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

An in-depth look at the Bible events, location, and discoveries of ancient Bethsaida at the El Araj site. Peter, Andrew, and Philip were from this fishing town, and then later moved to Capernaum. This new location of Bethsaida has been recently discovered, and we believe it is the true location. Et-Tell site of Bethsaida has been the traditional location, and the El Araj site of Bethsaida is the new location with the best evidence biblically and archaeologically for the location of Bethsaida. Bethsaida Overview Photo Gallery New Location Photo Gallery Traditional Location Places of Interest Bethsaida Overview Introduction Welcome to Bethsaida. Several significant events from the Bible took place here. These are the highlights. 1. Bethsaida was a fishing village with several hundred inhabitants during the time of Christ. 2. At least 3 of the 12 disciples were from Bethsaida. John 1:44: Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 3. It was one of the three towns Jesus cursed because the people there did not believe in Him after witnessing all His miracles. 4. It was near Bethsaida, where Christ fed the 5,000. 5. Not far from Bethsaida is where Jesus walked on the water and calmed the sea. 6. Jesus healed a blind man at Bethsaida. 7. It is a natural site where you can swim in the Sea of Galilee, fish, or sit by its shore and think about all that happened here. Location 1. Currently, there are two leading candidates for the actual Bethsaida location. The first is the traditional site, which has been excavated since 1987. It sits on a hill and is located approximately 1.5 miles or 2.25 kilometers from the high-water mark of the Sea of Galilee. Since no other sites were excavated besides this first one, it became the default site. The traditional site is known as Et Tell. A number of years ago, we did a video about the traditional site because at the time, it was the only site considered legitimate. However, we have revised our position and now believe that a new site, called El Araj, is the most suitable candidate for the actual Bethsaida location. It is located at the high-water mark on the northeast side of the Sea of Galilee at the inlet of the Jordan River and fits the biblical and historical records much better. 2. We know from the Bible that Bethsaida was in a desolate, remote place with little population. Luke 9:10: The apostles, when they had returned, told him what things they had done. He took them, and withdrew apart to a deserted place of a city called Bethsaida. 3. The northwestern side of the Sea of Galilee was densely populated in Jesus’ time, but the northeastern side where Bethsaida was located was desolate. 4. Bethsaida was a fishing village on the Sea of Galilee. In fact, its name means “House of Fishing.” 5. In John 1:44, we find that at least 3 disciples were from here: “Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. ” We also know that at least Peter and Andrew were fishermen, so they lived in Bethsaida to be close to the sea. Historical Evidence Supporting the El Araj Site 1. Edward Robinson first identified the site of Et-Tell as the possible site of the Biblical Bethsaida in 1841. However, in 1888, Gottlieb Schumacher challenged Robinson’s proposed site because it was too far from the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. He proposed that El Araj was the proper location. 2. Like Schumacher, today some archaeologists and historians like Mordechai Aviam, Steven Notley, and Marc Turnage are not convinced the traditional site of Et Tell is the actual location of Bethsaida for two main reasons: The first problem concerns the distance from the Sea of Galilee to Et Tell. It is a considerable distance away and doesn’t align with the biblical, historical, and eyewitness accounts that clearly indicate Bethsaida was located right next to the sea. The traditional site is about 100 feet, or 30 meters, above the high-water level of the Sea of Galilee. They propose that the Sea of Galilee was approximately 16 feet or 5 meters higher than the current high-water mark. It would have been impossible for the Sea of Galilee to have been 16 feet or 5 meters higher than the high-water mark. It would have covered other known towns, such as Magdala, Gennesaret, Capernaum, and the newly discovered site of Bethsaida, which existed during the time of Christ and is located right next to the high-water mark of the Sea of Galilee. A dam was built in 1930 at the outlet of the Sea of Galilee, allowing Israel to regulate the water flow. As a result, today the water level of the sea can rise higher than it could have during the time of Christ. In recent years, due to heavy rainfall, the sea has risen higher than in previous years. However, as mentioned, during the time of Christ, the outlet prevented the sea from rising higher than the high-level watermark found around the shoreline. Therefore, the traditional site of Et Tell has real problems as it is so far from the sea. The second problem concerns the scarcity of Roman archaeology at the traditional site of Bethsaida. Josephus, a Jewish historian, writes about how Bethsaida was converted into a Roman City in the first century AD and underwent urbanization. He says: "And to the village of Bethsaida [located] next to the lake of Gennesar [Sea of Galilee] Herod Philip granted the dignity of the city by [introducing] a multitude of inhabitants and other fortifications, and he called it Julias after the name of the daughter of the Emperor" (Antiquities of the Jews: 18:28). No substantial remains of a Roman settlement have been found at Et Tell. Its ruins are mainly from the time of King David and Solomon. It features an impressive six-chamber gate, a design common during the time of Solomon. Jody Magnus, from UNC, speaks about the lack of Roman ruins at Et Tell. She says: "While the iron age remains at Bethsaida, or Et Tell, are monumental and impressive, the Roman period remains are very poor, and therefore, the site does not look like an urban center." For these two main reasons, the traditional site of Bethsaida has been questioned as the true site by some. We agree, and now believe this new site of El Araj is the true location of Bethsaida. 3. This “El Araj” site is also known by the locals as a different name. They call it "Bet Habek," which means the "Habek House" and was named after a Kurdish aristocrat who lived here in the 19th to 20th century. Some of the villa's ruins can still be seen today. 4. This site of El Araj is being excavated under the leadership of Professor Mordechai Aviam from the Kinneret Institute for Galilean Archeology at Kinneret College, Israel. Dr. Steven Notley is the academic and historical director at the site. He is a professor from the New York City campus of Nyack College. Marc Turnage assists as well. The excavation process at el Araj began in 2014, when Marc Turnage organized what is known as a “shovel survey” under the leadership of Aviam Mordechai and Steven Notley. This involved digging and sifting the soil from several five-meter by five-meter squares to a depth of about a foot, or 30 centimeters. Archaeologists then collected and dated the pottery, glass, and coins they found to create a profile of the site and its settlement. It was determined that there was a settlement at el Araj over a thousand years, spanning the Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Crusader periods —precisely the time frame of Bethsaida, according to historical sources. More serious excavations began in 2016 and continue to the present. 5. Now let’s look at some of the evidence that supports this site of El Araj as the best candidate for biblical Bethsaida. We will first examine the biblical accounts, then the eyewitness accounts, and finally the archaeological evidence, which aligns remarkably with the Bible and historical descriptions. Biblical account: According to the Bible, Bethsaida was located right beside the Sea of Galilee, and Jesus repeatedly traveled to and from it by boat. Historical and eyewitness accounts: As mentioned, Josephus, a Jewish historian, wrote about how Bethsaida was converted into a Polish or Roman City in the first century AD and urbanized. He wrote about how Bethsaida was located next to the lake of Gennesar [Sea of Galilee], and how Herod Philip converted Bethsaida into a Roman Polis city and called it Julias after the name of the daughter of the Emperor. Pliny the Elder, a first-century Roman writer, called Bethsaida “One of four lovely cities on the Sea of Galilee.” Later, Eusebius, in 305 AD, wrote about Bethsaida. He said, “The city of Andrew and Peter and Philip. It is located in the Galilee next to the lake of Gennesar" [Sea of Galilee]. Finally, we have a key testimony recorded of Willibald, Bishop of Bavaria in 725 AD, that speaks of a church being built at this site during the Byzantine period. "From Tiberias, they went around the sea by the village of Magdala to the village of Capernaum, where our Lord raised the prince’s daughter. And from Capernaum, they went to Bethsaida, from which came Peter and Andrew. There is now a church where previously there was a house.” Evidence of this church, and a monastery, have been discovered at this site. 6. From these biblical, historical, and eyewitness accounts, we learn the following about the location of Bethsaida: During the time of Christ, the community was predominantly Jewish. Peter, Andrew, and Philip originally lived in Bethsaida. It was located right beside the Sea of Galilee. Its name means fishing village. Jesus sailed to and from it regularly. Bethsaida was converted into a Roman Polis city in the first century and urbanized. Later, a Byzantine church was built over the home of Peter and Andrew in the fourth century, and it was still visible in 725 AD, as noted by Willibald. During the Crusader Period, it was venerated and used as a sugar plantation. 7. Three main excavations are happening at this site. The main area is Area A, which began in 2014. Area B began in 2016 and is located 50 meters east of Area A. In 2019, a third area, Area C, was established, located approximately 100 meters west of Area A. 8. In summary, all the archaeological evidence points to the El Araj location as the actual site of Bethsaida. It fits better with the biblical narrative and the historical and archaeological evidence than the traditional site of Et-Tell. Archaeological Evidence at the Site of El Araj From the Jewish Settlement period, we find: Walls and plastering from the first century. Pottery Oil lamps First-century coins Stone vessels used by Jews in purification rituals. Limestone dishes and knife-pared Herodian lamps, which were only made in Jerusalem before 70 AD, provide clear indications of Jewish settlement at el-Araj. First-century homes are also found in area C. Lead fishing weights Galilean pottery Two capitals that resemble those found in use in other early Roman synagogues were unearthed. A Lioness was found, which is common in Jewish communities. From the Roman Period, we find: A key discovery from this period is a Roman Bathhouse with small tiles and mosaics. This bathhouse had an elaborate heating system and was used as a sauna. It proves Bethsaida was converted into a Roman Polis, as a bathhouse of this nature was not found in Jewish communities. The Roman Bathhouse dates back to the first century AD and confirms that the water level was precisely where the Bible indicates it would have been during Christ's time. Bethsaida and the other towns around the Sea of Galilee are on the shoreline as the Bible and archaeology describe them to be. This discovery presents even more problems for the site of ET Tell. Area C was opened in 2019 and reveals that Bethsaida was a large Roman city, as Josephus described it as Julia. A Roman coin from the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero, dating to 66 AD, was also discovered. In the fourth century AD, a Byzantine Church and monastery were built over the homes of Peter and Andrew. A 30-meter section of the Byzantine wall of the monastery was discovered. A Cross was discovered on a Byzantine vessel. The Church described by Willibald was discovered. It was quite elaborate and had mosaic floors. Individual gold-gilded glass tesserae are only found in wall mosaics of ornate churches. A Byzantine Frieze was found. The base of a chancel screen was discovered. In 2019, the excavation team stood side by side to form the outline of the Byzantine Church. In 2024, the Byzantine Church was fully exposed, and the monastery is planned to be exposed in the coming years. Lastly, a Crusader presence is also found at this site. The following items have been discovered: Sugar bowls A glass vase piece A ring, among other discoveries. At the end of the 2019 excavations, a geophysical study was conducted in the vicinity, using electromagnetic sensors operated on the ground and from a drone. The results indicate that this site is quite large, and many houses and buildings are buried, waiting to be uncovered and tell their stories. Now, regarding this site of El Araj being the actual location of biblical Bethsaida, Dr. Steven Notley says: "Every day, the argument gets stronger and stronger. You know, we are preparing, we are coming to the point where you say there's no question now. The question mark is finished, we're on the site of Bethsaida, truly." Historical Background 1. Bethsaida was a fishing village with several hundred inhabitants during the time of Christ. 2. At least 3 of the 12 disciples were from Bethsaida. John 1:44: Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. 3. Later, however, it appears that these disciples moved to Capernaum to be closer to where Jesus lived. Mark 1:21: And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching. Mark 1:28: And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. Places of Interest 1. Et-Tell site of Bethsaida – Traditional Location 2. El Araj site of Bethsaida – New Location 3. Feeding of the 5,000 4. Approximate place Jesus walked on the water. 5. Capernaum Bethsaida in the Bible 1. Philip, Andrew, and Peter were from Bethsaida (John 1:44). 2. Jesus healed a blind man at Bethsaida. Mark 8:22–25: And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again ; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 3. Bethsaida was one of the three towns Jesus cursed because the people there did not believe in Him after witnessing all His miracles. Matthew 11:21: Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 4. It was near Bethsaida, where Christ fed the 5,000. Luke 9:10–17: When the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done. Taking them with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida. 11 But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing. 12 Now the day was ending, and the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and get something to eat; for here we are in a desolate place.” But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” 14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. 5. Not far from Bethsaida is where Jesus walked on the water and calmed the sea. Mark 6:45–51: Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night [the last watch before dawn], he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded. Faith Lesson from Bethsaida 1. Like the healing of the blind man, Jesus often heals in different and strange ways. Do we have faith and trust in God regardless of how or if He chooses to heal? 2. Christ cursed the town of Bethsaida because its inhabitants were apathetic, showed unbelief in Christ, and chose not to follow and obey Him. Are we often slow to trust and obey Christ as well? 3. Christ fed the 5,000 in the area of Bethsaida to reveal He was the true bread of life from heaven and that His Word is our spiritual food. In the same way there were 12 baskets of food left over, Christ, as our Bread from Heaven, is also abundant and overflowing in feeding us spiritual food through His Word. Are we eating daily and finding our life in the authentic Bread of Life? 4. Not far from Bethsaida, Jesus walked on the water and calmed the sea. Am I finding rest and peace in Jesus in the midst of my personal storms of life? Isaiah 26:3–4: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Megiddo was one of the most important fortified cities in Israel! The name Armageddon is derived from “Har-Megiddo,” which is translated, as “Armageddon.” Har means hill, and Megeddon is the place. When these words are joined together, mean Armageddon. Megiddo lay at the juncture of several key routes (the main route is called the Via Maris), which linked Africa to Asia and Europe. For this reason, any country that rose to world power had to control Megiddo due to its strategic location. Megiddo: Armageddon Photo Gallery Places of Interest Megiddo Armageddon & the End Times Introduction 1. Welcome to Tel Megiddo—one of the most strategic, fought-over, and prophetically charged places on earth. Beneath the Tel are the remains of more than 26 ancient cities, layer upon layer, built and destroyed across thousands of years. Kings, pharaohs, armies, merchants, prophets, and empires all passed through this gateway between Egypt and Mesopotamia. Megiddo was a Canaanite stronghold, an Israelite royal city, an Assyrian administrative center, and, in the book of Revelation, the place connected with Armageddon—the final gathering of the nations before God’s ultimate victory. Today, we are not just walking through ruins; we are walking through the crossroads of history, the Bible, and prophecy. 2. Tel Megiddo was inscribed by UNESCO in 2005 as part of the “Biblical Tels” World Heritage Site, together with Hazor and Beer Sheba, because these tels preserve major remains of Canaanite cities (4000 - 1200 BC) and biblical cities (1200 - 586 BC), including palaces, fortifications, temples, city planning, and advanced water systems. Entrance Pavilion - Model of Tel Megiddo 1. Tel Megiddo is located about 15 miles (26 Km.) east of the Mediterranean Ocean and about 25 miles (40 Km.) southwest of the Sea of Galilee. 2. Megiddo lay at the juncture of several key routes (the main route is called the Via Maris) which linked Africa to Asia and Europe. For this reason, any country that rose to world power had to control Megiddo due to its strategic location. 3. More battles have been fought in this location than any other place in the entire world. 4. The name, Armageddon is derived from “Har-Megiddo” which is translated, “Armageddon.” Har means hill, and Megeddon is the place. When these words are joined together it is Armageddon. 5. Today, this place is called Megiddo in English. It’s located in the most fertile valley in Israel called, The Jezreel Valley.” 6. It is a "Tel," which is made up of layer upon layer of different civilizations that make up an artificial hill. 7. Tel Megiddo is made up of at least 26 layers of civilizations. 8. Today, you can see a busy highway right beside Tel Megiddo that uses the same ancient travel route that has been used for 6,000 years. 9. One of the Pharaohs, Thutmose the III, said conquering Megiddo was like conquering a thousand cities. 10. Megiddo was not important because it was large. It was important because it sat at the choke point of the land. Armies had to pass here. Merchants had to pass here. Empires had to pass here. That is why this place became a battlefield again and again. Historical Background 1. 4000 BC: Early Settlements. 2. 2000 BC: Massive city walls were built. 3. 1800 BC: A Canaanite gate was constructed on the north side. 4. 1500 BC: The gate and walls were rebuilt. 5. 1468 BC: The city rebelled against the Egyptians with other Canaanite cities and was conquered by Thutmose III after a great battle and a 7-month siege. 6. 960 BC: New gate and walls were built by the Israelites under Solomon's command. 7. 945 BC: Pharaoh Shishak conquers the city (1 Kings 14:25). A fragment of a tablet with Pharaoh Shishak's name was found here. 8. 850 BC: King Ahab fortified Megiddo and dug a water tunnel to access water within the city walls. 9. 732 BC: The city was captured by the Assyrian King Tiglath-Pileser III. Megiddo became the capital of the Assyrian province of the Galilee. 10. 650 BC: Battle between the Egyptian Army and the Kingdom of Judah (King Josiah died in this battle). 11. 609 BC: The Egyptians replaced the Assyrians. 12. 300 BC: The city was abandoned, and the Tel was left in ruins. 13. 1918 AD: Battles between the British and the Turks in WW1. Britain gains control over Israel. 14. 1948 AD: Britain granted independence to Israel. 15. 1949 AD: Kibbutz Megiddo was established on the south side of Tel Megiddo. Places of Interest 1. Reservoir 2. Canaanite City Gate 3. Canaanite Palace 4. Israelite Gate 5. Lesser Canaanite Palace 6. Northern Stables 7. Northern Palace 8. Northern Observation Point 9. Canaanite Temple and Altar 10. Burial Chamber ~ Aegean Tomb 11. Israelite Administrative Structure 12. Southern Observation Point 13. Israelite Dwelling / Four-Room House 14. Southern Palace 15. Public Granary 16. Southern Stables 17. Assyrian Quarter 18. Assyrian Palaces 19. Gallery / earlier spring access 20. Water System Tel Megiddo Tour Route 1. Reservoir This reservoir is connected with the Israelite-period city gate. A staircase descends to a plastered pool, though the exact source of the water is still not fully clear. Water was life. A city without water could not survive a siege. As we walk through Megiddo, notice how much planning went into securing water. The final stop—the great water system—will show us how seriously ancient people took survival. 2. Canaanite City Gate This Late Bronze Age gate was flanked by four chambers. Interestingly, the city was not fortified at that time, so the gate was likely ceremonial rather than purely defensive. It served as the entrance to the palace complex and later went out of use after the palace burned. This gate reminds us that long before Israel controlled this city, Megiddo was a powerful Canaanite center. Kings, officials, soldiers, merchants, and servants would have passed through here. Joshua 17 and Judges 1 say Manasseh failed to fully drive out the Canaanites from Megiddo. This gate helps us visualize the powerful Canaanite city that Israel faced. 3. Canaanite Palace Only part of the palace remains, including a massive two-meter-thick wall. The palace reached its greatest size in the Late Canaanite period and included a large courtyard with surrounding rooms. Hundreds of carved ivories were discovered in a “treasure room,” showing the wealth and international connections of Megiddo’s rulers. Megiddo was not a poor village. It was a royal city. The ivories found here show luxury, trade, art, and political power. This was a city tied to the great cultures of the ancient Near East. Power without God does not last. The palace burned, the rulers disappeared, but the Word of God remains. 4. Israelite Gate This is one of the most important stops for Bible teaching. The Israelite city gate had multiple chambers and was incorporated into the fortifications. Earlier scholars attributed it to Solomon, but present-day excavators often date it later, to the time of Jeroboam II in the eighth century BC. City gates in the Bible were more than entrances. They were places of judgment, business, defense, and leadership. Elders sat in the gate. Legal decisions were made in the gate. So when you stand in an ancient gate, you are standing in the civic heart of the city. 1 Kings 9:15 mentions Solomon building Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. "And this is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon drafted to build the house of the Lord and his own house and the Millo and the wall of Jerusalem and Hazor and Megiddo and Gezer ." Archaeology confirms major Israelite construction here, while scholars still debate which structures belong to Solomon’s time and which belong to later Israelite kings. 5. Lesser Canaanite Palace This smaller palace belonged to the Late Canaanite palace complex. It had a large courtyard surrounded by rooms, and two stone basins were found in place. This stop helps us see that Megiddo was not one building, but a whole royal complex. The Canaanite rulers had gates, palaces, courtyards, storage areas, and service areas. Canaanite Megiddo was organized, wealthy, and deeply rooted. Israel’s struggle to possess the land was not against weak villages but against established city-states. 6. Northern Stables Two stable complexes were found at Megiddo, one in the northeast and one in the southwest. They show Megiddo’s importance as a cavalry base or horse-trading center. The construction has been attributed by different scholars either to Ahab in the ninth century BC or Jeroboam II in the eighth century BC, while some suggest the structures may have served other functions, such as storehouses, markets, or barracks. This is where Megiddo becomes a military city. Chariots and horses were the tanks and armored vehicles of the ancient world. Whoever controlled Megiddo could project power across the Jezreel Valley. Solomon is known for horses and chariots, and the northern kingdom of Israel later became a significant military power. Megiddo fits that world well. 7. Northern Palace The northern palace was a major ashlar-built structure from the Israelite period. Yigael Yadin suggested it may belong to the time of Solomon, while other scholars date it later, possibly to Ahab. This is one of the places where archaeology and the Bible meet—and where archaeology also reminds us to be careful. The Bible says Solomon built Megiddo. The ruins show a royal Israelite city. But the exact dating of some buildings is debated. It's important to understand that archaeology supports the Bible but does not always answer every question with perfect certainty. 8. Northern Observation Point From here, you can see the Jezreel Valley, Carmel Range, Nazareth area, Mount Tabor, Hill of Moreh, Gilboa Mountains, Samaria, and sometimes even the mountains of Gilead. Look around. This is why Megiddo mattered. Armies could move through this valley. Trade could flow through this valley. Whoever held this hill could watch the nations pass by and control its flow. 9. Canaanite Temple and Altar Here we can see a large cut through the tel. It was carried out between 1903 and 1905 by Gottlieb Schumacher for the German Society for Oriental Research. This is one of the most fascinating areas on the tel. The deep trench shows many layers of occupation, with more than 26 cities excavated down to bedrock. The temple area includes cultic activity from the fourth millennium BC through the beginning of the Israelite period. A circular altar about eight meters in diameter, with seven steps, continued in use, and animal bones were found at its base. This is one of the oldest and most powerful religious areas in the land. For over 2,000 years, people came here to worship false gods. It's strongly believed that even children were offered here to these false gods. This helps us understand why the Bible speaks so strongly against the Canaanite religion. This stop helps explain the spiritual battle behind the conquest. Israel was not merely entering a land; they were confronting deeply rooted idolatry. 10. Burial Chamber ~ Aegean Tomb This arched-roofed structure was preserved in its entirety, but it was found empty, so its exact purpose and date are debated. Scholars have compared it with structures in the Levant and Greece and suggested it was a burial chamber. This tomb reminds us that archaeology often gives us clues, not always complete answers. We have the structure, but not the people. We have the architecture, but not the full story. Every ancient city was filled with real people—rulers, soldiers, families, worshipers, and the dead. Megiddo is not just stones; it is human history. 11. Israelite Administrative Structure This was an impressive Israelite-period structure, perhaps a palace or administrative building. Seven proto-Ionic capitals were found here; such capitals were typical of important public buildings in the Israelite period. Now we are looking at government and administration. Megiddo was not just a military outpost. It was a managed royal city with officials, records, storage, and public buildings. This fits the world of Israel’s monarchy—taxation, forced labor, military districts, and royal administration. 12. Southern Observation Point This is a great spot to observe and contemplate an epic end times battle that will happen or be staged here. Revelation 16:13-16: And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14 For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) 16 And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon . 13. Israelite Dwelling / Four-Room House This dwelling reflects the classic Israelite four-room house plan: three parallel spaces with a fourth space perpendicular to them. The side spaces were used for storage, the middle as an open courtyard, and the perpendicular space as the living area. Here we move from kings and armies to daily life. People cooked here, stored food here, raised families here, and lived under the shadow of empire. Megiddo was not only a battlefield. It was home for many people. 14. Southern Palace Most of the southern palace was dismantled by the Chicago expedition to reach earlier layers, but its courtyard and gate remain. Near its outer gate, Schumacher found the famous seal inscribed “to Shema, servant of Jeroboam.” The original seal was lost, but it is known from a drawing. This palace connects us to the world of Israel’s kings. Even the name Jeroboam appears here in an administrative context, reminding us that these biblical kingdoms were real political entities with officials and servants. Some scholars connect the palace with the tenth century BC; others date it later, possibly to the ninth century BC and Ahab’s reign. 15. Public Granary This huge silo is about seven meters deep and eleven meters in diameter. It had two staircases leading down, and wheat kernels and straw remains helped identify it as a granary. Its capacity was about 450 cubic meters, enough for roughly 1,000 tons of wheat. Food was power. A fortified city needed grain for soldiers, horses, officials, and civilians. This granary shows planning, wealth, and preparation for crisis. This is a great place to connect with the Bible’s frequent emphasis on grain, famine, siege, and storage. 16. Southern Stables This is one of Megiddo’s two stable complexes. The southern stables included long buildings opening onto a large training ground, with stone pillars, troughs, tethering holes, and even horse bite marks on the troughs. One of the stables has been reconstructed. The horses of Megiddo tell us that this city was built for movement and war. Chariots could move quickly across the Jezreel Valley. Megiddo was a military machine. Human power often trusts in horses and chariots, but Scripture says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God ” — Psalm 20:7. 17. Assyrian Quarter After the Assyrian conquest in 732 BC, Megiddo was rebuilt as an Assyrian administrative city. The Assyrian quarter represents the city after Israel’s northern kingdom had fallen under Assyrian power. This is the world after Israel’s defeat. The northern kingdom fell, and Assyria reorganized the land. Megiddo became part of an imperial system. This connects with 2 Kings 17 and the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel. 18. Assyrian Palaces These palaces served Assyrian governors when Megiddo was the capital of an Assyrian district. Their plan resembles Assyrian palace architecture, though on a smaller scale. Here we see the footprint of empire. The Assyrians did not just conquer; they administered, taxed, resettled, and reshaped the land. Megiddo shows how quickly power changes hands. Canaanite, Israelite, Assyrian, Egyptian, Roman, Ottoman, British—each had its moment, but none lasted forever. 19. Gallery / Earlier Spring Access Before the great water system was built, a narrow passage ran beneath the city wall toward the spring outside the city. Some scholars date this gallery to Solomon’s time in the tenth century BC, while others attribute it to Ahab in the ninth century BC. This was an earlier solution to the water problem. In siege warfare, the question was simple: can the people inside the walls reach water without being killed outside the walls? 20. Water System This is the dramatic finale. Megiddo’s inhabitants dug a 36-meter-deep shaft and a 70-meter-long horizontal tunnel to reach the spring outside the city walls. The tunnel was designed so water would flow to the bottom of the shaft, allowing people to draw water from within the city. The outside entrance to the spring was sealed and hidden so enemies could not find it during a siege. This tunnel is ancient engineering at its best. It tells us that Megiddo expected war. The city prepared for siege. They hid their water, protected their people, and carved through rock to survive. Spiritual application: Cities prepare for temporary survival, but Scripture calls us to prepare for eternity. Tel Megiddo In the Bible 1. King Solomon fortified Megiddo and used it for a fort of protection. He had 450 chariots stationed here. 1 Kings 9:15: Now this is the account of the forced labor which King Solomon levied to build the house of the Lord, his own house, the Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor, Megiddo , and Gezer. 2. A monumental battle will be fought here and in Jerusalem at the end of the Great Tribulation Period. Revelation 16:1-21: Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God .” 2 So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. 3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became like the blood of a corpse, and every living thing died that was in the sea. 4 The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of water, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel in charge of the waters say, “Just are you, O Holy One, who is and who was, for you brought these judgments. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. It is what they deserve!” 7 And I heard the altar saying, “Yes, Lord God the Almighty, true and just are your judgments!” 8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to scorch people with fire. 9 They were scorched by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God who had power over these plagues. They did not repent and give him glory. 10 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish 11 and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds. 12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. 13 And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14 For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) 16 And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon . 17 The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” 18 And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, and a great earthquake such as there had never been since man was on the earth, so great was that earthquake. 19 The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell, and God remembered Babylon the great, to make her drain the cup of the wine of the fury of his wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and no mountains were to be found. 21 And great hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, fell from heaven on people; and they cursed God for the plague of the hail, because the plague was so severe. 3. Harvest of the earth in God’s winepress of wrath in Jerusalem. Revelation 14:14-20: Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, “Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.” 16 So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped. 17 Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 And another angel came out from the altar, the angel who has authority over the fire, and he called with a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle, “Put in your sickle and gather the clusters from the vine of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.” 19 So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city [Jerusalem] , and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse's bridle, for 1,600 stadia [ 180 miles, 300 km.] . Matthew 25:31-34: When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 25:46: And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. Faith Lesson from Megiddo 1. Part of the last battle of Armageddon will be fought in Megiddo and the other part in Jerusalem. The war seems to happen simultaneously. 2. This battle will take place at the end of the Great Tribulation Period. 3. Scripture says that unless these days were shortened no life would survive. 4. The Tribulation Period will be a time when God pours out His wrath on a world who has rejected Him after all He has done for them. 5. Where will I be at this battle? Will I be fighting with Christ or against Him? 6. Water was the main source of life for every city in ancient days. These cities could be conquered when their enemies cut off their water supply. 7. God’s Word is our water source of life. Our enemy, Satan, can defeat us by cutting off our intake of God’s Word. When he can do this, he can conquer us. To stand against Satan and his attacks, am I daily drinking abundantly from the water source of God’s Word?

Other than the main sites we have on our website, this page lists many other sites of interest around the Sea of Galilee: Berko Archaeological Park, Gamla Nature Reserve, Hamat Tverya National Park, Hippos (Horvat Susita), Mitzpe Ofir Observation Point, Tiberias Promenade, Tiberium Light Show Other Sites Around the Sea of Galilee Photo Gallery Places of Interest Other Sites of Interest Around the Sea of Galilee Berko Archaeological Park The Berko Archaeological Museum provides a unique glimpse into Tiberias of the first century. Tiberias was founded in 18 AD by Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Ggreat and Jewish ruler of the Galilee (4 BC-39 AD). Herod Antipas made the new city his capital, and named the city after the Roman emperor, Tiberius Caesar. The park includes an ancient Roman gate, a theater, bathhouse, and a drainage system that is a thousand years old. It also contains gardens with paths throughout and balconies offering an overall view of the ancient city. The Theater of Roman Tiberias was constructed in the 1st century AD, then enlarged in the 2nd or 3rd centuries AD, and had a seating capacity of 7,000 people. It continued to be used for gatherings until the end of the Byzantine period and was destroyed by an earthquake that struck the city in 749 AD. The site is located near the southern entrance of Tiberias, between the ancient cemetery and the hotels of Hammat Tiberias. A parking lot is located near the south gate, north of the Holiday Inn hotel. Gamla Nature Reserve High in the Golan Heights of northern Israel stretches the Gamla Nature Reserve, which is home to the ancient city of Gamla, and the Gamla Stream Waterfall (the tallest flowing waterfall in Israel). The park is full of wildlife and breathtaking views. Gamla (camel in Hebrew) was an ancient fortified city on the Golan Heights located on a high ridge above a crossing of two gorges. During the Great Revolt against the Romans in 66 AD, it became an important stronghold where Jewish rebels fought bravely until their fatal end. The observation terrace provides a view from above the ancient city on its ridge and the remains of the early synagogue. To explore the ruins of Gamla up close, you need to take the hiking trail, aptly named “Ancient Trail,” which is about .62 miles (1 km.) each way. However, because it involves some climbing and descending over stones, it can take about 2 hours. There is a viewing place by the park headquarters that grants a beautiful view of the ruins for those who don’t care to hike down to them. Gamla Stream Waterfall lookout point provides a view of the cliffs of the Gamla Stream canyon and a colony of nesting birds of prey. There is an easy 90-minute trail (45 minutes each way) leading to the lookout terrace from which the highest waterfall in Israel, 170 ft. (51 m.), flows year-round. Along the way, you will pass ancient dolmans, and a collection of bronze age burial mounds made of huge boulders. Hamat Tverya National Park This park is in the ancient village of Hamat and is much older than Tiberias. “Hama” means hot spring. It was one of the fortified cities mentioned in the Bible within the Tribe of Naftali: “And the fortified cities were Tziddim, Tzer, and Hamat, and Rakkat, and Chinneret” (Josh. 19:35). After the founding of Tiberias, Hamat became Hamat Tverya. The distance between the two cities was one mile (1.6 km.). In the park, the remains of mosaics from 3 different synagogues that were built one on top of the other, can be found. The first synagogue was built about 230 AD, the second existed in the 4th century AD, and the third was rebuilt after being destroyed in an earthquake in the 5th century. The synagogue underwent preservation, restoration, and reconstruction, and is now surrounded by glass walls. Tiberias Hot Springs – Hamat Tverya National Park – On the Tiberias Hot Springs site, 17 thermo-mineral springs flow at a temperature of about 140 F (60 C). The water flows in a system of underground channels to the Turkish Hamam, a beautifully preserved 18th-century structure. Surplus water that does not flow into the Tiberias hot baths is collected in a pool located on-site. Because of the curative properties attributed to the waters, the Romans erected luxurious baths, attracting people from all over the empire. The remains of the ancient Roman baths are located at the southern end of the site. Hippos (Horvat Susita) The ruins of the ancient city of Hippos (horse in Greek), known today as Horvat Susita, are located 1.2 miles (2 km.) east of the Sea of Galilee on the plateau of a diamond-shaped mountain, 1,148 ft. (350 m.) above the sea. The city was almost entirely isolated from its surroundings, with just a narrow saddle-bridge leading towards the western slopes of the Golan Heights. The entire city was surrounded by an imposing fortification wall. The ruins of Hippos are of the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods, dating back to the time between the 3rd century BC and 7th century AD. During the Roman period, Hippos belonged to the Decapolis, a group of ten cities that were regarded as centers of Greek culture in an area predominantly Jewish. Archaeologists have uncovered a main colonnaded street, Roman fortifications, public baths, and temples from both the Hellenistic and Roman periods. More recently, a Roman basilica and the remains of at least seven different churches built during the Byzantine period have been uncovered. This confirms that by the 4th century AD, the majority of residents in the city were probably Christian. Hippos continued to exist until the mid-8th century, when the city was destroyed by the catastrophic earthquake of 749 AD and was never again resettled. Mitzpe Ofir Observation Point This is a beautiful lookout and rest area in the southern Golan Heights that offers a view of the entire Sea of Galilee. From this viewpoint, not only can you see the whole lake, but you can also see the Lower Galilee mountains, the Upper Galilee, and the Golan Heights. The lookout is also part of a long hiking trail down to old Derech Bnei Yehuda (village settlement). This is a great place to spend a late afternoon and witness spectacular sunsets. Mitzpe Ofir was established and is maintained by Mr. Shaal of Givat Yoav, who chose this beautiful spot to memorialize his son Ofir, who died of a long illness when he was only 16 years old. A grove of 16 olive trees has been planted there, one for each year of Ofir’s life. Tiberias Promenade The Yigal Allon Promenade in Tiberias is more commonly known as the Tiberias Promenade. It’s located along the Sea of Galilee near the Old City of Tiberias and the small Marina. The Promenade offers a pleasant stroll by the water, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful view of the water, boats, and the marina. You can take a ride on a boat on the Sea of Galilee from here as well. Sunset and the evening are exceptional times to visit the Promenade with its many restaurants and souvenir shops open and busy. Tiberium Light Show Israel’s world-renowned multimedia design company created a breathtaking water-music-light show for Tiberias. This spectacular show features dancing fountains with artistic laser lights, music, and pyrotechnics screened onto jets of water, reaching over ten meters high to create a dazzling display of water and light. The show takes place at the south end of the Yigal Alon Promenade and is free to the public three times each evening from 7-9 pm, except in rainy weather. (Note: Tiberium depends on the water level of the Sea of Galilee. If the level is too high, the light show will not take place.)

Resources to learn all about the History of Israel. Videos, books, talks, maps, and more. Learn about its walls, gates, people, language, and more. History of Israel

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Kadesh Barnea marks one of the most tragic moments in Israel's history. After witnessing countless miracles on a grand scale, the Israelites doubt God's power and are condemned to wandering in the wilderness for forty years as a result. Kadesh Barnea Photo Gallery Places of Interest Kadesh Barnea Location 1. Kadesh Barnea is located on the southern border area between Israel and Egypt. 2. It’s about 31 miles (51 km.) east of the Mediterranean Ocean and about 33 miles (53 km.) southwest of Beer Sheba. 3. Kadesh Barnea was the original place where God intended the Israelites to enter the Promised Land. 4. Today, a community lives at Kadesh Barnea, and the town retains its same name. Historical Background 1. At Kadesh Barnea, one of the most tragic events in Israel’s history happened. 2. It’s here they rebelled against God’s plan for them to enter the Promised Land. As a result, they were severely judged for their lack of faith and condemned to wander in the wilderness 40 years until those 20 years, and older, died. 3. The Israelites had seen many spectacular miracles. They saw 10 supernatural plagues God sent upon the Egyptians. They witnessed the first Passover wherein God spared the Israelites as they put blood from a lamb around the doors of their dwellings. They saw God open the hearts of the Egyptians so that they gave them many possessions. They experienced supernatural help to cross the Sinai Peninsula on eagle’s wings to reach the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea. They beheld a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide and protect them. They experienced the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea (10.5 miles wide, 17 km.) in which they were approximately 2,500 ft. (762 m.) under sea level in the midst of the depths and mighty waters of the sea (Isa. 51:10). They saw God supernaturally provide water out of a rock at Rephidim. God helped the Israelites supernaturally defeat the Amalekites as Aaron and Hur held up the arms of Moses. They stood in fear and trembling as God sent fire and smoke upon Mt. Sinai when he gave them the Ten Commandments written on stone by His own finger. They received supernatural provisions of Manna and quail in the desert. 4. The Israelites had been bathed in miracles for well over a year from the time they left Egypt until the time they reached Kadesh Barnea. 5. They had seen enough miracles to be able to trust God for anything. 6. However, despite all the miracles they had witnessed, they viewed God as too weak to help them enter the Promised Land and rebelled against Him. Places of Interest 1. Kadesh Barnea 2. Egypt 3. Sinai Peninsula 4. Aqaba Finger of the Red Sea crossing 5. Rephidim 6. Mt. Sinai 7. Israel Kadesh Barnea in the Bible 1. Twelve spies were sent into the Promised Land from Kadesh Barnea to give a report. Numbers 13:1–3: Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, 2 “Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I am going to give to the sons of Israel; you shall send a man from each of their fathers’ tribes, every one a leader among them.” 3 So Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran at the command of the Lord, all of them men who were heads of the sons of Israel. 2. Ten Spies gave a report of the difficulty in possessing the land. Numbers 13:25–29: When they returned from spying out the land , at the end of forty days, 26 they proceeded to come to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation of the sons of Israel in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh ; and they brought back word to them and to all the congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 Thus, they told him, and said, “We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there. 29 Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan.” 3. Two spies (Joshua and Caleb) give a report of faith. Caleb is the spokesman. Numbers 13:30: Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.” 4. The 10 spies convince the people that they are unable to possess the land. Numbers 13:31–33: But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us .” 32 So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size. 33 There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” 5. The Israelites rebel against God and decide to return to Egypt as slaves again. Numbers 14:1–4: Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. 2 All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4 So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt .” 6. Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb plead with the people not to rebel against God’s will for them. Numbers 14:5–10: Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces in the presence of all the assembly of the congregation of the sons of Israel. 6 Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; 7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us—a land which flows with milk and honey. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.” 10 But all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Then the glory of the Lord appeared in the tent of meeting to all the sons of Israel. 7. God threatens to destroy the Israelites and make a great nation out of Moses’ offspring. Numbers 14:11–12: The Lord said to Moses, “How long will this people spurn Me? And how long will they not believe in Me, despite all the signs which I have performed in their midst? 12 I will smite them with pestilence and dispossess them, and I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they.” 8. Moses prays on behalf of the people (Num. 14:13–19). 9. God forgives the Israelites but still judges them. Numbers 14:20–38: So the Lord said, “I have pardoned them according to your word ; 21 but indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord. 22 Surely all the men who have seen My glory and My signs which I performed in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have put Me to the test these ten times and have not listened to My voice, 23 shall by no means see the land which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who spurned Me see it. 24 But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it. 25 Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites live in the valleys; turn tomorrow and set out to the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea.” 26 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 27 “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who are grumbling against Me? I have heard the complaints of the sons of Israel, which they are making against Me. 28 Say to them, ‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will surely do to you; 29 your corpses will fall in this wilderness, even all your numbered men, according to your complete number from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against Me. 30 Surely you shall not come into the land in which I swore to settle you, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. 31 Your children, however, whom you said would become a prey—I will bring them in, and they will know the land which you have rejected. 32 But as for you, your corpses will fall in this wilderness. 33 Your sons shall be shepherds for forty years in the wilderness, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness, until your corpses lie in the wilderness. 34 According to the number of days which you spied out the land, forty days, for every day you shall bear your guilt a year, even forty years, and you will know My opposition. 35 I, the Lord, have spoken, surely this I will do to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against Me. In this wilderness they shall be destroyed, and there they will die.’” 36 As for the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land and who returned and made all the congregation grumble against him by bringing out a bad report concerning the land, 37 even those men who brought out the very bad report of the land died by a plague before the Lord. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive out of those men who went to spy out the land. Faith Lesson from Kadesh Barnea 1. The reality of the judgment of God is sobering. God forgave the Israelites, but He did not remove the consequences of their disobedience. We frequently find this in Scripture, i.e., Moses striking the rock and David and his sin with Bathsheba. 2. There were approximately 1.2 million Israelites 20 years old and above who died in the desert over a 40-year period. This means there were 30,000 funerals per year, 82 funerals a day, and 7 funerals an hour. 3. God has written these examples in the Bible for our instruction today. Romans 15:4: For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction , so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 1 Corinthians 10:1–13: For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and all ate the same spiritual food; and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness. Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.” Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come . Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 4. Do I grumble and complain about God’s provision, trials, or difficulties He has sent my way? 5. Do I have faith that God can help me in whatever He has called me to do and be?

Sepphoris was a city nearby to Nazareth where Jesus likely worked as a carpenter as a young man. It was a sophisticated Roman city with all the luxuries of modern life. It included a network of colonnaded paved streets, markets, residential houses, public buildings, bathhouses, a theater, and a synagogue. After the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, Sepphoris became a center of Jewish learning and the seat of the Sanhedrin high court. The Mishnah (Jewish oral law), was first compiled here. Sepphoris (Tsipori, Zippori) Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Sepphoris Overview Location 1. Sepphoris is located about 4 miles (6 km.) northwest of Nazareth, about 14 miles (23 km.) from the Mediterranean Sea, and about 15 miles (25 km.) from the Sea of Galilee. 2. Because of its close proximity to Nazareth, it was easily accessible by Jesus and His earthy father, Joseph. Historical Background 1. The city started to grow during the 2nd Century BC under Greek rule. 2. Later, under Roman rule during the time of Christ, Herod Antipas (the son of Herod the Great) invested in it significantly and made it “the ornament of Galilee.” It was a sophisticated Roman city with all the luxuries of modern life at that time. It included a network of colonnaded paved streets, markets, residential houses, public buildings, bathhouses, a theater, and a synagogue. 3. Sepphoris rose to recognized status during the century before Christ because it was located right on one of the main trade routes linking Africa with Europe and Asia called "The Via Maris" (way of the sea). Therefore, it was a wealthy city. 4. It was also a military city guarded well by Roman troops. 5. Sepphoris was the capital of the Galilee area during the time of Christ. 6. In order to rebuild the city, Herod Antipas used a massive workforce. 7. Because Nazareth was so close to Sepphoris, and because Jesus was a Tekton (Greek for a construction worker of various types), Jesus and His early father, Joseph, undoubtedly worked here. 8. So, in part, it’s also where Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). 9. Because it was mainly a Jewish city, it was given its Hebrew name, Zippori, because it sits on a hilltop like a bird (Zippor). 10. Sepphoris is also known as the Mosaic City, as some of the best mosaics in all of Israel are found here. More than 40 mosaic floors reveal the bustling life of a Roman city and the luxury it afforded. 11. After Herod’s death in 4 BC, the Roman army put down a rebellion of Jewish rebels led by a man named Judas. These rebels numbering several thousand were killed; however, according to Josephus, 2,000 of them were kept alive to be crucified on its streets and close-by roads in the area. These mass crucifixions were carried out to instill fear in others who might consider rebelling against Roman rule. 12. Sepphoris did not join the Jewish rebellion in 66-70 AD and was therefore spared destruction. 13. After the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, Sepphoris became a center of Jewish learning and seat of the Sanhedrin supreme court. The Mishnah, the first authoritative collection of Jewish oral law, was compiled here. 14. Sepphoris witnessed Byzantine, Crusader, and Ottoman rule in the centuries following. Places of Interest (Please See Maps Above) 1. Park Entrance 2. Water source 3. Decumanus Street 4. Nile House with many mosaics 5. Cardo 6. Public building 7. Dionysus (god of wine) Building with mosaics 8. Fortress 9. Residential area 10. Theater 11. Synagogue Sepphoris in the Bible While Sepphoris is not mentioned in the Bible, it is significant for several reasons: 1. It was close-by to Nazareth and employed many carpenters. Because Jesus was a construction worker, it's very likely Jesus worked here before starting His earthly ministry. 2. After the death of Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph, Christ became the chief financial provider for His family. Christ was very responsible in caring for His family and expects us to do the same. 2 Thessalonians 3:10–11: For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies John 19:26–27: When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. 3. It appears Jesus used references about this city in His teachings. Matthew 5:14–15: 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. Sepphoris was certainly a city on a hill. In fact, that’s what the name of this city means. Matthew 6:2–4: Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you; they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. The word for actor in Greek is “hypocrite.” Because these actors would walk the streets sounding their horns to advertise an upcoming event at the city theater, Jesus used them as an example of what not to do when giving to others and serving God. 4. Jesus likely used the example of the mass crucifixion carried out by the Romans against the Jewish revolt here to teach about the cost of being His disciple. Mark 8:34–38: And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Christ taught about the cost of following him in several places during His ministry. In this account in Mark, He was teaching in the upper Galilee area at Caesarea Philippi, which is not far from Sepphoris. It's very likely that Christ’s audience would have personally witnessed the crucifixions here in Sepphoris or seen others. To the Jewish mind, Christ’s teaching would have sent a powerful and sober message of what Christ was asking of His followers. He was calling for total commitment, even commitment to death. Christ also used the imagery of crucifixion to teach us how we should daily crucify our personal desires that are contrary to God’s desires. Sepphoris was certainly an adulterous and sinful city that Christ probably referred to in Mark 8:38. Faith Lesson from Sepphoris 1. Jesus was a hard worker. Are we hard workers as well? 2. Jesus provided for His family after the death of His earthy father. He also took care of His mother’s future needs as He was being crucified. Do we provide and take care of our family members? 3. Jesus was undoubtedly good at what He did as a construction worker. Do we develop our skills to be good at what we do as well? 4. We should emulate Jesus in not only His spiritual side but also in His work ethic, work skills, and family responsibilities. 5. Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man prior to His earthly ministry. Are we doing the same? 6. Jesus likely used Sepphoris as an example of how we should be lights on a hill. Are we letting our lights shine brightly, or are we dim lights to those who know and see us? 7. Jesus likely used the actors in Sepphoris who blew their loud trumpets as an example of what we should not do when we give and serve God. Do we serve for God’s glory alone, or do we serve for the praise and esteem of others?

See all the sites and a biblical tour of Joppa, Israel (Jaffa, Yafo). Joppa, Jaffa was the main seaport and entry gate to Israel for thousands of years until just before the time of Christ when Herod the seaport at Caesarea. Sites of interest include Simon the Tanner's House, Egyptian Fortress, Tel Joppa (Jaffa, Yafo), St. Peter's Monastery, Old City Joppa, Abrasha Park, Suspended Orange Tree, Old Sea Port, Alma Beach by Joppa, Ilana Goor Museum, Jaffa Museum, Old Jaffa Market, Kedumim Square. Joppa (Jaffa, Yafo) Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Joppa Overview Introduction Welcome to Joppa. Many events from the Bible took place here. Here are some of the highlights. Trees from Lebanon arrived here that Solomon used to build the Temple in Jerusalem around 965 BC. King Solomon’s ships came and went on their journeys around the known world from here. Joppa was the seaport from which Jonah sailed when he attempted to disobey the Lord’s calling and flee to Tarshish rather than preach a message of repentance to the Ninevites. Joppa was the seaport where logs arrived for rebuilding the Second Temple after the Israelites returned from their exile in Babylon, around 536 BC. After preaching to the Ethiopian Eunuch, Philip the Evangelist passed through Joppa preaching the gospel on his way to Caesarea. Joppa was where a famous woman, Dorcas, lived and was raised from the dead. Simon the Tanner lived in Joppa, where the Apostle Peter was staying when he received the vision to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. Location 1. Joppa (Jaffa or Yafo) is one of the oldest port cities in Israel and the Mediterranean area. 2. It's located on a hill and strategically located at the crossroads of Israel and the main travel routes linking Africa with Asia and Europe. This travel route was called the “Via Maris.” 3. Joppa is located about 45 miles (72 km) west of Jerusalem. Historical Background 1. Legend holds that the founder of Joppa (also called Jaffa) was Japheth, one of Noah’s sons. 2. Joppa was inhabited by the Canaanites, the Egyptians, the Israelites, the Greeks, and the Romans, and continues until modern times. 3. Joppa was the principal seaport and entry gate to Israel for thousands of years until just before the time of Christ, when Herod the Great built another seaport at Caesarea, about 35 miles (56 km) north of Joppa. Places of Interest 1. St. Peter's Church & Monastery According to Catholic tradition, the church is built over Simon the Tanner's home, the place where Peter received the vision to take the gospel to the Gentiles. On top of the church, just under the cross, is a large piece of rock brought from Caesarea Philippi, the place where Jesus told Peter that He would build His church upon Peter's confession of who Christ was. The church faces west, representing the truth that Christianity is for all nations, not just the Jews. 2. Simon the Tanner's House The site is linked to the Zakarian family, who have owned and maintained the property for centuries. They are an Armenian family, representatives of the small but historic Armenian community in Jaffa. The book of Acts explicitly says Peter is staying with Simon “whose house is by the sea” (Acts 10:6; 10:32). That doesn’t pinpoint an address, but it does narrow the setting to the coastal edge of Joppa—exactly where the Old Jaffa “house” tradition is placed. Tanning was an essential but despised profession, relegated to the margins of society due to the stench and ritual impurity associated with the handling of animal carcasses. Rabbinic tradition is blunt about tanneries being a nuisance because of odor, pushing them away from dense habitation, and with attention to prevailing winds. The location of tanneries was placed just outside of villages, and on the eastern side of them, so the odor would be carried away by the prevailing winds. The location of the House of Simon the Tanner fits this requirement. A critical feature for the identification of the site as a tannery—perhaps the most critical—is the presence of a fresh water source. The courtyard of the Zakarian house contains an active well, reported to be 15 meters deep (some sources suggest up to 27 meters). The exact house can’t be proven archaeologically, but the local Christian memory is attested by at least the 19th century. Ente ring the house is not permitted at this time because it is a private residence, and some have indicated there is a dispute between Christians and Muslims over who the owner is. Acts 10:1-8: Now there was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and made many charitable contributions to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually. 3 About the ninth hour of the day [3:00 pm] he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in and said to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And he looked at him intently and became terrified, and said, “What is it, lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and charitable gifts have ascended as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon , who is also called Peter ; 6 he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea. ” 7 When the angel who spoke to him left, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier from his personal attendants, 8 and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. 3. Egyptian Fortress, built by Ramses II, in about 1250 BC. 4. Tel Joppa (Jaffa, Yafo) 5. Old City Joppa 6. Abrasha Park 7. The Suspended Orange Tree 8. Old Sea Port 9. Alma Beach by Joppa 10. Ilana Goor Museum 12. Jaffa Museum 13. Old Jaffa Market 14. Kedumim Square Joppa In the Bible 1. The seaport of Joppa is where the trees of Lebanon arrived that Solomon used to build the Temple in Jerusalem around 950 BC. 2 Chronicles 2:16: Hiram king of Tyre replied by letter to Solomon - And we will cut whatever timber you need from Lebanon and bring it to you in rafts by sea to Joppa , so that you may take it up to Jerusalem. 2. Joppa was also the seaport from which King Solomon’s ships came and went on their journeys around the known world at that time. 3. Joppa was the seaport from which Jonah sailed when he attempted to disobey the Lord’s calling and flee to Tarshish rather than preach a message of repentance to the Ninevites. Jonah 1:3: B ut Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. 4. Joppa was the seaport where logs arrived for rebuilding the Second Temple after the Israelites returned from their deportations in about 535 BC. Ezra 3:7: So they gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food, drink, and oil to the Sidonians and the Tyrians to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa , according to the grant that they had from Cyrus king of Persia. 5. After preaching to the Ethiopian Eunuch, Philip the Evangelist passed through Joppa, preaching the gospel on his way to Caesarea. Acts 8:39–40: When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus (modern-day Ashdod), and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea. 6. Joppa was where a famous woman, Dorcas, lived and was raised from the dead. Acts 9:36-43: Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa , the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, "Please come to us without delay." 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa , and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner. 7. Simon the Tanner lived in Joppa, and it was the place the Apostle Peter was staying when he received the vision to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. Acts 10:5: Now dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon , w ho is also called Peter ; 6 he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea. ” 7 When the angel who spoke to him left, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier from his personal attendants, 8 and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. Acts 10:9-15: The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat." 14 But Peter said, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, "What God has made clean, do not call common. Faith Lesson from Joppa 1. Jonah disobeyed the Lord here and ran from the presence of the Lord. Are we running away from something God wants us to do? 2. Peter obeyed the Lord here, trusted in God, and took the gospel to the Gentiles in Caesarea. Are we taking the gospel to those around us? 3. When we obey, we find life, and when we disobey, we find destruction and problems. What kind of problems are we facing because of some area of disobedience in our lives?

The Tower of David, also known as the Jerusalem Citadel, is a historic and iconic landmark located near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Its history spans several millennia and reflects the city's rich and diverse cultural heritage. King Herod’s Palace, located near the Tower of David, was one of the most magnificent structures in ancient Jerusalem. Tower of David & King Herod's Palace Photo Gallery Places of Interest Tower of David & King Herod's Palace Complex Introduction 1. Welcome to the Tower of David Museum, located at one of the most important entrances to the Old City of Jerusalem. This place is not only a museum. It is a fortress, an archaeological site, a lookout point, and a summary of Jerusalem’s history in one location. 2. Jerusalem is a city of layers. Here, we will see those layers very clearly: First Temple remains, Hasmonean fortifications, Herod’s towers and palace area, Roman traces, Byzantine memories, Early Muslim fortifications, Crusader halls, Mamluk rebuilding, Ottoman gates and minaret, British Mandate history, and the modern State of Israel. 3. The renewed museum reopened in June 2023 after a major renovation costing 50 million US dollars that included preservation of the citadel, restoration of the minaret, renewal of the archaeological garden, a new entrance pavilion, improved accessibility, and a new permanent exhibition in 10 galleries. 4. This site is a perfect place to begin a Jerusalem tour because it stands between old and new Jerusalem. The museum itself describes the citadel as a gateway to exploring Jerusalem, with a visitor route from the entrance pavilion through the galleries, up to the Phasael Tower lookout, and then out toward the Old City. 5. 3. Its history spans over 2,700 years, dating to the time of King Hezekiah and the First Temple Period. 6 . It's part of Herod's Palace, which later was used by Pilate, where Jesus was most likely tried and condemned to crucifixion. Location 1. The Tower of David Museum, also known as the Jerusalem Citadel, is a historic and iconic landmark near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Its history spans several millennia and reflects the city's rich and diverse cultural heritage. 2. King Herod’s Palace, located near the Tower of David, was one of the most magnificent structures in ancient Jerusalem. The Name “Tower of David” 1. Many visitors think King David built this tower. He did not. The name "Tower of David" is a later traditional name. The name "Tower of David" was first used for the Herodian tower in the 5th century AD by the Byzantine Christians, who believed the site to be the palace of King David. They borrowed the name "Tower of David" from the Song of Songs, attributed to Solomon, King David's son, who wrote: "Thy neck is like the Tower of David built with turrets, whereon there hang a thousand shields, all the armor of the mighty men" (Song of Solomon 4:4). 2. Later, Muslim tradition also connected the area with David, and Western visitors eventually applied the name especially to the Ottoman minaret. Today, the name refers to the whole citadel. 3. In Jerusalem, names are often ancient, traditional, and layered. A name may preserve memory, but it does not always identify the exact builder. Tower of David Historical Background The citadel guarded the western side of Jerusalem. Why here? Because this was one of the most vulnerable and important approaches to the city. Anyone coming from the west, from the coastal plain, would approach Jerusalem near this area. That is why rulers kept fortifying this spot again and again. Therefore, the citadel is not one building from one period. It is a fortress made of many periods. 1. First Temple Period - 970 ~ 586 BC The earliest major remains in the citadel area go back to the First Temple Period. The museum identifies remains of a wall from the end of that period, apparently part of Jerusalem’s defenses in the days of King Hezekiah, around 2,700 years ago. Hezekiah ruled Judah when the Assyrian Empire threatened Jerusalem. The Bible describes the Assyrian crisis in 2 Kings 18–19, 2 Chronicles 32, and Isaiah 36–37. Jerusalem expanded westward during the First Temple Period, and defensive walls became very important. When we talk about ancient Jerusalem, we usually think first of the City of David, south of the Temple Mount. But by Hezekiah’s day, Jerusalem had expanded. This western hill became part of the defended city. That is why First Temple-period fortifications matter here. 2. Hasmonean Period - 165 ~ 63 BC After the Maccabean revolt, the Hasmonean rulers expanded and fortified Jerusalem. Here in the citadel area, they built massive walls and towers. The museum notes that dozens of ballista stones were found near the places where they landed, giving us a vivid picture of warfare around Jerusalem. The Hasmoneans were the Jewish ruling family that came out of the Maccabean revolt. Their story is connected with Hanukkah and the rededication of the Temple in the second century BC. Recent excavations (2025–2026) in the Kishle area under the Tower of David complex uncovered a major Hasmonean wall foundation, about 50 meters long and about 5 meters wide. AP reported that this is one of the longest intact sections of the Hasmonean wall foundation found in Jerusalem, likely built after the Hanukkah-era events. This is one of the exciting things about Jerusalem: archaeology is not finished. Even today, new discoveries are helping us understand the city’s story. 3. Herodian Period - 37 ~ 4 BC Herod the Great made this area one of the strongest and most impressive parts of Jerusalem. Herod, who took power over the Hasmonean dynasty, added three massive towers to the fortifications in 37–34 BC. He built these at the vulnerable northwest corner of the Western Hill, where the Citadel is now located. His purpose was not only to defend the city but also to safeguard his own royal palace located nearby on Mount Zion. Herod named the tallest of the towers in memory of his brother, who had committed suicide while in captivity. Another tower was called Mariamne, named for his second wife, whom he had executed and buried in a cave to the west of the tower. He named the third tower Hippicus after one of his friends. Of the three towers, only the base of one of them survives today. Of the original tower itself (now called the Tower of David), some sixteen courses of the Herodian stone ashlars still rise from ground level, upon which were added smaller stones in a later period that added back significantly to the height of the remaining stump of the Herodian tower. The museum identifies the surviving tower as the Phasael Tower, though scholars have debated whether the surviving tower should be identified as Phasael or Hippicus. The museum identifies this as Phasael Tower, one of Herod’s great towers, and is where today the observation point is located. Herod was Rome’s client king over Judea. He rebuilt the Temple Mount on a massive scale and also built palace-fortresses such as Masada, Herodium, and Caesarea Maritima. In Jerusalem, his western palace stood near this area. Herod the Great is the king in Matthew 2, during the birth of Jesus. Later, Herod’s palace area may also be relevant to the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, though this is debated. Some scholars and Christian guides argue that Jesus may have been tried by Pilate near Herod’s former palace in the western part of Jerusalem, rather than at the Antonia Fortress. The Kishle excavations have renewed discussion of this possibility. The Jerusalem Post notes that many Christian leaders, historians, and archaeologists increasingly connect the trial setting with the area near the Tower of David/Kishle, while also acknowledging the long history of other traditional locations. HolyLandSite.com's position strongly leans to the area by Herod's Palace as the best candidate for the trial of Jesus. We have done several videos about it. Here is a link to see more: Pilate's Palace: Judgment & Condemnation of Jesus | HolyLandSite.com 4. Roman Period in Israel - 63 BC ~ 324 AD In 70 AD, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple. Simon Bar Kokhba, the leader of the Jewish uprising, made the tower his residence. Josephus says the Romans left some of the great towers standing to show how strong the city had been and how great the Roman victory was. The museum notes that Josephus recorded the survival of Phasael Tower after the Roman destruction. After the revolt, the Tenth Roman Legion was stationed in Jerusalem. The museum notes that Roman legionaries camped in the ruins of the fortress and left clay pipes stamped with the seal of the Tenth Legion. This means that after Jerusalem’s destruction, this area did not become empty. It became part of the Roman military presence in the ruined city. 5. Byzantine Period in Israel - 324 ~ 638 AD In the Byzantine period, Jerusalem became a major Christian pilgrimage city. This is the period of Constantine, Helena, and the development of Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Churches were built, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Byzantine monks lived near the fortress and mistakenly believed it was connected to King David. This is when the name "Tower of David" became attached to the site. This was so because the Byzantines mistakenly identified the hill as Mount Zion and presumed it to be David's palace, as mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:11, 11:1-27, and 16:22. The Byzantine period did not only build churches. It also reshaped the memory of Jerusalem. Places were identified, named, and connected to biblical stories. Some identifications were accurate, and some were traditional or mistaken. 6. Islamic Period - 638 to 1099 AD After the Arab conquest of Jerusalem in 638, the new Muslim rulers refurbished the citadel. This mighty structure withstood the Crusaders' assault in 1099 and surrendered only when its defenders were guaranteed safe passage out of the city. T his area continued to serve as a fortified point. The museum explains that an enclosed citadel was built here in the Early Muslim period. It was smaller than the present citadel and was attached to the Phasael Tower. In the courtyard, the base of a round tower about 10 meters, or 30 feet, in diameter can still be seen. This is the period of the Umayyads, Abbasids, Fatimids, and other Muslim rulers. The Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque belong to the broader early Islamic transformation of Jerusalem. Notice how every ruler reused what came before. Instead of clearing the whole area and starting over, new rulers built onto earlier fortifications. 7. Crusader Period - 1099 to 1260 AD When the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099, they turned this area into a major castle. The museum says the Crusader castle was built in a French feudal style, with knights’ halls, arches, defensive walls, and a moat. The Crusaders gave the fortress much of its present size and dimensions. During this period, thousands of pilgrims undertook the pilgrimage to Jerusalem through the port at Jaffa. To protect pilgrims from the menace of highway robbers, the Crusaders built a tower surrounded by a moat atop the citadel and posted lookouts to guard the road to Jaffa. The citadel also protected the newly erected palace of the Crusader kings of Jerusalem, located immediately south of the fortress. The Crusaders controlled Jerusalem from 1099 until Saladin’s conquest in 1187, with later periods of partial Crusader return and conflict. The citadel guarded the western entrance to the city and the road system leading into Jerusalem. The Crusader period is easy to feel here because of the heavy stone halls, arches, and defensive character of the site. This was not just a symbolic building. It was a working military fortress. 8. Mamluk Period - 1260 to 1517 AD After the Crusaders, the Mamluks ruled Jerusalem. Most of the rooms now used as museum exhibition spaces were built by the Mamluks on the structural base of the Crusader fortress. They enlarged and strengthened the fortress and added more advanced defensive features. The Mamluks ruled from Egypt and controlled Jerusalem as part of their wider empire. Jerusalem was not usually a political capital under them, but it remained a holy city and a place of pilgrimage, learning, and religious endowment. In 1310, the citadel was rebuilt by Mamluk sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun, who gave it much of its present shape. 9. Ottoman Period - 1517 ~ 1917 The Ottomans ruled Jerusalem for 400 years. They rebuilt the Old City walls under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent from 1537 - 1541. Here at the fortress, they renovated the fortress, built the monumental entrance gate, the stone bridge, the cannon plaza, and the minaret. The minaret became the famous symbol most people now call the Tower of David. For 400 years, the citadel served as a garrison for Turkish troops. The Ottomans also installed a mosque near the southwest corner of the citadel, erecting a minaret between 1635 and 1655. In the 19th century, the conspicuous minaret still stands today and became commonly called the "Tower of David." During World War I, British forces under General Edmund Allenby captured Jerusalem. General Allenby formally proclaimed the event, standing on a platform at the outer eastern gate of the fortress. When tourists take a picture of the Tower of David, they often photograph the Ottoman minaret. So, the most famous symbol of the "Tower of David" is not from David, not from Herod, and not from the Crusaders. It is Ottoman. 10. British Mandate Period - 1917 to 1948 In 1917, British forces entered Jerusalem. The museum notes that the British declared the conquest of the city on the eastern side steps to the fortress. During the Mandate period, the first archaeological excavations in the complex were carried out, and the fortress was used as an art gallery, museum, and cultural center. General Allenby famously entered Jerusalem on foot through Jaffa Gate in December 1917. The British wanted to show respect for the holy city by not entering as conquerors on horseback. During this period, the Tower of David served as a military headquarters. Additionally, th e High Commissioner established the Pro-Jerusalem Society to protect the city's cultural heritage. This organization cleaned and renovated the citadel and reopened it to the public as a venue for concerts, benefit events, and exhibitions by local artists. In the 1930s, a museum of Palestinian folklore was opened in the citadel, displaying traditional crafts and clothing. Following the 1948 Arab–Israeli War, the Arab Legion captured Jerusalem and converted the citadel back to its historical role as a military position, as it commanded a dominant view across the armistice line into Jewish Jerusalem. It would keep this role until 1967. This fortress, once built for war, became a cultural site. That is one of the beautiful changes in the story of the Tower of David. 11. State of Israel Today 1948 ~ Present After the 1948 War, the fortress was used by the Jordanians as a fortress. In 1967, during the Six-Day War, Israel took control of the Old City, and the citadel came under Israeli sovereignty. After extensive excavations, it opened in 1989 as the Tower of David Museum. Since the Six-Day War in 1967, the citadel's cultural role has been revived. The Jerusalem Foundation opened the Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem in 1989. Located in a series of chambers in the original citadel, the museum includes a courtyard with archeological remains dating back 2,700 years. The exhibits depict 4,000 years of Jerusalem's history, from its beginnings as a Canaanite city to modern times. Using maps, videotapes, holograms, drawings, and models, the exhibit rooms each depict Jerusalem under its various rulers. Visitors may also ascend to the ramparts, which command a 360-degree view of Jerusalem's Old and New City. The Tower of David stands as a testament to Jerusalem’s complex and layered history, reflecting the many civilizations that have left their mark on the city. Today, the museum tells the whole story of Jerusalem: ancient, biblical, classical, Islamic, Crusader, Ottoman, modern, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim. That is what makes this site so powerful. If you ever visit, you’ll find it offers a fascinating glimpse into the past! Places of Interest Tour 1. Entrance The entrance has changed since 2023. It's now located on the west side of the Tower of David Museum just south of Jaffa Gate. 2. Gallery 1: “On the Edge of Eternity” — Introduction to Jerusalem This is the introductory gallery. It welcomes visitors to Jerusalem and presents the city’s 4,000-year history through projections, artifacts, a topographical map, an illuminated globe, and a 12-meter interactive timeline. This first gallery gives us the big picture. Jerusalem is not just a city of stones. It is a city of memory, faith, conflict, hope, and longing. The timeline helps visitors see the full sweep of history before we enter the details. This gallery shows the following history of Jerusalem: Canaanite/Jebusite city → Israelite/Judahite Jerusalem → Babylonian destruction → Persian return → Hasmonean kingdom → Herodian Jerusalem → Roman destruction → Byzantine Christian city → Islamic city → Crusader city → Mamluk and Ottoman city → British Mandate → modern Jerusalem. 3. Courtyard Archaeology Overview The courtyard is one of the best places to show that Jerusalem’s history is layered. The museum states that Jerusalem’s ancient fortifications are displayed in the courtyard and archaeological gardens under careful conservation practices. This courtyard is like an open-air history book. Some remains are walls. Some are towers. Some are water systems. Some are foundations. The important thing is not just one object; it is the sequence. Jerusalem was destroyed, rebuilt, conquered, restored, renamed, and reimagined many times. Main periods that can be seen in the courtyard: First Temple wall remains, Hasmonean fortifications, Herodian tower remains, Roman military traces, Byzantine cisterns, Early Muslim round tower, Crusader moat and halls, Mamluk rooms, Ottoman gate and minaret. 4. Gallery 2: Judaism — “The Holy City: Tracing Sanctity” This gallery explores the more than 3,000-year connection between Jerusalem and the Jewish people. It includes animations, videos, installations, archaeological artifacts, and a detailed model of the Second Temple and Temple Mount made with modern 3D printing. For Judaism, Jerusalem is the city of the Temple, the city of David, the place of sacrifice, prayer, kingship, exile, return, and hope. Even after the destruction of the Temple, Jerusalem remained central in Jewish prayer and identity. Bible connections: 2 Samuel 5 — David captures Jerusalem. 1 Kings 8 — Solomon dedicates the Temple. Psalm 122 — “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Isaiah 2 — “The law will go out from Zion.” The model of the Second Temple helps visitors visualize Jerusalem in the time of Jesus, Herod, and the early church. This was the spiritual heart of Jewish life in the Second Temple period. 5. Gallery 3: Christianity — “Sacred Geography: Tracing Sanctity” This gallery focuses on Jesus’ final week in Jerusalem and on the Byzantine and Crusader periods, when Christian rule shaped the city. At the center is a model of the original Byzantine Church of the Holy Sepulchre. For Christianity, Jerusalem is holy above all because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. The final week of Jesus’ life took place in Jerusalem: the triumphal entry, Last Supper, Gethsemane, trial, crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Jerusalem’s Christian geography developed over time. Some sites are strongly supported by history and archaeology; others are based more on later tradition. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the most important Christian site in the city because it preserves the traditional location of Jesus’ crucifixion and tomb. 6. Gallery 4: Islam — “Praises of Jerusalem: Tracing Sanctity” This gallery presents the Muslim connection to Jerusalem beginning with the 638 AD conquest. It includes a model of the Dome of the Rock as built in 691 AD, and an animated installation about Muhammad’s Night Journey and ascent, which gives Jerusalem its status as the third holiest city in Islam. The Dome of the Rock, built in 691 AD, is one of the oldest and most beautiful Islamic monuments in the world. It was built on the Temple Mount, right over where the original temple King Solomon built and Zerubbabel rebuilt. Jerusalem is one city, but it is sacred in different ways to different faiths. This museum helps visitors see those different layers side by side. 7. Gallery 5: “Jerusalem: The Circle of the Year” This gallery uses video art on the vaulted ceiling, music, chants, prayers, and touchscreens to present the yearly cycle of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim holy days in Jerusalem. This room is not only about dates on a calendar. It is about the living rhythm of Jerusalem. In this city, the year is shaped by Passover, Easter, Ramadan, Sukkot, Christmas, Hanukkah, and many other holy days.” In Jerusalem, history is not only in the past. It is lived every year. 8. Gallery 6: The Tower of David This gallery tells the story of the citadel itself, using projection mapping, video archives, artifacts, and digital games. It presents the Tower of David as a symbol of Jerusalem and shows archaeological evidence from the First Temple Period to modern times. Now we focus on the building we are standing in. The citadel is a small version of Jerusalem’s whole history. Every empire that came to Jerusalem left something here. The Tower of David is not the story of one king. It is the story of many rulers, many faiths, many destructions, and many reconstructions. 9. Gallery 7: Temporary Exhibition Gallery This gallery changes. The museum notes that it is used for changing exhibitions. This gallery changes, so it reminds us that Jerusalem is not only ancient. Jerusalem is also modern, artistic, musical, and personal. Every generation tells the city’s story in a new way. 10. Gallery 8: “From a Bird’s Eye View” — The 1873 Illés Model This gallery displays the large Stephan Illés model of Jerusalem as it appeared in 1873. It measures about 4 by 4.5 meters and shows streets, alleys, buildings, mountains, and valleys. The model was made by Stephan Illés, a Hungarian pilgrim who arrived in Jerusalem in 1864; it was first shown in Vienna in 1873 and later rediscovered in Geneva before being returned to Jerusalem on permanent loan. This is one of the best tools for understanding 19th-century Jerusalem. The city was still mostly inside the Ottoman walls. Soon after this, Jerusalem began expanding outside the Old City in a major way. In the model we can see the Jaffa Gate, the citadel, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, Mount of Olives, valleys, roads, and the first neighborhoods outside the walls. This model captures Jerusalem at a turning point: still ancient in appearance, but about to become a modern city. 11. Gallery 9: Modern Times — Jerusalem as Center of the World This gallery tells the story of the last 200 years through photographs, films, archival material, and documents, showing Jerusalem’s modernization in the 19th and 20th centuries and its role as the capital of the State of Israel. In the modern period, Jerusalem changed rapidly. New neighborhoods were built outside the walls. Foreign powers opened consulates. Pilgrims, archaeologists, photographers, scholars, and political movements all came here. Jerusalem became not only a holy city, but also a modern political and international city. 12. Gallery 10: “Eye Towards Zion” — Photography and Modern Jerusalem This gallery is dedicated to early photography and photographers of modern Jerusalem. It shows how Jerusalem became an important subject soon after the invention of photography in the mid-19th century. It also includes a reading library and views from the windows. Photography changed the way the world saw Jerusalem. Before photography, many people imagined Jerusalem through Scripture, maps, paintings, and pilgrims’ stories. With photography, people could see the real streets, gates, walls, people, and holy sites. Jerusalem has always been both real and symbolic. Photography brought those two together. 13. Phasael Tower Observation Point This is one of the best views in Jerusalem and offers a 360-degree view. From here, we see east and west, old and new, sacred and modern. This view helps us understand why Jerusalem matters geographically. From here we can see: To the east: Old City, Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, Dome of the Rock, Mount of Olives. To the north: Christian Quarter, Church of the Holy Sepulchre area, Muslim Quarter, Damascus Gate direction. To the south: Armenian Quarter, Jewish Quarter, Mount Zion, Dormition Abbey, possible route toward City of David. To the west: New Jerusalem, Mamilla, modern city expansion outside the walls. Jerusalem is not large, but its meaning is enormous. From this tower, we see why this city was desired by kings, empires, pilgrims, armies, and worshipers. 14. The Moat The moat reminds us that this was a fortress. A moat made it harder for attackers to reach the walls. In the Crusader and later periods, defensive planning shaped this site. The museum notes that the Crusader citadel was surrounded by a moat and included halls, arches, and defensive walls. The Tower of David today is peaceful, but its architecture was born from centuries of conflict. 15. The Kishle The Kishle is an archaeological part of the Tower of David. It was originally the northern part of King Herod's Palace complex. Over the years it has been converted into an Ottoman and British Mandate period prison. Under its floors, excavations have revealed layers from many periods of Jerusalem’s history: First Temple, Hasmonean, Herodian, Roman, Crusader, Ottoman, British, and modern. It is one of the clearest examples of Jerusalem’s layers in one building. Recent excavations reached bedrock and revealed a major Hasmonean-era wall, one of the most complete and longest sections of Jerusalem’s First Wall found so far. Archaeologists also found evidence such as medieval dyeing basins and prison graffiti from the Ottoman and British periods. Some believe Herod’s palace area near the Tower of David may be the better location for the praetorium where Jesus was tried before Pilate. The Kishle is powerful because it brings together archaeology and human stories: kings, soldiers, prisoners, pilgrims, rebels, and worshipers. 16. Exit The exit is near the inner passage by the Gift Shop, close to the route toward the Moat and Kishle area.” As we leave the Tower of David, remember this: the citadel is not really about David alone. It is about Jerusalem. It shows us a city built layer upon layer, period upon period, empire upon empire. Here we saw walls from the days of Judah, fortifications from the Hasmoneans, towers of Herod, traces of Rome, memories of Byzantine Christians, Muslim fortifications, Crusader halls, Mamluk rebuilding, Ottoman symbols, British history, and modern Israel. Jerusalem is a city where history is not hidden far away. It is under your feet, in the stones, in the walls, and in the names. The Tower of David is one of the best places to understand that story. 17. Optional Evening Add-On: Night Spectacular or King David Show The museum also offers night experiences projected on the walls of the citadel. These are not part of the regular museum ticket, but they can be a strong evening add-on for groups. The museum describes the Night Experiences as open-air sound-and-light shows projected on the citadel walls, about 40 minutes long, designed for speakers of all languages. King Herod's Palace Historical Background 1. King Herod’s Palace, located near the Tower of David, was one of the most magnificent structures in ancient Jerusalem. 2. Herod the Great built it in the 1st century BC. The palace was renowned for its grandeur and luxury. 3. The palace complex included two main buildings with banquet halls, baths, and gardens, all surrounded by impressive fortifications. 4. It served as the administrative center of Herod’s rule and later as the residence of Roman governors, including Pontius Pilate. 5. The Tower of David and Herod’s Palace were part of the same fortified area, with the palace located just to the west of the citadel. 6. Excavations have uncovered parts of Herod’s palace near the Tower of David, providing valuable insights into the period's architectural and historical context. 7. The Kishle and King Herod’s Palace offer fascinating glimpses into Jerusalem’s layered history, from ancient times through various periods of conquest and rule. If you visit the Tower of David Museum, you can explore these areas and learn more about their historical significance. Faith Lesson from the Tower of David and Herod's Palace 1. The stones here cry out that God’s Word is true and is verifiable through the fulfillment of these prophecies. 2. At the Southern Stair entrance area of the Temple Mount is a sad but very true saying, “The Jerusalem Stone, so resilient and supple, bows to the transient follies of humankind, bearing a testimony like a hundred witnesses, and yet, remains silent.” 3. We find in all that has happened to the Jews a powerful and sobering message for us today. Obedience brings God’s blessings, but disobedience brings His discipline. 1 Corinthians 10:11–12: Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.