Mizpah was located centrally in the country within the territory of Benjamin about 8 miles north of Jerusalem. Its importance as an administrative center is demonstrated not only by its use during the days of the judges and Samuel. Mizpah Photo Gallery Places of Interest Judean Wilderness Location 1. The Judean Wilderness runs from north of Jericho to the southern end of the Dead Sea. 2. It lies on the western side of the lower Jordan Valley and Dead Sea area. 3. It’s about 60 miles (95 km.) long and about 13 miles (21 km.) wide. 4. It receives less than 2 inches (50 mm.) of rain per year. 5. Average high temperatures in the winter run in the 70s (21 C.) and highs in the summer run over 100 (40 C.) 6. Water is scarce and hard to find, and very little vegetation grows in the wilderness due to its lack of water and poor soil composition. Historical Background 1. Even though the Judean Desert is dry and barren, it was settled long before recorded history began. Jericho, which dates to 5000 BC, is the oldest city in the Judean Desert, and the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. 2. En Gedi is another notable place which dates to about the same time as Jericho. It’s a large oasis that had cities built around it for over 5,000 years. 3. Sodom, Gomorrah, and the other three cities around the Dead Sea date back to ancient times as well. 4. It appears God changed the climate of the Judean Wilderness after He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities. Scripture says that this area used to be like a watered garden of the Lord. Genesis 13:10: And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord , like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah .) 5. God will cause the Judean Wilderness to flourish during the Millennial Reign of Christ on this earth. Ezekiel 47:7–10: Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 As I went back, I saw on the bank of the river very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8 And he said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, and enters the sea; when the water flows into the sea, the water will become fresh. 9 And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish. For this water goes there, that the waters of the sea may become fresh; so everything will live where the river goes. 10 Fishermen will stand beside the sea. From En Gedi to Eneglaim it will be a place for the spreading of nets. Places of Interest 1. Judean Wilderness 2. Jericho 3. Dead Sea 4. Qumran 5. En Gedi 6. Masada 7. Jordan River Judean Wilderness in the Bible En Gedi and King David 1. En Gedi was one of David’s main hideouts when Saul was pursuing his life. 1 Samuel 23:28–29: So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore, that place was called the Rock of Escape. 29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi . Qumran and the Essenes 1. The Essenes lived in the Judean Wilderness from about 200 BC to around 68 AD. They were a spiritually devoted group who left Jerusalem due to their belief that the priesthood had become corrupt. They devoted themselves to the study and strict obedience of Scripture. 2. They also devoted themselves to copying and translating the Bible. When they saw the nation of Israel falling to the Romans in 68 AD, they hid their translations in caves by the Dead Sea. 3. These translated manuscripts are called the Dead Sea Scrolls and were discovered in eleven caves along the northwest shore of the Dead Sea between the years 1947 and 1956. John the Baptist 1. He was the prophesied forerunner of Christ, whose purpose was to prepare the way of the Lord (Isaiah 40:3). 2. His main message was a message of repentance. Matthew 3:1–12: In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea , "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.'" Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist [similar to Elijah], and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree, therefore, that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. 3. He had the privilege of baptizing Jesus. Matthew 3:13–17: Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him . John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” 4. He was beheaded for taking a stand against sin. Herod Antipas became ruler (‘tetrarch’) of Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to 39 AD. He ruled from his capital at Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. He divorced his first wife in order to marry Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Herod Philip. He imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist for criticizing his marriage (Matt. 14:1–12). Testing of Jesus 1. After Jesus was baptized, He was immediately led into the wilderness to be tested. Matthew 4:1-11: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted [tested] by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, “‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and “‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” 11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. Faith Lesson from the Judean Wilderness 1. John the Baptist was a strong and serious witness for Jesus. John’s life is an example to us of the seriousness with which we are to approach the Christian life and our call to ministry. 2. John shows us how to stand firm in our faith no matter what the circumstances. Paul reminds us that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). 3. Christ was tested and overcame each test of Satan with Scripture. 4. God tested many of His servants before He called them to ministry, i.e., Moses, David, and the Prophets. 5. We are often tested by God as well. 6. Scripture says that leaders are to be tested before being placed into ministry (1 Tim. 3:10). 7. Has God tested me in various ways in my lifetime? 8. How have I responded to the tests He sends my way? 9. Do I know God’s Word so I can overcome the temptations of Satan?

Gilgal became a central meeting place throughout the rest of the Old Testament and appears to have been a small city or community. Camp Gilgal is the first place the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River and entering the Promised Land. At Camp Gilgal, Joshua erected 12 stones taken from the Jordan River as a monument of remembrance. Camp Gilgal was the first place the Israelites celebrated the Passover after entering the Promised Land. Gilgal Photo Gallery Places of Interest Gilgal Location There are two locations for Gilgal. 1. Tel Gilgal is situated in the Jordan Valley plain at the place of the modern city of Gilgal, which is located about 8 miles (12 km.) north of Jericho on Hwy. 90. 2. Camp Gilgal is located on the eastern edge of Jericho on Hwy. 90. Historical Background 1. The late Professor Adam Zertal (University of Haifa), did much research on the biblical location of Gilgal and discovered that it’s possible it wasn’t necessarily a specific location but a common name for a camp or religious site in its early period. 2. In Zertal’s research, he discovered 5 potential sites where the Israelites could have camped after crossing the Jordan into the Promised Land. Each place is uniquely shaped like a human right footprint. This is likely attributed to the promise given to them in Deuteronomy 11:24: Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours; your border will be from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the river, the river Euphrates, as far as the western sea. 3. Joshua 4:19, places Gilgal on the eastern edge of Jericho: Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth of the first month and camped at Gilgal on the eastern edge of Jericho . The place of Tel Gilgal (modern-day Gilgal) doesn’t seem to fit the qualifications found in Joshua 4:19. 4. If Zertal’s claims are true, then it’s possible Tel Gilgal (located at modern Gilgal) was the more permanent Gilgal that is referred to 35 times in Scripture, and the place on the eastern edge of Jericho was a temporary place where the Israelites camped. This seems reasonable as there are no remains of a permanent city on the eastern edge of Jericho. 5. Tel Gilgal became a central meeting place throughout the rest of the Old Testament and appears to have been a small city. Places of Interest 1. Tel Gilgal 2. Tower 3. Heel part of the footprint shape of Tel Gilgal. 4. Center part of the footprint shape of Tel Gilgal. 5. Tabernacle 6. 12 Stone Monument (it appears it was moved from Camp Gilgal to Tel Gilgal as a permanent monument at a later date). 7. Altar 8. Toe part of the footprint shape of Tel Gilgal. 9. Modern Gilgal 10. Jericho 11. Jordan River 12. Camp Gilgal on the eastern edge of Jericho. Gilgal in the Bible 1. Camp Gilgal is the first place the Israelites camped after crossing the Jordan River and entering the Promised Land. Joshua 4:19: Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth of the first month and camped at Gilgal on the eastern edge of Jericho. 2. At Camp Gilgal, Joshua erected 12 stones taken from the Jordan River as a monument of remembrance. Joshua 4:18–20: It came about when the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord had come up from the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up to the dry ground, that the waters of the Jordan returned to their place, and went over all its banks as before. 19 Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth of the first month and camped at Gilgal on the eastern edge of Jericho. 20 Those twelve stones which they had taken from the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. 21 He said to the sons of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ 22 then you shall inform your children, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the Lord your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; 24 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” 3. Camp Gilgal was the first place the Israelites celebrated the Passover after entering the Promised Land. Joshua 5:10: While the sons of Israel camped at Gilgal , they observed the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the month on the desert plains of Jericho. 4. It was at Gilgal that the Gibeonites tricked the Israelites into making a covenant with them so they wouldn’t be destroyed. Joshua 9:3–6: When the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, 4 they also acted craftily and set out as envoys, and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins worn-out and torn and mended, 5 and worn-out and patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and had become crumbled. 6 They went to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a far country; now, therefore, make a covenant with us.” 5. Gilgal was the place from which Caleb, one of the two faithful spies Moses sent to spy out the Promised Land, asked Joshua for his portion of the land. Joshua 14:6–9: Then the sons of Judah drew near to Joshua in Gilgal , and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know the word which the Lord spoke to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh-barnea. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought word back to him as it was in my heart. 8 Nevertheless, my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt with fear; but I followed the Lord my God fully.” 9 So Moses swore on that day, saying, “Surely the land on which your foot has trodden will be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God fully.” Joshua 14:13: So Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. 6. The Prophet Samuel visited and taught the Word of God regularly at Tel Gilgal. 1 Samuel 7:15–16: Now Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 16 He used to go annually on circuit to Bethel and Gilgal and Mizpah, and he judged Israel in all these places. 7. Saul, the first king of Israel, was made king at Tel Gilgal. 1 Samuel 11:14–15: Then Samuel said to the people, “Come and let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there.” 15 So all the people went to Gilgal , and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal . There they also offered sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord; and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly. 8. Tel Gilgal was a central gathering place for the Israelites. 1 Samuel 13:4: All Israel heard the news that Saul had smitten the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become odious to the Philistines. The people were then summoned to Saul at Gilgal . 9. King Saul’s reign over Israel came to an end at Tel Gilgal because of his disobedience. 1 Samuel 13:8–14: Now he waited seven days, according to the appointed time set by Samuel, but Samuel did not come to Gilgal ; and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring to me the burnt offering and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. 10 As soon as he finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him and to greet him. 11 But Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the appointed days, and that the Philistines were assembling at Michmash, 12 therefore I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not asked the favor of the Lord.’ So I forced myself and offered the burnt offering.” 13 Samuel said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, for now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not endure. The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has appointed him as ruler over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” 10. God pronounced judgment upon Israel at Tel Gilgal because of their disobedience to Him. Hosea 9:15: All their evil is at Gilgal ; Indeed, I came to hate them there! Because of the wickedness of their deeds I will drive them out of My house! I will love them no more; all their princes are rebels. Amos 5:4–6: For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel, “Seek Me that you may live. 5 But do not resort to Bethel and do not come to Gilgal , nor cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal will certainly go into captivity and Bethel will come to trouble.” Faith Lesson from Gilgal 1. Like the Israelites who took 12 stones out of the Jordan River to mark the fulfillment of God’s miracle in bringing them into the Promised Land, we too should set up remembrances to help us remember what God has done in our lives. 2. Like Caleb, who was faithful in trusting God, we should emulate his faith and strength. 3. Unlike Joshua, who failed to pray and seek the Lord regarding the trickery of the Gibeonites, we should bring our cares and decisions to the Lord. 4. We should heed the warnings from the life of King Saul, who presumed upon God’s grace and disobeyed the Lord regularly. 5. Lastly, we should not be like the Israelites, who slowly turned away from the Lord and were disciplined by God.

Many things in the Bible took place here. The miracle of the sun and moon standing still happened here, the tabernacle resided here, and God gave Solomon supernatural wisdom, wealth, and power to serve His people. The tabernacle resided at the high place of Gibeon during the reigns of David and Solomon. King David brought the Ark of the Covenant that was at Gibeon to the City of David. Later, Solomon would take the Ark out of the City of David to the temple he built on the current Temple Mount. Gibeon - Nebi Samwil Photo Gallery Places of Interest Gibeon - Nebi Samuel Introduction 1. Gibeon is mentioned 43 times in the Bible and played a major role in Israel's history. 2. This ancient city is named after the Gibeonites, who tricked Joshua into making a treaty with them after the Israelites entered the Promised Land. 3. Just above the city of Gibeon was this key high place that was used for worship during much of Israel’s history. 4. The amazing miracle of the sun and moon standing still due to Joshua’s prayer happened at this high place of Gibeon. 5. Gibeon, also known as Gibeah, was the hometown of King Saul. 6. The Tabernacle resided at the high place of Gibeon during the reigns of David and Solomon. 7. Soon after Solomon became King, he went to Gibeon. Here, he received supernatural wisdom, wealth, and power to rule God’s people. 8. Today, there is a synagogue and mosque here that are built upon the ruins of a Crusader church, which was built on the ruins of a Byzantine church, which is built upon the site where the tabernacle was located during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. 9. A tradition dating back to the Byzantine period also places the tomb of Samuel here. Location 1. Gibeon is located about 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Jerusalem. 2. Today, it's known as Nabi Samuel or Nebi Samwil, which means “The Prophet Samuel” because it’s believed Samuel’s tomb is located here. 3. Just below this high place and to the north is the ancient city of Gibeon with its ruins, known today as Al Jib. 4. Gibeon is on top of a high mountain with a spectacular view of Jerusalem and the surrounding area. In fact, you can see Jerusalem quite easily from this site. It becomes clear that this spot was a significant high place and fits the biblical descriptions of many events found in Scripture and history. 5. This high place is about 3,000 feet or 908 meters above sea level. 6. It’s located on an ancient route that led from the coastal plain, passing through Beit Horon, this high place of Gibeon, and on to Jerusalem. Today, highways 436 and 443 mark this route. Historical Background 1. Before the conquest of the Israelites, Gibeon was a Canaanite city. 2. Gibeon was a popular place in the Bible and is mentioned 43 times. 3. Its name means “Hill City,” and it’s located in the heart of the Tribe of Benjamin. 4. It was a high place of worship throughout much of Israel’s history, and the tabernacle was here during the times of King David and King Solomon. 5. The tomb of the Prophet Samuel is believed to be located inside the synagogue part of the building. 6. Excavations, which are still ongoing, have uncovered the remains of settlements from both the First Temple (7th century BC) and the Second Temple (Hasmonean Period 167 BC–63 BC) can be found here. 7. During the Byzantine period (5th–7th century AD), a church and monastery were built at this high place of Gibeon. Also, in the Byzantine period around 500 AD, Christian tradition said that the prophet’s bones were relocated here, and a monastery was built at the site to honor Samuel. 8. The Crusaders then built a church and fortress over the monastery around 1150 AD. The main structure visible today is a magnificent Crusader-era church, one of only four to survive the Muslim conquests of the Crusaders. It survived because the Muslims turned this church into a mosque, which they still use today. 9. After Saladin conquered much of Israel in 1187, the church and monastery were damaged. 10. In 1267 AD, the Mamluks captured the area and controlled the Holy Land until 1517. In the 14th century, the Mamelukes converted the church to a mosque. Remains from this period include two ceramic ovens near the stables. 11. Because it’s believed Samuel was buried here, along with the biblical history of the site, around 1125 AD, Jews built a synagogue adjacent to the mosque and resumed pilgrimages to this site. 12. It appears that later on, the mosque was renovated by the Ottomans in 1730. 13. The British rebuilt the building that we see today after World War 1. Both the mosque and synagogue share the same building. Places of Interest 1. Tabernacle Location The original tabernacle is believed to lie directly beneath the synagogue and mosque on this site. This would make sense as we have a long history of one thing built on top of another, which in archaeology is a strong sign of authenticity. As mentioned, this synagogue and mosque were built upon the ruins of a Crusader church, which stood on the ruins of a Byzantine church, which stood on the site where the Tabernacle was located during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. It also has other ruins dating back to the first temple period of the 7th century BC. 2. Hannah's Spring Just down the hill below the ruins is a place called Hannah’s Spring . It's named after Samuel’s mother, Hannah, who is believed to have traversed this area and lived nearby. Today, women come here to pray for God’s blessing for conception and childbirth. An ancient road passing through an orchard of strawberries, olives, and fig trees leads to a small spring flowing from a cave. Picnic tables have been set up in a pleasant and tranquil corner in the shade of the fig trees. Above Hannah’s Spring, entrances to First Temple period burial caves can be seen. 3. Hasmonean Ruins During extensive archaeological excavations, archaeologists found remains dating to the Hasmonean period , which lasted from around 164 to 63 BC. This section includes several well-preserved two-story houses and streets. 4. Byzantine Church and Monastery A large monastery was constructed at this site during the Byzantine period, around 400 AD. Few remains from that period remain since the Crusaders built their church and fortress over the monastery. The monastery served as a hostel for Christian pilgrims visiting Jerusalem. It existed until around 900 AD. 5. Crusader Ruins The crusade to liberate the Holy Land and free Jerusalem started in 1096. On June 7, 1099, three years after the military expedition started in Europe, the Crusaders finally approached the gates of Jerusalem. They first arrived at this site of Nebi Samuel, where they could see Jerusalem in the distance. They were so joyful when they first saw the Holy City that they later named this site the “Mountain of Joy.” In 1140 AD, the Crusaders upgraded the site into a military fortress and a holy shrine. They cut into the bedrock on the west, north, and east sides, creating a defensive moat. However, only part of the moat was finished. The hewn rocks were used as building material for the church of St. Samuel on the hilltop. The church was completed in 1157. The fortress was a rectangular structure with the church at its center, built over the traditional tomb of the prophet. On the north and north-east sides, the Crusaders cut away the bedrock to around 15 ft. or 5 m. below the surface. The stones were used to build their structures and fortress. This large flat area was then used as a campsite for armies and a hostel for Christian pilgrims headed to Jerusalem. On the north side of the quarried area are several hewn structures. We can see a large stable with rock-cut troughs. There are also pools, cisterns, rock-hewn tombs, and agricultural installations. 6. Synagogue An earlier synagogue was preserved at a lower level, where the actual tomb of Samuel is located. The entrance to the Synagogue is on the north side, and the tomb of the prophet Samuel is believed to be there. There is a women's section and a men’s section. The men’s section is accessed by descending some stairs and is where the tomb of Samuel is located. It's located below because its level was the original level of the Byzantine Church and monastery. 7. Rooftop Viewing Area A large area on the roof above the mosque and synagogue provides spectacular views of the area. From this high place, Jerusalem, the Mt. of Olives, and many other sites can be seen. 8. Quarry 9. Stables Gibeon in the Bible 1. This ancient city is named after the Gibeonites, who tricked Joshua into making a treaty with them. Joshua 9:3–7: When the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, 4 they also acted craftily and set out as envoys, and took worn-out sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins worn-out and torn and mended, 5 and worn-out and patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes on themselves; and all the bread of their provision was dry and had become crumbled. 6 They went to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a far country; now therefore, make a covenant with us.” Gilgal is only 29 miles (32 km) from Gibeon. Joshua 9:14–15: So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord . 15 Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live; and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. 2. The amazing miracle of the sun and moon standing still happened at Gibeon. Joshua 10:1–14: Now it came about when Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had captured Ai, and had utterly destroyed it (just as he had done to Jericho and its king, so he had done to Ai and its king), and that the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were within their land, 2 that he feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city , like one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty. 3 Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent word to Hoham king of Hebron and to Piram king of Jarmuth and to Japhia king of Lachish and to Debir king of Eglon, saying, 4 “Come up to me and help me, and let us attack Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the sons of Israel.” 5 So the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon, gathered together and went up, they with all their armies, and camped by Gibeon and fought against it. 6 Then the men of Gibeon sent word to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal, saying, “Do not abandon your servants; come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings of the Amorites that live in the hill country have assembled against us.” 7 So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him and all the valiant warriors. 8 The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands; not one of them shall stand before you.” 9 So Joshua came upon them suddenly by marching all night from Gilgal. 10 And the Lord confounded them before Israel, and He slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon , and pursued them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah. 11 As they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth-horon, the Lord threw large stones from heaven on them as far as Azekah, and they died; there were more who died from the hailstones than those whom the sons of Israel killed with the sword. 12 Then Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “O sun, stand still at Gibeon, and O moon in the valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. Is it not written in the book of Jashar? And the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day . 14 There was no day like that before it or after it, when the Lord listened to the voice of a man; for the Lord fought for Israel. 3. In a dark period during the time of the Judges, when some men from the tribe of Benjamin raped a man's wife, causing her death, and wanted to commit acts of homosexuality with him, all the other tribes of Israel fought against the tribe of Benjamin at Gibeon. Judges 20:19-20: Then the people of Israel rose in the morning and encamped against Gibeah. 20 And the men of Israel went out to fight against Benjamin, and the men of Israel drew up the battle line against them at Gibeah . 4. Gibeon (Gibeah) was the hometown of King Saul. 1 Samuel 10:26: Saul also went to his house at Gibeah. 5. Gibeon is the likely place where the Prophet Samuel anointed Saul to be the first king of Israel. Tradition affirms, and some believe, that this place is the biblical Mizpah, which in Hebrew means "tower," where Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. 1 Samuel 10:17: “Now Samuel called the people together to the Lord at Mizpah.” Then in verse 24 it says: “Samuel said to all the people, ‘Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen? Surely there is no one like him among all the people.’ So, all the people shouted and said, “Long live the king!” 6. According to Scripture, Samuel died and was buried in Ramah, the prophet's hometown. Samuel 25:1: “Then Samuel died; and all Israel assembled and mourned for him, and they buried him at his house in Ramah.” The location of Ramah is not known, but according to its meaning in Hebrew, which means heights, it should be on a high hill in an area close by to Jerusalem. This area certainly fits this description but we’re not totally certain. 7. The Tabernacle resided at the high place of Gibeon during the reigns of David and Solomon. 1 Chronicles 21:28–29: At that time, when David saw that the Lord had answered him on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, he offered sacrifice there. 29 For the tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering were in the high place at Gibeon at that time. 2 Chronicles 1:2–3: Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the commanders of thousands and of hundreds and to the judges and to every leader in all Israel, the heads of the fathers’ households. 3 Then Solomon and all the assembly with him went to the high place, which was at Gibeon , for God’s tent of meeting was there , which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness. 8. God caused a famine in Israel because King Saul broke the covenant Joshua made with the Gibeonites. 2 Samuel 21:1: Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David sought the presence of the Lord. And the Lord said, “It is for Saul and his bloody house, because he put the Gibeonites to death.” 9. Soon after Solomon became King, he went to Gibeon. Here, he received supernatural wisdom, wealth, and power to rule God’s people. 1 Kings 3:3–5: Now Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, except he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place ; Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 In Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, “Ask what you wish Me to give you.” In response, God not only gave him supernatural wisdom, but wealth and power as well. Faith Lessons from Gibeon 1. The Gibeonites tricked Joshua into making an agreement with them because he failed to seek the Lord in prayer. Do we make poor decisions as well because we fail to seek the Lord? Proverbs 3:5–6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." 2. God heard Joshua’s prayer, and the sun and moon stood still for a day. There is nothing we can ask in prayer that is too big for God to answer. James 5:16–18: "The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit." Do we believe God truly hears our prayers? 3. God punished the Israelites because they broke their agreement with the Gibeonites that Joshua made with them. Psalm 15:4: "But he honors those who fear the Lord; he who swears to his own hurt and does not change." What about us? Do we keep our agreements with others? 4. God gave Solomon supernatural wisdom, wealth, and power to serve others and glorify God. How do we use our wisdom, wealth, and power? Do we mainly use it for the Lord, or primarily for our own good and benefit?

Filmed on location in Jerusalem. Learn all the details and timeline of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ Church of the Holy Sepulchre Photo Gallery Garden Tomb Photo Gallery Places of Interest Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ Location 1. We filmed our video about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ at Gordan’s Garden Tomb, as it provides a good setting for the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. 2. The Garden Tomb is located just 250 yards (220 m.) to the north of the Damascus Gate of Old City Jerusalem. 3. The traditional location of Golgotha is at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which has overwhelming evidence as the authentic site. Historical Background 1. The property of the Garden Tomb was purchased in 1894 by The Garden Tomb Association. 2. It is a Charitable Trust based in the United Kingdom and is made up of people from many different denominations and national backgrounds. 3. Their passion is to help people understand all Christ did for them on the Cross. 4. The site is maintained by volunteers that come from around the globe and join a team of local Palestinians and Israelis. Places of Interest 1. Garden Tomb. A cave-like tomb that can be entered. It has a channel at the entrance where a stone could be rolled to cover and uncover the tomb. 2. A rock face cliff that has the form of a skull which is believed to be Golgotha. 3. Damascus Gate 4. Old City Jerusalem 5. Church of the Holy Sepulchre Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ in the Bible 1. At 3:00 pm, Friday afternoon, Jesus dies. This happened at the exact time the sacrificial lamb for the Passover was to be killed. Matthew 27:45–53: Now from the sixth hour [12:00 pm] there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour [3:00 pm]. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, "This man is calling Elijah." 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him." 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. 51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 2. Jesus’ body is taken down from the cross and placed in a tomb. John 19:41–42: Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. 3. Jesus’ body was given to Joseph of Arimathea, prepared for burial, and placed in Joseph’s own tomb. Matthew 27:57–61: As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. 4. The Tomb of Jesus is sealed and secured by the Romans. Matthew 27:62–66: The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63 "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' 64 So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first." Pilate said to them, "You have a guard of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can." 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. 5. On Sunday morning, very early, Jesus rose from the dead. Matthew 28:1–10: After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." 8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." 6. Mary Magdalene is our example of what it means to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. John 20:11–18: But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept, she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her. 7. The Roman soldiers report to the chief priests. Matthew 28:11–15: While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep. 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.’” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day. 8. The disciples respond in unbelief to the report from the women that Christ had risen from the dead. Luke 24:9–12: When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 9. Jesus appears to the disciples. Luke 24:36–47: While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." 37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he took it and ate it in their presence. 44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." 45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” 10. Christ appeared to many others after His resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:3–8: For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me [Apostle Paul]. Faith Lesson 1. The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ are true historical events that form the foundation to the Christian Faith. 2. Without Christ’s death on the Cross, our sins are not forgiven. 3. Without Christ’s resurrection, our faith is in vain (1 Cor. 15:14). 4. No other self-acclaimed prophet has risen from the dead. The fact that Christ did separates Him from all others, proving that He was God in the flesh. 5. The resurrection proves that all believers will receive resurrected bodies after death. 6. Mary Magdalene encapsulates what it means to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Do we love the Lord as Mary did?

The latest discoveries show that Tel Khirbet el-Maqatir and Et Tell provide the most evidence for being the biblical Ai. The Bible story of how this city was destroyed by Joshua and the lesson to be learned by it is found here. Ai is in the hill country of the Samaria region. Two locations close to one another provide evidence of the location of Tel Ai. The first location is called Et-Tell. The second, and most recent excavation site, is called Khirbet el-Maqatir (Khirbet means ruins in Hebrew). Tel Ai: Et-Tell & Khirbet el-Maqatir Photo Gallery Places of Interest Tel Ai: Et-Tell & Khirbet el-Maqatir Location 1. Ai is in the hill country of the Samaria region about 14 miles (22 km.) west of Jericho and about 10 miles (17 km.) north of Jerusalem. 2. Two locations close by to one another provide overwhelming evidence as to the location of Tel Ai. The first location, which is the oldest excavation site, is called Et-Tell. The second, and most recent excavation site, is called Khirbet el-Maqatir (Khirbet means ruins in Hebrew). It is the view of HolyLandSite.com that both places are the same biblical Ai. Ai was a large city and had at least 12,000 inhabitants (Josh. 8:25). Because both sites are almost adjacent to one another, it appears that both belong to the same city of Ai and are just different parts of the city. 3. Both places are undeveloped sites, and no fees are charged to visit them. Et-Tell is located to the north of the modern town of Dayr Dibwan, and Khirbet el-Maqatir is located just west of Dayr Dibwan. Historical Background 1. Ai was the second town Joshua and the Israelites conquered after they entered the Promised Land. 2. It was a small town compared to Jericho, but because of sin among one person, Joshua and the Israelites had a hard time conquering this city and were taught a major lesson of how God feels about sin in the midst of His people. 3. Khirbet el-Maqatir is also the believed place of the New Testament town of Ephraim. This is significant because after Christ raised Lazarus from the dead, He and His disciples came here to stay awhile. John 11:54: Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim , and there he stayed with the disciples. 4. There has been some dispute regarding the location of Ai, with the believed place being Et-Tell for many years. However, in 1995, excavations at Khirbet el-Maqatir were begun by Bryant Wood and sponsored by the Associates of Biblical Research (ABR). They excavated much of the site and made substantial discoveries, all indicating this site as the biblical Ai. ABR deserves the bulk of the credit for the excavations and discoveries at this site. However, as mentioned, we believe both sites of Et-Tell and Khirbet el-Maqatir are part of biblical Ai. 5. Byzantine monks built a large monastery at Khirbet el-Maqatir in the 4th century AD. Normally, churches were built at significant holy sites to preserve and commemorate them. This helps confirm this site as Ai. 6. The earliest reports by Edward Robinson in 1838 show that the local people thought Khirbet el-Maqatir was Ai. It’s likely that the Byzantine monastery helped preserve the memory of this location. 7. Evidence shows that Khirbet el-Maqatir was occupied and destroyed by fire during the time of Joshua, matching the biblical account. Ash layers have been discovered here supporting destruction by fire. 8. The Bible states that when Joshua arrived at Ai with his army, he stood in front of Ai on its north side (Joshua 8:11). In 1995, Associates for Biblical Research discovered the remains of a gate on the north side of the city wall. This matches the biblical account for the layout of biblical Ai. 9. At Khirbet el-Maqatir, a Canaanite border fortress was discovered that shows evidence of being destroyed by military action in around 1406 BC. This matches the exact time of the destruction of Ai in the Bible. The rough outline of the walls of the fortress has been marked out and small sections have been excavated. 10. Many pieces of pottery and artifacts dating to the time of Joshua have been uncovered at both sites. Among these are two Egyptian scarabs (small seals that look like coins). 11. The geography of the land in the area fits the locations of Khirbet el-Maqatir and Et-Tell perfectly. 12. Khirbet el-Maqatir and Et-Tell are on one of the highest mountains to the east of Bethel. Places of Interest at Et-Tell 1. Temple 2. Sacred Stones 3. Northern Gate 4. Tower 5. Building area of Ai that was covered with stones 28 feet (8.53 m.) high. This matches the biblical account in Joshua 8:29. Places of Interest at Khirbet el-Maqatir 1. City Towers 2. City Gate 3. City Walls 4. Ash remains from the destruction of Ai. 5. Byzantine church and monastery. 6. Mikveh 7. Dwellings 8. Silos 9. Cisterns General Places of Interest Around Ai 1. City of Bethel 2. Bethel Site of Abraham and Jacob 3. Bethel High Place of Worship – Currently named Khalom Ya'akov Antiquities Site. 4. Jericho Ai in the Bible 1. Close by to Ai, Abram (Abraham) built an altar to the Lord. Genesis 12:7-8: The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord who had appeared to him. 8 Then he proceeded from there to the mountain 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. Before conquering Jericho, God gave strict orders that the Israelites were not to take any items from it. It was for the Lord as a kind of “First Fruits Offering” because it was the first city the Israelites conquered in the Promised Land. Joshua 6:17-19: The city shall be under the ban, it and all that is in it belongs to the Lord; only Rahab the harlot and all who are with her in the house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. 18 But as for you, only keep yourselves from the things under the ban, so that you do not covet them and take some of the things under the ban, and make the camp of Israel accursed and bring trouble on it. 19 But all the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron are holy to the Lord; they shall go into the treasury of the Lord.” 3. God gave the Israelites a miraculous victory over Jericho. After marching around the city one time each day for six days, and seven times the seventh day, God caused the walls to fall by the shout of His people. Joshua 6:20: So the people shouted, and priests blew the trumpets; and when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted with a great shout and the wall fell down flat , so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they took the city. 4. Achan disobeyed God’s orders and took forbidden items from Jericho. Joshua 7:1: But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the things under the ban, therefore the anger of the Lord burned against the sons of Israel. It’s interesting that God held all of Israel guilty for the sin of one person. It appears He wanted to show them that they were a family and community, and what affects one person affects everyone. 5. After seeing a miraculous victory over Jericho, the Israelites then proceeded to Ai, thinking they would take it with ease. However, God was angry over Achan’s sin and decided to teach the whole nation of Israel a big life lesson. Joshua 7:2-5: Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and said to them, "Go up and spy out the land.” So the men went up and spied out Ai. 3 They returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up; only about two or three thousand men need go up to Ai; do not make all the people toil up there, for they are few.” 4 So about three thousand men from the people went up there, but they fled from the men of Ai. 5 The men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of their men, and pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent, so the hearts of the people melted and became as water. 6. God spoke to Joshua and revealed the problem. Joshua 7:10-13: So the Lord said to Joshua, “Rise up! Why is it that you have fallen on your face? 11 Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. And they have even taken some of the things under the ban and have both stolen and deceived. Moreover, they have also put them among their own things. 12 Therefore the sons of Israel cannot stand before their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, for they have become accursed. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy the things under the ban from your midst. 13 Rise up! Consecrate the people and say, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, for thus the Lord, the God of Israel, has said, “There are things under the ban in your midst, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you have removed the things under the ban from your midst.” 7. Achan’s sin is dealt with, and the Israelites are cleansed. Joshua 7:22-26: So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and behold, it was concealed in his tent with the silver underneath it. 23 They took them from inside the tent and brought them to Joshua and to all the sons of Israel, and they poured them out before the Lord. 24 Then Joshua and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, the silver, the mantle, the bar of gold, his sons, his daughters, his oxen, his donkeys, his sheep, his tent and all that belonged to him; and they brought them up to the valley of Achor. 25 Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The Lord will trouble you this day.” And all Israel stoned them with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones. 26 They raised over him a great heap of stones that stands to this day, and the Lord turned from the fierceness of His anger. 8. The Israelites easily conquer Ai and burn it with fire. Joshua 8:11–12: And all the fighting men who were with him went up and drew near before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai, with a ravine between them and Ai . 12 He took about 5,000 men and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city . Joshua 8:14–17: And as soon as the king of Ai saw this, he and all his people, the men of the city, hurried and went out early to the appointed place toward the Arabah to meet Israel in battle. But he did not know that there was an ambush against him behind the city. 15 And Joshua and all Israel pretended to be beaten before them and fled in the direction of the wilderness. 16 So all the people who were in the city were called together to pursue them, and as they pursued Joshua they were drawn away from the city. 17 Not a man was left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel. They left the city open and pursued Israel. Joshua 8:19–21: And the men in the ambush rose quickly out of their place, and as soon as he had stretched out his hand, they ran and entered the city and captured it. And they hurried to set the city on fire. 20 So when the men of Ai looked back, behold, the smoke of the city went up to heaven , and they had no power to flee this way or that, for the people who fled to the wilderness turned back against the pursuers. 21 And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had captured the city, and that the smoke of the city went up, then they turned back and struck down the men of Ai. Faith Lesson from Ai 1. Sin is a serious thing in the life of a believer or church. 2. Our sin not only affects us but others around us as well. 3. If there is unconfessed sin in our lives, God will likely allow us to be defeated. 4. If our hearts are right before God, He will give us victory.

See the miraculous events of the Exodus route the Israelites took from Egypt, the location of the Red Sea Crossing, and the location of Mt. Sinai in Arabia. Places of interest include 1. Egypt 2. Goshen 3. Suez Finger of the Red Sea 4. Traditional Red Sea Crossing Place 5. Sinai Peninsula 6. Aqaba Finger of Red Sea 7. Nuweiba Beach 8. Saudi Arabia Beach 9. Red Sea Crossing 10. Marah 11. Elim 12. Magna Oasis 13. Wilderness of Sin 14. Caves of Jethro 15. Rephidim 16. Mount Sinai The Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, & Mt. Sinai Photo Gallery Places of Interest The Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, & Mt. Sinai Location 1. For many years it was believed that the Israelites crossed the Suez finger of the Red Sea just southeast of what is now Cairo, Egypt. However, there are no deep bodies of water in these areas but just shallow marshes and lakes. For this reason, the biblical account of this astounding miracle has been attempted to be discredited or erased altogether by liberal scholars. 2. Many recent archeologists and scholars now believe the Israelites crossed the Red Sea at the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea and that Mount Sinai is in Midian, which is part of modern-day Saudi Arabia. Historical Background 1. God called Abraham and promised him He would make a great nation out of his offspring. Abraham obeyed and left everything to follow God. 2. Abraham birthed Isaac, who birthed Jacob, who birthed 12 sons. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. 3. Jacob and his 12 sons moved to Egypt according to God’s sovereign plan (about 70–75 total people). 4. The Israelites spent 430 years in Egypt (30 years as free people under Joseph and 400 years as slaves). During this time, they grew into a nation of around 2.5 to 3 million people. 5. God performed a miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt by performing 10 amazing miracles. 6. The last miracle, known as the Passover, happened when God killed the firstborn of all the Egyptians who did not put the blood of a lamb over the doorposts of their homes. Places of Interest 1. Egypt 2. Goshen 3. Suez Finger of the Red Sea 4. Traditional Red Sea Crossing Place 5. Sinai Peninsula 6. Aqaba Finger of Red Sea 7. Nuweiba Beach 8. Saudi Arabia Beach 9. Red Sea Crossing 10. Marah 11. Elim 12. Magna Oasis 13. Wilderness of Sin 14. Caves of Jethro 15. Rephidim 16. Mount Sinai The Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, and Mount Sinai in the Bible 1. How many Israelites left Egypt and crossed the Red Sea? Exodus 12:37: Now the sons of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, aside from children. Using the number of 600,000 men only, we can estimate that there were probably 2.5 to 3 million Israelites. 2. How many Egyptian soldiers were chasing them? Exodus 14:6–7: So he made his chariot ready and took his people with him; 7 and he took six hundred select chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. According to Josephus, a historian writer, there were 50,000 horsemen and 200,000 footmen, all armed. 3. Did the Israelites cross the Red Sea by Egypt? It has been generally believed for many years that the Israelites crossed the Suez finger of the Red Sea just east of Cairo, Egypt. However, the sea is not very deep there so many have discredited the biblical miracle by claiming the Israelites crossed in shallow marshes of water. It should be noted that over the years, no archaeological evidence has supported this Red Sea crossing location. It also would have been virtually impossible for such a large army to drown in the shallow lakes and marshes in this area. 4. Over the past several decades, substantial archeological investigation shows convincing evidence for a different location for the Red Sea crossing. The new location places the crossing at Nuweiba Beach on the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea about 40 miles (64 km.) south of Eilat, Israel. 5. God said he brought the Israelites out of Egypt on the very same day they left. Exodus 12:51: And on that same day the Lord brought the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their hosts. The Red Sea crossing happened after they had left Egypt. The border of Egypt at that time was the Suez finger of the Red Sea. Any place the Israelites would have crossed the sea in this area they would still have been in Egypt and not outside of it. 6. The Suez finger of the Red Sea is about 72 miles (116 km.) south of Goshen (place where the Israelites lived and departed Egypt). However, the land directly east of Goshen is dry and easily crossable. The Israelites had exited Egypt on the same day they left. The route directly east of Goshen would have allowed them to leave Egypt on dry ground. Afterward, they would have been in the wilderness of Sinai, which fits well with the biblical narrative, as we will see in the next point. 7. Scripture strongly indicates that the Israelites traveled a long time through a wilderness before crossing the Red Sea. Exodus 13:18-22: Hence, God led the people around by the way of the wilderness to the Red Sea ; and the sons of Israel went up in martial array from the land of Egypt. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the sons of Israel solemnly swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones from here with you.” 20 Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. 21 The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night . 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. These verses clearly reveal that the Israelites walked a long way traveling both day and night through a wilderness before crossing the Red Sea. Because the miracle of the Red Sea crossing happened several days after the Exodus, it couldn’t have happened at the Suez finger of the Red Sea because Goshen is just 20 miles (32 km.) from the sea, a distance of just a few hours walk. Moreover, between Goshen and the believed traditional crossing place of the Red Sea is not a wilderness. The Sinai Peninsula is a wilderness that would fit the biblical narrative of the Israelites traveling by day and by night before crossing the sea. Research shows that a person could cross the Sinai Peninsula in 3 days traveling day and night at a normal walking pace of just 3 or so miles an hour. Scripture also says that there were no feeble ones among them and that God carried them supernaturally on eagle’s wings during their exodus. These factors provide more evidence that the Israelites could have easily crossed the Sinai Peninsula and arrived at the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea at Nuweiba Beach. Meaning of Yam Suph Now the reason some believe that the Israelites crossed the Sea close-by to Egypt is because of how the Hebrew words Yam Suph, and specifically, Suph is translated. The translation of the word Yam means sea, or large body of water, and Suph mainly means end, edge, shoreline, red, and a few times as reeds. Therefore, some believe the Israelites crossed just east of Egypt because there are many shallow waters with reeds there. However, the words Yam Suph together are mentioned 24 times in the Old Testament, with 7 of them referring to specific locations which are around the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea and not by Egypt. For example, in Exodus 23:31, the word is used to describe the boundary of Israel going from the Aqaba northern tip of the Red Sea by Eilat to the Sea of the Philistines which would be the Mediterranean Sea. In 1 Kings 9:26, Yam Suph refers again to the northern tip of the Aqaba Finger of the Red Sea and is where Solomon had a fleet of ships stationed at Eloth, which is modern-day Eilat. Therefore, the term Yam Suph does not only mean reeds and refer to the area east of Egypt. The term is mainly used of the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea. Taking this into account, the Aqaba Finger of the Red Sea is referred to as Yam Suph as well in the Bible. 8. There has been found in the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea at Nuweiba Beach amazing evidence of coral growth on objects that look like old chariot wheels, axles, etc. These same objects have also been found on the shore across from Nuweiba Beach on the Saudi Arabian side of the Red Sea. Coral doesn’t grow in sandy areas and must have some object to grow on. The Red Sea is very sandy from Nuweiba Beach to the Saudi Arabian shore, so there’s no reason coral would grow in this area unless there were foreign objects for it to grow on. 9. Nuweiba Beach is very large and could have easily accommodated the 3 million or so Israelites. The beach at Nuweiba is large, flat, and sandy, a perfect place for the 2.5 to 3 million Israelites to camp. 10. The ocean floor of the Red Sea by Nuweiba Beach gradually goes down and then gradually goes up to the shore of Saudi Arabia. Just north or south of this area, there are deep impassible ravines on the ocean floor. The Nuweiba Beach location is the only place on the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea that would have allowed the Israelites to cross. It seems reasonable to suggest that God, in His sovereignty, divinely created this sandy, gradual crossing place for the Israelites to use for this magnanimous miracle. The maximum depth of the ocean floor at this crossing place is about 2,500 ft. deep (762 m.). This fits the biblical narrative that God divided the “mighty waters” of the sea. Exodus 14:29: But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea , and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. Exodus 15:10: You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; They sank like lead in the mighty waters . Isaiah 51:10: Was it not You who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep ; who made the depths of the sea a pathway for the redeemed to cross over? The shallow lakebeds and marshes by Egypt were certainly not waters of the great deep. 11. Solomon referred to the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea, and archaeological discoveries have found two pillars he erected on each side of the Red Sea crossing. 1 Kings 9:26: King Solomon also built a fleet of ships in Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth [modern-day Eilat] on the shore of the Red Sea , in the land of Edom. At Nuweiba Beach, and on the beach of Saudi Arabia across from Nuweiba Beach, are pillars Solomon erected marking the crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites. 12. When the Israelites arrived at the location of Nuweiba Beach, they were certainly hemmed in as Scripture says. Exodus 14:1–3: Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the people of Israel to turn back and encamp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea , in front of Baal-zephon; you shall encamp facing it, by the sea . 3 For Pharaoh will say of the people of Israel, ‘They are wandering in the land; the wilderness has shut them in .’” The landscape at Nuweiba Beach is unique and mountainous and would fit the biblical narrative. 13. As a result of being hemmed in and threatened by the Egyptian army, the Israelites cried out to Moses in anger and desperation. Exodus 14:13-14: But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. 14 The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.” 14. Then the hand of God performed one of the greatest miracles ever recorded in Scripture. Exodus 14:15-31: Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. 16 As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. 17 As for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. 18 Then the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen.” 19 The angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. 20 So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus, the one did not come near the other all night. 21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. 22 The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea. 24 At the morning watch, the Lord looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion. 25 He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from Israel, for the Lord is fighting for them against the Egyptians.” 26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen.” 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea . 28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh’s entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained. 29 But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea , and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 When Israel saw the great power which the Lord had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in His servant Moses. The entire Egyptian army drowned in the sea, and if the army was around 250,000, this couldn’t have happened in the shallow marshes east of Egypt. So it had to occur in a wide and deep body of water. 15. After crossing the Red Sea, the Bible says the Israelites then traveled to Mount Sinai. Does the location of Mount Sinai in Saudi Arabia, which was biblical Midian, fit the biblical narrative? When Moses fled to Egypt, to save his life, Scripture says he went to Midian. Exodus 2:15: When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the presence of Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian , and he sat down by a well. Midian is in Saudi Arabia, not in the Sinai Peninsula. Galatians 4:25: Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. When God appeared to Moses in a burning bush at Mount Sinai, God said that Moses would bring the people out of Egypt and worship at the same Mount Sinai (also known as Mount Horeb). Moses was in Midian when this event occurred, so it seems very convincing that Mount Sinai is in Midian. Exodus 3:1–2: Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian ; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God . 2 The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. Exodus 3:12: And He said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain .” 17. Evidence from the places the Israelites camped on their way from the Red Sea crossing to Mount Sinai supports Mount Sinai's location in Midian. Location of Elim Exodus 15:27: Then they came to Elim where there were twelve springs of water and seventy date palms, and they camped there beside the waters. The location of Elim has been identified in Saudi Arabia, about 26 miles (42 km.) south of the Red Sea crossing. Magna Oasis We then find in Numbers 33:10 that the Israelites then journeyed from Elim and camped by the Red Sea. Now we have strong and convincing evidence of where Elim is so taking into consideration the geography of the land, the most obvious place would have been south of Elim a bit at the modern-day location of Magna Oasis by the Red Sea. You can see that this is a large area with plenty of water that would fit the biblical requirements for this place. There is also a well here called by the Saudis as the well of Moses. Wilderness of Sin From the Israelites’ encampment by the Red Sea, which we believe is modern-day Magna Oasis, Numbers 33:11-14 tells us they traveled to the Wilderness of Sin. Now the name Wilderness of Sin does not refer to something sinful but is just a name. It says: And they journeyed from the Red Sea and camped in the wilderness of Sin. It appears they backtracked to Elim and then went to the Wilderness of Sin from there. Exodus 16:1-3 provides the details: Then they set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the sons of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt. 2 But the whole congregation of the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3 The sons of Israel said to them, “If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread until we were full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this entire assembly with hunger!” At the encampment at the Wilderness of Sin, several major events would take place. Because the Israelites grumbled against God, He supernaturally gave the Israelites Manna; of which they would eat until the day they entered the Promised Land some 40 plus years later. He provided quail, of which they became sick on, and then He instituted the Sabbath Day. Caves of Jethro There are caves named after Jethro the Midianite (Moses’ father-in-law) that have been found by the route the Israelites took from the Red Sea crossing to Mount Sinai. This shows that Jethro lived in this area and that it was the land of Midian at that time. Split Rock at Rephidim Exodus 17:1: Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel journeyed by stages from the wilderness of Sin, according to the command of the Lord, and camped at Rephidim , and there was no water for the people to drink. Exodus 17:6: Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it , that the people may drink.” This rock at Rephidim is believed to have been found. It is a large rock that is split from top to bottom and shows water grooves where massive amounts of water ran down from it. 18. Evidence for the location of Mount Sinai in Midian. 1. Large area to camp at the base of the mountain. Exodus 19:2: When they set out from Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and camped in the wilderness; and there Israel camped in front of the mountain. 2. Burnt top of the mountain and surrounding mountains. Exodus 19:18: Now Mount Sinai was all in smoke because the Lord descended upon it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. 3. Plateau partway up the mountain where the seventy elders could have worshiped while Moses continued up the mountain. Exodus 24:1: Then He said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and you shall worship at a distance. 4. Altar of Moses at the base of the mountain. Exodus 24:4: And Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord. Then he got up early in the morning, and built an altar [b]at the foot of the mountain with twelve memorial stones for the twelve tribes of Israel. 5. Speaking platform partway up the mountain. Exodus 24:3: Then Moses came and reported to the people all the words of the Lord and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the Lord has spoken we will do!” 6. Golden Calf Altar. Exodus 32:1: Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled around Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who will go before us; for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt—we do not know what happened to him.” 7. Streams of water and dry lakebed at the base of the mountain. Exodus 32:19-20: And it came about, as soon as Moses approached the camp, that he saw the calf and the people dancing; and Moses’ anger burned, and he threw the tablets from his hands and shattered them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. 20 Then he took the calf which they had made and completely burned it with fire, and ground it to powder, and scattered it over the surface of the water and made the sons of Israel drink it. 8. Wells at the base of the mountain. 9. Massive graveyard close by to the mountain. Exodus 32:27-28: And he said to them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: ‘Every man of you put his sword on his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate in the camp, and kill every man his brother, and every man his friend, and every man his neighbor.’” 28 So the sons of Levi did as Moses instructed, and about three thousand men of the people fell that day. 10. Cave of Elijah at the mountain. 1 Kings 19:8-9: So he arose and ate and drank, and he journeyed in the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 Then he came there to a cave and spent the night there; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 11. Artifacts found in the area. Items like a menorah drawing, writings, and footprint drawings all give further evidence that the Israelites were in this area. 12. This area is a designated archaeological site by the Saudi government. Today, sections of the area, along with the mountain, are fenced off by the Saudi Arabian government and designated as archeological sites. However, there are no excavations permitted on them at this time. Other Evidence from ancient historians. Several Jewish documents dating 600 years before Christ locate Mount Sinai in Midian, and Philo and Josephus (Jewish historians) also locate Mount Sinai in Midian of Arabia. Faith Lesson from the Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, and Mount Sinai 1. The miracles of the Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, God’s supernatural leading of the Israelites, and all that happened at Mt. Sinai, are massive miracles that reveal God’s glory and greatness. 2. They teach us deep theological truths that God wants us to believe and embrace. Truths like God’s greatness, ability to help and rescue us out of our sin and problems, how God is able to provide for us, protect us, and lead us are foundational concepts these miracles communicate. 3. God wants us to believe them instead of doubting and trying to explain them away, or believe they happened by natural means, as many liberal scholars attempt to do. 4. God calls unbelief a sin in His Word, the Bible. Hebrews 3:12 says: Take care, brothers and sisters, that there will not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. 5. While the miracles of the Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, and the events that happened at Mt. Sinai are massive in size, they are tiny in comparison to God’s greater miracles of creating everything that exists, giving life to everything that exists, and sustaining everything that exists. Acts 17:27 says: He [God] is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist. It is God who gives life to our bodies and spirits and is allows us to live, move, and exist. 6. When I listen to liberal theologians explaining away the miracles of the Exodus, Red Sea crossing, events at Mt. Sinai, and so forth, I can’t help but think that if God was to remove His sustaining power from their lives they would cease to exist in the very moment they are speaking and denying God’s power. 7. God was deeply grieved with the Israelites who doubted His power and ability on many occasions. He can also be deeply grieved with us today when we do the same. 8. Unlike Moses, who tried to fulfill God’s promise in his own strength and wound up killing an Egyptian, we should wait on God’s timing and not force things when they don’t happen as we think they should. We should never have to do evil or manipulate things in fulfilling God’s will for us.

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?

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

Samaria was a central focus point in Israel and is mentioned around 117 times in the Bible. The word “Samaria” is used 3 different ways in the Bible. It can mean the capital city of Samaria, the geographical region in the hill country north of Jerusalem, or the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel. The city of Samaria became the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel after the kingdom was divided. As a result, it became the second most important city in Israel after Jerusalem. Samaria Photo Gallery Places of Interest Samaria Location 1. The biblical city of Samaria, also known as Sabastia, today, is located at Samaria National Park (Shomron National Park). 2. The city of Samaria is located about 33 miles (54 km.) north of Jerusalem and about 20 miles (32 km.) east of the Mediterranean Sea. 3. The city of Samaria was in the Samaria region of Israel in the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh during Bible times. 4. It was on a main east-west route that linked the coastal plain of Israel with the Jordan Valley. Historical Background 1. Samaria was a central focus point in Israel and is mentioned around 117 times in the Bible. 2. The word “Samaria” is used 3 different ways in the Bible and can mean: The capital city of Samaria. The geographical region in the hill country north of Jerusalem. The entire Northern Kingdom of Israel. 3. After the nation of Israel was divided in around 936 BC (after Solomon’s reign), the capital of the Northern Kingdom was first established in Shechem and then moved to Tirzah. Both capitals were founded by Jeroboam (931 - 910 BC). 4. King Omri began his reign in 882 BC and moved the capital of the Northern Kingdom from Tirzah, and established it in the city of Samaria. 5. The city of Samaria was to the Northern Kingdom what Jerusalem was to the Southern Kingdom. As a result, it became the second most important city in Israel after Jerusalem. 6. The city sits on a flat-topped, oblong hill with steep slopes on all sides. It was a huge city fortified with walls. 7. King Omri named the city “Shomron” (Samaria). 8. King Ahab built a palace at Samaria and overlaid it with ivory (1 Kings 22:39). This palace has been discovered with ivory in it, as mentioned in Scripture. 9. Samaria fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC, after 3 years of battle. 10. Samaria was given to Herod the Great by the emperor Augustus. Herod rebuilt Samaria and called it Sebaste (Greek form of Augustus) in honor of the emperor. 11. In order to honor John the Baptist, a Byzantine church was built on the southern side of the Acropolis in the 5th century. It was believed John’s body was buried here, but this seems quite unlikely according to the evidence. 12. During the Crusader Period (12th century), a church was built on the ruins of the eastern gate. Places of Interest 1. Visitor Center 2. Western Gate 3. Colonnade Street 4. Ahab’s Palace 5. Temple of Augustus Caesar 6. Roman Theater 7. Acropolis 8. Hippodrome 9. Byzantine Basilica 10. Hellenistic Tower 11. Roman Basilica 12. Church of John the Baptist 13. Modern-day Sabastia (Sabaste) Samaria In the Bible 1. Samaria was established as the capital of the Northern Kingdom under King Omri’s reign. 1 Kings 16:24: He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver, and he fortified the hill and called the name of the city that he built Samaria , after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill. 2. King Ahab erected an altar to the false god Baal in Samaria. 1 Kings 16:29–33: In the thirty-eighth year of Asa king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel, and Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. 30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord, more than all who were before him. 31 And as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, he took for his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshiped him. 32 He erected an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he built in Samaria . 33 And Ahab made an Asherah. Ahab did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 3. Because of Ahab’s great sin, God sent a famine upon Samaria, and the great prophet Elijah paid a visit here. 1 Kings 18:1–2: After many days the word of the Lord came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the earth.” 2 So Elijah went to show himself to Ahab. Now the famine was severe in Samaria . 4. Later, the great showdown between the 850 false prophets of Baal and Asherah and Elijah took place on Mount Carmel, just 28 miles (48 km.) north of Samaria. 1 Kings 18:20–21: So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. 5. Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, came up against Samaria and attempted to defeat it. However, because he mocked God, God gave King Ahab victory over him. 1 Kings 20:26–28: In the spring, Ben-hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. 27 And the people of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went against them. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country. 28 And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is a god of the hills but he is not a god of the valleys,” therefore I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” 6. King Ahab killed Naboth to acquire his vineyard. This event took place north of Samaria at Ahab's summer palace of Tel Jezreel. 1 Kings 21:1–3: Now Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard in Jezreel, beside the palace of Ahab king of Samaria . 2 And after this Ahab said to Naboth, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near my house, and I will give you a better vineyard for it; or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its value in money.” 3 But Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers.” 7. God killed King Ahab because of his great wickedness. 1 Kings 22:37–38: So the king died, and was brought to Samaria . And they buried the king in Samaria . 38 And they washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood, and the prostitutes washed themselves in it, according to the word of the Lord that he had spoken. 8. God sent the prophets Elijah and Elisha to minister and perform many miracles to persuade the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Samaria) to turn from their false gods and serve Him. 9. Despite Israel’s great sins, God had mercy on them and delivered them from warring armies. 2 Kings 6:24–25: Afterward Ben-hadad king of Syria mustered his entire army and went up and besieged Samaria . 25 And there was a great famine in Samaria, as they besieged it, until a donkey's head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of dove's dung for five shekels of silver. 2 Kings 7:1: But Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord: thus says the Lord, Tomorrow about this time a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria .” 2 Kings 7:3–7: Now there were four men who were lepers at the entrance to the gate . And they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘Let us enter the city,’ the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit here, we die also. So now come, let us go over to the camp of the Syrians. If they spare our lives we shall live, and if they kill us we shall but die.” 5 So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there. 6 For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and of horses, the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, “Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us.” 7 So they fled away in the twilight and abandoned their tents, their horses, and their donkeys, leaving the camp as it was, and fled for their lives. 2 Kings 7:16: Then the people went out and plundered the camp of the Syrians. So a seah of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the Lord. 10. The Northern Kingdom continued to reject God, so He allowed Assyria to conquer and lead them into captivity. 2 Kings 17:5–8: Then the king of Assyria invaded all the land and came to Samaria , and for three years he besieged it. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria , and he carried the Israelites away to Assyria and placed them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes. 7 And this occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods 8 and walked in the customs of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel, and in the customs that the kings of Israel had practiced. 11. As a common Assyrian conquest practice, the Israelite exiles were replaced by people from Mesopotamia and other areas. However, some of the Israelites were left in the land by the Assyrians. 2 Kings 17:24: And the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Avva, Hamath, and Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the people of Israel. And they took possession of Samaria and lived in its cities. 12. The beginning of the Samaritan people. Assyria led into captivity most of the inhabitants of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. However, some were left in the land. Those who were left intermarried with foreign unbelievers that were placed there by the Assyrians and were thereafter called Samaritans. When Ezra and Nehemiah returned with many Jews to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple, these Samaritans and others would attempt to stop them. The Samaritans established their own religion at Mount Gerizim and built their own temple. They were despised and rejected by the Jews and considered unclean because they weren’t pure bloodline Jews. The Samaritans, likewise, despised the Jews and had few dealings with them. The Samaritan people still exist today and only believe in the Torah (first 5 books of the Old Testament). 13. Part of Samaria was repopulated by Jews from Judah (Southern Kingdom of Israel), and worship of God was restored. 2 Kings 23:19: And Josiah [King of Judah] removed all the shrines also of the high places that were in the cities of Samaria , which kings of Israel had made, provoking the Lord to anger. He did to them according to all that he had done at Bethel. 14. Jesus ministered in the area of Samaria. John 4:1–5: Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. 4 And he had to pass through Samaria . 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar [Shechem) , near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 15. In the New Testament, believers from Jerusalem spread to the Samaria region due to persecution. Acts 8:1: And Saul approved of his 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. 16. Philip preached Christ in the city of Samaria. Acts 8:4–8: Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city . Faith Lesson from Samaria 1. Unfortunately, the division of the Nation of Israel into two parts was born out of disobedience to God. 2. Nonetheless, God sent prophet after prophet to warn them to leave their false Gods and return to Him. 3. God extended mercy and patience upon them despite their continual rejection of Him. 4. Because of their hardhearted rejection, God had no choice but to discipline the Northern Kingdom and deport most of them to Assyria. 5. Do we really believe that disobedience to God causes pain and suffering (Rom 8:6)? 6. Do we understand that God is merciful and patient but disciplines those He loves (Heb. 12:7–11)? 7. The Samaritan people gladly received the gospel under Philip’s preaching. Do we realize that those living in darkness are the most receptive to the light?

If you want an in-depth Bible-centered trip and see more holy sites in Israel than other tours, then this trip is designed for you. Holy Land Trip Deposit Secure Payment Link Registration Deposit Payment To complete your registration, please pay your registration deposit of $500 by either credit card, PayPal, or check. Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If paying by credit card or PayPal, a 4% fee is added to cover fees charged by credit cards and PayPal. If paying by credit card or PayPal, click the button below. PayPal does not require you to create a PayPal account to use your credit card. $500.00 Deposit Payment Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If you would like to avoid the Credit Card fees, then you can send your check to the following address if you live in the U.S.A. or Canada. Holy Land Site (Make checks payable to: Holy Land Site) 6945 Burnett St., SE Salem, OR, 97317-5202 (Using regular mail is preferred as there's not always someone available to sign for certified mail).