The site has 26 burial niches and two adjoining burial caves. According to medieval Jewish tradition, the tombs are those of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, who lived in the 6th and 5th centuries BC. Mount of Olives, Kidron Valley, Jerusalem. Tombs of the Prophets Photo Gallery Places of Interest Tombs of the Prophets Introduction This site, situated on the Mount of Olives, claims to be the burial place of the last three prophets of the Old Testament. It's pretty remarkable to explore the cave complex and see its tombs, along with nearly 50 other tombs. 1. This underground burial site is traditionally believed to be the resting place of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. 2. Visitors can walk through its central hall and narrow passageways lined with around 50 burial rock-cut tombs. 3. Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are the last books of the Old Testament. 4. According to historical records, artifacts, inscriptions, and Jewish tradition, the tombs are believed to be those of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, who lived in the 6th and 5th centuries BC. 5. We're going to be going down into the cave complex and seeing these tombs. We'll witness and see the tombs of the last three prophets of the Old Testament. Location 1. The Tombs of the Prophets are located at the top of the Mount of Olives at the beginning of the Triumphal Entry descent. 2. Just above it is a popular viewing terrace of Old City Jerusalem. Historical Background 1. The site has 50 burial niches and two adjoining burial caves. 2. According to books, artifacts, inscriptions, and Jewish tradition, the tombs are those of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, who lived in the 6th and 5th centuries BC. 3. Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are the last books of the Old Testament. 4. Both Jews and Christians venerate the site as the tombs of these prophets. 5. Inscriptions indicate that the site was also used for the burial of Christians in the Byzantine period. 6. The property is currently owned and operated by the Russian Orthodox Church. Places of Interest 1. The tombs of the prophets 2. Mount of Olives 3. Viewing terrace above the tombs 4. Triumphal Entry path 5. Old City Jerusalem The Role of the Prophets in the Bible 1. A prophet was someone called by God to communicate a needed message to God’s people or surrounding nations. 2. Prophets were also called seers because God gave them a special ability to discern and know the future. 1 Samuel 9:9: Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he used to say, “Come, and let us go to the seer”; for he who is called a prophet now was formerly called a seer. 3. The prophet had two roles: (1) to speak forth God’s truth, and (2) to predict the future. 4. A prophet was to deliver God’s message accurately and responsibly, and if they didn’t, they were held accountable. Ezekiel 33:7–9: Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require from your hand. 9 But if you on your part warn a wicked man to turn from his way and he does not turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your life. 5. A prophet sometimes had a unique appearance, i.e., Elijah, John the Baptist, etc. 6. A prophet often led a hard life and was generally rejected by those to whom they spoke. Isaiah 6:8–10: Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” 9 He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; keep on looking, but do not understand.’ 10 “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, their ears dull, and their eyes dim, otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and return and be healed.” 7. The prophets came from all kinds of backgrounds, used various methods, and spoke to many different audiences. Faith Lesson from the Role of the Prophets 1. Today, we are called to be small “p” prophets who speak God’s Word to those around us like the prophets of old did. 2. Like the Old Testament prophets, those to whom we are called to speak often reject and persecute us. 3. And like the Old Testament prophets, our lives can be difficult, lonely, and hard for standing up for the truth. 4. We must know God's Word well in order to share it accurately (2 Tim. 2:15). 5. We are called to speak the truth in love, but nonetheless, we must speak the truth regardless of how others might receive it.

October 17-November 2, 2025, Registration Form. In-depth 17-Day Bible-centered Holy Land tour trip to Israel that allows you to see more holy sites in Israel. Holy Land Trip Registration Form October 17~November 2, 2 025 Trip How to Register and Secure Your Spot on the Holy Land Experience Trip of a Lifetime! 1. Fill out and submit the online registration form below. 2. Upon receiving and accepting your form, we will notify you of availability and acceptance into the tour trip group. 3. Upon acceptance into the group, please pay your $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. Registration Deposit Link Final Paym ent Link CONTACT INFO: Pastor Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website: HolyLandSite.com NEXT STEPS 1. Upon receiving and accepting your form, we will notify you of availability and acceptance into the tour trip group. 2. Upon acceptance into the group, please pay your $500 non-refundable deposit to confirm your spot. Registration Deposit Link Final Payment Link 3. In the meantime, check out our video teachings to the left or see other info about Holy Land Trip orientation, etc. CONTACT INFO: Pastor Todd Fink Phone: (541) 603-0881 Email: holylandsite.com@gmail.com Website: HolyLandSite.com TOUR HOSTS Dr. Todd & Letsy Fink - Tour Hosts More about the Finks

Take a tour and see all the amazing events in the Bible that happened in Caesarea Maritima, Israel. It was built by Herod the Great about 25 to 13 BC as the port city called “Caesarea Maritima.” After the Apostle Paul received Christ, he was sent to Tarsus from here. Cornelius, the first Gentile to receive the Holy Spirit, lived here. The Apostle Paul stood trial here for his faith. The Apostle Paul was imprisoned here for 2 years because of his faith. Caesarea Maritima Overview Photo Gallery Caesarea Maritima Overview Introduction Welcome to Caesarea Maritima. Many events from the Bible took place here. Here are some of the highlights. After the Apostle Paul received Christ, he was sent to Tarsus from this seaport. Cornelius, the first Gentile to receive the Holy Spirit, lived here. Caesarea was the place where the Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles. King Herod Agrippa the 1st, the son of Herod the Great, met his death in Caesarea. Philip the Evangelist lived in Caesarea. The Apostle Paul sailed to and from Caesarea on his missionary travels. The Apostle Paul stood trial here for his faith. The Apostle Paul was imprisoned here for 2 years because of his faith. It's possible that some of the Prison Epistles found in the New Testament were written in this location. After spending two years in prison in Caesarea, the Apostle Paul sailed from Caesarea to Rome, where he was tried for his faith. It was one of the key places where the gospel would be taken to the whole world. Many Christians would be martyred here at the Hippodrome for their refusal to deny Christ. We're going to be seeing all the sites where these events happened. It will be very meaningful and touching. Location Caesarea is located on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, about 35 miles (56 km.) north of Joppa. Historical Background 1. 586-332 BC: Phoenician settlement. 2. 103 BC: Hasmonean conquest and occupation. 3. 22 BC: Construction of the massive city of Caesarea Maritima began during the reign of Herod the Great, who named the city in honor of Caesar Augustus. Like many of Herod’s construction projects, Caesarea was built to rival the grandest cities in the Roman world. Built over the small Phoenician village of Straton’s Tower, Herod’s city of Caesarea stretched across more than 150 acres. It featured a palace, civil halls, an amphitheater, a hippodrome, aqueducts, a high defense wall, and an exquisite temple dedicated to Rome and Augustus. It was built on the site of a Phoenician and Greek trade post known as Straton's Tower. The Phoenicians were maritime merchants of the ancient world. 4. It was named after the Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar. Augustus Caesar was the first Roman Emperor to declare himself a god and demand to be worshiped. A temple was built here to honor and worship Caesar Augustus as a god. Interestingly, Christ was born in this time period and was viewed as a competing God. 5. King Herod the Great was the one who had all the children 2 years and younger slaughtered in Bethlehem in his attempt to kill Christ. He was a jealous king who feared losing his power and control. 6. King Herod built Caesarea out of nothing and was a master builder. Some of his major building projects included: This seaport of Caesarea An enlarged Temple Mount platform and temple in Jerusalem. Masada The Herodian by Bethlehem Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron Palace in Jericho 7. He was known for his building ventures, and no one equaled him in this respect. 8. Caesarea was the largest seaport in the Roman Empire during the time of Herod. 9. Caesarea was the capital of Israel during the time of Christ and the whole Roman occupation of Israel. 10. Herod's architects were the best in the world, even better than those of the Roman Empire. 11. During the Byzantine period, Caesarea became an important Christian center. During this period, the Byzantines built a church over the ruins of the temple built to worship Augustus Caesar. 12. The remains of a 5th-century synagogue found on the seashore north of the harbor have also been discovered. The rectangular building faces south towards Jerusalem. Architectural details were found in its ruins, including capitals with a carved menorah, a column inscribed with the name Shalom, and parts of a Hebrew inscription listing the twenty-four priestly courses in the Temple in Jerusalem. 13. The Church Father Origen founded a Christian academy in the city, which included a library of 30,000 manuscripts. At the beginning of the 4th century, the theologian Eusebius, who served as Bishop of Caesarea, composed here his monumental Historia Ecclesiastica on the beginnings of Christianity and the Onomasticon, a comprehensive geographical-historical study of the Holy Land. Places of Interest (Please See Map Above) 1. Crusader Fortress Entrance 2. Crusader Fortress 3. Lookout Point Only 20% of the city can be seen today Most of the city laid inland Cardo Residence Area of Cornelius Area Apostle Paul was Imprisoned 4. Temple to Caesar Augustus 5. Byzantine Church Built Over the Temple to Augustus Caesar 6. 5th Century Synagogue 7. Caesarea Harbor 8. Caesarea Historic Port 9. Governor's Palace 10. Mosaic Hall 11. Bathhouse 12. Hippodrome/Amphitheatre Many Christians would be martyred here for their refusal to deny Christ. Wild animals would be let out of the gates into the arena and tear the Christians to shreds. It was a brutal form of entertainment at this time in history. The side of the hippodrome facing the sea was removed during the Byzantine Christian era. 13. Roman Toilet 14. Herod's Private Palace Freshwater Pool 15. Paul Appeals to Caesar 16 . Pontius Pilate Stone 17. Prison of the Apostle Paul 17 . Promontory Palace 18 . Caesarea Columns 19 . Roman Theater Caesarea in the Bible 1. After the Apostle Paul received Christ, he was sent to Tarsus from this seaport. Acts 9:30: And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 2. Cornelius, the first Gentile to receive the Holy Spirit, lived here. Acts 10:1–8: At Caesarea , there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, he called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who attended him, 8 and having related everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. 3. Caesarea was the place where the Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles. Acts 10:44–48: While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. 4. King Herod Agrippa the 1st, the grandson of Herod the Great, met his death in Caesarea. Acts 12:21–24: On an appointed day Herod put on his royal robes, took his seat upon the throne, and delivered an oration to them. 22 And the people were shouting, "The voice of a god, and not of a man!" 23 Immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and breathed his last. 24 But the word of God increased and multiplied. 5. Philip the Evangelist lived in Caesarea. Acts 21:8: On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 6. The Apostle Paul sailed to and from Caesarea on his missionary travels. Acts 21:7–8: When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. 8 On the next day, we departed and came to Caesarea , and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 7. The Apostle Paul stood trial here for his faith. Acts 23:33–35: When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him. 34 On reading the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive." And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's Praetorium. 8. The Apostle Paul was imprisoned here for 2 years because of his faith. Acts 24:27: When two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And desiring to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. It’s possible that Paul wrote some of the Prison Epistles in Caesarea during the 2 years he spent here in prison. 9. After spending 2 years of imprisonment in Caesarea and appealing to Cesar, the Apostle Paul sailed from Caesarea to Rome, where he stood trial for his faith. Acts 25:8, 11: Paul argued in his defense, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense. Paul then declares, in verse 11 “I appeal to Caesar.” 10. It was one of the key places from which the gospel would be taken to the whole world. Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth. Faith Lesson from Caesarea 1. The Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles here. This demonstrates that God loves all people, regardless of their race or background, and desires for them to be saved. What about us? Do we love all nationalities, knowing God created and loves us all? 2. Paul spent two years in prison here because of his faithfulness to Christ. It’s possible that he wrote some of the Prison Letters while he was here. What about us? Are we willing to suffer like Paul for the advancement of the gospel? 3. God opposes the proud and caused King Herod Agrippa the 1st, the grandson of Herod the Great, to meet his death here because of his arrogance. What about us? Do we give God the glory for what He does through us and avoid pride in our lives? 4. It's very likely that early Christians were martyred in the hippodrome here for their faith. What price are we willing to pay for our faith in Christ?

The life of Samson is one of the most intriguing and difficult to understand. Learn all about the life and places of Samson in this clear and understandable video filmed right where it all took place. Sites of interest include Tel Beth-Shemesh, a large rock where the Israelites likely sacrificed the oxen who pulled the cart after receiving the Ark of the Covenant from the Philistines, Sorek Valley, Nahal Sorek Stream, Zorah, Samson's Tomb, Tel Timnah. Timnah: Life of Samson Overview Life of Samson Overview Welcome to the Holy Land and the biblical site of Timnah, which is located at this site called, “Tel Batash .” Let’s see the Bible come to life as we look at some of the key events from the Scriptures that took place here. Location Timnah is located about halfway between Joppa (a coastal town on the Mediterranean Sea) and Jerusalem. The Tel is about 10 acres in size. It is in a rich agricultural area alongside the Nahal Sorek stream. Historical Background 1. Timnah is mentioned 10 times in the Bible. Today, biblical Timnah is called Tel Batash, which is very little visited and undeveloped. It's hard to access as it's located in the midst of farm fields. The life of Samson takes place in the period of the Judges, which is about 1400 BC. 2. Samson is a very interesting Bible figure that presents some significant challenges to understand. His life is a blend of God’s sovereignty and Samson’s human choices. Many decisions Samson made were sinful and foolish. However, despite his sinful and foolish choices, God still used him to accomplish His sovereign purposes. However, it appears Samson’s choices negatively affected what he could have accomplished for God had he been more obedient and wise. 3. Samson’s life seems to reveal a very immature believer who follows their sinful desires rather than walking in the Spirit and exemplifying wisdom and maturity. 4. To understand Samson, we have to understand something about the book of Judges. The period of the Judges takes place in a period of Israel’s history when they were a very spiritually immature people. Their two famous leaders, Moses and Joshua, had died, and now they were on their own. 5. A lot of weird and bizarre things happen in the book of Judges, and there’s one phrase repeatedly used, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” 6. Samson is listed in Hebrews 11, the hall of fame faith chapter, as a person who had faith. 7. Samson had a supernatural birth and purpose. 8. Like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, and Elizabeth, the mother of Samson was barren and unable to have children. Sites of Interest 1. Tel Beth-Shemesh 2. Sorek Valley 3. Nahal Sorek Stream 4. Zorah - Samson's Tomb 5. Tel Timnah (Tel Batash) 6. M odern Beth-Shemesh Places of Interest at Timnah, Zorah, Lehi 1. Street 2. Residential home 3. Oil press 4. Observation tent 5. City gate 6. Nahal Sorek Stream 7. Samson’s tomb 8. Samson’s hometown 9. Place God provided water for Samson Timnah, Zorah, Lehi & Samson in the Bible 1. God visited Samson’s parents through an angel. Judges 13:2-5: There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and had borne no children. Then the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and give birth to a son. Now, therefore , be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing. For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and no razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” 2. God ordered Samson to be consecrated by being a Nazirite from birth (meaning separated or dedicated). This was a unique vow, applicable during the Old Covenant of national Israel, whereby a non-Levite (Samson was a Danite) could dedicate his life to full-time service of God. This vow required that their hair not be cut, no alcoholic beverages were to be consumed, and no touching of anything dead was allowed (Judges 13:5; Num. 6). 3. God also provided Samson with unbelievable, superhuman strength to be used against the Philistines, providing Samson's vow of submission was faithfully kept. 4. When Samson is grown, he comes down here to Timnah from Zorah, seeking an occasion against the Philistines. Judges 14:1-4: Then Samson went down to Timnah and saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines. So he came back and told his father and mother, “I saw a woman in Timnah, one of the daughters of the Philistines; now, therefore , get her for me as a wife.” Then his father and his mother said to him, “Is there no woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people, that you go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she looks good to me.” However, his father and mother did not know that it was of the Lord, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time , the Philistines were ruling over Israel. This verse has caused much debate and appears very difficult to understand. Didn’t God forbid Israelites to marry foreign women? And why would Samson desire an unbelieving wife whom it appears he was just attracted to because of her outward beauty? First of all, God only prohibited the Israelites from marrying Canaanite women from the seven nationalities that made up the Promised Land. The Philistines were not part of the people groups of Canaan. So the Philistines did not originate from the Canaanite groups infected by the Amorite sins as mentioned in Genesis 15:16. The Philistine land was considered separate from the Canaanite land as mentioned in Exodus 13:17, and the people group was distinguished from the Canaanites as mentioned in Joshua 13:1-6. Additionally, Boaz married Ruth, who was a Moabite, from whom the lineage of David and Christ came. So there is no direct conflict with God's commands and His possible moving in the heart of Samson to be attracted to a Philistine woman. However, even if it were sinful of Samson and arose wholly of him, and God simply allowed it for His own purposes, it could still be something "of the Lord." Whether God is actively doing or passively allowing, He is working. That is simply how God operates in a sinful world. Humans sin, and God works despite that sin. 5. Samson demonstrates his superhuman ability by killing a lion with his bare hands. Judges 14:5: Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother, and came as far as the vineyards of Timnah; and behold, a young lion came roaring toward him. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily, so that he tore him as one tears a young goat though he had nothing in his hand; but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. By failing to tell his parents, Samson neglects their wise counsel and guidance parents provide. 6. Samson breaks his Nazirite vow and touches the dead lion he had previously killed. Judges 14:7-9: So he went down and talked to the woman ; and she looked good to Samson. When he returned later to take her, he turned aside to look at the carcass of the lion; and behold, a swarm of bees and honey were in the body of the lion. So he scraped the honey into his hands and went on, eating as he went. When he came to his father and mother, he gave some to them and they ate it; but he did not tell them that he had scraped the honey out of the body of the lion. By touching a dead animal, S amson violates part of his Nazirite Vow. 7. Samson throws a party for his marriage, proposes a riddle, and then succumbs to his wife’s pressure to reveal it. Judges 14:10: Then his father went down to the woman; and Samson made a feast there, for the young men customarily did this. When they saw him, they brought thirty companions to be with him. This customary feast was, literally, a “drinking party.” Although Scripture doesn’t indicate whether Samson participating in the drinking, it was very likely he did. If he did indeed drink, this was another violation of his Nazirite Vow. Samson proposes a riddle, his wife deceives him into telling her, and she tells her kinsmen. 8. Then the Spirit of God comes upon Samson and he killed 30 Philistines. Judges 14:19: Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of them and took their spoil and gave the changes of clothes to those who told the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house. But Samson’s wife was given to his companion who had been his friend. 9. Samson seeks revenge because his wife had been given to one of Samson’s good friends. Judges 15:4-5: Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took torches, and turned the foxes tail to tail and put one torch in the middle between two tails. When he had set fire to the torches, he released the foxes into the standing grain of the Philistines, thus burning up both the shocks and the standing grain, along with the vineyards and groves. 10. The Israelites deliver Samson to the Philistines bound in new ropes, but Samson breaks the ropes like wax and kills 1,000 Philistines. Judges 15:14-15: When he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily so that the ropes that were on his arms were as flax that is burned with fire, and his bonds dropped from his hands. He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, so he reached out and took it and killed a thousand men with it. 11. God provides for Samson after he killed the 1,000 with a donkey's jawbone. Judges 15:18-20: Then he became very thirsty, and he called to the Lord and said, “You have given this great deliverance by the hand of Your servant, and now shall I die of thirst and fall into the hands of the uncircumcised?” But God split the hollow place that is in Lehi so that water came out of it. When he drank, his strength returned and he revived. Therefore, he named it En- hakkore , which is in Lehi to this day. So he judged Israel twenty years in the days of the Philistines. 12. Samson commits sexual sin with a harlot. Judges 16:1-3: Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a harlot there, and went in to her. When it was told to the Gazites (part of the Philistines), saying, “Samson has come here,” they surrounded the place and lay in wait for him all night at the gate of the city. And they kept silent all night, saying, “Let us wait until the morning light, then we will kill him.” Now Samson lay until midnight, and at midnight he arose and took hold of the doors of the city gate and the two posts and pulled them up along with the bars; then he put them on his shoulders and carried them up to the top of the mountain which is opposite Hebron. From Gaza to Hebron is about 45 miles. Even though Samson committed sexual sin with a prostitute, God had mercy on him and delivered him anyway. 13. Samson is defeated by the Philistines. Judges 16:4-5: After this, it came about that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. The lords of the Philistines came up to her and said to her, “Entice him, and see where his great strength lies and how we may overpower him that we may bind him to afflict him. Then we will each give you eleven hundred pieces of silver.” Samson clearly had a weakness for women, which caused him to commit adultery and become impure and disobedient to God and his Nazarite Vow. 14. Delilah deceives Samson. Judges 16:18-21: When Delilah saw that he had told her all that was in his heart, she sent and called the lords of the Philistines, saying, “Come up once more, for he has told me all that is in his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hands. She made him sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his hair. Then she began to afflict him, and his strength left him. She said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him. Then the Philistines seized him and gouged out his eyes ; and they brought him down to Gaza and bound him with bronze chains, and he was a grinder in the prison. 15. When God’s name is mocked, and His glory is given to false gods, He chooses to once again use Samson for His sovereign purposes. Judges 16:23-31: Now the lords of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice, for they said, “Our god has given Samson our enemy into our hands.” When the people saw him, they praised their god, for they said, “Our god has given our enemy into our hands, Even the destroyer of our country, who has slain many of us.” It so happened when they were in high spirits, that they said, “Call for Samson, that he may amuse us.” So they called for Samson from the prison, and he entertained them. And they made him stand between the pillars. Then Samson said to the boy who was holding his hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” Now the house was full of men and women, and all the lords of the Philistines were there. And about 3,000 men and women were on the roof looking on while Samson was amusing them. Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.” Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and braced himself against them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left. And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he bent with all his might so that the house fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed in his life. Then his brothers and all his father’s household came down, took him, brought him up and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. Thus, he had judged Israel twenty years. Faith Lesson from the life of Samson. 1. Weaknesses of Samson which destroyed his life and ministry. Samson failed to listen to the counsel of his parents. Samson was bitter and vengeful. Samson had a weakness for women. Samson broke many of his Nazirite vows. Samson walked in the flesh instead of in the Spirit. Samson had raw abilities but never refined them and submitted them fully to God’s control and lordship. Samson paid a heavy price for his continual neglect of submitting to God. We should develop our gifts, submit them to God, and be fully obedient in serving Him or we could copy the failures of Samson. 2. Strengths of Samson Samson is mentioned in Hebrews 11 as a man of faith. So, despite his many failures, he did have faith and believed in God. 3. Strengths of God Samson failed in many ways, but God still used him. Samson served during the period of the Judges, a time when Israel was a very spiritually immature people. This explains why Samson was so immature and why God still used him anyway. God is sovereign and uses sinful people for his purposes. Even in God’s garden of grace, broken trees produce fruit.

En Gedi is located on the west side of the lower Dead Sea area north of Masada. It’s a beautiful oasis fed by a large spring in a barren, dry place. See and learn about this amazing oasis of living water in the desert. David hid out here when fleeing from King Saul, and God refers to Himself as living water for our dry and thirsty souls. En Gedi: Living Water In the Desert Photo Gallery Places of Interest En Gedi Introduction Nestled between the Judean Desert and the shores of the Dead Sea, En Gedi National Park is one of Israel’s most stunning natural oases. With its lush waterfalls, desert canyons, ancient ruins, and rich biblical history — including the caves where David hid from King Saul — En Gedi offers a breathtaking blend of beauty and spiritual significance. It’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers, hikers, and those seeking a deeper connection to the land of the Bible. Location 1. En Gedi is located on the west side of the lower Dead Sea area about 11 miles (17 km.) north of Masada on Hwy. 90. 2. It’s a beautiful oasis fed by a large spring in a barren, dry place. Historical Background 1. En Gedi was inhabited by the Canaanites during the time of Abraham and Lot. 2. The Dead Sea basin was once like a Garden of the Lord. Genesis 13:10–12: Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere —this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah—like the garden of the Lord , like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. 11 So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus they separated from each other. 12 Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom. 3. Due to the abundant water supply, the village by En Gedi Park has had a long history of habitation from ancient days to the present. 4. Today, this area is extremely dry, and En Gedi is an oasis of living water in the desert. Places of Interest 1. Park entrance 2. Hiking trail 3. Nahal David Stream 4. Lower pools 5. Upper pools 6. Upper waterfall 7. Synagogue at Tel Goren (Jorn) 8. Ancient and modern En Gedi town 9. Dead Sea En Gedi in the Bible 1. En Gedi was used in a love poem in the book of Song of Solomon. Song of Solomon 1:14: My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En Gedi . 2. In the Millennial Reign of Christ on earth, God speaks of how He will change the Dead Sea region again to be like a garden due to a supernatural river flowing from Jerusalem. Ezekiel 47:9–10: 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. Its fish will be of very many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea. 3. 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 . 4 . En Gedi is a perfect example of living water in the desert. The Israelites were a desert people whose whole history was related to the desert. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, along with the Israelite’s time in Egypt, and their wandering in the desert for 40 years, all took place in a desert. Also, much of Israel is a desert as well. The Israelites fully knew that living water meant life and survival. 5. God used the desert and living water as examples of judgment upon Israel. Jeremiah 2:12–13: Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, 13 for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters , and hewed out cisterns for themselves , broken cisterns that can hold no water. 6. God used desert imagery to show how those who abandon Him are like a parched desert without water. Jeremiah 17:5–8: Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He is like a shrub in the desert , and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness , in an uninhabited salt land. 7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD , whose trust is the LORD. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." 7. Christ referred to Himself as the source of living water. John 7:37–38: On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink . 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water ." Faith Lesson from En Gedi 1. Living Water in the Bible refers to spiritual life and vitality found only in being right with God. 2. Stagnant water is full of sickness and diseases and refers to the person who lives life without being right with God. 3. Have we received Christ, the source of living water? 4. Do we fellowship regularly with God in order to receive living water for our souls? 5. Do we read God’s Word, which gives living water to our spirits and nourishes our hearts? 6. Are we seeking to find life and joy in our own pursuits and neglecting our relationship with God? Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, 13 for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters , and hewed out cisterns for themselves , broken cisterns that can hold no water (Jer. 2:12–13).

An amazing and sobering message from the cursed town of Chorazin. Take a tour and learn all about this place. See all the sites, learn about the history, places of interest, see videos and learn a faith lesson about Chorazin (Korazim). Sites of interest include: Mount Arbel, Magdala, Gennesaret, Tabhga, Mount of Beatitudes, Capernaum, Bethsaida, Kirsi, Feeding the 5,000, Synagogue, Seat of Moses, Sea of Galilee Chorazin (Korazim) Photo Gallery Places of Interest Chorazin Introduction Welcome to Chorazin. Several significant events from the Bible took place here. These are the highlights. 1. Chorazin is one of the three towns Jesus cursed because of their unbelief in Him as the Messiah. 2. Christ performed many miracles and taught here frequently. It has one of the most preserved synagogues in Israel. Today, its ruins testify to the prophecy of Jesus that it would be cursed. 3. It has a well-preserved synagogue and other buildings. 4. An ancient "Seat of Moses" can be seen here. 5. I'm confident the people living here would give everything in the world to turn back the clock and recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Location 1. Chorazin (Korazim) is located about 2 miles (3 Km.) north of the Sea of Galilee. 2. From Chorazin, you can see the Sea of Galilee, Bethsaida, and some of Capernaum. 3. It’s located a little off the beaten path. 4. It was built out of black basalt stone, which was common in the Galilee area. 5. The construction of the homes in Chorazin is quite well preserved and shows how the home where Jesus lived in Capernaum might have looked. 6. The walls of the homes were stone, and the roofs were made of mud bricks or branches and leaves. 7. This area is very dry, and the water supply was essential for sustaining life in this town. A spring is located on the northeast side of the town, which was the source of the city's water in addition to the cisterns under the houses. 8. In the time of Jesus, Chorazin was about 15 acres (7 hectares) in size and had an estimated population of around 500–1,000. Historical Background 1. Chorazin was one of the three towns (Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum), which made up what scholars call “The Evangelical Triangle.” 2. Jesus set up His home ministry base in Capernaum, which was close to Chorazin. 3. Jesus spent around 50-70% of His ministry time around the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee so those in Chorazin would have repeatedly heard and seen all Jesus did. 4. A Tree with the kind of thorns that would have been used for the crown of thorns Jesus wore at His crucifixion can be found here. Places of Interest 1. Synagogue Most of the ruins we see today date back to the 3rd century. The most significant recent developments at Chorazin have come under the direction of archaeologist Achia Kohn-Tavor. By lifting the heavy basalt pavers of the 4th-century synagogue floor—a task previous excavators had avoided—his team discovered pottery and coins dating decisively to the 1st century AD. This suggests that the monumental synagogue was built directly atop an earlier public structure, likely the synagogue of Jesus' day. Jesus would have taught in this vicinity frequently. It has an ornamental shell, which would have been the top part of the cabinet where the Torah and Old Testament Scrolls would have been kept. A Medusa: Was from Greek mythology, and was generally described as a winged human female with living venomous snakes in place of hair. Supposedly, anyone who looked directly at the Medusa was turned to stone. The presence of the Medusa at this synagogue shows an assimilation with the Greek and pagan practices of the time. 2. Seat of Moses In the 1920s, the excavators discovered a unique artifact: a chair carved from a single block of basalt. This is identified as a "Seat of Moses," a piece of synagogue furniture mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 23:2: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat." From it, the Torah would have been read. The chair seen here is a replica of the original one found. The original is in a museum in Jerusalem. The “Chair of Moses” was a phrase used by Jesus to signify the place of authority that the Scribes and Pharisees had in interpreting the Law and exercising their authority over the Jewish people. Matthew 23:1–3: Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. 3. Synagogue to the West There was another believed synagogue located approximately 225 yards (200 m) to the west of the current synagogue. It was once thought to be used during the time of Jesus, but recent archaeology has dismissed this. 4. Mikveh baths 5. Residential homes 6. Public buildings 7. Sea of Galilee Chorazin in the Bible 1. Christ pronounced judgment upon the cities and towns that rejected the gospel. Luke 9:1-6: And He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all the demons and to heal diseases. And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to perform healing. And He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, neither a staff, nor a bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not even have two tunics apiece. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that city. And as for those who do not receive you, as you go out from that city, shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” Departing, they began going throughout the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. 2. Jesus cursed those in Chorazin because they rejected Him, His teachings, and the many miracles He had done in their midst. Matthew 11:21-24: Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. Nevertheless, I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you. 3. To whom much is given, much is required. Luke 12:48: Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more. 4. Instead of being blessed, Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum chose to be cursed. Today, each town is a testament to God’s curse upon them. Faith Lesson from Chorazin 1. Chorazin is a testament to Christ’s judgment on a people who rejected His teachings, miracles, healing, and salvation. Are we guilty of rejecting Christ and His teaching in some way? 2. Chorazin stands as a warning to us today not to do the same. Are we walking in close obedience, or living in casual obedience to Christ, or even disobedience? 3. In the same way this town lies in ruins, our lives will lie in ruins if we reject Christ and the life He offers. Are we genuinely living for Christ and putting His Word into practice? 4. It appears there will be different degrees of torment and judgment in hell because Christ said it would be more tolerable in the day of judgment for other cities than for Chorazin. What do you think? 5. Following Christ brings life and blessing, and rejecting Him brings death and destruction. Romans 8:6–8: For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

This video provides the most comprehensive and complete evidence that proves the original temple of Solomon, and the rebuilt temples of Zerubbabel and Herod the Great, were located on the Temple Mount, exactly where the Dome of the Rock is today. Today, some are promoting the theory that the Temple was in the City of David and that the Temple Mount was a Roman Fort. We will answer each of their arguments with facts, the Bible, archeology, and eyewitness accounts. Temple Location Photo Gallery Places of Interest Temple Mount Location Location 1. Archaeological discoveries now reveal the location of the original temple and Temple Mount Platform location of Solomon, Hezekiah, Zerubbabel, the Hasmoneans, and Herod's temple, wherein Christ ministered. 2. Today, a growing number of people claim that the temple and Temple Mount were located in the City of David. This is simply not true. Therefore, we will attempt to show, from Scripture, historical, archaeological, and practical reasons, why their claims are untrue. 3. The Temple Mount is located on the eastern side of Old City Jerusalem 4. It occupies 1/6 of the current city. 5. It is 35 acres (14 hectares) in size, the equivalent of 35 football fields. Historical Background 1. The Temple Mount has played a “center stage” role for much of Israel’s history and has functioned as the center of God’s dwelling place and ministry on this earth. 2. About one-tenth of all the stories about Jesus took place on the Temple Mount. 3. It will play a key part during the Millennial Reign of Christ on the earth as well. 4. God has chosen to focus His presence and attention there like a laser beam from heaven, like no other place. 5. Solomon built the first temple around 960 BC, which the Babylonians destroyed in 586 BC. 6. The second temple Zerubbabel oversaw after the deportation and return of the Jews. It was dedicated in 515 BC. 7. The Hasmoneans enlarged the Temple Mount to the south around 140 BC. 8. King Herod enlarged the Temple Mount and rebuilt the temple that Zerubbabel had built around 19 BC. It would seem that this would be called the third temple, but because Herod built a new temple over it and then removed the old one inside, it is still referred to as the second temple. Following is a 10-part series done by Leen Ritmeyer, who is probably the leading archaeologist on the Temple Mount and its history: 1. Mount Moriah 2. The Temple Mount During the Jebusite Period 3. The Temple Mount During the Time of Solomon 4. The Temple Mount During the time of King Hezekiah 5. The Temple Mount During the Times of Ezra and Nehemiah 6. The Temple Mount During the Hellenistic and Hasmonean Periods 7. The Temple Mount During the Herodian Period 8. The Temple Mount During the Roman Period 9. The Temple Mount During the Byzantine Period 10. The Temple Mount in the Early Muslim Period Places of Interest 1 . Location of Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform. Archaeological, historical, and eyewitness accounts place the location of the first and second temples directly on top of the Dome of the Rock. According to the Mishnah (Jewish writings about different aspects of Jewish laws, customs, measurements, and so forth), the original Temple Mount Platform measured 500 cubits square. Using the royal cubit, which was the standard measurement of the time (20.67 inches, or 525 mm long), Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform measured 861 feet, or 262.5 meters, in length. Amazingly, evidence supports these exact measurements on each side of Solomon's original platform. 2. The Southwest corner of the original Temple Mount Platform that Solomon built. This can be located by archaeology at Barclay's Gate. 3. Western side of original platform. Warren's Gate: Evidence can be seen by an additional gate called “Warren’s Gate,” which can be found butted up against the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform beneath the platform surface. Western Wall location today. 4. Dome of the Rock Platform Solomon's original Temple Mount Platform was at approximately the same level. 5. Northwestern Corner of Solomon's Original Temple Platform Evidence from massive stones dating back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah is visible today. They run parallel with the Eastern Wall. The boss can't be seen today as it has been covered with stone tiles, but photos from the 1960s show the boss. The boss style is from the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. This same style of stone can be seen at the base of the Eastern Gate. The distance from this corner to the eastern wall of the Temple Mount platform is exactly 500 cubits, 861 ft., or 262.5 m. 6. Antonia Fortress The Jewish historian Josephus writes that it was built on bedrock. You can see the bedrock on which it was built. Currently, a grade school is located there. On the steps leading up from the Temple Mount to the Antonia Fortress, Paul addressed the crowd below. Acts 21:34-36: Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps , he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people followed, crying out, “Away with him!” The rock face has holes or sockets where beams were attached for the portico that ran along its southern side. 7. Northern Side of the Original Temple Mount Platform This is on the same line as the northern part of the Dome of the Rock platform today. Evidence of a pre-Herodian wall was found underground by cistern 29. 8. Eastern Side of the Original Temple Mount Platform Just north of where the northern wall of the 500-cubit mount platform meets the Eastern Wall, we find an offset in the wall located 68 feet, or 20.73 meters, to the north. This offset indicates that a tower once stood at this corner for protection purposes. Measuring from where the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform meets the Eastern Wall, we find a curious bend in the wall at exactly 861 feet or 262.5 meters. This bend in the wall resulted from later construction added to the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform during the Hasmonean period, around 140 BC. Their construction used a slightly different angle than the original platform. Also, there is a change in the stone style. The stones after the bend have a boss shape that dates to the Hasmonean period. The stone positioning and configurations also indicate that a corner was once located at this bend in the wall. Farther down the Eastern Wall, we see a seam in the construction. The stone styles change, and the stones are butted against one another. This marks the beginning of Herod the Great's expansion of the Temple Mount Platform. 9. Eastern Gate In the Eastern Gate area, we also see ancient stones with boss shapes that date back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. It is worth noting that the location of the Eastern Wall remained unchanged throughout the entire history of the Temple Mount. This is due to the Kidron Valley and its steep decline on this side. So, again, these ancient stones reveal that the Eastern side of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform dates back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. 10. Solomon's Portico Important gathering place. Acts 5:12: Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico . 11. Muslim Excavations In 1999, when the WAQF, the Jordanian body that retains authority over the Temple Mount and other Muslim holy places, used bulldozers to remove some 10,000 tons of dirt (400 dump truck loads) from the area known as King Solomon’s Stables to create an emergency exit for the Marwani Mosque, which can accommodate 10,000 people. This was dumped in the Kidron Valley. Israelis took this dirt to a location on Mount Scopus, where it is now being sifted. This is known as the "Sifting Project." Its contents reveal overwhelming evidence that the Temple Mount is the authentic location of the original temple. The original stone tiles of Herod's renovated Temple Mount Platform have been found. Until 1920, Muslim pamphlets describing the Dome of the Rock stated that it was built directly over the site where the original temple once stood. Today, the stairs descend to the Al-Marwani Mosque, inaugurated in 1996, located under the Temple Mount in the area once called Solomon's Stables by the Crusaders. 12. Royal Stoa It is most likely that Pentecost happened at the southern end of the Temple Mount in the area of the Royal Stoa. It is unlikely that Pentecost occurred in the Upper Room as a multitude gathered and witnessed this astounding event. The Upper Room couldn’t have handled such a large crowd of 15,000–30,000. Scripture says the coming of the Holy Spirit filled a house. It doesn’t mention the Upper Room. In many places in the Bible, the temple is referred to as the House of the Lord or just the house. The Hebrew word for "house" in Acts 2:2 is "Har Ha Bait," which means "the mountain of THE house," or "the dwelling place of God." "House" can also refer to just a covered area. At the southern side of the Temple Mount, just above the Southern Stairs, was the Royal Stoa. The coming of the Holy Spirit happened at 9:00 a.m., which was the time of morning prayers at the temple. The disciples frequently visited the temple during these times of prayer. The Temple Mount and Southern Stair area could easily have accommodated the large crowd of 15,000–30,000 who gathered at Pentecost. Acts 2:41 says 3,000 were saved and baptized. Around the Southern Stairs are many mikveh cleansing pools that could have been used to baptize those who were saved. The southern part of the Temple Mount would have been a natural place for Pentecost to occur, as it was a center of public activity. The Upper Room area was a residential neighborhood, and there's no reason 15,000-30,000 people would have been there when the events of Pentecost happened that drew such a large crowd. This area also had all the mikvehs necessary for baptizing and space to handle such a large crowd. 13. Southern Stairs Area 14. South end of the Temple Mount Platform: slightly different length, measured 495 cubits, 853 ft., 260 m. It's believed that this was due to the Ophel rise, which made it difficult to build over. 15. Al Aqsa Mosque It was built around 685 to 715 AD. It has been rebuilt and restored many times. When the Crusaders were in control, they referred to it as "The Temple of Solomon." Only Muslims are allowed inside. The Israeli police may enter only if necessary. The mosque can hold around 5,000 people. 16. Ancient Stone Steps These are original stones from the time of Herod or earlier, which would have been steps leading from the Court of the Gentiles to the Outer Court of the Temple. 17. Dome of the Rock It was built in 691 AD. It sits exactly over where the original temples stood. Inside is a square that is the shape of the Ark of the Covenant. When the Crusaders were in control, they referred to it as "The Temple of the Lord." It is a Muslim shrine today. Only Muslims may enter. All others by permission only. 18. Recycled Decorated Stone from a Byzantine Church This is found at the base of the Dome of the Rock, just to the right of the main entrance facing east. This was placed here during Turkish times. It has some crosses that have been scratched away. 19. Baptistry Chapel from the Byzantine Period The baptismal tank is near the chapel. 20. The Temple Treasury Located on the north side of the Temple sanctuary. The most notable words of Jesus in this location are “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), “The truth will set you free” (John 8:32), and ‘Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). About one-tenth of all the stories about Jesus took place on the Temple Mount. 21. Dome of the Spirits Also known as the Dome of the Tablets, this small dome was constructed around 950 AD during the Muslim Umayyad Period. One theory suggests that it is located above the “Spirits Cave,” where the spirits of the dead gather for prayer. Another theory claims that it is called the Dome of the Tablets, referring to the tablets that were kept inside the Ark of the Covenant, implying that this might be the location of the Holy of Holies – a theory with which most scholars disagree. It was built on a large Herodian paving stone, which measures 12 feet (3.70m) by 11.5 feet (3.50m). According to Warren’s survey maps, it is situated approximately 10 feet (3m) above the natural bedrock. It was part of the pavement that was laid north of the buildings that surrounded the Temple. 22. Original Temple Location Holy of Holies According to the Mishnah, only a rectangular depression in the bedrock remained where the Ark once stood. This exact shape has been identified inside the Dome of the Rock. Holy Place Altar Nicanor Gate/Beautiful Gate Inner Court Outer Court Court of the Gentiles 23. Dome of the Chain Located just east of the Dome of the Rock, this would be the place where the Holy Place of the original temples was located. 24. Dome of the Prophet Located just northwest of the Dome of the Rock Built in 1539 AD, it is traditionally believed that on this spot, Muhammad led the former Jewish prophets (including Jesus) and angels in prayer on the night he ascended into heaven. 25. Dome of the Ascension Located just north of the Dome of the Prophet. It was built sometime between the 7th and 10th centuries AD. Some believe it was built on the spot from which Muhammad ascended into Heaven on his night journey. The Original Temple Mount Platform Location 1. It was not in the City of David but on Mount Moriah, where the Temple Mount Platform is today. After Solomon built the temple, he brought the Ark of the Covenant out of the City of David to the temple on Mt. Moriah. 2 Chronicles 5:2: "Then Solomon assembled to Jerusalem the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ households of the sons of Israel, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the City of David , which is Zion." 2. The Northern Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform According to the Mishnah (Jewish writings about different aspects of Jewish laws, customs, measurements, and so forth), the original Temple Mount Platform measured 500 cubits square. Using the royal cubit, which was the universal measurement of these times, would be 861 feet, or 262.4 m eters in length. Amazingly, the measurement from the corner of this Pre-Herodian stone step is exactly 861 feet or 262.4 meters to the Eastern Wall. This northern edge of the original Temple Mount Platform also aligns with the current Dome of the Rock Platform. Additional evidence of a pre-Herodian wall can also be found underground by cistern 29. Considering these factors, we now have strong evidence of the location of the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Next, we come to the Eastern Wall. Just north of where the northern wall of the 500-cubit mount platform meets the eastern wall, we find an offset in the wall located 68 feet, or 20.73 meters, to the north. This offset indicates that a tower once stood at this corner for protection purposes. 3. The Eastern Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform Measuring from where the northern wall of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform meets the Eastern wall, we find a curious bend in the wall at exactly 861 feet or 262.5 meters. This bend in the wall resulted from later construction added to the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform during the Hasmonean period, around 140 BC. Their construction used a slightly different angle than the original platform. Also, there is a change in the stone style. The stones after the bend have a boss shape that dates to the Hasmonean period. The stone positioning and configurations also indicate that a corner was once located at this bend in the wall. This archaeological evidence reveals that this point was the corner of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Again, this section of the Eastern Wall measures exactly 861 feet, or 262.5 meters, which is 500 cubits. In this Eastern Gate area, we also see ancient stones with boss shapes that date back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. It should be noted that the Eastern Wall location remained unchanged throughout the entire history of the Temple Mount. This is due to the Kidron Valley and its steep decline on this side. So, again, these ancient stones reveal that the Eastern side of the 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform dates back to the time of Solomon or Hezekiah. 4. The Southern Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform Next, we’ll look at the southern wall of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Measuring 495 Cubits, 853 feet, 260 meters from the southwest corner of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform, which has a bend in the wall, we come to the entrance of Barclay’s Gate. This gate was built later by Herod and was butted up against the southern wall of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. This slightly different measurement amounts to less than 1% and was probably the result of the two corners being obscured by the elevation of Mt. Moriah between them. 5. The Western Part of the Original Temple Mount Platform The Western Wall section of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform can be located by the established corners of the northwest and southwest corners and measures exactly 861 feet (262.5 meters). Additionally, the Excavations of Barclay's Gate show this corner as well. More evidence can be seen by an additional gate called “Warren’s Gate,” which can be found butted up against the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. In summary, we see overwhelming evidence of the original 500-cubit-square Temple Mount Platform. Evidence of the Enlargements of the Temple Mount Platform We can also see the evidence of the Hasmonean and Herodian additions to the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Hasmonian Enlargement In around 141 BC, the Hasmoneans added a section to the southern part of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform. Again, this is evident in the bend of the Eastern Wall and the varied stone styles employed. Herod the Great Enlargement Herod the Great embarked on a massive expansion of the Temple Mount Platform around 19 BC. Josephus, the Jewish historian who lived around the time of Christ, describes how he doubled the size of the Temple Mount after the Hasmonean expansion. He enlarged it to the south, west, and north. Today, we see this evidence throughout the expansion sections. One key place is the expansion of the southern part of the Eastern Wall. A notable seam in the wall reveals Herod’s expansion, which was added to the Hasmonean expansion. This seam clearly shows the change from Hasmonean to Herodian stone styles. The location and configuration of the Hasmonean and Herodian stones indicate that this was once a corner. Additionally, the Herodian stones along the Western Wall section attest to Herod’s expansion on this side. Additionally, at the northern wall of the Temple Mount are holes that indicate the location of a former portico. Again, the Eastern Wall of the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform was never altered; it was merely repaired and extended to the southern end. Evidence Inside the Dome of the Rock T he location of the original temples can also be established with certainty. Inside the Dome of the Rock is the highest point of Mt. Moriah. On this massive stone, a cut-out square can be seen that once housed the Ark of the Covenant, and to the sides, the foundations of the Holy of Holies. It should be noted that the altar that David purchased from Arunah the Jebusite was just east of the top of the mountain in a flatter area. Here you can see where the altar would have been located in relation to the rock inside the Dome of the Rock. How Was the Temple Mount Supplied with Water for Sacrifices and Purification Needs? 1. The requirement for living water was only needed for three purposes: (1) defilement by a corpse (Num. 19:17), (2) by a non-routine bodily discharge (Lev. 15:11), or (3) by leprosy (Lev. 14:5, 50). In these instances, part of the purification process requires the use of water that flows continuously. In all other cases of defilement, purification is accomplished by washing in water, without requiring running water. 2. There were massive cisterns on the Temple Mount (around 37), totaling more than 10.5 million gallons or over 40 million liters of water. Many of these cisterns date to the time of Solomon, Hezekiah, and Zerubbabel. 3. There are around 16 cisterns that are in the original 500-cubit Temple Mount Platform Solomon and Hezekiah built. All these water sources supplied more than enough water for the temple's use. 4. There were other large pools north of the Temple Mount as well. The need for living water was met by the close-by pools that had living water running through them (for example, the Pools of Bethesda, Pool of Siloam, and the Pool of Israel). These three pools alone provided over 54 million gallons, or approximately 205 million liters, of water. 5. A recent discovery close to the southwestern side of the Temple Mount shows a massive cistern that was fed from water from the Tyropean Valley. 6. There were aqueducts from Bethlehem to the Temple Mount that existed in at least 250 BC that supplied living water to the temple. Many archaeologists believe that the aqueducts date back to the time of Solomon. 7. There are 50-plus mikvehs on the southern steps and on the west side of the Temple Mount. The Temple Mount in the Bible 1. The Temple Mount is also called Mount Moriah and was the place where Abraham was to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. Genesis 22:1–2: After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." 2 He said, "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." 2. King David purchased the original Temple Mount when it was a threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 21:18: Now the angel of the LORD had commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and raise an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan [also called Araunah] the Jebusite. 3. King Solomon then built the Temple in this exact location. 2 Chronicles 3:1: Then Solomon began to build the house of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to David his father, at the place that David had appointed, on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 4. During the dedication of Solomon’s temple, the glory of the Lord filled it in such a way that the priests had to suspend their activities until God’s glory subsided. 1 Kings 8:10–11: And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD. 5. The prophets spoke to the nation of Israel from the Temple Mount. 6. The first temple was destroyed in 586 BC by Babylon because of Israel’s continued disobedience to God. 2 Kings 24:10: At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. 7. The temple was rebuilt again from 538-515 BC under Zerubbabel. Ezra 6:3: In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. Its height shall be sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits. 8. Nehemiah rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem in 444 BC. Nehemiah 2:17: Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision. 9. The Temple Mount was enlarged enormously by King Herod in 19 BC to the size it is today. God, in His sovereignty, made the Temple Mount large enough to accommodate the crowds Jesus would teach, the 3,000 saved at Pentecost, the 5,000 saved in Acts 4, and a place where the Early Church could meet and grow. 10. Herod also made the temple more beautiful than any before it, and it was three times bigger than the current Dome of the Rock. 11. Zachariah received the vision of having a son, John the Baptist, while serving at the temple. Luke 1:13: But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” 12. Jesus was dedicated to the Lord at the temple. Luke 2:22: And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. 13. At the age of 12, Jesus appeared and dialogued with the religious leaders at the temple. Luke 2:46–47: After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. 14. The temple was where the Devil tempted Christ to throw himself down headlong. Luke 4:9–12: And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, "'He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,' 11 and "'On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.'" 12 And Jesus answered him, "It is said, 'You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'" 15. Christ taught at the temple frequently. Luke 19:47: And he was teaching daily in the temple. 16. Christ drove out the moneychangers on the Temple Mount. Mark 11:15–17: And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." 17. Christ was tried before Pilate close by at Herod's Palace. 18. Next to the Temple Mount, at the Southern Stairs, is the likely place where Pentecost took place, 3,000 were saved, and the Early Church was born. Acts 2:41: Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 19. A lame man was healed on the Temple Mount by Peter and John, causing 5,000 men to be saved. Acts 3:1–8: Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, "Look at us." 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. Acts 4:4: But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. 20. The Temple Mount became the meeting place of the Early Church. Acts 2:46–47: And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 21. Close to the Temple Mount, Stephen was martyred (Acts 7). 22. Because Israel rejected Christ as their Messiah, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount were destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans. Luke 19:41–44: And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 saying, "Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation. 23. The Anti-Christ will commit the abomination of desolation on the Temple Mount during the middle of the Tribulation Period. 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4: Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God , displaying himself as being God. 24. Christ will reign from the Temple Mount (along with believers) for 1,000 years after the Tribulation Period. Revelation 20:6: Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Faith Lesson from the Temple Mount 1. In the Old Testament, the temple was a focal place where God dwelt; in the New Testament, believers are now the temple in which God dwells. 1 Corinthians 3:16–17: Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. 2. What kind of temple are we?

The New Testament mentions Bethphage as the place from which Jesus sent his disciples to find a colt on which he would ride into Jerusalem. It is located between Bethany and the top of the Mount of Olives. Bethphage Photo Gallery Places of Interest Bethphage Location 1. Bethphage is about 1 mile (2 km.) from the modern village of al-Azariya. 2. It's located on the southern part of the Mount of Olives between Bethany and Jerusalem. 3. Eusebius (Jewish Historian from around 300 AD) located it on the Mount of Olives. 4. It was likely on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. 5. It was within the limit of a Sabbath-day's journey from Jerusalem, (2,000 cubits, 900 yards or meters). Historical Background 1. Bethphage means "House of Unripe Figs." This is fitting as it was in this area that Jesus caused a fig tree with no fruit to wither (Matt. 21:18-22). 2. Today, a Franciscan Church marks the spot where it's believed the disciples of Jesus got the donkey upon which Jesus would use for riding into Jerusalem in what is known as the "Triumphal Entry," which took place on the Sunday before His crucifixion (Palm Sunday). 3. The modern church, built in 1883, rests on the foundations of a 12th-century Crusader Chapel located in the ancient village of Bethphage. 4. It was built beside the steep road that descends from the Mount of Olives eastwards towards the village of el-Azariyeh (ancient Bethany). 5. The Crusader-era Chapel was built on the foundations of a 4th-century Byzantine shrine commemorating the meeting between Lazarus' sister Martha and Jesus. 6. In 1867, during the construction of a Franciscan monastery on the grounds, a cube-shaped stone covered in plaster was discovered. This stone, now called the Stele of Bethphage, was an integral part of the 12th-century Crusader Chapel and now lies near the northern wall of the church. 7. The Crusaders decorated the stone and inscribed it in Latin, as well as described biblical events that occurred in the areas of Jerusalem and Bethphage. 8. In 1950, the decorations on the stone were restored, and five years later, in 1955, frescos were drawn on the walls and ceiling of the sanctuary. Today, as in the 12th century, pilgrims hold a Palm Sunday procession that begins at the Bethphage Church. 9. Inside the Franciscan Church of Bethphage Above the altar in the church is a mural of Jesus riding the donkey and being glorified by the crowd who accompanied Him. On display in the church, protected by a wrought iron grille, is a large square rock that the Crusaders regarded as the rock upon which Jesus used to mount the donkey. On the sides of the rock are medieval paintings, restored in 1950. These depict the disciples getting the donkey, people holding palm branches, the resurrection of Lazarus at nearby Bethany, and the inscription “Bethphage.” Foundations from the Crusader Chapel can easily be seen near the floor of the apse. Behind the altar is a fresco depicting Jesus riding a donkey to the Temple, accompanied by his disciples. The church ceiling features drawings of flowers and leaves. The wall frescos, colored in shades of brown, portray people from the New Testament era preparing for the procession. On one wall, a group of rabbis holds a scroll that contains the second part of the verse from (John 12:19). The words written in Latin around the windows are those that the people used to say about Jesus during the procession into the city. The main focus of the church is the Stele of Bethphage, which is set apart by wrought iron railings. There is a mirror behind the stone so that visitors can easily see the drawings on all four sides. The drawings depict the meeting between Jesus and Martha; two disciples bringing Jesus an ass and a colt, Lazarus rising from the dead, and on the side facing the altar, a drawing of a crowd of people holding palms. 10. Just up the hill is a Greek Orthodox church whose courtyard offers a view and a place for reflection. Places of Interest 1. Bethany 2. Mount of Olives 3. Triumphal Entry Path 4. Dominus Flevit Church (where Jesus wept over Jerusalem) 5. Jerusalem 6. Garden of Gethsemane 7. Temple Mount 8. Kidron Valley Bethphege in the Bible Bethphage is mentioned in the New Testament as the place in ancient Israel where Jesus sent his disciples to find a colt upon which he would ride into Jerusalem. The Synoptic Gospels mention it as being close to Bethany, where he stayed immediately before his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 1. Jesus sends two of His disciples to get an untamed donkey. Matthew 21:1-3: Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage , to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 2. This donkey had a colt, upon which no one had ever ridden. Mark 11:1-2: Now when they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples 2 and said to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately as you enter it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat . Untie it and bring it. This was a miracle because untamed donkeys will buck, run, and do whatever they can to dismount their rider. 3. Jesus riding a donkey fulfilled Old Testament prophecies (Is. 62:11; Zch. 9:9). Matthew 21:4-5: This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet , saying, 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” 4. Triumphal Entry Matthew 21:6-11: The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” 5. During the Triumphal Entry, Jesus pauses and weeps over Jerusalem. The Church of Dominus Flevit marks this spot today. Luke 19:41: And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it , 42 saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side 44 and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” 6. Jesus Cleanses the Temple Matthew 21:12-13: And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” 7. The people marvel at Christ's miracles and teachings. Matthew 21:14-16: And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them . 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did , and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” 8. Jesus curses a fig tree and teaches about prayer. Matthew 21:18-22: In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once . 20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt , you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Faith Lesson 1. Jesus embedded in the lives of His disciples that He was God. Do we believe in the deity of Christ and that He was God in the flesh? 2. Throughout Jesus's life, we see He constantly fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, which proves that He was divine and authentic. Do we believe Jesus was divine and who He claimed to be? 3. Jesus taught a powerful lesson about faith and prayer. Do we pray and believe God can help us?

God, in His sovereignty, placed Tel Gezer, Israel, on the crossroads of the ancient world. They were to be a shining light for all to see God’s wonders, love, and miracles. See the importance of this location. Gezer is one of the largest tels in Israel. Whoever controlled Gezer had significant control over the ancient world. Gezer began to be inhabited some 5,000 years ago. It has around 21 layers of civilizations. Many child sacrifices were done here. Tel Gezer: On the Crossroads of the World Photo Gallery Places of Interest Gezer: On the Crossroads of the World Location 1. Gezer is in the eastern foothills of the coastal plain (Shaphelah) of western Israel. It is about 14 miles (22.5 km.) east of the Mediterranean Sea and about 19 miles (30.5 km.) west of Jerusalem. Tel Aviv sits about 17 miles (27 km.) to the northwest of Gezer. 2. Gezer was on the international north-south travel route called the Via Maris. It was also on a major east-west route that linked the coastal plain to Jerusalem and beyond. The Via Maris connected three continents, Africa, Asia, and Europe. This location is significant because Israel forms a narrow land bridge to connect these three continents. To the east is a desert and to the west is the Mediterranean Sea. This forced trade and travelers to use the Via Maris. Whatever happened in Israel was taken to the known world at that time. 3. Whoever controlled Gezer controlled the trade and influence of the ancient world in biblical times. 4. God, in His sovereignty, placed Israel on the crossroads of the known world so they could be a light to the world and communicate His message to them. 5. Gezer was in the territory of Ephraim. Historical Background 1. Gezer is one of the largest tels in Israel. 2. Whoever controlled Gezer had significant control over the ancient world. 3. Gezer began to be inhabited some 5,000 years ago. 4. It has around 21 layers of civilizations. 5. A tel is a mound of earth that develops as one civilization builds upon another. 6. The Canaanites first lived here from around 3000 BC to around 2000 BC. 7. Sadly, there has been found on this site many sacrificed babies. 8. When the Israelites arrived in 1406 BC, they failed to drive out the Philistines and occupy Gezer. 9. As a result, the Philistines lived here from around 2000 BC until King David subdued them in around 1000 BC. 10. Gezer existed during the time of Christ. 11. Gezer is mentioned 14 times in the Bible. 12. During the Hasmonean revolt (167 BC), the Jews lived close to Gezer and used it for battle purposes. 13. The Ottomans (15th and 16th centuries) lived here as well. Places of Interest 1. Parking 2. Canaanite Tower 3. Canaanite Gate 4. Water System 5. Sheikh's Tomb 6. Israelite City 7. Solomon’s Gate 8. Standing Stones 9. Lookout Point Gezer in the Bible 1. In the conquest of the Promised Land, God gave the Israelites victory over Gezer. Joshua 10:33: Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish. And Joshua struck him and his people, until he left none remaining. 2. The tribe of Ephraim was allotted Gezer, but they didn’t fully drive out its inhabitants and conquer them. Joshua 16:10: However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer , so the Canaanites have lived in the midst of Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor. 3. Gezer was one of the cities given to the Kohathite clans of the Levites. It was also a city of refuge. Joshua 21:20–22: As to the rest of the Kohathites belonging to the Kohathite clans of the Levites, the cities allotted to them were out of the tribe of Ephraim. 21 To them were given Shechem, the city of refuge for the manslayer, with its pasturelands in the hill country of Ephraim, Gezer with its pasturelands, 22 Kibzaim with its pasturelands, Beth-horon with its pasturelands-four cities. 4. King David, some 200 years later, conquered the Philistines who lived in Gezer. 2 Samuel 5:25: Then David did so, just as the Lord had commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer . 5. After King David, it appears Egypt also conquered Gezer and gave it to Solomon, who rebuilt and fortified it. 1 Kings 9:15–17: And this is the account of the forced labor that King Solomon drafted to build the house of the Lord and his own house and the Millo and the wall of Jerusalem and Hazor and Megiddo and Gezer 16 (Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up and captured Gezer and burned it with fire, and had killed the Canaanites who lived in the city, and had given it as dowry to his daughter, Solomon's wife; 17 so Solomon rebuilt Gezer ) and Lower Beth-horon. Faith Lesson from Gezer 1. In the same way Gezer is on a hill found on the crossroads of the world, we too have been placed by God in the world to influence those around us. 2. Unlike the Ephraimites who failed to conquer Gezer and attain what God had promised them, we should subdue what God wants us to become and accomplish for Him. 3. Like the standing stones at Gezer, we should be firm in our faith and persevere under persecution and pressure. We should not allow the world to mold us, but instead, we should impact the world for Christ.

See all the sites and discoveries of Magdala by the Sea of Galilee. Learn about Mary Magdalene, one of Christ's most devoted followers. See how her life was drastically changed by Christ. Synagogue, stone with grooves (used for reading the scrolls in the synagogue), rare stone replica of the temple in Jerusalem, mosaics in the synagogue, scroll storage room, marketplace, fish market area, residential area, Mikvahs, harbor, Byzantine Monastery, Duc In Altum (Latin for "Put out into the deep") Magdala Photo Gallery Magdala Introduction Welcome to the town of Magdala. Many significant events from the Bible happened here. These are the highlights. 1. It was the largest city around the Sea of Galilee, so Jesus would have preached here regularly. 2. It has one of the most well-preserved synagogues in Israel. Magdala was the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. 3. Mary became a devoted follower of Jesus and was the first one Christ appeared to after His resurrection. 4. Mary was likely a wealthy widow, as she followed Christ everywhere and financially supported the ministry of Jesus. 5. A strong case could be made that Mary was one of Christ’s most devoted and loyal followers. 6. It's a great place to put your feet in the Sea of Galilee. Location 1. Magdala, also known as Migdal and Magadan, is located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. 2. It was located on the Via Maris (an International Highway linking Africa with Asia and Europe). 3. A massive tower foundation that may account for the city's name was discovered here . Both Magdala in Aramaic and Migdal in Hebrew mean tower. Historical Background 1. Magdala was one of the largest towns on the lake at the time of Jesus. Josephus reports that Magdala had a population of 40,000 people and a fleet of 230 boats. Excavations have uncovered the remains of a sprawling Roman city with mansions, paved streets, and a thermal bath complex. 2. History of the churches at Magdala. Around 350 AD, a Byzantine church was built on the site believed to be the location of Mary Magdalene’s house. The Byzantine church was destroyed around 640 AD. It was rebuilt by the Crusaders around 1150 AD. It was converted into a stable when the Crusaders were expelled from the Holy Land around 1291 AD. 3. Excavations first revealed this buried seaport city in the 1960s. Later, more of Magdala was discovered in 2009. 4. It’s believed a flash flood covered it sometime in the latter part of the 1st Century, as no coins or artifacts were found dating later than 67 AD. 5. It was a fishing village with one of the largest fish markets in northern Galilee. 6. It has one of Israel's oldest, most well-preserved synagogues. The synagogue was in use during Jesus' time, and He would have certainly preached here regularly. Matthew 4:23: And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 7. On one occasion, Jesus came to this area after feeding 4,000 people on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. Matthew 15:38–39: Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan (Magdala). 8. It has a rare stone replica of the temple in Jerusalem with detailed carvings showing different aspects of the temple. 9. Magdala was the hometown of the famous Jewish historian Josephus. 10. It was the hometown of Mary Magdalene, from whom Christ cast out seven demons. 11. It was the largest Jewish city around the Sea of Galilee. 12. The area around Magdala is called "Migdal," the Hebrew name for Magdala. 13. Magdala became a center of rebellion against Rome and a fortified base for rebels during the first Jewish revolt that began in AD 66. 14. In AD 67-68, three Roman legions commanded by Vespasian reached Magdala and surrounded the city. After its defeat, many of the rebels tried to escape by boat acros s Galilee with disastrous results. The Romans engaged them in a sea battle and killed so many that the water in the Sea of Galilee turned red with their blood. Another 1,200 were executed in nearby Tiberias. Of the remaining Magdala citizens, 6,000 were sent to build a canal in Greece, and 30,000 were sold as slaves. Places of Interest 1. Synagogue 2. Beth Midrash (teaching area in the synagogue) 3. Stone with grooves (used for reading the scrolls in the synagogue) 4. A rare stone replica of the temple in Jerusalem in the synagogue. A copy of it is now placed outside the synagogue in a glass case. Many symbols can be found carved into it. Westside (side facing seating area): Menorah Two pillars on each side represent the pillars at the entrance to the Holy of Holies. Jars likely represent storage for oil for the Menorah. Top of stone: Two trees represent the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden. Rosette represents the curtain to the Holy of Holies. Northside & Southside: Arches represent the entrance and exit to the temple in Jerusalem. Herodian Lamp, unique to Jerusalem. Eastside: Wheels with an explosion under them represent the Chariot of Fire, in which Elijah was taken to heaven. The Torah was read from this stone on Saturdays (Sabbath). 5. Well-preserved mosaics in the synagogue. 6. Scroll storage room in the synagogue. 7. Marketplace 8. Fishmarket area Aqueduct 9. Residential area The width of the streets in biblical times was measured by the width of two loaded donkeys passing by one another. 10. Mikvahs 11. Byzantine Monastery 12. Duc In Altum (Latin for "Put out into the deep") is a spiritual center in Magdala where all can worship. It has a unique Galilean boat as an altar and a beautiful view of the Sea of Galilee behind it. The boat is made out of cedar from Lebanon, in honor of the temple Solomon built with cedar from Lebanon as well. This center was built in honor of Mary Magdalene. One of its purposes is to honor and support women today. The Encounter Chapel, located on the lower level of Duc In Altum, is part of Magdala´s archaeological treasure. The floor is that of the original first-century marketplace of the Magdala port. The woman represented in this chapel was seeking healing and found it when she touched Jesus' hem. What a miraculous and life-changing encounter! Today, people can stand on the stones of the marketplace where Jesus walked and have a personal encounter as they experience Christ's historical and spiritual presence. 13. Byzantine Church Located beside the Duc In Altum center are the ruins of a Byzantine church built around 350 AD. The foundations, mosaic floors, and architectural fragments of the church are preserved and can be seen today. 14. Harbor and boat dock area by the seashore. Magdala (Mary Magdalene) in the Bible 1. Jesus preached in Magdala regularly. Matthew 4:23: And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. Matthew 15:38–39: Those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And after sending away the crowds, he got into the boat and went to the region of Magadan [Magdala]. 2. Jesus cast out 7 demons from Mary Magdalene. Luke 8:1–3: Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. 3. Mary was likely a wealthy widow as she followed Christ everywhere and supported the ministry of Jesus financially. 4. A strong case could be made that Mary was one of Christ’s most devoted and loyal followers. She followed Jesus everywhere and supported Him financially. She was present at the mock trial of Jesus, she heard Pontius Pilate pronounce the death sentence upon Jesus, she saw Jesus beaten and humiliated by the crowd, she was one of the women who stood near Jesus during the crucifixion to try to comfort Him, and she was the first woman Christ appeared to after rising from the dead. 5. Mary looked from a distance at Christ’s crucifixion and then moved in closer during His last suffering hours on the cross. Mark 15:40: There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. John 19:25: But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 6. Mary Magdalene helped buy expensive spices to anoint the body of Jesus after His crucifixion. Mark 16:1: When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 7. Mary was the earliest witness to Jesus's resurrection and was sent by Jesus to tell the others. Mark 16:9: When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. 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. 8. Even at the very end, Mary never lost her first love for Jesus. Revelation 2:4: But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 9. Mary also undoubtedly served Christ alongside the apostles for the rest of her life. Faith Lesson from Magdala and Mary Magdalene 1. Christ cast out seven demons from Mary. This changed her life forever and filled her with deep gratitude to Jesus. Are we grateful for what God has done for us as well? 2. Mary loved Christ profoundly and was one of His most devoted followers. She is the model of what it means to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Are we devoted to Christ as Mary was? 3. Mary supported Jesus’ ministry financially. Do we also support Jesus’ ministries? 4. Mary never lost her first love for Christ. Have we lost our first love?