations is built over the rock on which Jesus is believed to have prayed in agony the night He was arrested and then condemned to crucifixion. Historical Background 1. Gethsemane comes from the Hebrew words gat-גת (“press”) and shemanim שמנים- (“oils”). 2. At the base of the Mount of Olives, there was a garden where Jerusalem farmers would bring their harvested olives to be pressed into oil. 3. The name Gethsemane is significant because it underscores the essence of Jesus’ suffering at the time of his arrest. Like an olive in a press, Jesus’ life was squeezed out of him. The Scripture says, “Being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling to the ground ” (Luke 22:44). Through this, we see that by understanding the Hebrew names of places, we gain access to the true inner meaning of the story of Jesus’ arrest. 4. Early believers marked out this site soon after Jesus' death and resurrection and venerated it. 5. Later, when Christianity became the formal religion of the Roman Empire, churches were allowed to be built, and a Byzantine church was built here around 350 AD. However, it was destroyed by an earthquake in 746 AD. 6. In the 12th century, a Crusader chapel was built over the Byzantine church and later abandoned in 1345 AD when the Muslims took over the Holy Land from the Crusaders. 7. The current church, the Church of All Nations, also known as the Basilica of the Agony, was consecrated in 1924. A diagram outside the church shows the history of this site. 8. It is a Catholic Franciscan church and was built using donations from 12 nations. Therefore, it is called the Church of All Nations. 9. Gethsemane means “Oil Press” in Hebrew. The primary source of oil in Israel was from olives, so it is also known as an olive press. 10. It was an olive orchard with an olive press in it. As a result, it became known as the Garden of Gethsemane. 11. How fitting it would be called Gethsemane, as Christ would be pressed here beyond measure. Even to the point of His sweat becoming like drops of blood. Places of Interest 1. Old olive trees with their roots dating to the time of Christ. 2. At the top of the church's exterior facade is a mural depicting Jesus in the center, with God the Father above Him, alongside angels and people. 3. There are also four pillar columns, each representing an author of the four Gospels. 4. Just before entering the church, a diagram is displayed showing the site's history, dating back to Jesus' time. 5. The church's roof has 12 domes, one for each country that donated to its construction costs. 6. The dim lighting in the church gives a sense of the night in which Christ prayed in agony. 7. Glass plates on the floor of the church, where mosaics of the Byzantine Church from the 4th Century can be seen. 8. The rock inside the church upon which Jesus prayed in agony. How do we know that Jesus prayed on this particular spot? The fact that a fourth-century Byzantine church was built here as soon as Christianity became legal suggests that there was an earlier belief that Jesus had prayed here. The cups and two young pigeons. Notice that the cups are placed on each side of this rock, where visitors pray, recalling the moment when, in Matthew 20:23, Jesus said to His disciples, “Indeed you will drink from my cup. ” The pair of silver doves and the two young pigeons are birds mentioned in Luke 2:24, as the ritual sacrifice that Mary and Joseph were required to offer after Jesus was born. This Jewish ritual foreshadowed the sacrifice that Christ Himself would ultimately become. 9. The mosaic in the left apse. The mosaic on the left shows Judas kissing Jesus, which was his way of identifying the Son of God to the mob that came out to arrest Him. This act of betrayal in the garden was a fulfillment of Psalm 41:9, which says, “Even my close friend, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me .” 10. The Mosaic in the central apse. The middle mosaic shows Jesus praying on the rock of Agony. He knew that He was about to experience an excruciating death, and the Gospel of Luke tells us that His anguish was so intense that His perspiration was like great drops of blood. 11. The mosaic in the right apse. This mosaic on the right shows Jesus being arrested by the Jewish Temple guards. 12. To the side of the church is a rock with an image of Jesus praying. 13. A stone with the image of Jesus praying, known as the Rock of the Apostles, is allegedly located near the place where Peter, James, and John are said to have slept. 14. A marble column known as the Kiss of Judas commemorates the moment when Judas kissed the Lord on the cheek. 15. Just a short distance away, located near the Church of the Tomb of Mary, is the cave where the Olive Press would have been situated and where the disciples and Jesus would have gathered before Jesus was arrested. Garden of Gethsemane in the Bible 1. Jesus spent His last evening on earth praying in great agony before His crucifixion the following day. Luke 12:50: I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! 2. Christ became sorrowful, even to the point of death. Matthew 26:36–39: Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here, while I go over there and pray." 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me." 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Prayers that are prayed in the valleys of life often sound more like the first part of Jesus’ Gethsemane prayer. That is, “Father, deliver me from this trial .” However, as we seek a physical solution to our problems, we must, like Jesus, surrender ourselves to God’s perfect will for our lives, whatever it may be. We need to trust God, knowing His ultimate plan is best, and based on His love for us. 3. Christ taught us how to overcome temptation. Matthew 26:40–41: And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, "So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 4. Christ departed and prayed a second time. Matthew 26:42–43: Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done." 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 5. Christ prayed a third time. Matthew 26:44: So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Interestingly, Christ prayed three times. Olives were also pressed three times. The first press was called virgin oil and used for religious purposes. The second press was used for cooking, ointments, healing, and other purposes. The third press was used for oil lamps, lubrication, and other applications. 6. Christ’s sweat became like great drops of blood. Luke 22:43–44: And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” 7. Christ was arrested and taken captive by the Jews. Matthew 26:45–50: Then he came to the disciples and said to them, "Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand." 47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" And he kissed him. 50 Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do." Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 8. Jesus voluntarily surrendered to the Jews. Matthew 26:51–56: And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels [60,000 angels]? 54 But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?" 55 At that hour Jesus said to the crowds, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? Day after day I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. 56 But all this has taken place that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples left him and fled.” In the Old Testament, one angel killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. This means 12 legions of angels (60,000) could have killed 11 billion people. This is more than the entire earth’s current population. The earth’s population during the time of Christ was only around 300 million. Faith Lesson from the Garden of Gethsemane 1. The spiritual weight of paying for the sins of the world was far greater to bear than Christ’s physical sufferings. Have we really contemplated the price Christ paid for our salvation? 2. Christ taught us to overcome temptation through prayer. Do we follow His example? 3. If there is no hell, then the suffering of Christ has little purpose. Do we believe in hell and speak about it, or do we avoid it? 4. Christ provided us with the perfect example of how we should choose God’s will over our own. In the same way Christ submitted to the will of the Father, do we submit to God as well? 5. Olives are useless unless they are crushed. Christ's primary purpose in His first coming was to be crushed for our sins. If He hadn't fulfilled and submitted to God's will for Him, it all would have been useless. 6. Jesus is the only man in history who was born to die. Yet, in the Garden of Gethsemane, He pleaded with His Father for release from this death sentence. Still, He never lost sight of His mission. He concluded His prayer with the words, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” Where have we heard these words before? They echo the Lord’s Prayer, which He had taught His disciples just months earlier on the heights of this same mountain. There, He instructed them to pray, “Thy will be done.” Now, in the valley of suffering and anguish, He Himself is praying that very prayer. Our prayers in life’s valleys often sound like the first part of Jesus' plea in Gethsemane: “Father, deliver me from this trial.” But while we seek escape or solutions, we too must learn, as Jesus did, to yield to God’s will—trusting it to be perfect, even when it feels uncertain or beyond our understanding. 7. We also become more useful as a result of the trials in life that crush us. Are we willing to submit to God and allow Him to crush us so we can be more useful? James 1:2-4: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Hebrews 12:10-11: For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

What is the reason for the conflict and war in Israel and the Middle East? What is the root cause of the war? We'll look at this important topic here. The Reason for the Wars & Conflicts In Israel What Is the Reason for the War & Conflict In Israel and the Middle East? Introduction What is the real reason for the wars and conflicts we see in Israel and the Middle East? There are root issues going back to around 4,000 years that explain this long ongoing conflict. We are going to explore and show you these issues in this discussion. You will understand things like never before. So, let's explore and see what we can learn about this very important topic! Let’s Define Some Names and Terms 1. Secular Arabs – These are the descendants of Ishmael, one of Abraham’s sons. 2. Muslim Arabs – These are the believers in the Islamic faith, who are generally Arabs, which was founded by Muhammad in around 610 AD. 3. Secular Jews – These are Jews who are not religious and do not follow the Jewish faith. 4. Religio us Jews – These believe and practice Judaism. 5. Pales tine & Palestinian – Roman Emperor Hadrian first used these terms in around 132 AD. He used them after a major conquest and destruction of Israel to eradicate the Jews due to their uprisings. He changed the name of Jerusalem to Aelia Capitolina and the country of Israel to Palestine. He used the word Palestine to refer to the Philistines, one of Israel’s enemies from around 1400 to 1000 BC. His intent was to erase the names of Israel and the Jews and disassociate them from the Holy Land. However, during the time of Hadrian, there were no Philistines that lived. Nonetheless, he did this to eliminate the name Israel and replace it. The term fell out of use during the Byzantine era in around 324 AD and wasn’t used again until 1948. It is used in these latter times by some to promote the idea that the Jews today have no right to their God-given homeland. However, many use it as it has become the common name for the Holy Land. I don’t like to use the word much because there are no original Philistines from the time of the Canaanites living in the Holy Land today, and the original intent of the word was antisemitic. However, I will use it on occasion for understanding and clarity purposes. The Conflict Is Mainly Between Muslim Arabs and Jews Now, this discussion is not about all Arabs and is not intended to be anti-Arab. I have a number of Arab friends and have met many Arab people while in the Holy Land who are wonderful folks. God loves all people and wants them to come to the saving knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ, who proved to be divine and fulfilled countless prophecies proving this. Both the Jews and Arabs need Jesus Christ, along with all of us. He is the only hope for peace and salvation. Every person is equal and created in the image of God. I also want to say that I feel deep compassion for the innocent people caught up in war. Wars are ugly, destructive, and sad. What Is the Conflict About? The basic conflict is over who has the right to exist in the Holy Land. The Muslim Arabs claim they are the rightful owners of all the Holy Land and want no state of Israel at all, and Israel says they have a right to exist in their homeland. What Is the Root Cause of the Conflict? To really understand this conflict, we must go back in time to around 4,000 years ago to the time of Abraham and his two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. From the descendants of these two brothers comes the conflict that has gone on for the last 4,000 years. Who Has the Right to the Holy Land? God should have the last word on this issue, as He is the Creator and owner of everything. Let’s see what God says. To do this, let’s look at the Abrahamic Covenant God made with Abraham regarding the land of Israel as found in the Bible. The Abrahamic Covenant consists of three promises God established with Abraham. 1. A Land 2. A Nation or People 3. A Lineage – Through the lineage of Isaac would come Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The Abrahamic Covenant The Abrahamic Covenant is given numerous times in Genesis chapters 12-17 and continually reaffirmed throughout both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. You will notice that the Bible uses the name Abram before it is later changed to Abraham, which means father of many nations. God promises a land and a people: 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 throug h the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.” God promises Abraham a son: Genesis 15:18 On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates. After waiting a long time without Abraham and Sarah having a child, Sarah tries to fulfill this promise through her handmaid, Hagar. The birth of Ishmael: Genesis16:11-12 After Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, there arose bitterness between Sarah and Hagar. Then God describes the kind of person Ishmael would be. “Behold, you [Hagar] are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction. 12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.” What do we see here? 1. The bitterness between Sarah and Hagar begins the conflict we see today. Later, this bitterness would include Ishmael and Isaac. 2. Ishmael will be a wild donkey of a man and will be against everyone and everyone against him. We certainly see this throughout history. The fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant would come through Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, not through Ishmael. Genesis 17:15-22: And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” 19 God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. 20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. 21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.” 22 When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. What do we see here? 1. The Abrahamic Covenant, an everlasting covenant, would be through Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. God’s covenant would not be through Ishmael. 2. Ishmael would be the father of a great multitude, which are the Arab people. 3. Through the Abrahamic Covenant, fulfilled in Isaac, would come Jesus Christ, the prophesied Savior. Galatians 3:13-14, 16: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles , so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed . He does not say, “And to seeds,” as one would in referring to many, but rather as in referring to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ. What do we see here? 1. The genealogies of the Bible, which oftentimes we think are boring, are so important. They prove that Jesus Christ fulfills the lineage aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant that dates back to around 4,000 years. 2. P rophecy is what sets the Bible apart from any other writing. It contains very specific, detailed prophecies. So, in summary, the Abrahamic Covenant, which is the major storyline of the Bible, includes three major aspects: 1. A Land through Abraham’s son, Isaac, and his offspring, which today is known as the Holy Land. 2. A Nation or people through Abraham’s son, Isaac, and his offspring, which today are called the Jews or Israelis. 3. A Lineage – Through the lineage of Isaac would come Christ, the Savior of the world. The Role of Islam in the Conflict The religion of Islam, which came into being in around 610 AD, completely denies the Bible’s storyline and radically changes it. Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel appeared to Mohamad and gave him a number of revelations from around 610-632 AD. The Quran and Muslim theology believe the following: 1. The Abrahamic Covenant was intended for Ishmael and his offspring, not Isaac and his offspring. 2. The Holy Land is for Ishmael and his offspring, not Isaac and his offspring. 3. The promise of a nation or people is through Ishmael and his offspring, not Isaac and his offspring. 4. Jesus Christ is not the Savior but just a prophet, and Mohamad is greater than Jesus and is the last prophet. 5. I t denies the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 6. It believes the Bible is corrupted and that the Quran is the true revelation from God. Note: This Muslim belief cannot be true because the Dead Sea Scrolls, written around 100 BC, 700 years before Mohamad, verify that the Old Testament we have today is the same as what was written in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Also, Islam does more than just claim the Bible has been corrupted. It denies about 95% of the Bible is even true. For example, the New Testament's main theme is that salvation is through Jesus Christ and how to live and serve Him as a result. Islam denies all this. So, saying the Bible has been corrupted is not an accurate statement. The truth is that Islam rejects virtually all of the Bible and what it teaches. 6. Mohamad is the main example of how we should live. This even includes marrying children, as Mohamad married a 6-year-old girl when he was 51 and then consummated the marriage (had sex with her) when she was 10 years old. Marrying children is extremely common among Muslims. The Bible’s Claim About Islam According to the Bible, Islam is completely opposite to what the Bible teaches and is an antichrist religion. This explains why they hate Christians and Jews so much. The Jews believe in the Old Testament, and Christians believe in both the Old and New Testaments. Will the coming Antichrist be a Muslim? Many believe that the Antichrist will be a Muslim. This makes sense as Islam theology believes in a coming world leader called Mahdi. He will make a peace treaty for seven years, rule from the temple in Jerusalem, intend to kill all Jews and Christians and force all people to worship Allah. This Mahdi is exactly what the Bible describes as the Antichrist. Also, there is no other religion that is so against Christians and Jews like Islam. Additionally, Muslims believe Jesus will return to earth from heaven. But in their version of Jesus, he returns as a Muslim and will tell all the Christians that what the Bible says about him is wrong. He will destroy Christianity and demand that everyone convert to Islam and set up Islam as the one world faith. As you can see, Islam is anti-Bible and totally changes what the Bible teaches about the Abrahamic Covenant, which includes a land, a people, and a lineage. And most importantly, it teaches that Jesus was not who the Bible claims He is. Jesus warned about this when He was on earth. In Matthew 24:3-5, when Jesus was talking about the end times it says: “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. What Islam teaches is the very thing Jesus warned believers to be on the lookout for and not to be deceived by it. So, at the root of the conflict we see playing out on the world stage right now is a spiritual conflict that began thousands of years ago and continues to this day. This conflict was experienced and prophesied in Psalm 83: Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! 2 For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head. 3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. 4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” 5 For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: 6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; 7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. Selah Islamic World Conquest Through Jihad Explains the Conflicts in Israel The theology of Musli ms is to conquer the world for Allah and institute Muslim rule over the entire world. This rule is also known as Sharia Law. After this is done, they say, then peace will finally come to the world. This is why, since the inception of Islam, Muslims have been engaged in conquering land for Allah. This can be clearly seen in its nearly 1500-year-old history. Therefore, Islam is a violent faith that conquers lands and peoples for Allah by whatever means necessary, as taught in the Quran. We can see this in the following quotes and teachings of Islam. 1. World conquest and Jihad is taught in the Quran and Islamic theology. Quran 8:60: And prepare against them all the power you can muster, and all the cavalry you can mobilize , to thereby Allah’s enemies and your enemies. By using terrorism, governments and people yield to Muslims because of fear. They see the horrifying acts of terrorism and don’t want to make the devoted Muslims angry so they won’t be terrorized. Quran 8:39: Fight them until there is no more persecution, and religion becomes exclusively for Allah. But if they desist—Allah is Seeing of what they do. Quran 47:4: When you encounter those who disbelieve, strike at their necks. Then, when you have routed them, bind them firmly. Then, either release them by grace, or by ransom, until war lays down its burdens. Had Allah willed, He could have defeated them Himself, but He thus tests some of you by means of others. As for those who are killed in the way of Allah, He will not let their deeds go to waste. Quran 9:14: Fight them. Allah will punish them at your hands, and humiliate them, and help you against them , and heal the hearts of a believing people. Quran 9:29: Fight those who do not believe in Allah. The theology of Islam promotes the raping and sexual slavery of women if it’s done in connection with Jihad. That’s why the men are generally killed, and the women taken into slavery. 2. Jihad groups, like Hamas, use as part of their warfare, placing their rockets and military operations behind women, children, schools, hospitals, mosques, and so forth. This way, when these places are targeted and destroyed, they can cry out that horrific abuses have been done to their innocent places and people. 3. According to the current leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Mahmoud Abbas, no Jews would be allowed to live in the land of Israel unless they converted to Muslim if a State of Palestine was created. This is completely opposite to what the state of Israel allows. Israel has many Arab citizens, has Arabs in their government leadership, and allows for complete freedom of religion. 4. According to a Muslim statement, Muslims should not submit to any form of government that is not Muslim, and no non-Muslim government has the right to rule Muslims. And if they do, Muslims have the duty to dislodge non-Muslim governments from power by any means possible. 5. Under Muslim-run countries, there is no separation of church and state. The government rules as a theocracy for Allah. This is also known as Sharia Law. 6. When Muslims conquer countries, they persecute and pressure non-Muslims to convert, or life will become unbearable for them, even to the point of execution. 7. They also destroy all religious sites like churches, synagogues, and so forth. They do this to show dominance and conquest. This is why they built the Dome of the Rock exactly over where the temple once stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. 8. In Islamic Jihad, it is okay to lie to defeat non-Muslims. This is partly what happened with the recent Hamas invasion of Israel at the time of this filming in 2023, where they killed around 1,400 people and kidnapped around 220 people. They told Israel they wanted peace. Therefore, Israel let their guard down and were deceived. 9. It is also commonly promoted that Islam is a peaceful religion. This is done to deceive the ignorant. History and Muslim theology clearly state that Islam’s purpose is to conquer the world for Allah through Jihad, which is war by all means necessary. 10. There are also terrorism and death sentences in Islam for those who leave Islam or convert to another religion. This includes honor killings, imprisonment, and persecution within Muslim-run countries. I have personal Arabic friends living in Israel who have left Islam and are under threat from family members and other Muslims who want to kill them. 11. Many Arabs and Arab Muslims just want to live in peace and live their lives. However, the devoted Islamic Jihadists are the ones causing most of the trouble. That’s why when peace agreements are made between Israel and Arabs, the Jihadists increase their terrorism. This was clearly evidenced by the OSLO agreement that President Bill Clinton oversaw. The peaceful Muslims don’t do or say anything contrary to the Jihadists out of fear for their lives. So, it’s the devoted Jihadists who control most of the Arab countries. Again, the goal of the devoted Jihadists is to conquer the world for Allah. 12. The devoted Jihadists reject peace because, in their view, peace is losing ground and yielding power. According to them, it stops the progress of conquering the world for Allah. 13. The Islamic Resistance Movement, also known as Hamas, is a Palestinian Islamist militant group founded in 1987. The group’s primary objective is to establish an independent Islamic state in all the Holy Land. To accomplish their purpose, they want to eliminate Israel from the Holy Land. Hamas is known for its armed resistance against Israel and has been designated as a terrorist organization by many countries. 14. The group’s charter calls for the destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic society in what they call “historic Palestine.” Hamas has been governing more than two million Arabs in the Gaza Strip since 2007. 15. In summary, the Quran, Muslim theology, Mohamad’s life, and Muslim history all call for Jihad to punish and fight for Allah in the conquest of the world. Quran 9:14: Fight them. Allah will punish them at your hands, and humiliate them, and help you against them , and heal the hearts of a believing people. This is what the Bible says about Islamic Jihad. John 16:2-3: They will ban you from the synagogue, yet an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering a service to God . 3 These things they will do because they have not known the Father nor Me. Is Israel Occupying the Holy Land Unjustly ? Let’s look at a brief history of the Holy Land. 1. The Holy Land was promised to Abraham and his descendants by God and first inhabited by Abraham in around 2000 BC. This promise would come through Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. 2. Later, God commanded the Israelites to drive out the Canaanites from the Holy Land because of their extreme wickedness. This happened in around 1406 BC when the Israelites entered the Promised Land. 3. The nation of Israel became the world’s dominant power under the kingships of King David and King Solomon in around 1000 BC. It was a vast empire. 4. Because Israel disobeyed God in many ways, He allowed foreign countries to conquer and subdue them. Many Jews were exiled. The first conquest happened in 722 BC by the Assyrians and 586 BC by the Babylonians. However, there always remained a Jewish presence in the Holy Land, and Jews returned from exile back to Israel. 5. Over the next 2,500 years, until 1948, the land of Israel would be ruled and occupied by the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Mameluke Muslims, Crusaders, Ottoman Muslims, and the British. However, there always remained a Jewish presence in the Holy Land during all this time. 6. After Israel’s rejection of Christ, their Messiah, God would judge them severely, as prophesied by Jesus. This resulted in the destruction of Israel and Jerusalem in 70 and 132 AD. 7. However, God had a plan and purpose for Israel and prophesied He would regather them into a nation again in the last days. This was fulfilled in 1948. 8. In 1917, the Ottoman Empire fell because of World War I and the League of Nations entrusted the British with overseeing the Holy Land. This included all of the country of Jordan today, as well as all of Israel. 9. At this time, the Ottomans, by formal cession, gave the Holy Land to the League of Nations, who, by international law, gave it to Great Britain, known as the British Mandate, to facilitate a homeland and nation for Israel. 10. After much fighting and tension between Britain, the Jews, and the Arabs, Britain handed the Holy Land over to the UN (United Nations) to facilitate the conflict. 11. In November of 1947, the UN voted to recognize Israel as a state, and the British Mandate would end on May 15, 1948. 12. On May 15, 1948, after Israel was recognized as a state by the UN and the British Mandate ended, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria invaded Israel. Israel was victorious and won the war. 13. Egypt ruled the Gaza Strip, and Jordan ruled the West Bank from 1948-1967. 14. After the Six-Day War in 1967, when Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan were planning an attack on Israel in their attempt to take full possession of Israel, Israel launched a preemptive strike and won the battle. They took possession of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. 15. In 2005, Israel gave the Gaza Strip away to Arab leadership in exchange for peace. They also gave the Sinai Peninsula away to the Egyptians in exchange for peace as well. Therefore, Israel has not occupied the Gaza Strip for many years now. It has been under Arab control since 2005 and under Islamic Hamas leadership since 2007. Hamas receives billions of dollars in aid each year to better the country. Unfortunately, they spend most of it on terrorism and their own personal wealth instead of on building a better country for the people living there. 16. In addition to Israel giving full control to Arab leadership in the Gaza Strip, there are many areas of the Holy Land where Arabs have full control. 17. Most Arabs living in Israeli-controlled areas are very happy as the standard of living is much higher. The Arab-controlled areas, and especially the Gaza Strip, are where the standard of living is very low. 18. Today, there are around 9 million Jews and 2.1 million Arabs living in Israel. Many of the Arabs vote, serve in the military, hold office, are parliament and supreme court members, university professors, and doctors. They are very happy, peaceful, and supportive of the state of Israel. 19. Israel has accepted every two-state solution in the Holy Land, but Arab leadership has rejected every proposal. The Arab leadership wants Israel removed entirely from the Holy Land. This is their stated goal. Therefore, Arab leadership does not want peace but the elimination of the state of Israel. 20. It would be good to mention that there have been wars since the beginning of time. Kingdoms have risen and fallen. If Israel is wrongly occupying the land, then should the Muslims give back all the land they conquered over 1500 years and possess today? For that matter, should every country over the entire history of the world return conquered land? And if so, how far back do we go? War is just a reality of this fallen world, and it’s unrealistic to return all land to its original occupiers. And if we use history as the measure of the right to occupy land, then Israel has more rights to the land because they conquered it in 1406 BC. The Muslim Arabs didn’t conquer it until around 631 AD, then lost it later. 21. In all of the history of the Holy Land, there has never been a Palestinian State. In fact, as mentioned earlier, the term Palestinian fell out of use after the Byzantine conquest of Israel in around 324 AD and wasn’t used again until around 1948. 22. The main reason Israel is now against a two-state solution is that if they give the West Bank to Arab leadership, they will have the same issue they face today with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. From the West Bank, rockets could then reach every part of Israel, and their existence would be threatened. And with the stated intent of Muslim Arab leadership to totally eliminate the Jews, this would be a dangerous reality. Israel Becoming a Nation Fulfills Bibl e Prophecy In Ezekiel chapter 37 is a vision Ezekiel received about a valley of dry bones. These bones represent the nation of Israel and how God would regather them into their homeland in the last days. This was fulfilled in 1948 when Israel was recognized by the UN and the International Community as being its own country. Ezekiel 37:11-14: Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the entire house of Israel; behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am going to open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves, My people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. 14 And I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land . Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and done it,” declares the Lord.’” This amazing prophecy has been fulfilled and lets us know that the Bible is God’s word and true, as only God knows the future. We must realize that the creation of Israel as a state is God’s doing. It fulfills His master plan for the nation of Israel. God is the Lord and owner of everything, so we must realize it is His will for the nation of Israel to exist. Nothing will change His plans. Therefore, the fact that Israel is a state is ultimately by God’s sovereign work and plan, not people’s. Faith Lesson 1. The Quran and Islam theology promote Jihad to conquer the world for Allah and force all to convert to Islam so it is the one world religion. When this happens, according to Muslims, then peace will come to the entire world. 2. The main source of the conflicts moving forward will come from Islamic-run countries. Their goal is to conquer the world for Allah by whatever means necessary. This includes every kind of terror imaginable. Therefore, they will be the main players in events moving forward. 3. It’s very logical and probable that the Antichrist will be a Muslim. As we have seen, in Muslim theology, a prophesied future Muslim leader will rule from the Temple Mount over the entire world for seven years. 4. Now, while the Islamic-run countries who will be against Israel in the last days think they are fighting against Israel, they are really fighting against God almighty. This is a war no one can win. 5. There will be a growing hatred against Israel and Christians in these last days. This can even be seen today in 2023, as the UN, with overwhelming support, called for Israel to stop its military campaign to defend itself by taking out Hamas in the Gaza Strip. I wonder what each of these countries would do if they had Hamas launching endless rockets into their countries and killing thousands and kidnapping hundreds of its citizens. I’m sure they would defend themselves. 6 . God has a plan for Israel, and He will be the one who defends them supernaturally. God will fulfill this major prophecy as He has fulfilled every other one. You can count on that. Zechariah 12:1-5: The oracle of the word of the Lord concerning Israel: Thus declares the Lord, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him: 2 “Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples . The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah. 3 On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves. And all the nations of the earth will gather against it . 4 On that day, declares the Lord, I will strike every horse with panic, and its rider with madness. But for the sake of the house of Judah I will keep my eyes open, when I strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. 5 Then the clans of Judah shall say to themselves, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem have strength through the Lord of hosts, their God.’ 7 . God loves both the Jews and Muslims, and for that matter, all people and desires that everyone comes to salvation through Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish , but that all should reach repentance. 8. As we see these end times events unfolding before our eyes, we need to realize that God is in control and working out everything according to His good purposes. Therefore, we should be at peace, trusting in God, a nd certain we are right with God and ready for His return.

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?

The temple was to be a house of prayer for all the nations, not just Israel. Mark 11:17: Christ said, "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." The money changers were corrupting the temple by charging excessive fees for the purchase of animals to be used by those coming to the temple to offer sacrifices. Temple Mount: Jesus Cleanses the Temple Temple Mount: Jesus Cleanses the Temple Welcome to the Holy Land and the biblical site of the temple mount. The temple mount encompasses around 35 acres and was where the temple was located during the time of Christ. See the Bible come to life as we take a look at a key event of Christ cleansing the temple area that took place here. Why did Christ cleanse the temple by driving out the moneychangers? 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. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 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." Who were the money changers? They were basically businessmen who took advantage and overcharged those traveling from afar who couldn’t bring animals to sacrifice because of the long distance, and therefore, chose to buy them at the temple instead. Let’s also look at the background and understand the purpose of God for the temple and the Nation of Israel. God’s plan for Israel was that they would be a blessing to the whole world, a people through whom God’s love and commandments could be shown to all. Gen. 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. 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. 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." The Nation of Israel was to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Exodus 19:4-6: “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now, therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel." Israel was to be a light to the nations. Isaiah 6:1-4: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.” Christ summed up our purpose, and the purpose of Israel in Matthew 5. Matt. 5:13-16: “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” The temple was to be a house of prayer for all the nations, not just Israel. Mark 11:17: Christ said, "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." What can we observe and learn from these events that happened at this significant place? God’s plan for Israel was that they would be a blessing to the whole world, a people through whom God’s love and commandments could be shown to all. God’s purpose for Israel was to use them as a kingdom of priests to spread His truth to the world. The temple was a house of prayer for all nations, not just Israel. The money changers were corrupting the temple by charging excessive fees for the purchase of animals to be used by those coming to the temple to offer sacrifices. What about us? Am I a light to the world, showing God’s truth and commandments to all? Am I being an example of a child of God for all to see? Do I corrupt the message of God’s truth in any way by my lack of honesty in finances, by being a bad example, by not living out the truth, etc.?

Nimrod Fortress National Park is situated in the midst of a magical mountain landscape on the slopes of Mount Hermon, atop a ridge 2,700 ft. or 815 m above sea level. It's one of the largest and most impressive medieval fortresses in the Middle East. It controlled one of the region’s main roads, from Tyre on the Mediterranean coast, through the upper Hula Valley and Banias to Damascus. Nimrod Fortress National Park Photo Gallery Nimrod Fortress National Park Introduction Have you ever heard of a fortress so massive and mysterious? It’s tied to legends of giants, crusaders, sultans, and empires? Welcome to the full story of Nimrod’s Fortress—a mountaintop stronghold with a history as dramatic as its view. Location 1. Nimrod Fortress National Park is situated in the midst of a magical mountain landscape on the slopes of Mount Hermon, atop a ridge 2,700 ft. or 815 m above sea level. 2. It's one of the largest and most impressive medieval fortresses in the Middle East. It controlled one of the region’s main roads, from Tyre on the Mediterranean coast, through the upper Hula Valley and Banias to Damascus. Historical Background 1. Its Origins – 1200 AD The fortress was originally constructed around 1250 AD, during a time of great tension and transition. The Ayyubid dynasty, founded by Saladin, ruled the region following the expulsion of the Crusaders from much of the Levant. 2. In 1229, Al-Aziz Uthman, a nephew of Saladin and the Ayyubid governor of Damascus, built the original structure. His goal? To guard against the Crusader threat, especially from the military stronghold in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, and to secure the vital road to Damascus. This first phase of the fortress was a military necessity, quickly erected, with an emphasis on strong towers and strategic positioning. The Stone Mystery – Herodian Lookalikes? One of the most intriguing aspects of Nimrod’s Fortress is its stonework. As you walk through the fortress, you’ll notice massive ashlar stones—finely cut blocks with a raised boss in the center and a smooth, chiseled margin around the edges. To the trained eye, these stones appear strikingly similar to those found in Herodian construction in Jerusalem, such as the Western Wall. First, no archaeological evidence has ever been found on the site to suggest that a fortress or building existed here during the 1st century BC or AD, when Herod the Great ruled Judea. Instead, all the structural layers date back to the medieval Islamic period, beginning in the 13th century. Second, this style of masonry wasn’t exclusive to Herod’s engineers. The Ayyubids and Mamluks often borrowed styles from the past—either for visual impact or to connect themselves with the grandeur of earlier civilizations. In this case, it’s likely that the builders deliberately imitated earlier Roman and Herodian stonework, using it to create a sense of legacy and permanence. 3. Mamluk Expansion – 1250 AD Just a few decades after the Ayyubids, the fortress saw major expansion under the Mamluks. After defeating the Mongols at the Battle of Ayn Jalut in 1260, the Mamluks secured their hold on the region. One of their generals, Baybars—who would later become sultan—oversaw significant renovations and fortifications at Nimrod’s Fortress. Under his direction, the castle grew in size, strength, and sophistication. Massive walls were reinforced, hidden staircases were added, and inscriptions were carved into the stone. 4. Ottoman Period – 1500 AD and After By 1500 AD, Nimrod’s Fortress had lost its military value. The Ottomans now ruled the region, and the fortress slowly slipped into disuse. Earthquakes damaged parts of the structure, and the forest began to reclaim it. Modern Rediscovery In the 20th century, archaeologists from the British Mandate period, and later Israel, began excavating and restoring the site. They found evidence not of ancient Israelite kings or Roman generals, but of medieval Muslim rulers who built a massive and strategic defense point overlooking vital trade and military routes. 5. Today, Nimrod’s Fortress is a protected national park. Visitors can explore its high towers, winding passages, and stone-carved inscriptions. The view from the top—over the Golan, the Galilee, and even Lebanon—is breathtaking. Legends and Misunderstandings Of course, the name “Nimrod’s Fortress” still captures the imagination. Nimrod, the mighty hunter from Genesis, was never here—but the myth persisted, because the site feels ancient, almost timeless. 6. Conclusion Nimrod’s Fortress is more than a relic of the past. It’s a monument built by medieval Muslim rulers, shaped by shifting empires, and cloaked in the aura of ancient myth. Its stones may look biblical, but they tell a medieval story—one of strategy, strength, and survival on the edge of empire. Places of Interest 1. The Northwest Tower – The impressive gate installed in the tower bears an Arabic inscription of the Ayyubid governor al ’Aziz ‘Othman and belongs to the first stage of construction. The stones of the arch shifted in an earthquake (1759), but miraculously, the arch itself did not collapse. This “veranda” is part of a room, the ceiling of which buckled and was rebuilt in 1275 by the governor Bilik. At that time, the tower was expanded and two more stories were added. Also from this period is the opening in the tower’s ground floor leading to a cistern, above which is a shaft 7 m high; through it water was raised to the uppermost story. South of the room, a toilet was discovered. West of the gate tower, at the end of the “veranda,” a secret passage was constructed that leads outside the northern wall. 2. The Baybars Inscription – A monumental Arabic inscription, among the largest of the Mamluk period (1275). The inscription contains words of praise and eulogy for Sultan Baybars, who tasked his subordinate Bilik, commander of the fortress, with the building and reconstruction work. The inscription was placed on the facade of the second story, where Bilik’s palace was almost certainly located. 3. The Western Tower – A westward-facing tower, as yet unexcavated. 4. The Service Road – A modern pathway that passes through a breach in the wall, and through which one may directly enter the fortress. 5. The Southwest Tower – The top of this tower provides a magnificent view of the Galilee, the Hula Valley, and the slopes of the Golan. The stairs lead to the interior hall of the original tower. The tower was enlarged in Baybars’ time, after which additional embrasures for archers were built. From this hall, a spiral staircase descends to the southward-facing rooms, where you will also find embrasures. 6. The Large Reservoir – It is 9 x 25 m in area and 7 m high. Rainwater flowed into it via channels that were long since destroyed. Its northern side is roofed with a barrel vault, and stairs descend to the bottom. The southern part is roofed with a cross vault. A later breach in the southern wall, made by shepherds, permits a glimpse of the reservoir. 7. Rahat – A public drinking fountain (sabil in Arabic) located on the eastern side of the reservoir and fed by its water. Above the basin is an inscription by Fahr a-Din Hassan, who reconditioned the fountain in 1240. 8. The Beautiful Tower – This semicircular tower, which projects from the wall, was built by Baybars. The interior of the tower is octagonal, with two sides joined, resulting in a structure with seven sides. The roof of the tower is vaulted. The tower, the cut stones, and the embrasures are of outstanding construction quality. In the right-hand corner is a toilet cubicle similar to that in the northwest tower. 9. The Moat – Hewn into the bedrock, the moat separates the fortress from the donjon (the keep). The route crosses the moat in a place where it was somewhat filled in, but it can be better seen on the right side. The moat was crossed by a wooden bridge. At the end of the moat, in the southwestern corner of the donjon, is the earliest inscription found in the fortress, dating to the rule of the governor al-’Aziz ‘Othman (1228). 10. The Donjon (the keep) – A fortified, free-standing structure above the fortress. If the lower fortifications were overrun, the defenders were still able to continue defending the fortress from this massive and powerful structure. Its gate is in the northwest corner. At the four corners of the structure, square towers were erected. In the area between them, remnants of the arches of a ceremonial hall, additional halls, and water cisterns were found. From the northeast tower, a steep trail for fit hikers descends toward the park entrance. 11. The View from the Top of the Donjon – Here, one realizes the clear supremacy of the donjon over the rest of the fortress. It affords a breathtaking panorama of Mount Hermon, the Golan Heights, the Galilee, and the Hula Valley. 12. The Northern Tower (the prison tower) – This well-preserved tower was apparently also built by Baybars. It includes a central hall, with walls pierced by embrasures for archers and a staircase that ascends to the roof. From the top of the tower, Mount Hermon and Mount Dov are visible. During the 15th century, the place was apparently used as a prison. 13. The Secret Passage – The route returns to the northwestern tower (1). In the corner of the “veranda” is the entrance to a secret, graded passageway leading northward. It is 27 m long, 1.8 m wide, and has a high, arched ceiling. A row of stones can be seen on the ceiling that was displaced by an earthquake. The passage ends in an opening (postern) to the outside of the northern wall that was hidden by a pile of rocks. From here, the route returns to the western wall and goes around it on the outside to the parking lot. 14. The Pool – Located outside the fortress on its eastern side, the pool has a surface area of 26 x 54 m and a depth of at least 5 m. Its location on the slope enabled the collection of large quantities of rainwater that in peacetime served the residents of the fortress, and may even have been used for irrigation and watering flocks. Faith Lesson from Magdala and Mary Magdalene 1. So, what are some faith lessons we can learn from this fortress site? As we walked its paths and witnessed its massive stones, we couldn't help but think of all the work and labor that went into building this massive fortress. Why did they do it? They did it to build and protect their kingdoms. At the time, it probably seemed urgent and vital to them. However, in the grand course of time, it rapidly faded away along with them and their dreams and hopes. That's what time does. As we move further away from a moment in time, that moment loses its importance and urgency. What seems so important at the moment rapidly fades away and gets lost. 2. Those who built this fortress invested an enormous amount of time, money, and even their lives. However, what do they have now? Where are they, and if they could go back in time, what would they change? I'm certain they would line the dirt paths here and share what's really important in life. Because right now, they are in one of two places according to the Bible. They are with God in paradise, or separated from Him in hell. 3. Jesus gives us eternal wisdom that we should all embrace strongly, so we don't look back and regret what we've done. He says in Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. He continues on just a few verses later in Matthew 6:33 to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you ." 4. If we are wise, we'll realize that the time we'll spend on this earth is just a drop in the bucket compared to eternity. So, what can we learn from this site? We should live our lives building God's eternal kingdom and not our own, which will quickly pass away and turn to ruins like we see at this site. We need to put God first, seek first His Kingdom and serve Him, not ourselves, our dreams, and our kingdoms.

Learn about Ashkelon and the 5 cities of the Philistines. What all happened in Ashdod? What is its history? Who were the Philistines, where did they come from, and where did they live? They are mentioned in many places in the Old Testament and were the enemies of the Israelites. The Other Cities Were: Ashdod, Ekron, Gaza, & Gath. Biblical Ashkelon Photo Gallery Places of Interest Ashkelon Location 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. Historical Background 1. South of the modern city of Ashkelon is a large National park with ruins of the ancient city. It has a history of 4,000 years and was a port city located on the main trade route from Egypt to the North. It started as a huge fortified Canaanite city and continued as a Philistine city, turning into a thriving commercial center and independent city during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Ashkelon has the world's oldest Canaanite Gate in the world which dates back to almost 4000 years ago. 5. Ashkelon also played a part in the battle against the Assyrians. Zedaka, the ruler of Ashkelon, joined the rebellion of Hezekiah, king of Judah (701 BCE). In response, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, took over the city and replaced the treacherous ruler with one of his subjects. 6. The city changed hands many times after that, as Greeks and Maccabees and Romans and Muslims and Crusaders all had their turn. Some think that Herod the Great was born in Ashkelon; the fact is that he did build a palace and aqueduct there. 7. The Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar, who came to the city later, was less merciful. In 604 BC, he deported Aga, the last Philistine king of Ashkelon, and razed the city to the ground. 8. During the Persian period, Ashkelon was a prosperous commercial city under the auspices of the port cities of Tyre and Sidon. 9. It was used as a border fortress by the Crusaders from around 1100-1191 AD. However, Saladin destroyed the Ashkelon fortress in AD 1191 (during the end of the Crusader Period). As a result, the city lay in ruins for a century. This basically ended its history. 10. After this time, a town was built by Arabs near the original site of Ashkelon and called Al-Majdal. 11. Today, a large national park beautifully preserves the history of ancient Ashkelon. It's well worth a visit if you have a chance to see it. Places of Interest 1. The Canaanite Gate 2. The Rampart 3. Medieval Walls 4. The Roman Basilica 5. St. Mary Viridis Church 6. Wells: Within the national park, there are 67 wells, the majority of them from the Byzantine period. 7. Natural sand dunes and landscapes. 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, he lamented and mourned 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). Faith Lesson from Ashkelon 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 judged the city of Ashkelon and held them accountable for their sins. In the same way, God will hold those who reject Him accountable today as well. We will all stand before God and give an account for our lives. 3. 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?

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

Who has the right to the Holy Land? The Palestineans of the Jews? What does history say about this debate and hotly contested land? Learn all about it here! Who Has the Rights to the Holy Land? Holy Land Site Video Coming Soon Who Has the Right s to the Holy Land? The Jews or Arabs? Introduction Who has the right s to the Holy Land? The Jews or the Arabs? Who was there first? What does history show us about this issue? What does the future look like in this troubled part of the world? Currently, there is a war going on between Hamas and Israel, and many other countries are getting involved. Things look chaotic and uncertain. Everything that is happening is because of the dispute over who has the rights to the Holy Land. I f you want to know about who has the rights to this land and understand the root cause of the conflict, read on to find out. Let's explore this issue and see what the truth is. Let’s Define Some Names and Terms 1. Secular Arabs – These are the descendants of Ishmael, one of Abraham’s sons. 2. Muslim Arabs – These are the believers in the Islamic faith, who are generally Arabs, which was founded by Muhammad in around 610 AD. 3. Secular Jews – These are Jews who are not religious and do not follow the Jewish faith. 4. Religio us Jews – These believe and practice Judaism. 5. Pales tine & Palestinian – Roman Emperor Hadrian first used these terms in around 132 AD. He used them after a major conquest and destruction of Israel to eradicate the Jews due to their uprisings. He changed the name of Jerusalem to Aelia Capitolina and the country of Israel to Palestine. He used the word Palestine to refer to the Philistines, one of Israel’s enemies from around 1400 to 1000 BC. His intent was to erase the names of Israel and the Jews and disassociate them from the Holy Land. However, during the time of Hadrian, there were no Philistines that lived. Nonetheless, he did this to eliminate the name Israel and replace it. The term fell out of use during the Byzantine era in around 324 AD and wasn’t used again until 1948. It is used in these latter times by some to promote the idea that the Jews today have no right to their God-given homeland. However, many use it as it has become the common name for the Holy Land. I don’t like to use the word much because there are no original Philistines from the time of the Canaanites living in the Holy Land today, and the original intent of the word was antisemitic. However, I will use it on occasion for understanding and clarity purposes. The Conflict Is Mainly Between Muslim Arabs and Jews Now, this discussion is not about all Arabs and is not intended to be anti-Arab. I have a number of Arab friends and have met many Arab people while in the Holy Land who are wonderful folks. God loves all people and wants them to come to the saving knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ, who proved to be divine and fulfilled countless prophecies proving this. Both the Jews and Arabs need Jesus Christ, along with all of us. He is the only hope for peace and salvation. Every person is equal and created in the image of God. I also want to say that I feel deep compassion for the innocent people caught up in war. Wars are ugly, destructive, and sad. What Is the Conflict About? The basic conflict is over who has the right to exist in the Holy Land. The Muslim Arabs claim they are the rightful owners of all the Holy Land and want no state of Israel at all, and Israel says they have a right to exist in their homeland. What Is the Root Cause of the Conflict? To really understand this conflict, we must go back in time to around 4,000 years ago to the time of Abraham and his two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. From the descendants of these two brothers comes the conflict that has gone on for the last 4,000 years. Who Has the Right to the Holy Land? God should have the last word on this issue, as He is the Creator and owner of everything. Let’s see what God says. To do this, let’s look at the Abrahamic Covenant God made with Abraham regarding the land of Israel as found in the Bible. The Abrahamic Covenant consists of three promises God established with Abraham. 1. A Land 2. A Nation or People 3. A Lineage – Through the lineage of Isaac would come Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. The Abrahamic Covenant The Abrahamic Covenant is given numerous times in Genesis chapters 12-17 and continually reaffirmed throughout both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. You will notice that the Bible uses the name Abram before it is later changed to Abraham, which means father of many nations. God promises a land and a people: 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 throug h the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.” God promises Abraham a son: Genesis 15:18 On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates. After waiting a long time without Abraham and Sarah having a child, Sarah tries to fulfill this promise through her handmaid, Hagar. The birth of Ishmael: Genesis16:11-12 After Hagar gave birth to Ishmael, there arose bitterness between Sarah and Hagar. Then God describes the kind of person Ishmael would be. “Behold, you [Hagar] are pregnant and shall bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction. 12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.” What do we see here? 1. The bitterness between Sarah and Hagar begins the conflict we see today. Later, this bitterness would include Ishmael and Isaac. 2. Ishmael will be a wild donkey of a man and will be against everyone and everyone against him. We certainly see this throughout history. The fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant would come through Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, not through Ishmael. Genesis 17:15-22: And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” 19 God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. 20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. 21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.” 22 When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. What do we see here? 1. The Abrahamic Covenant, an everlasting covenant, would be through Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. God’s covenant would not be through Ishmael. 2. Ishmael would be the father of a great multitude, which are the Arab people. 3. Through the Abrahamic Covenant, fulfilled in Isaac, would come Jesus Christ, the prophesied Savior. Galatians 3:13-14, 16: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles , so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed . He does not say, “And to seeds,” as one would in referring to many, but rather as in referring to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ. What do we see here? 1. The genealogies of the Bible, which oftentimes we think are boring, are so important. They prove that Jesus Christ fulfills the lineage aspect of the Abrahamic Covenant that dates back to around 4,000 years. 2. P rophecy is what sets the Bible apart from any other writing. It contains very specific, detailed prophecies. So, in summary, the Abrahamic Covenant, which is the major storyline of the Bible, includes three major aspects: 1. A Land through Abraham’s son, Isaac, and his offspring, which today is known as the Holy Land. 2. A Nation or people through Abraham’s son, Isaac, and his offspring, which today are called the Jews or Israelis. 3. A Lineage – Through the lineage of Isaac would come Christ, the Savior of the world. The Role of Islam in the Conflict The religion of Islam, which came into being in around 610 AD, completely denies the Bible’s storyline and radically changes it. Muslims believe that the angel Gabriel appeared to Mohamad and gave him a number of revelations from around 610-632 AD. The Quran and Muslim theology believe the following: 1. The Abrahamic Covenant was intended for Ishmael and his offspring, not Isaac and his offspring. 2. The Holy Land is for Ishmael and his offspring, not Isaac and his offspring. 3. The promise of a nation or people is through Ishmael and his offspring, not Isaac and his offspring. 4. Jesus Christ is not the Savior but just a prophet, and Mohamad is greater than Jesus and is the last prophet. 5. I t denies the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 6. It believes the Bible is corrupted and that the Quran is the true revelation from God. Note: This Muslim belief cannot be true because the Dead Sea Scrolls, written around 100 BC, 700 years before Mohamad, verify that the Old Testament we have today is the same as what was written in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Also, Islam does more than just claim the Bible has been corrupted. It denies about 95% of the Bible is even true. For example, the New Testament's main theme is that salvation is through Jesus Christ and how to live and serve Him as a result. Islam denies all this. So, saying the Bible has been corrupted is not an accurate statement. The truth is that Islam rejects virtually all of the Bible and what it teaches. 6. Mohamad is the main example of how we should live. This even includes marrying children, as Mohamad married a 6-year-old girl when he was 51 and then consummated the marriage (had sex with her) when she was 10 years old. Marrying children is extremely common among Muslims. The Bible’s Claim About Islam According to the Bible, Islam is completely opposite to what the Bible teaches and is an antichrist religion. This explains why they hate Christians and Jews so much. The Jews believe in the Old Testament, and Christians believe in both the Old and New Testaments. Will the coming Antichrist be a Muslim? Many believe that the Antichrist will be a Muslim. This makes sense as Islam theology believes in a coming world leader called Mahdi. He will make a peace treaty for seven years, rule from the temple in Jerusalem, intend to kill all Jews and Christians and force all people to worship Allah. This Mahdi is exactly what the Bible describes as the Antichrist. Also, there is no other religion that is so against Christians and Jews like Islam. Additionally, Muslims believe Jesus will return to earth from heaven. But in their version of Jesus, he returns as a Muslim and will tell all the Christians that what the Bible says about him is wrong. He will destroy Christianity and demand that everyone convert to Islam and set up Islam as the one world faith. As you can see, Islam is anti-Bible and totally changes what the Bible teaches about the Abrahamic Covenant, which includes a land, a people, and a lineage. And most importantly, it teaches that Jesus was not who the Bible claims He is. Jesus warned about this when He was on earth. In Matthew 24:3-5, when Jesus was talking about the end times it says: “Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. What Islam teaches is the very thing Jesus warned believers to be on the lookout for and not to be deceived by it. So, at the root of the conflict we see playing out on the world stage right now is a spiritual conflict that began thousands of years ago and continues to this day. This conflict was experienced and prophesied in Psalm 83: Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God! 2 For behold, Your enemies make a tumult; And those who hate You have lifted up their head. 3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people, And consulted together against Your sheltered ones. 4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” 5 For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: 6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; 7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. Selah Islamic World Conquest Through Jihad Explains the Conflicts in Israel The theology of Musli ms is to conquer the world for Allah and institute Muslim rule over the entire world. This rule is also known as Sharia Law. After this is done, they say, then peace will finally come to the world. This is why, since the inception of Islam, Muslims have been engaged in conquering land for Allah. This can be clearly seen in its nearly 1500-year-old history. Therefore, Islam is a violent faith that conquers lands and peoples for Allah by whatever means necessary, as taught in the Quran. We can see this in the following quotes and teachings of Islam. 1. World conquest and Jihad is taught in the Quran and Islamic theology. Quran 8:60: And prepare against them all the power you can muster, and all the cavalry you can mobilize , to thereby Allah’s enemies and your enemies. By using terrorism, governments and people yield to Muslims because of fear. They see the horrifying acts of terrorism and don’t want to make the devoted Muslims angry so they won’t be terrorized. Quran 8:39: Fight them until there is no more persecution, and religion becomes exclusively for Allah. But if they desist—Allah is Seeing of what they do. Quran 47:4: When you encounter those who disbelieve, strike at their necks. Then, when you have routed them, bind them firmly. Then, either release them by grace, or by ransom, until war lays down its burdens. Had Allah willed, He could have defeated them Himself, but He thus tests some of you by means of others. As for those who are killed in the way of Allah, He will not let their deeds go to waste. Quran 9:14: Fight them. Allah will punish them at your hands, and humiliate them, and help you against them , and heal the hearts of a believing people. Quran 9:29: Fight those who do not believe in Allah. The theology of Islam promotes the raping and sexual slavery of women if it’s done in connection with Jihad. That’s why the men are generally killed, and the women taken into slavery. 2. Jihad groups, like Hamas, use as part of their warfare, placing their rockets and military operations behind women, children, schools, hospitals, mosques, and so forth. This way, when these places are targeted and destroyed, they can cry out that horrific abuses have been done to their innocent places and people. 3. According to the current leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization, Mahmoud Abbas, no Jews would be allowed to live in the land of Israel unless they converted to Muslim if a State of Palestine was created. This is completely opposite to what the state of Israel allows. Israel has many Arab citizens, has Arabs in their government leadership, and allows for complete freedom of religion. 4. According to a Muslim statement, Muslims should not submit to any form of government that is not Muslim, and no non-Muslim government has the right to rule Muslims. And if they do, Muslims have the duty to dislodge non-Muslim governments from power by any means possible. 5. Under Muslim-run countries, there is no separation of church and state. The government rules as a theocracy for Allah. This is also known as Sharia Law. 6. When Muslims conquer countries, they persecute and pressure non-Muslims to convert, or life will become unbearable for them, even to the point of execution. 7. They also destroy all religious sites like churches, synagogues, and so forth. They do this to show dominance and conquest. This is why they built the Dome of the Rock exactly over where the temple once stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. 8. In Islamic Jihad, it is okay to lie to defeat non-Muslims. This is partly what happened with the recent Hamas invasion of Israel at the time of this filming in 2023, where they killed around 1,400 people and kidnapped around 220 people. They told Israel they wanted peace. Therefore, Israel let their guard down and were deceived. 9. It is also commonly promoted that Islam is a peaceful religion. This is done to deceive the ignorant. History and Muslim theology clearly state that Islam’s purpose is to conquer the world for Allah through Jihad, which is war by all means necessary. 10. There are also terrorism and death sentences in Islam for those who leave Islam or convert to another religion. This includes honor killings, imprisonment, and persecution within Muslim-run countries. I have personal Arabic friends living in Israel who have left Islam and are under threat from family members and other Muslims who want to kill them. 11. Many Arabs and Arab Muslims just want to live in peace and live their lives. However, the devoted Islamic Jihadists are the ones causing most of the trouble. That’s why when peace agreements are made between Israel and Arabs, the Jihadists increase their terrorism. This was clearly evidenced by the OSLO agreement that President Bill Clinton oversaw. The peaceful Muslims don’t do or say anything contrary to the Jihadists out of fear for their lives. So, it’s the devoted Jihadists who control most of the Arab countries. Again, the goal of the devoted Jihadists is to conquer the world for Allah. 12. The devoted Jihadists reject peace because, in their view, peace is losing ground and yielding power. According to them, it stops the progress of conquering the world for Allah. 13. The Islamic Resistance Movement, also known as Hamas, is a Palestinian Islamist militant group founded in 1987. The group’s primary objective is to establish an independent Islamic state in all the Holy Land. To accomplish their purpose, they want to eliminate Israel from the Holy Land. Hamas is known for its armed resistance against Israel and has been designated as a terrorist organization by many countries. 14. The group’s charter calls for the destruction of Israel and the establishment of an Islamic society in what they call “historic Palestine.” Hamas has been governing more than two million Arabs in the Gaza Strip since 2007. 15. In summary, the Quran, Muslim theology, Mohamad’s life, and Muslim history all call for Jihad to punish and fight for Allah in the conquest of the world. Quran 9:14: Fight them. Allah will punish them at your hands, and humiliate them, and help you against them , and heal the hearts of a believing people. This is what the Bible says about Islamic Jihad. John 16:2-3: They will ban you from the synagogue, yet an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering a service to God . 3 These things they will do because they have not known the Father nor Me. Is Israel Occupying the Holy Land Unjustly? Let’s look at a brief history of the Holy Land. 1. The Holy Land was promised to Abraham and his descendants by God and first inhabited by Abraham in around 2000 BC. This promise would come through Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah. 2. Later, God commanded the Israelites to drive out the Canaanites from the Holy Land because of their extreme wickedness. This happened in around 1406 BC when the Israelites entered the Promised Land. 3. The nation of Israel became the world’s dominant power under the kingships of King David and King Solomon in around 1000 BC. It was a vast empire. 4. Because Israel disobeyed God in many ways, He allowed foreign countries to conquer and subdue them. Many Jews were exiled. The first conquest happened in 722 BC by the Assyrians and 586 BC by the Babylonians. However, there always remained a Jewish presence in the Holy Land, and Jews returned from exile back to Israel. 5. Over the next 2,500 years, until 1948, the land of Israel would be ruled and occupied by the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Mameluke Muslims, Crusaders, Ottoman Muslims, and the British. However, there always remained a Jewish presence in the Holy Land during all this time. 6. After Israel’s rejection of Christ, their Messiah, God would judge them severely, as prophesied by Jesus. This resulted in the destruction of Israel and Jerusalem in 70 and 132 AD. 7. However, God had a plan and purpose for Israel and prophesied He would regather them into a nation again in the last days. This was fulfilled in 1948. 8. In 1917, the Ottoman Empire fell because of World War I and the League of Nations entrusted the British with overseeing the Holy Land. This included all of the country of Jordan today, as well as all of Israel. 9. At this time, the Ottomans, by formal cession, gave the Holy Land to the League of Nations, who, by international law, gave it to Great Britain, known as the British Mandate, to facilitate a homeland and nation for Israel. 10. After much fighting and tension between Britain, the Jews, and the Arabs, Britain handed the Holy Land over to the UN (United Nations) to facilitate the conflict. 11. In November of 1947, the UN voted to recognize Israel as a state, and the British Mandate would end on May 15, 1948. 12. On May 15, 1948, after Israel was recognized as a state by the UN and the British Mandate ended, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria invaded Israel. Israel was victorious and won the war. 13. Egypt ruled the Gaza Strip, and Jordan ruled the West Bank from 1948-1967. 14. After the Six-Day War in 1967, when Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan were planning an attack on Israel in their attempt to take full possession of Israel, Israel launched a preemptive strike and won the battle. They took possession of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. 15. In 2005, Israel gave the Gaza Strip away to Arab leadership in exchange for peace. They also gave the Sinai Peninsula away to the Egyptians in exchange for peace as well. Therefore, Israel has not occupied the Gaza Strip for many years now. It has been under Arab control since 2005 and under Islamic Hamas leadership since 2007. Hamas receives billions of dollars in aid each year to better the country. Unfortunately, they spend most of it on terrorism and their own personal wealth instead of on building a better country for the people living there. 16. In addition to Israel giving full control to Arab leadership in the Gaza Strip, there are many areas of the Holy Land where Arabs have full control. 17. Most Arabs living in Israeli-controlled areas are very happy as the standard of living is much higher. The Arab-controlled areas, and especially the Gaza Strip, are where the standard of living is very low. 18. Today, there are around 9 million Jews and 2.1 million Arabs living in Israel. Many of the Arabs vote, serve in the military, hold office, are parliament and supreme court members, university professors, and doctors. They are very happy, peaceful, and supportive of the state of Israel. 19. Israel has accepted every two-state solution in the Holy Land, but Arab leadership has rejected every proposal. The Arab leadership wants Israel removed entirely from the Holy Land. This is their stated goal. Therefore, Arab leadership does not want peace but the elimination of the state of Israel. 20. It would be good to mention that there have been wars since the beginning of time. Kingdoms have risen and fallen. If Israel is wrongly occupying the land, then should the Muslims give back all the land they conquered over 1500 years and possess today? For that matter, should every country over the entire history of the world return conquered land? And if so, how far back do we go? War is just a reality of this fallen world, and it’s unrealistic to return all land to its original occupiers. And if we use history as the measure of the right to occupy land, then Israel has more rights to the land because they conquered it in 1406 BC. The Muslim Arabs didn’t conquer it until around 631 AD, then lost it later. 21. In all of the history of the Holy Land, there has never been a Palestinian State. In fact, as mentioned earlier, the term Palestinian fell out of use after the Byzantine conquest of Israel in around 324 AD and wasn’t used again until around 1948. 22. The main reason Israel is now against a two-state solution is that if they give the West Bank to Arab leadership, they will have the same issue they face today with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. From the West Bank, rockets could then reach every part of Israel, and their existence would be threatened. And with the stated intent of Muslim Arab leadership to totally eliminate the Jews, this would be a dangerous reality. Israel Becoming a Nation Fulfills Bibl e Prophecy In Ezekiel chapter 37 is a vision Ezekiel received about a valley of dry bones. These bones represent the nation of Israel and how God would regather them into their homeland in the last days. This was fulfilled in 1948 when Israel was recognized by the UN and the International Community as being its own country. Ezekiel 37:11-14: Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the entire house of Israel; behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope has perished. We are completely cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am going to open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves, My people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you will know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves and caused you to come up out of your graves, My people. 14 And I will put My Spirit within you and you will come to life, and I will place you on your own land . Then you will know that I, the Lord, have spoken and done it,” declares the Lord.’” This amazing prophecy has been fulfilled and lets us know that the Bible is God’s word and true, as only God knows the future. We must realize that the creation of Israel as a state is God’s doing. It fulfills His master plan for the nation of Israel. God is the Lord and owner of everything, so we must realize it is His will for the nation of Israel to exist. Nothing will change His plans. Therefore, the fact that Israel is a state is ultimately by God’s sovereign work and plan, not people’s. Faith Lesson 1. God is the Creator and owner of everything. This includes all the earth and the nations on it. He raises up nations, and He removes nations according to His good purposes. God gave the Holy Land to Israel through the Abrahamic Covenant, so they have a right to exist in their homeland. 2. Other people lived in the Holy Land besides the Jews as well. Some of these were people from other nations whom the Assyrians and Babylonians brought in, some joined in the Jewish faith like Ruth, and some lived there because the Jews failed to conquer them in the conquest of the Promised Land in 1406 BC. According to the Jews, other nationalities are welcome to live in the Holy Land as long as they are peaceful. However, terrorists are a huge problem. 3. The Jews have agreed to virtually every peace treaty presented to them. They even gave up the Gaza Strip to the Arabs for peace and the Sinai Penisula to Egypt for peace. However, in the case of Gaza, they have only received terrorism and war. That's why Israel is not in favor of a two-date solution. All they would likely get is another Gaza in the middle of their country, where rockets could easily reach every part of Israel. 4. According to the devoted Muslims who follow the Quran, they are not interested in peace because that would be failure to conquer the world for Allah. Therefore, peace is not an option, and they will continue to fight against the Jews and all non-Muslim countries moving forward. 5. God has a plan for Israel, and He will be the one who defends them supernaturally. God will fulfill this major prophecy as He has fulfilled every other one. You can count on that. 6. God loves both the Jews and Muslims, and for that matter, all people and desires that everyone comes to salvation through Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish , but that all should reach repentance.