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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?

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

See how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament Feasts. Many people don't understand the importance of the Old Testament Feasts and how they relate to Jesus. See the Bible come to life as you see how the feasts are fulfilled in Jesus. The seven Old Testament Feasts are: 1. The Passover: This is the foundational feast 2. Unleavened Bread: This feast was to last for 7 days 3. First Fruits 4. Pentecost or Feast of Weeks 5. Feast of Trumpets 6. Day of Atonement 7. Feast of Tabernacles Jewish Holy Days & How Jesus Fulfills Them Understanding the Old Testament Jewish Holy Days and How Jesus Fulfills Them See how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament Festivals (Feasts, Appointed Times). Many people don't understand the importance of the Old Testament Festivals and how they relate to Jesus. See the Bible come to life as you see how the festivals are fulfilled in Jesus. The seven Old Testament Festivals are: 1. The Passover: This is the foundational feast 2. Unleavened Bread: This feast was to last for 7 days 3. First Fruits 4. Pentecost or Feast of Weeks 5. Feast of Shouting (Also known as Trumpets) 6. Day of Atonement 7. Feast of Tabernacles These festivals can be broken down into two basic divisions: 1. The Spring Festivals 2. The Fall Festivals Spring Festivals 1. Passover Feast — Leviticus 23:4-8 This feast remembers the last plague in Egypt when the angel of death “passed over” the children of Israel who applied the blood of the lamb to their doors. The Israelites took a bundle of hyssop and dipped it into the blood in the basin at the threshold. Going up, they put it up on the lintel, then touched the two sides of the frame (Exodus 12). When you look carefully at the imagery, the way the blood was placed on the doorframe formed the shape of a cross. The first three feas ts of the Lord (Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits) tak e place close together. Passover takes place on Friday, Unleavened Bread takes place the next day (Saturday, and lasts for a week), and Firstfruits takes place on Sunday. Passover began on a Friday of the 1st month (14th of Nisan) of the Jewish calendar, which was established by God because this was when the Israelites left Egypt. This was a major feast that all male Jews were required to attend in Jerusalem at the temple. Fulfillment in Christ When John the Baptist said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29), he understood the Old Testament reference. And in the New Testament, we see that Jesus, born in a stable, visited by shepherds, and led to the slaughter, is that lamb sent for us. His death allows the judgment we deserve to pass over us. When we accept Christ, we accept the loving gift of a second chance — because of his death on the cross, we have a clean slate! Additionally, 1 Corinthians 5:7 clearly states that Jesus is the Passover Lamb: "Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb , has been sacrificed." In summary , the Passover pointed to the Messiah as our Passover Lamb whose blood would be shed for our sins. Jesus was crucified on the day of preparation for the Passover, at the same time that the lambs were being slaughtered for the Passover meal that evening. 2. Unleavened Bread Feast — Leviticus 23:6 This seven-day feast begins on the day after Passover (Saturday, 15th of Nisan) and lasts for a week ((15th - 21st of Nisan) . In the haste of the Israelites to leave Egypt, there was no time to add leaven (yeast) to their bread. During this time, remembering the hardships in Egypt and how God freed them from captivity, the Jews eat nothing leavened. Leaven often represents sin and decay in the Bible. Once incorporated, yeast becomes an inseparable part of the bread; the same is true for sin’s effect on our lives. The Jews were constantly sacrificing unblemished animals to atone for sin temporarily. Fulfillment in Christ Only the Messiah, the perfect, sinless sacrifice, could offer a permanent solution. The unleavened bread represents Jesus’ sinless life; he is the only perfect sacrifice for our sins. In John 6:35, Jesus boldly states that he is the bread of life. Not only does he remove our sins, He nourishes our souls! In summary , the Unleavened Bread pointed to the Messiah’s sinless life, making Him the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus’ body was in the grave during the first days of this feast, like a kernel of wheat planted and waiting to burst forth as the bread of life. 3. Feast of Fruits — Leviticus 23:10 The Feast of First Fruits took place on the day after Unleavened Bread started (Sunday, 16th of Nisan), and is a harvest feast to thank and honor God for all he provided. Although they didn’t know it at the time, the children of Israel were celebrating what would become a very important day. The priests sacrificed Passover lambs on the 14th day of the month of Nisan, and the first day of Passover was the 15th. The Feast of First Fruits was celebrated the third day , the 16th of Nisan. So you can see how the first three feasts take place one right after another (with the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasting seven days). Passover is on Friday, Unleavened Bread started on Saturday, and Firstfruits on Sunday. Fulfillment in Christ This “third-day ” celebration was the same day that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. In 1 Corinthians 15:20, Paul refers to Jesus as the first fruits of the dead. He represents the first of the great harvest of souls — including you — that will resurrect to eternal life because of the new covenant in his blood (Luke 22:20). In summary , the First Fruits pointed to the Messiah’s resurrection as the first fruits of the righteous. Jesus was resurrected on this very day, which is one of the reasons that Paul refers to him in I Corinthians 15:20 as the “first fruits from the dead.” 4. Feast of Weeks or Pentecost — Leviticus 23:16 This feast takes place on the 7th day of the 3rd month, Sivan. This feast is the second of the three harvest feasts. It occurs exactly seven weeks after the Feast of First Fruits, so it’s also called Pentecost, which means “50 days.” Traditionally, people were expected to bring the first harvest of grain to the Lord, including two leavened loaves of bread. This was a major feast that all male Jews were required to attend in Jerusalem at the temple. Fulfillment in Christ God’s plan to save souls included more than the Jews. Through Jesus, this plan was revealed. In Matthew 9:37, Jesus tells his disciples that “the harvest is great, but the workers are few .” Then he put the plan into place: In Acts 1:4, he tells them to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. That arrival was the day the Church was born — Pentecost — and the harvest began with 3,000 souls. The message spread to both Jews and Gentiles (the two leavened loaves of bread), extending the harvest to us! In summary , the Feast of Pentecost — (Called Shavuot today), pointed to the great harvest of souls, both Jew and Gentile, that would come into the kingdom of God during the Church Age. The Church was actually established on this day when the Messiah poured out the Holy Spirit, and 3,000 souls responded to Peter’s first proclamation of the Gospel. Interval Between Spring and Fall Festivals The long interval of three months between Harvest and Trumpets pointed to the current Church Age, a period of time that was kept as a mystery to the Hebrew prophets in Old Testament times. That leaves us with the three fall feasts, which are yet to be fulfilled in the life and work of the Messiah. Because Jesus literally fulfilled the first four feasts and did so on the actual feast days, I think it is safe to assume that the last three will also be fulfilled and that their fulfillment will occur on the actual feast days. We cannot be certain how they will be fulfilled, but they will be in God's way and timing. Fall Festivals Similar to the first three spring feasts, the fall feasts take place one right after another. The Feast of Trumpets starts on the 1st day of the 7th month, Tishri, the Day of Atonement on the 10th day of Tishri, and the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths) on the 15th - 22nd of Tishri. 5. Fe stival of Shouting ( Trumpets) — Leviticus 23:24 This feast began on the 1st day of the 7th month, Tishri. In a beautiful declaration, God commands his people to rest. During this time, all regular work is prohibited, and men and women present a food offering to God. This feast lasts 10 days and begins with trumpet blasts to signal the time to prepare for the Day of Atonement Feast. Traditionally, it's also referred to as the "Ten Days of Awe." It's a time to afflict your soul and engage in serious soul searching. It's a time to repent and get right with God. In Leviticus 23:24, God commands his people to gather and commemorate the decree with trumpet blasts. Fulfillment in Christ In the same way, the sound of a trumpet is also associated with the rapture, or the time Jesus will return for his bride (1 Corinthians 15:52). Once he returns, there will be a wedding feast of celebration. Revelation 19:9 says, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb .” He’s preparing us to celebrate! In summary , the Feast of Trumpets (Called Rosh Hashana today), points to the Rapture when the Messiah will appear in the heavens as a Bridegroom coming for His bride, the Church. The Rapture is always associated in Scripture with the blowing of a loud trumpet (I Thessalonians 4:13-18 and I Corinthians 15:52). 6. Day of Atonement — Leviticus 16, 23:26-32 ; Numbers 29 This day was actually not a feast but a day of fasting. It began on the 10th day of the 7th month, Tishri. To make “atonement” is to make restitution for wrongs committed. As a day of humility and repentance to God, it was a time for the Jews to get their hearts, consciences, and lives right before him. The observance involved the sacrifice of animals as the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies. What the High Priest did there couldn’t offer more than an annual payment for their sins. However, hiding in plain sight was the promise of one who could atone for their sins permanently (Hebrews 9:12). This feast is when the entire nation of Israel's sins were dealt with as a whole. It's when the high priest would go inside the Holy of Holies (only once a year and on this day) to offer atonement for the sins of the entire nation. Fulfillment in Christ Where is Jesus in these sacrificed animals? The bull and one of the goats were an offering of thanks, but the “scapegoat” took on their sins (Leviticus 16:10). The scapegoat was to be burdened with all the sins of Israel and sent into the wilderness. The Jewish leaders condemned Jesus, and he — burdened with the sins of all mankind — was led out of the city to be crucified: “He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins — and not only our sins but the sins of the world” (1 John 2:2). The necessity of the Day of Atonement was rendered void by Jesus’ death on the cross — our debt has been paid! In summary , the Day Atonement (Called Yom Kippur today), points to the day of the Second Coming of Jesus when He will return to earth. That will be the day of atonement for everyone and the Jewish remnant when they “look upon Him whom they have pierced ,” repent of their sins and receive Him as their Messiah (Zechariah 12:10 and Romans 11:1-6, 25-36). 7. Feast of Tabernacles or Booths — Leviticus 23:34 This feast takes place on the 15th - 22nd days of the 7th month, Tishri. Celebration always follows the Day of Atonement. The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates God’s provision and protection for the people of Israel during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. During the seven days of the feast, people live in temporary structures as they did in the wilderness. The Lord himself was with the Israelites in the desert, in a tented temple called the tabernacle, so the feast also celebrates his presence as he tabernacles (dwells) with us. This was a major feast that all male Jews were required to attend in Jerusalem at the temple. Because the Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement were connected to the Feast of Booths, most Jews would arrive in Jerusalem to attend these three feasts that were one right after another. Fulfillment in Christ Jesus is called Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23). He put on a temporary tabernacle — a human body — to dwell on this earth and offer himself as a sacrifice. This feast also points to the promise that God will return and rally with his people — in the person of Jesus. And when he does, he has promised that there will be no more death and suffering, that he himself will wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). His return is the final answer to the hope we’ve carried our entire lives. What a day that will be! In summary , the Feast of Tabernacles (Called Sukkot today.) Points to the Lord’s promise that He will once again tabernacle with His people when He returns to reign over all the world from Jerusalem (Micah 4:1-7). Faith Lesson 1. The New Testament is full of imagery of that is based on the Old Testament. What about us? Are we students of the Old Testament and do we know it well? 2. If we don't know the Old Testament well, we will miss many treasures in the New Testament. What about us? Can we spot the fulfillments of the imagery and types in the New Testament? 3. Christ said that He came to fulfill the Law. What about us? Can we see how Christ fulfills all the Old Testament prophecies and imagery of the Old Testament? Credit for some of the information on this page: Wycliffe.org, ChristInProphecy.org

Masada was used by David, Herod the Great fortified it. Then see the sober reality of how 967 Jewish Zealots chose to commit suicide rather than surrender to the Romans in 73 AD. On May 3, 74 AD, after 7 months or so of long battled weariness, the Romans entered the top of Masada and stood in awe-stricken silence as they beheld the mass suicide of the Jews before them. The Zealots chose to die by suicide rather than be conquered by the Romans to be abused or killed. Masada Photo Gallery Places of Interest Masada Introduction Welcome to Masada. Many events from the Bible and history took place here. Here are some of the highlights. 1. After a confrontation between King Saul and David close to En Gedi, David likely hid out on top of Masada afterward. 2. Masada was one of three fortified fortresses King Herod built for pleasure purposes and from which to protect his territories. He built Masada in about 24 BC. 3. In 73 AD, a total of 967 Jews, counting their families, had assembled at Masada. They were under the command of Eleazar Ben-Yair, a Jewish Zealot Freedom Fighter. 4. In 73 AD, the 10th Roman Army Legion, totaling around 8 ,000 soldiers and 6,000 Jewish slaves under a commander named Silva, arrived at the base of Masada. 5. Masada was the last stronghold of the Israelites, and the Romans amassed their troops there in the fall of 73 AD. 6. It would be here that this Jewish community chose to commit mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans. 7. It's a tragic story we'll see as we explore this site. Location 1. Masada is located at the Dead Sea's southern end, about 40 miles (64 km.) southeast of Jerusalem. 2. It's a natural flat mountain that rises from the valley floor some 1,000 ft. (305 m.). It's like a huge column with sheer cliffs on every side, making it virtually unreachable. 3. Many believe ancient Gomorrah lies at the base of Masada, and ancient Sodom is about 14 miles (23 km) south of Masada. 4. The base of Masada is in a desert region, about 1,000 ft. (305 m.) below sea level. 5. The word Masada means fortress. Historical Background 1. Masada is a natural fortress most likely used throughout the area's history. 2. David likely used it when fleeing from King Saul. 3. Masada first became a Jewish fortress under the Hasmoneans around 150–76 BC. 4. Later, King Herod upgraded Masada’s defenses (37–31 BC. 5. Masada was one of three fortified fortresses King Herod built for pleasure purposes and from which to protect his territories. It had 20 feet (6 m) high double walls surrounding the edge and had many lookout and protection towers in the walls. 6. Masada was fortified with elaborate water cisterns fed by diverting water from the nearby mountains. It even had swimming pools and many of the luxuries life afforded at that time. 7. Besides ample water storage, Masada had 15 food storehouses for 10,000 people for 10 years. 8. In 66 BC, events began to unfold in Israel that caused the Jews to rebel against Roman rule. This revolt began in Caesarea Maritime. 9. In 66-70 AD, when the nation was in revolt, Jewish Zealots and a group called the Sicarii fled from Jerusalem and the surrounding areas and took the fortress of Masada from Roman occupation. They were national Freedom Fighters who opposed Roman rule. In their conquest, they gained possession of all the food and water stored in Masada. 10. Between 66 and 70 AD, Rome conquered all the northern cities of Israel. 11. In 70 AD, under the command of Titus, the Romans totally destroyed Jerusalem in a bloody battle that lasted well over 4 months. Josephus (Jewish Historian) claims that 1.1 million Jews lost their lives in this battle, and another 97,000 were captured and enslaved. The temple was leveled in the siege at this time as well. 12. In 73 AD, a total of 967 Jews, counting their families, had assembled at Masada. They were under the command of Eleazar Ben-Yair, a Jewish Zealot Freedom Fighter. 13. After conquering Jerusalem and most of Israel, the Romans headed south to conquer the southern strongholds around the Dead Sea region and Masada. 14. Masada was the last Israelite stronghold that existed in the land, and the Romans amassed their troops there in the fall of 73 AD. Places of Interest 1. Cistern 2. Living Quarters 3. Ritual Baths 4. Small Palace 1 5. Southern Fort 6. Pool 7. Small Palace 2 8. Small Palace 3 9. Western Palace 10. Byzantine Church 11. Cable Car Access 12. Eastern Gate 13. Storerooms 14. Baths 15. Northern Palace 16. Officer’s Quarters 17. Administrative Building 18. Western Gate 19. Synagogue 20. Siege Ramp 21. En Gedi 22. Dead Sea 23. Ancient Gomorrah 24. Ancient Sodom The Fall of Masada 1. In 73 AD, the 10th Roman Army Legion, totaling around 8 ,000 soldiers and 6,000 Jewish slaves under a commander named Silva, arrived at the base of Masada. 2. This Roman legion first built a wall around the base of Masada, much of it by using Jewish slave labor. 3. Next, they built eight camps around the mountain's base. The remains of most of these camps can still be seen today. Silva set up his headquarters at the northwest camp. 4. After several months of unsuccessful engagement with the Jewish Zealots atop Masada, the Romans decided to build a massive siege ramp out of dirt on the west side of Masada, using Israelite slave labor to help in the process. 5. As the siege ramp grew closer to the top of Masada, the Romans primarily used Jewish slave labor so that their fellow Jews on Masada wouldn’t shoot arrows and throw spears at their countrymen. 6. After several months of building the siege ramp, the Romans finally reached the top of Masada and severely damaged the exterior wall. 7. When the Jewish Zealots realized they were in grave danger of being conquered, they built another interior wall inside the exterior wall using wood beams from many of their buildings. They layered the beams with earth in between to fortify the new wall. 8. The Romans set this inner wall on fire and were poised to enter. However, this happened late at night, so the Romans decided to wait until the next morning to attack. 9. Realizing the Jews would be conquered the next morning, Eleazar Ben-Yair, the commander of the Zealots, gave an impassioned speech about how God had not created them to be slaves and about what would happen to them if they surrendered to the Romans. This is what he proposed: The Romans are angry after the long battle and will kill most of us by torture. Those who are not killed will be mistreated and forced to be slaves. Our women will be raped before our eyes and violated, and our children will be tortured and forced to be slaves as well. The only option we have as free people is to take our own lives. In the synagogue, the men gathered for a special meeting and drew lots, picking out ten courageous men who knew about killing and understood how to die. Then, every father went home and killed their wives and children. Then, all the men gathered again together, and 10 of these men in the group killed the remaining men. Then one man killed the other 9, and then the last man killed himself. 10. The Jewish Zealots destroyed everything but the food supply to ensure the Romans knew they hadn’t run out of supplies. They had chosen death over Roman enslavement. 11. On May 3, 74 AD, after 7 months or so of long battled weariness, the Romans entered the top of Masada and stood in awe-stricken silence as they beheld the mass suicide of the Jews before them. The Zealots chose to die by suicide rather than be conquered by the Romans, to be abused or killed. 12. The Jewish historian Josephus says 960 men, women, and children died at Masada. Only two women and five children, who hid in a subterranean cavern, survived to tell the story. Masada in the Bible 1. After a confrontation between King Saul and David close to En Gedi, David likely hid out on top of Masada afterward. 1 Samuel 24:22: And David swore this to Saul. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold [fortress]. 2. Because Israel rejected Christ as their Messiah, Christ foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel. This destruction occurred between 66-70 AD. Luke 19:41–44: And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation . 3. Zechariah prophesied about Jerusalem’s destruction as well. Zechariah 14:1–2: Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Faith Lesson from Masada 1. While we don’t endorse and believe the Jewish Zealots should have committed suicide as it’s only God’s place to take a person’s life, we do understand these Zealots' decision. 2. While some of the Zealots may have believed in Christ and were devoted servants to God, the Jewish nation as a whole and its leaders had largely rejected Christ as their Messiah. As a result, Christ spoke judgment upon the nation in Luke 19:41–44. 3. Almost every instance in which a country falls is due mainly to the decisions of its leaders. 4. The sad reality is that the righteous always suffer at the hands of the wicked. 5. Today, it’s the same; while there may be many righteous people in a country, God will still judge it because of the sinful and immoral decisions its leaders and the majority of the people make. 6. Israel didn’t return to being a nation until 1948, and this was due to God’s sovereign plan for them. God prophesied that He would bring them back again, and it’s a miracle that after almost 2,000 years, this has been fulfilled. This is unheard of in the history of any civilization. 7. However, the price Israel paid for their rejection of Christ cost them dearly and should be a warning to us today as well.

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

Learn about Ekron and the 5 cities of the Philistines. What all happened in Ashdod? What is its history? Who were the Philistines, where did they come from, and where did they live? They are mentioned in many places in the Old Testament and were the enemies of the Israelites. The Other Cities Were: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gaza, and Gath. Biblical Ekron Photo Gallery Places of Interest Ekron Location 1. Ekron (Tel Miqne) is located east of Ashdod and the Mediterranean Sea about 13 miles (20 km.) Historical Background 1. In archeological terms, Tel Ekron (Tel Miqne-Ekron) is significant because it is one of Israel's largest Iron Age sites. 2. More than 100 oil presses were found here, as well as the Ekron Inscription, which clearly identifies the site as Philistine, Ekron. 3. Just to the west of Tel Ekron is Kibbutz Revadim, where a Museum of the History of Philistine Culture shows a reconstructed Philistine street with many artifacts. Places of Interest 1. Tel Ekron 2. Kibbutz Revadim Philistine Street ~ Archaeological items from Tel Ekron have been brought here and preserved. Ekron in the Bible 1. Joshua and the Israelites failed to conquer Ekron in the conquest of the Promised Land as found in Joshua 13:3. 2. It was allotted to Judah in the division of the land and then to the tribe of Dan as found in Joshua chapters 15-19. 3. However, the tribe of Dan failed to conquer the area and moved to the northern part of Israel. Judah wound up conquering Ekron and inhabiting it as found in Judges 1:18. 4. Ekron was one of the Philistine cities where the Ark of the Covenant resided before being returned to the Israelites at Beth Shemesh. 1 Samuel 5:10: So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And as the ark of God came to Ekron , the Ekronites cried out, saying, “They have brought the ark of the God of Israel to us, to kill us and our people!” 1 Samuel 6:13-16: Now the people of Beth-shemesh were gathering in their wheat harvest in the valley, and they raised their eyes and saw the ark, and rejoiced at seeing it. 14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite and stopped there where there was a large stone; and they split the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord. 15 And the Levites took down the ark of the Lord and the saddlebag that was with it, in which were the articles of gold, and put them on the large stone; and the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices that day to the Lord. 16 When the five governors of the Philistines saw it, they returned to Ekron that day. 5. After David killed Goliath in the Valley of Elah, the Israelites pursued and defeated the Philistines all the way to Ekron. 1 Samuel 17:52: Then the men of Israel and Judah rose up and shouted, and they pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron . And the Philistine dead lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron . 6. Ekron is included, among other cities, in pronouncements of judgment by the prophets Amos 1:8, Jeremiah 25:20, Zephaniah 2:4, and Zechariah 9:5–7. Faith Lesson from Ekron 1. The Israelites failed to conquer Ekron and the surrounding cities of the Philistines. For some reason, they lacked the faith, willpower, and trust in God to fulfill His command to conquer the inhabitants of the Promised Land. Do we fail to trust in God and conquer the tasks God calls us to do? 2. However, David, as a young man, and later as the king of Israel, would defeat the Philistines and fulfill God's original command to subdue and conquer all of the Promised Land. Do we exercise faith as David did and step out and do mighty things for the Lord? 3. From Ekron the Ark of the Covenant was returned to the Israelites at Beth Shemesh. It was done in a miraculous way by cows carrying the Ark on a wagon arriving at Beth Shemesh all by themselves. Miracles are one way God reveals Himself to skeptical and unbelieving people. Do we share miracles God has done in our lives with others?

See a powerful message from the Hippodrome in Beth Shean, Israel, about the persecution and suffering of Christians. Prepare yourself for persecution because the day is coming when suffering and persecution will arise. The amphitheater/hippodrome was also used to persecute Christians during the early church period and later. On many occasions, they were released in a game-like event where believers who refused to deny Christ were torn to pieces and eaten alive while the crowd roared in a frenzy. Beth-Shean Amphitheater/Hippodrome Photo Gallery Places of Interest Beth-Shean Amphitheater Location 1. Beth-Shean, also known as Beit Shean or Bet She’an, was a major biblical and secular city for thousands of years. 2. It’s located in the center of several main crossroads between the Jordan Valley and the Jezreel (Yizreel) Valley. 3. It’s about 15 miles (25 Km.) south of the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee and about 35 miles (55 Km.) east of the Mediterranean Sea. 4. The Romans used the amphitheater/hippodrome in Bet-Shean for pleasure events, games with animals, and gladiator-type activities. 5. This arena seems to have served as both an amphitheater and hippodrome as it has openings into the arena from under the grandstands. It was common in Greek and Roman times that a city would have one stadium that could be used for both purposes because of financial and real estate reasons. 6. An amphitheater is different from a theater. An amphitheater has a full circle of seating, wherein a theater just has a semi-circle of seating. 7. The amphitheater/hippodrome was also used to persecute Christians during the early church period and later. 8. This amphitheater/hippodrome has underground rooms where wild beasts were released to devour people and other animals. 9. On many occasions, they were released in a game-like event where believers who refused to deny Christ were torn to pieces and eaten alive while the crowd roared in a frenzy. 10. It’s sobering and gives a person chills to just think about it! Historical Background 1. Beth-Shean was a key city long before the arrival of the Israelites because of its location. In the late Canaanite period (1600–1400 BC), the Egyptians ruled the area and the entire land of Israel. 2. Later, around 1000 BC, the Philistines also ruled the city for a time as they hung the body of King Saul on its walls after defeating the armies of Israel in the Battle of Gilboa. 3. When King David reigned (1010–970 BC), he conquered Beth-Shean, and it became part of Israel’s territories. 4. Later, in 732 BC, the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser III, destroyed Beth-Shean after defeating the northern Kingdom of Israel. 5. In the 4th century BC, Hellenistic (Greek) new settlers established a city-state (polis) in Beth-Shean. During the Hellenistic period, the city was named Nisa Scythopolis. 6. In 63 BC, the city was conquered by the Romans and became one of the cities of the Decapolis – a group of cities with a Hellenistic-Roman cultural character, most of them in Transjordan. Beth-Shean was one of the key cities of the Roman Empire in this area south of Galilee. Places of Interest (Please See Maps Above) 1. The Arena: Comes from the word “sand.” It’s where the activities were carried out and was in the center. 2. Grandstands where the people were seated. The stadium’s many seats have crumbled over the years, but it’s estimated the seating capacity would have been between 10,000-20,000 people. 3. Entrance openings into the arena from under the grandstands. 4. Rooms under the grandstands where the animals and people would wait before being released into the area. The Amphitheater in the Bible 1. Persecution was a common practice, and the Bible makes reference to what many believers faced. Hebrews 11:35–38: Some were tortured, refusing to accept release so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated of whom the world was not worthy, wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Acts 7 records how Stephen was one of the first to suffer early Christian persecution. He was stoned to death outside the gates for the faithful manner in which he preached the gospel. After this, a great persecution arose against all who professed belief in Christ as the Messiah. Acts 8:1: And Saul approved of his [Stephen] execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2. History and tradition provide rich data regarding the believed fate of many of the apostles, along with other believers who suffered persecution for their faith in Christ during the early church period. James the Great, the elder brother of John the Apostle, was beheaded in 44 A.D. Philip, who served in Upper Asia, was scourged in Phrygia, thrown into prison, and later crucified in 54 A.D. Matthew, the tax collector, served the Lord in Parthia and Ethiopia, where he was slain with a halberd (a shafted weapon with an ax-like cutting blade and a speared end) in the city of Nadabah in 60 A.D. James the Less, the brother of the Lord, served the church in Jerusalem and wrote the book of James. He suffered martyrdom at the age of 94 by being beaten and stoned by the Jews. Matthias, the man who was chosen to replace Judas as an apostle, was stoned at Jerusalem and then beheaded. Andrew, the brother of Peter, preached the gospel to many Asiatic nations and was crucified on a cross at Edessa. The ends of his cross were fixed transversely in the ground, thus the derivation of the term, St. Andrew's cross. Mark was converted to Christianity by Peter and served as his personal scribe. He was dragged to pieces and died by the people of Alexandria. The Apostle Peter was sought by Nero to be put to death. Jerome wrote that Peter was crucified with his head down and his feet up because he thought himself unworthy to be crucified in the same way as Christ. The Apostle Paul was persecuted all throughout his ministry. He was scourged, stoned, and finally, Nero had him beheaded by a sword. Jude, the brother of James, commonly called Thaddeus, was crucified at Edessa in A.D. 72. Bartholomew preached in several countries and translated the Gospel of Matthew into the language of India. He was cruelly beaten and then crucified by impatient idolaters. Thomas (doubting Thomas) preached the gospel in Parthia and India. His ministry caused the rage of the pagan priests, and he was martyred by being thrust through with a spear. Luke, the author of Luke and Acts, traveled with Paul through various countries and was supposed to have been hanged on an olive tree by the idolatrous priests of Greece. Simon the Zealot preached the gospel in Mauritania, Africa, and even Britain, where he was crucified in A.D. 74. John, the apostle whom Jesus loved, was sent from Ephesus to Rome, where he was put into a cauldron of boiling oil. He escaped by a miracle without injury but was then banished to the Isle of Patmos, and there he wrote the book of Revelation. Nerva, Domitian's successor, said he was the only apostle who escaped a violent death. 3. There are ten persecutions mentioned in Foxe's Book of Martyrs that are quite gruesome. The first mass persecution occurred under Nero in 67 AD. He was the sixth emperor of Rome and is remembered as the one who set Rome aflame and then blamed the Christians for the deaths and destruction caused by the fire. He had some Christians sewn up in skins of wild beasts and thrown to the dogs. Some Christians were dressed in shirts made stiff with wax, fixed to axletrees, and set on fire in Nero’s gardens in order to illuminate them. Rather than diminishing the spirit of Christianity, this persecution increased the devotion and commitment of Christians instead. The second persecution happened under Domitian in 81 AD. Anything bad that happened like famine, pestilence, or earthquakes he blamed on the Christians and put them to death. The third persecution occurred under Trajan in 108 AD. Christians were beaten, beheaded, and devoured by wild beasts, causing about ten thousand Christians to be put to death. The fourth persecution took place under Marcus Aurelius Antoninus in 162 AD. The fifth persecution is credited to Severus in 192 AD. Christians were burned at the stake, had hot tar poured on their heads, beheaded, placed in boiling water, and ravaged by wild beasts. The sixth persecution took place under Maximus in 235 AD. At this time, numerous Christians were slain without trial and buried indiscriminately in mass graves, sometimes fifty or sixty cast into a pit together. The seventh persecution happened under Decius in 249 AD. The main person martyred was Fabian, the bishop of Rome, who was beheaded on January 20, 250 AD. The eighth persecution occurred under Valerian in 257 AD. Once again, every manner of torture was used to mock those claiming to be Christians. Persecution was also used for the entertainment of the rulers and their guests. The ninth persecution occurred under Aurelian in 274 AD. when Felix, bishop of Rome, was martyred. The tenth persecution took place under Diocletian in 303 AD. This was commonly called the Era of the Martyrs. Persecutions were carried out with racks, scourges, swords, daggers, crosses, poisons, and famine. Today, there are more martyrs for Christ than there have ever been at any time in the history of the church. Many of these take place in the Middle East and go unnoticed by the public eye. According to BBC News, there are around 100,000–250,000 martyrs each year for Christ. Faith Lesson from Beth-Shean Amphitheater 1. God used persecution to give more validity, power, and meaning to the message of the gospel. 2. We show the world the value of our faith by what it cost us to keep and obey it. 3. During the years between 313 and 325 AD., Constantine, the Roman Emperor of that time, became a Christian and later declared Christianity the religion of the Roman Empire. 4. It was the persecution of Christians that God used most to convert the Roman Empire to Christianity. 5. Through persecution, God changed the religion of the most powerful nation on the earth to Christianity. 6. The church has seen its greatest growth and maturity during the periods it was persecuted the most. 7. We are nearing a time when it is going to cost us to follow Christ as well. Hebrews 12:1-6: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses , let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 8. Are we willing to suffer for our faith? 9. What does it cost us to follow Christ? 10. Do we stand firm on God’s word despite opposition? 11. Do we allow ourselves to be persuaded to compromise our faith because of pressure from our peers? 12. Do we subtly deny Christ in moments when we’re around people who don’t share our faith? 13. The only thing these Christians who died in this amphitheater here in Beth-Shean would have had to do to save their lives and not be shredded to pieces by the wild beast was to deny Christ. 14. But they didn’t, and today they have a special reward in heaven for being a martyr. 15. How about us? Are we willing to do the same?

David, with just 5 stones and a sling, faced the giant Goliath, who was heavily armed. The young shepherd, drawing his strength from his faith in God, shot the rock into the center of the giant's forehead, knocking him down, then took his sword and cut off his head. Places of interest include Israelite Camp, Philistine Camp at Ephes-dammin, Valley of Elah, Azekah, Socoh, HaEla Stream (where David selected 5 smooth stones), Battle Location, King David’s Palace Fortress. Valley of Elah: David and Goliath Photo Gallery Places of Interest Valley of Elah David & Goliath Introduction Welcome to the Valley of Elah. Several significant events from the Bible took place here. These are the highlights. 1. This is the place where the famous battle between David and Goliath happened. 2. The Bible is very clear as to its location, and all the sites it mentions are nearby. Israelite Camp Philistine Camp at Ephes-dammin Valley of Elah Azekah Socoh HaEla Stream (where David selected five smooth stones) 3. This was an epic winner-takes-all battle. David represented the Israelites, and Goliath represented the Philistines. Each party agreed that whoever won would submit to the other. 4. There is so much we can learn about David's faith at this place. 5. We'll see and walk in the very spots where this epic battle happened. Location 1. The Valley of Elah is about 15 miles (23 km) west of Bethlehem and about 20 miles (32 km) east of the Mediterranean Sea. 2. It’s located on the western edge of the Judean lower hills and was an important travel route from the coastal cities up to the center of the land of Judah and its main cities of Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and Hebron. 3. It’s an undeveloped site that can be seen in its natural state. It has parking alongside Hwy 38. 4. The Valley of Elah is best known for the epic battle between young David and the giant Goliath, a skilled veteran warrior. Historical Background 1. The Philistines were a Canaanite people who inhabited Israel before the Israelites arrived. 2. The Israelites were unable to conquer them, and there were battles between the two nations for much of Israel’s history. 3. The Philistine’s stronghold was on the coastal plain in the Gaza area. 4. They were powerful, cultured, and possessed iron. They were the high-tech people of the day and did all they could to prohibit Israel from gaining iron and access to their technology (1 Sam. 13:19). 5. They worshipped many false gods. Among them was the worship of Baal and Dagon. 6. At this time in Israel’s history, the Philistines were attempting to push up through the Valley of Elah towards the heart of Judah. King Saul and his army engaged with the Philistines here to stop them. 7. The battle was one of the most pivotal between the two nations, with the loser agreeing to serve the winner. It was a “winner takes all” kind of battle. 8. Later in King Saul’s life, he would be killed by the Philistines in the Gilboa area. 9. David would eventually subdue the Philistines, and during the time of Solomon, there was peace between the two nations. 10. David was probably around 16–18 years old when he fought Goliath. We'll see why this is so as the story unfolds. Places of Interest 1. Israelite Camp 2. Philistine Camp at Ephes-dammin 3. Valley of Elah 4. Azekah 5. Socoh 6. HaEla Stream (where David selected 5 smooth stones) 7. Battle Location 8. King David’s Palace Fortress It sits on a high hill overlooking the Valley of Elah. This appears to have been built by David after he became king over all of Israel as a memorial to his victory over Goliath. It had fortress walls, buildings surrounding the inner walls, and a large central building that could have been David's palace when he stayed there on occasion. It was a small fortress complex that would have been a fitting place for David to contemplate and praise God for his victory over Goliath. It is not a tel but built on bedrock. That means there was nothing that existed here before it was built. It was used for approximately a hundred years, then apparently destroyed by enemy forces. An ostracon with the words inscribed on it: king, judge, widow. Words likely penned by King David, as they were common themes he wrote about in the Psalms. A replica of the temple was also found here. Something David would have likely have had carved out. Valley of Elah in the Bible 1. The battlefield setting. 1 Samuel 17:1–3: Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And they were gathered at Socoh , which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim . 2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines. 3 And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them. 2. The battle terms defined. 1 Samuel 17:4–10: And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span [more than 9 feet tall]. 5 He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail [bronze scale armor], and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze [about 125 pounds]. 6 And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron [15 pounds]. And his shield-bearer went before him. 8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us .” 10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” 3. The hearts of the Israelites were jolted to their core, and they became terrified. 1 Samuel 17:11: When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid . 4. David arrived at the Valley of Elah and accepted the challenge to fight Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:20–27: And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. 21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. 22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. 23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him. 24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid . 25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.” 26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.” 5. King Saul reluctantly agreed to allow David to fight Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:31–37: When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul, and he sent for him. 32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth , and he has been a man of war from his youth .” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!” 6. David chose not to use King Saul’s armor in the battle with Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:38–39: Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, 39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them .” So David put them off. 7. David, with just five smooth stones and a sling, went into battle against a heavily armed, experienced fighting machine, who was a giant of a man and had his armor bearer with him. 1 Samuel 17:40–47: Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand , and he approached the Philistine. 41 And the Philistine moved forward and came near to David, with his shield-bearer in front of him. 42 And when the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. 43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel , 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.” 8. The outcome of the epic battle showdown. 1 Samuel 17:48–51: When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone , and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. 9. David’s defeat of Goliath led to a great victory over the Philistines. 1 Samuel 17:51–52: When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 52 And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron. Faith Lesson from the Valley of Elah 1. The outcome of the battle was far more significant than we might realize. If the Israelites lost, they would become the Philistines' servants. It was a “winner takes all” battle. 2. David’s motivation in the battle was the glory of God and the protection of His name: “So that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Sam. 17:46). 3. During David’s youth as a shepherd, he developed many skills. He learned music, how to write, use a sling, how to fight to protect his sheep, and how to love the Lord and obey Him. 4. God used David’s skill of using a sling, along with his love for the Lord, to defeat Goliath. 5. The skills David developed as a youth, he used throughout his life. He faithfully led the nation of Israel, instilled a love for the Lord in his kingdom, and wrote many psalms that were used in his time and throughout history to this day. 6. David knew that it’s not the size of our weapons but the size of our faith in God that matters. So he went into the battle full of faith and confident that God would give him the victory. 7. Do I understand that it’s my responsibility to develop my abilities, and it’s God’s responsibility to direct me in how I use them? 8. Do I realize that the most important skill I possess is my love for the Lord and my heart to obey Him? 9. What miracles might God want to do in my life that would show the whole earth that there is a God in the land where I live?

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is believed to be the place where Christ was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead. Take an in-depth tour of all the places inside the church. Church of the Holy Sepulchre In-depth Tour Photo Gallery Places of Interest Church of the Holy Sepulchre Introduction Welcome to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Sepulchre means tomb. It is the final destination of the Via Dolorosa path, and the last five stations are situated there. 1. The amount of evidence supporting this place as Golgotha, the place Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead, is overwhelming. Here are just a few to mention. There are 2,000 years of archaeological evidence, including a eyewitness accounts, a false god temple to Jupiter and Venus built over it by the Roman Emperor, Hadrian, in 135 AD, churches, buildings, and coins, that support it. Four ancient historians claim that this site became a holy shrine venerating Jesus after He rose from the dead, up to 135 AD, one of whom is the famous Jewish historian Josephus. There are six eyewitness historians from 160 to 450 AD, who place Golgotha at this current site. Among these are Origen of Alexandria, Jerome, and Eusebius, highly reliable sources. All archaeologists support this site as the location of Golgotha. 2. It was located outside the city walls of Jerusalem when Jesus was crucified. 3. Because of its 2,000-year history, it's hard to picture how it was in its natural state. We will provide images to help you understand how it would have been. 4 . The place of crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus are not far apart in the church. This is biblical: John 19:41 42: Now in the place where he was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 5. There are over 35 significant places to see inside this church. They all testify to the events of Jesus and what happened here. 6. Some people have a problem with the atmosphere of the church. However, what would we expect from a place that has been venerated for around 2,000 years by different cultures and time periods? 7. We are fully convinced this is the place. 8. Another site known as the Garden Tomb was proposed as an alternative site in 1850 AD. God bless the Garden Tomb, but it lacks historical support. Additionally, the tomb there is an Old Testament tomb dating to around 700 BC. No archaeologists support it as Golgotha. 10. Let's explore and experience this site, realizing it is the very place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead. Brief History There was a road that passed by a stone quarry, serving as a route for travelers entering and leaving Jerusalem. Because the quarry had fallen out of use many years before Christ, it gradually developed into a garden, with a nearby cistern and pool of water. Some of the rock was left, and the Romans crucified people upon it. This rock can be seen in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre today. 33-135 AD: It was venerated in its natural state. 135 AD: Roman Emperor Hadrian erected a statue of the Roman god Jupiter (Zeus) over the tomb of Jesus, and a statue of Venus (Aphrodite) over the site of His crucifixion. 326 AD: Roman Emperor Constantine destroyed the temple that Hadrian had built and erected the Church of the Holy Sepulchre over the site of Golgotha. 614 AD: Persians severely damaged Constantine's church. 1009 AD: Muslims from Egypt destroyed the church. 1112 AD: Crusaders rebuilt the church. What we see today of the church primarily dates back to the Crusader period. 1808 AD: Church renovated. All this history can still be seen in the church today. Today, we refer to this church as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The word Sepulchre means tomb, and a tomb is where you put someone who has died. But when Constantine built the first church here, Christians didn’t focus on the death of Jesus. They focused on His resurrection, so during the Byzantine era, this entire room was called the Church of the Anastasis, not the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. In other words, it wasn’t the church of the tomb. It was the church of the resurrection. In-depth Tour of the Church 1. Window Ladder The so-called "Immovable Ladder" under the window of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, made of Lebanese cedar wood, was in place by 1728 and has remained there ever since the 1757 status quo was established, aside from being temporarily moved twice. There are about thirty chapels inside this church, and because there are six denominations who control them, there had to be some rules established that define who gets to do what inside. When the Status Quo went into effect it meant that whoever controlled certain rooms inside the church, would remain the custodian of that room from that point forward. The six churches that oversee the church are: Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Roman Catholic churches are the primary overseers. The Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Syrian Orthodox churches have less oversight. 2. Chapels next to the plaza area. Front left (closest to the church) ~ Chapel of the Forty Martyrs. Middle left ~ Chapel of St. John Closest left ~ Chapel of St. James the Less Front right (closest to the church) ~ Access leading up to the Ethiopian Chapels and the roof of the church. Middle right ~ Chapel of St. James Closest right ~ Orthodox Monastery 3. The Chapel of the Franks ~ Via Dolorosa Station 10 The Franks were a collection of European tribes that became the dominant political power in Western Europe. They all converted to Catholicism, and it was the Franks who built this chapel. According to Christian tradition, it's where Jesus was stripped of his clothes before crucifixion. This would make sense as the Romans usually crucified people naked. It is located to the right of the church entrance. It can be seen behind glass panels by going up the stairs. In approximately 1125 AD, this doorway was installed to benefit both nighttime visitors and the poor, who could not afford the entrance fee that the Muslim landlords were charging for worship in the church. This place was formerly accessed from inside the church. Today, this door is closed, and the Chapel of the Franks can only be accessed from the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 4. The Blocked Door Looking at the church, one can see that the right door is blocked off. That happened in 1187 AD, shortly after the church was built. The Muslims, who were the custodians of the church at that time, tried to control who was entering to charge an admission fee. They couldn’t do this very well when there were two doors, so they limited the entrance to only one door – the door that went past the money table as people entered the church. 5. Entrance Door to the Church Immediately after the Islamic takeover in 637 AD, the Muslim Caliph Omar appointed the Muslim Nusseibeh family to open and close the church doors every day. After the Crusades, in around 1200 AD, the Islamic ruler, Saladin, retained the Nusseibeh family to open and close the doors. He also appointed the Muslim Joudeh family to keep the key to the church in their home. 6. Columns to the Left of the Door Since around 850 AD, the Greek Orthodox Church has celebrated a ritual called Holy Fire inside the church at noon on each Saturday before Easter. This is where the Orthodox priest enters the Holy Tomb, emerges with all his candles lit, and the fire he is holding is transferred from one person to the next. According to a Greek tradition, in the year 1579 AD, the Turkish soldiers in charge of the church did not allow any visitors to enter for the annual Holy Fire ritual. According to the legend, the Greek patriarch of Jerusalem, Sophronius IV, was standing outside in the courtyard praying. When the sky was dark, this stone column in the center split open (you can see the crack), and holy fire came out of this fissure. Sophronius then used this fire to light all of the candles in the courtyard. Seeing this miracle, the Turks then allowed all of the worshippers to enter the church, and the Holy Fire celebration has continued to be observed every year to this day. 7. Stairway Leading to Golgotha The place where Jesus was crucified was at the summit of a small hill. To ascend the hill of Golgotha today, you need to start at the entrance of the church, turn right, and climb up the 800-year-old stairs leading to Calvary (or Golgotha), the place where Jesus was crucified. This stairway and a platform were built by the Crusaders in around 1187 at the level of Golgotha so pilgrims could be at the same level where Jesus was crucified. 8. Chapel of the Nailing of the Cross ~ Via Dolorosa Station 11 This is where Jesus was nailed to the cross. It features a 12th-century mosaic of Jesus being nailed to the cross. Here you see Jesus after having been nailed to the cross. Mary is wearing black, indicating that she is in mourning. It seems that the other two people in this mosaic are entirely symbolic. The person bowing before Jesus represents the bride of Christ, the Church, adorned in a pure white robe. The man with the nails is not a soldier because he is dressed in ordinary clothing. The Abraham Mosaic depicts Abraham attempting to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. The sacrificial ram with its head caught in the thorns is related to the mosaic above the altar, where a crown of thorns surrounds the head of Jesus. Luke 23:33: When the soldiers came to the place called “The Skull,” they nailed Jesus to a cross . They also nailed the two criminals to crosses, one on each side of Jesus. 9. Rock of Calvary The rock of Calvary can be seen under a glass cover on either side of the main altar. Calvary is the Latin equivalent of the word Golgotha, which means “the place of the skull.” 10. Crucifixion Altar ~ Via Dolorosa Station 12 This is where Christ was crucified. In 393 AD, Jerome, who lived in Bethlehem and translated the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts into Latin, stated that the cross stood not just near this hill, but literally “on the hill” where the altar of Calvary is now located. This confirms that the place now venerated as the location of the cross is authentic. A silver disk, with a central hole, lies underneath the altar, marking the place where the Cross stood. On each side of the altar is the bedrock from the original site of Golgotha. Beneath the altar is a hole that permits people to touch the rock of Golgotha. John 19:18-19: There they crucified Him , and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. 19 Now Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written: “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Remarkably, the first words recorded from Jesus' mouth are "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). The Apostle John was the only apostle present at the crucifixion of Jesus. The rest of them were in hiding, probably in the Upper Room. John and Jesus’ mother, Mary, were both close enough to the cross to hear Jesus tell Mary, His mother, “Behold your son” (John 19:26), and to John, “Behold your mother” (John 19:27). 11. Shrine of Mary ~ Via Dolorosa Station 13 Between stations 11 and 12 of the Via Dolorosa is a shrine of Mary, the mother of Jesus, with a spear piercing her heart. This is also the believed place where the body of Jesus was taken down from the Cross. Luke 2:34-35: And Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and as a sign to be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul —to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 12. Chapel of Adam It was initially called "The Church of Golgotha" but was changed to the "Chapel of Adam," due to the belief that Adam was buried here. This chapel enshrines a cracked slab of rock behind glass, which is believed to have been caused by the earthquake after Christ died on the Cross. The front of this chapel features an apse, indicating that a church was once located here, commemorating Golgotha and the crucifixion. Just outside the chapel, part of the original rock of Golgotha can also be seen. Matthew 27:50-53: And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. 52 Also, the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. 13. Greek Orthodox Treasury It is located next to the Chapel of Adam on the ground floor of the Church, near the base of Calvary (Golgotha). It is typically closed to the public. It contains: A small piece of wood is believed to be from the True Cross of Jesus Christ. Skullcap of John the Baptist Right hand of Mary Magdalene Finger of the Apostle Andrew 14. T he Stone of Unction Located just after entering the church, it commemorates the preparation of Jesus' body for burial. The original Church of the Holy Sepulcher didn’t have a Stone of Unction. In fact, we don’t even know where Jesus’ body was anointed. Approximately 2000 years ago, Jesus was probably anointed on bare rock or topsoil, as this location was a garden at the time. The Crusaders were the first to place a marble slab here around 1125 AD, but it was destroyed in the 1808 fire. The slab that you see here is its replacement. It is almost exactly the same distance from the crucifixion site marked by the Altar of Calvary as it is from the Tomb of Jesus, which is probably why the Crusaders put it in this spot. Behind the Stone is a mosaic depicting Christ's anointing for burial. Matthew 27:59-60: And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth , 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. 15. Mosaic by the Stone of Unction Just above the Stone of Unction is a large mosaic showing a timeline of the events of the death, anointing, and burial of Jesus. The events in this mosaic are not only told in chronological order from right to left, but they are also in geographic order. 16. Mourning Place ~ Holy Women Monument An Armenian Shrine, also known as the Chapel of the Three Marys. It marks the place where they watched the crucifixion of Christ. John 19:25: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 17. Altar of the Myrrh-Bearing Women Just to the right, before entering the rotunda, is an altar dedicated to the women who came to anoint Jesus’ body with spices and perfumes on Sunday morning, after He had already been resurrected. Matthew and Mark say that there were many women in this group, among whom were the three Marys – Mary, his mother, Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the wife of Clopas. In the Bible, we read about how these women watched Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea to see where Jesus was buried. They did this because Jesus was taken down from the cross hastily, and His body was not entirely prepared for burial. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea had cleansed the body, but they hadn’t anointed it with spices and perfumes. That task was left to the women who watched Him being buried, to be completed on the Sunday morning after the Sabbath. 18. The Rotunda or Anastasis (the place of resurrection) For many years, the church was known as the Church of the Resurrection, rather than the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which translates to 'Church of the Holy Sepulchre', referring to the 'Church of the Holy Tomb'. The dome holds great significance. It has a hole in the center, and when the daytime sun is shining through, it symbolizes Jesus – the Light of the World. The 12 rays emanating from the skylight are symbolic of the multi-directional ministry of the 12 Apostles as they spread the Gospel's light throughout the world. There are 120 stars around the bottom of this dome. These stars symbolize the 120 people who were baptized in the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, when the church was born. The apostles, along with the 120 who were part of the early church, look down upon us today, hoping that we will carry out the mission of the church. 19. Tomb of Jesus ~ Via Dolorosa Station 14 Underneath the large dome of the church (Rotunda) is the Tomb of Jesus. It is housed in a large shrine referred to as an Edicule. All of human history revolves around what happened inside this little building 2000 years ago. This is the tomb of Jesus Christ – the place where He was buried, and where He rose from the dead. The word edicule is Latin for little house, and it’s generally used to describe a building that is constructed over tombs. There have been four Edicules that have covered the tomb of Jesus. When you go inside the tomb, you are only a few inches away from the place where Jesus was laid to rest, and where He rose from the dead three days later. The rotunda is not only the primary focus of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but is the center of all Christianity. The stone that sealed the tomb is housed in the Church of Saint Savior on Mount Zion. It was originally Joseph’s tomb that he gave to Jesus. It was different than other tombs in that it was a bench-type tomb, where Jesus lay parallel to the wall. This type of tomb was more expensive to build because of the labor involved in carving out an entire room around the burial bench. In the first room of the tomb is a rock in a case on a table. It is believed to be part of the original stone that was rolled to seal the tomb. In the second room of the burial tomb is bedrock from the original tomb. To the right is the bench where the body of Jesus would have been laid. When you walk into the Edicule, you’re following in the footsteps of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, the wealthy man who carved this tomb out of solid limestone. When you look into the tomb, you’ll be doing exactly what the Apostles Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene did when they looked into His empty tomb. When you walk out of the tomb, you will be following the same path as Jesus Himself, when He walked out into the early morning air on Resurrection Sunday. Matthew 27:57-60: Now when it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea came, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock ; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. Matthew 28:5-6: The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for He has risen , just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.” In 2016, an archaeological team was granted permission to lift the marble slate covering the tomb, and an older marble slab with a carved cross was discovered beneath it. Underneath it was the original limestone burial bed of Christ. 20. Coptic Chapel Around the back side of the Tomb of the Edicule is the small Chapel of the Coptic Church – the Orthodox Church of Egypt. Probably the most interesting aspect of this small chapel is what lies beneath the altar. Under it is an exposed portion of the original rock that surrounded the tomb of Jesus, which Joseph of Arimathea built. 21. Syrian Chapel ~ First Century Tombs The chapel is located within the original 4th-century walls of Constantine's church. This room is used every Sunday for worship by the Syrian Orthodox Church, which claims to be the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Syrian church worships in the first-century language of Aramaic, and its Bible is written in the Syriac language, which is closely related to Aramaic. According to tradition, the Apostles Peter and John are considered the founders of the Syrian Church, which originated in the first century in the city of Antioch. It was here, as recorded in Acts 11:26, that the followers of Christ were first referred to as Christians. There are five tombs in this room that date back to the first century. Three of them are blocked, as if they have no significance. A decorative arch surrounds the two open tombs in the middle. That means these tombs were reserved for individuals of special status. It's believed that these were the tombs of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, members of the Jewish ruling council who were secret disciples of Christ, and who laid Him in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. 22. The Catholicon It was the central part of the Crusader Church. It's the largest chapel in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the main prayer hall of the Greek Orthodox church in Jerusalem. At the front of the chapel is a short, rose-colored marble basin containing a circular stone marked with a cross. It’s called the Omphalos, a word that means navel. It has been here for almost 1,000 years. The Orthodox Church teaches that the place where Jesus died and rose from the dead is the center of the world. A specific spot, known as the Omphalos, is situated exactly halfway between the crucifixion site and the tomb. They believe this spot is the spiritual center of the entire universe. This throne, located on the right side of the chapel, is reserved for the priest who oversees the Greek Orthodox Church in the Holy Land. He is called the Patriarch of Jerusalem. The throne on the left side of the chapel is dedicated to the Patriarch of Antioch, a city located in southern Turkey. The lecterns on each side of the chapel are called the Analogion. It is where the priest reads Scripture and leads his congregation in song and holy liturgy during Orthodox worship services. The wall in the front of the church is called an iconostasis, or icon stand, and virtually every Greek Orthodox church in the world has one. The iconostasis symbolically separates the main worship hall, which represents all of us on earth, from the sanctuary and the main altar behind the wall, which represents heaven. Some believe the crucifixion site (Golgotha) was located at the front of this area because it's marked by a dome above. However, the buildings were built in a perfect line and were built for ascetic purposes, not marking Golgotha. The chance of Golgotha being in a perfect line from the tomb to the Cardo is unrealistic. All the evidence points to Golgotha being located where it is venerated today. 23. Chapel of Mary Magdalene In between the rotunda of the church and the Arches of the Virgin is the Roman Catholic Chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene. This chapel is believed to be the site where Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. Above the altar in this chapel is a bronze statue depicting the encounter of Mary Magdalene with Jesus. High on the opposite side is the pipe organ that accompanies the worship services celebrated here. The tiles on the floor are new, but they are laid in the same pattern that they were in the 11th century. The circle with the rays represents the location where Jesus stood when He and Mary first encountered each other after His resurrection, and the three concentric circles represent the positions where Mary Magdalene stood when she saw Him. John 20:14-16: At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). 24. Chapel of the Apparition It's approximately 1,000 years old and in the custody of the Franciscan Catholic community in Jerusalem. On the front left side of the church, a sculpture depicts Jesus appearing to His mother shortly after His resurrection. This appearance of Jesus to his mother is not recorded in the Bible. It’s a legend that was first mentioned in the third century. In this chapel is a column of stone believed by many to be part of the pillar to which Jesus was tied as the Roman soldiers whipped Him. On the far side of this room is a bronze statue on the wall, showing all fourteen stations of the cross – from the point at which Jesus was condemned by Pontius Pilate to die, to the tomb where He was buried, and from which He rose from the dead. 25. Arches of the Virgin Mary This is a long gallery under the custody of the Franciscan Catholics in the Holy Land. It’s called the Arches of the Virgin because it commemorates the moment Mary visited the tomb of Jesus, where He appeared to her after His resurrection. This legendary appearance to Mary is not mentioned in the Bible, but found in historical accounts from two ancient sources from the third century AD. The northern wall of this gallery is part of the original Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built by Constantine. There are holes in this wall that once supported large marble panels that adorned the rotunda over the Tomb of Jesus. 26. Northern Wall of Constantine's Church This wall was part of the original Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and there are holes in it that once supported large marble panels that adorned the martyrium. When the original Church of the Holy Sepulchre was completed in 335 AD, this area was part of a large worship hall called the Martyrium. All the columns in this original martyrium were square. However, in 1009 AD, the entire church was destroyed. Thirty-nine years later, in 1048 AD, the church was completely reconstructed, and the builders decided to switch from square pillars to round ones, although a couple of square pillars remain in this gallery. 27. Chapel of the Prison of Jesus This chapel is under the authority of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the remnants of this prison was this leg stock, where a prisoner’s legs would have been slipped through these holes, and then shackled at the ankles, so that the prisoner could not escape. It is unlikely that this prison existed during the crucifixion of Jesus, as it was located outside the city walls, and there is no mention in the Gospels of Jesus spending time in a prison at Golgotha. It is believed that Jesus was imprisoned for the night at the House of the High Priest, Caiaphas. However, not here at Golgotha. Today, this prison serves as a commemorative chapel where one can pray and contemplate the imprisonment of Jesus leading up to His crucifixion. 28. The Ambulatory There is a long, curved hallway that runs around the church behind the main worship hall, the Catholicon. This hallway is called the Ambulatory. When you walk through it, starting from the Chapel of Adam, it is like a little miniature Via Dolorosa. There are three chapels on the right side of this hallway, and they tell the story of Jesus' sufferings in chronological order, from right to left. Chapel of Derision Chapel of the Parting of the Robes Chapel of Longinus 29. St Longinus Chapel Longinus was the Roman Centurion who commanded the soldiers who stood watch at Golgotha. He was an eyewitness to Jesus' final moments and proclaimed that Jesus was truly the Son of God. An ancient source from the fourth century claims the soldier's name was Longinus. John 19:32-34: So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man, and of the other who was crucified with Him; 33 but after they came to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 Yet one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear , and immediately blood and water came out. Whatever happened to this soldier named Longinus? Tradition tells us that Longinus became a believer in Christ, probably not just because of this earthquake, but also because, as a soldier, he likely heard that this same Jesus rose from the dead three days later. Matthew 27:54: Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God !” Today, Longinus is revered as a saint in many Christian denominations because he is believed to have converted to Christianity after the crucifixion of Jesus. That’s why there is a large statue of Longinus in Saint Peter’s Cathedral in Rome today. Tradition tells us that Longinus was martyred in Cappadocia. 30. Chapel of the Division of the Robes While Jesus hung on the cross, the Roman soldiers tore His robe up into four parts. This was foretold in Psalm 22:18: They divide my garments among them, and they cast lots for my clothing. The soldiers divided up Jesus’ outer garment into four parts, and then had a kind of lottery drawing to see which one of them would walk away with His tunic, which He wore under His robe. His tunic didn’t have any seams. It was woven into one piece. Mark 15:24: And they crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves , casting lots for them to decide what each man would take. 31. Chapel of the Derision This place commemorates the people who derided Jesus by mocking and laughing at him while He hung on the Cross. The Paintings in the Chapel of the Derision. Each picture is a fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy. The picture on the right shows Jesus during one of His trials, where the Jewish rulers are mocking him. This was a fulfillment of verses from Psalm 27 and Psalm 35. The middle picture shows Jesus seated on this granite pillar, with the crown of thorns placed on His head. That was a fulfillment of prophecies in Psalms 35 and 69, as well as Isaiah 50. The picture on the left shows Jesus walking through a crowd that is jeering and yelling at Him. That is a fulfillment of verses from Psalm 7 and Isaiah 53. Matthew 27:39-44: And those passing by were speaking abusively to Him , shaking their heads, 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 In the same way, the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, 42 “He saved others; He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He has trusted in God; let God rescue Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the rebels who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him in the same way. 32. Chapel of St. Helena Descending the stairs into this chapel, ancient crosses carved into the walls from the 1100s can be seen. This area was filled with dirt when Hadrian built his temple to Jupiter and Venus here. Helena destroyed the temple that Hadrian had built, removed the dirt from this area, and exposed it. She built a stairway tunnel that led down to this area because it was the place where she had found part of the cross of Jesus. Helena had pillars constructed to support the floor above it. To the left of the chapel, a section of the structural wall that Hadrian built remains visible today. The Chapel of Saint Helena was named after the mother of the first Christian Roman emperor, Constantine the Great. In 326 AD, Constantine sent Helena to the Holy Land in her late 70s to build churches on Christianity’s most holy sites, beginning with this location. It was the Crusaders who gave this chapel its common name, but the current custodians of the chapel, the Armenian Apostolic Church, renamed this chapel after their patron Saint. They now refer to it as the Chapel of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Saint Gregory is the most important saint for the Armenian Apostolic Church. In 301 AD, he convinced the king of Armenia to adopt Christianity. After that, the entire nation of Armenia switched from the pagan religion of Zoroastrianism to Christianity. The three large paintings on the north wall of this room tell his story. The Altar of Saint Helena (also known to the Armenians as the Altar of Saint Gregory). This altar was dedicated to Saint Helena. The Armenian Apostolic Church operates this chapel, and you will find a large mosaic on the floor depicting nine historic Armenian churches. Although the mosaic appears ancient, it was actually created in the 1970s. The Altar of the Penitent Thief is located to the left of the chapel. 33. Chapel of the Discovery of the Cross Going down some stairs located on the right side of the chapel is a room called the Chapel of the Discovery of the Cross. Tradition claims that this is where Saint Helena discovered the "True Cross" on which Jesus is said to have died. Why was the cross left here? This room was once a large underground cistern that collected water for the garden. You can still see the hole in the ceiling where people lowered buckets to get water. Tradition claims that local Christians told Helena that the Cross had been thrown into this old water cistern on the day Jesus died. Why was it thrown in this cistern? Jesus died at 3:00 PM, and the Jewish holy day (the Sabbath) began at 6:00 PM. Jewish law required that everything be buried or cleaned up before the Sabbath started. This gave Jesus’s followers only three hours to bury him and get rid of the bloody crosses. Because they were in a rush, they likely threw the crosses into this nearby cistern. Supposedly, the crosses stayed hidden here until Helena found them in 326 AD. If you look at the ceiling, you can see straight cuts in the rock. This is because, long before it was a cistern, this room was a stone quarry where workers extracted stone for building construction. Later, the old quarry was transformed into a garden, which is mentioned in the Bible (John 19:41). Ultimately, this space was converted into a cistern to supply water for the garden. The left side of this chapel is under the custody of the Catholics, whose altar features a life-sized statue of the Empress Helena holding a cross. The exact place where it is said that Helena found the three crosses is believed to be behind the metal altar railing. 34. Chapel of Saint Vartan This chapel is normally closed to the public, and special arrangements must be made to see it. This chapel is at the deepest part of the church. Throughout the centuries, the wall adjacent to the Altar of the Penitent Thief in the Chapel of Saint Helena was merely a wall. In the 1970s, a hole was made in the wall, and when they broke through, they discovered archaeological ruins that date back almost 2,700 years. The first room was part of a rock quarry that provided the building stones for Solomon’s Temple (960 BC) and other building projects in Jerusalem. A wall containing a boat drawing was part of the foundation of the temple to the false gods that Hadrian built on this site in 135 AD. The only remnants of this ancient temple are in this chapel and the Russian Church of Alexander Nevsky next door. Sometime between 325 AD—after Helena demolished Hadrian’s temple to the false gods—and the completion of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre about eleven years later, a pilgrim made his way to Jerusalem. He had traveled by boat from the western regions of the Roman Empire. Upon reaching this sacred place, he etched a drawing of his vessel onto the wall. Alongside it, in Latin, he inscribed the words: "Domine, imus"—“Lord, we go.” This phrase likely echoes Psalm 122:1: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” His journey had brought him to the gates of Jerusalem—and he marked the moment in stone. 35. Ethiopian Chapels ~ accessed from the plaza area outside the church, going up stairs to the roof of the church. Ethiopian Chapel St. Michael Ethiopian Chapel St. of the Four Living Creatures 36. Ethiopian Monastery ~ on the roof of the church. Ever since around 350 AD, monks from the African country of Ethiopia have lived in Jerusalem. Ethiopian monks are still here in a very primitive monastery. The monastery is called Deir es-Sultan, and the Ethiopians have been here on the roof ever since the year 1654 AD. Approximately twenty monks reside here in small huts that resemble traditional African clay homes. 37. Dome over the Chapel of St. Helena This is located on the roof of the church. 38. Original Entrance to Hadrian's Temple and Constantine's Church From the Cardo today, the original entrance to Hadrian's Temple and Constantine's Church can be located. Faith Lesson from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre 1. While we might disagree with the decorations and atmosphere of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, do we appreciate all the devotion and sacrifice that have been made to remember and commemorate all Jesus did for us on the Cross? 2. The fact that this place, along with many others, has been preserved and set aside to honor Christ and the events of the Bible provides powerful evidence regarding the historicity of Christ and the truthfulness of the Bible. Do we truly believe the Bible and everything written in it? 3. This is the believed place where Christ gave His life for each one of us. Have we received Christ's gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life with Him in paradise? 4. Are we grateful for the price Jesus paid to save us and have a living relationship with us?