If this artifact is true, it proves the death and resurrection of Jesus. This is a total game-changer. Join us as we look at the evidence! You'll be amazed at what is discussed! Shroud of Turin (Jesus), In Italy Photo Gallery Shroud of Turin (Jesus), In Italy Fact or Fiction? If you want to know everything about the Shroud of Turin, we provide a complete analysis of this extremely unique artifact here. What Is It? Is the Shroud found in the Bible? Why Is It Called the Shroud of Turin? Where Is the Shroud Located Today? Has the Shroud always been a Catholic Relic? How Was the Shroud Wrapped Around the Body? What Is Its Historical Timeline? What Are the Arguments Supporting the Shroud's Authenticity? What Are the Arguments Against Its Authenticity? Conclusion Faith Lesson for Us Today What Is It? 1. The Shroud of Turin is a 2,000-year-old linen cloth bearing the image of a man who suffered injuries consistent with crucifixion. Many believe it to be Jesus' burial linen cloth, as found in the four gospels in the Bible. 2. The cloth measures about 14.5 feet (4.4 meters) long and 3.5 feet (1 meter) wide. 3. It is the most studied and researched artifact today. It defies science and is a historical artifact that continues to captivate people worldwide. It has been a subject of religious devotion and scientific scrutiny for years. 4. The Shroud has two amazing factors. First, the image is just two or three microns thick and disappears if you get closer than about 8 feet (2.5 meters) to the Shroud. This baffles scientists and confirms it's not a work of art or man-made. Second, the image is just on the surface and was created by a tremendous burst of light, amounting to around 34 trillion watts of energy, taking 1/4th of a billionth of a second to leave the image on the Shroud. Otherwise, it would have scorched the image and destroyed it. 5. Science shows that the blood on the Shroud was there first, and then the image was created from the massive energy that came later. The Shroud is estimated to have several pints of blood on it. What is fascinating is that the Shroud shows evidence of the crucifixion and resurrection of the man in it. 6. To date, around 102 different scientific disciplines have spent over 600,000 hours studying the Shroud, and they virtually all agree it defies science and is unexplainable by natural laws. 7. Many photos seen of the Shroud's image are photo negatives. This image reproduces bright portions of the photographed subject as dark and the dark parts as light. A natural image doesn't show the details like a negative image. 8. The negative image also has 3-dimensional properties that are unexplainable. 9. As of the time of this filming, there is an offer of 1 million dollars to anyone who can replicate the Shroud. No one has been able to do it even using all our modern high-tech technology. Join us on this fascinating journey as we examine the evidence to determine whether this relic is authentic or a hoax. If it is authentic, the ramifications are staggering. Is the Shroud Found in the Bible? The Bible Affirms Jesus Was Wrapped In Linen Cloths (Shroud) at His Burial In All Four Gospels Matthew 27:57-60: When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Mark 15:45-46: And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph [of Arimathea]. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud , and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. Luke 23:53: Then he [Joseph of Arimathea] took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. Luke 24:12: But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened. John 19:40: So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. John 20:4-7: Both of them were running together, but the other disciple [John] outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth , which had been on Jesus' head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. Why Is It Called the Shroud of Turin? It has this name because it has been stored in Turin, Italy, since 1578. It's also widely known as the Shroud of Jesus. Where Is the Shroud Located Today? It's stored at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy. It's housed in a climate-controlled case in a chapel built just to hold it. However, because of its extremely fragile state, the shroud is not viewable to the public except during very rare public viewings, as the pope determines. Has the Shroud always been a Catholic Relic? No, the House of Savoy entrusted the Shroud of Turin to the Catholic Pope (and each succeeding Pope) in 1983. It seems there is some relation with the Vatican as well. So, it is technically not entrusted to the Catholic Church. It has been in the hands of many people and places throughout its long history. How Was the Shroud Wrapped Around the Body? The long linen cloth was laid down, and the body was placed on the lower part of the cloth. Next, the cloth was folded over the entire body, with the head at the centerfold, ending at the feet, where it began. Then strips of linen were wrapped around the shroud and body to keep the shroud in place. A head covering was also used. This is consistent with Lazarus being raised from the dead in John 11:43-44: When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen , and a cloth around his face. How Tall Was the Man Covered in the Shroud? According to the image on the Shroud, the body would have been about 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall. This is taller than the average height of a person in Israel during the time of Jesus. However, this would be consistent with Jesus because in order to minister to the multitudes, he would have had to be taller than others, or he wouldn't have been seen or heard. What Is Its Historical Timeline? 33 AD The Bible describes Jesus being wrapped in a linen cloth after the crucifixion. Some believe the Shroud was kept secretly by early Christians because of persecution under Roman rule. 100 AD Legend and folklore speak of a mysterious cloth with healing power bearing an image of Jesus that arrived in Edessa (now Urfa, Turkey) in the First Century AD. The Apostle Jude Thaddeus, one of the original Apostles of Jesus Christ, is associated with bringing the cloth from Jerusalem to Edessa. 525 AD After a severe flood destroyed most of Edessa, the cloth was removed from the walls where it had been hidden for over 400 years. The cloth became known as "The Image of Edessa" and later was called “The True Likeness of Christ Not Made by Human Hands.” All Orthodox icons of Jesus and Byzantine coins dramatically changed to conform to the "True Likeness" image featured a man with long hair, a full beard, large eyes, and a flattened nose—all of which are stylistically similar to the Shroud image. Additionally, Byzantine texts describe a folded cloth bearing the image of Jesus “not made by human hands” hidden in a wall in Edessa. 944 AD The Byzantine Imperial Army invaded Edessa to retrieve the cloth from the city that had fallen to Islam. The cloth was taken to Constantinople (now Istanbul) and presented to the Emperor. The cloth was reportedly shown during church feasts. 1203 AD A document from French Crusader Robert de Clari describes a cloth in Constantinople showing the full body of Christ, displayed every Friday — some say this refers to the Shroud. 1204 AD The Fourth Crusade invaded Constantinople, and the revered cloth disappeared. Some historians believe the Shroud was held secretly by the Knights Templar before 1356, when it was displayed in France. Vatican research from 2009 supports this long-time oral tradition. 1354 The Shroud reappeared in the hands of French knight Geoffrey de Charny, who displayed it at a church he founded in Lirey, France. 1453 Geoffrey’s granddaughter, Marguerite de Charny, gave the Shroud to the royal House of Savoy. 1502 The Shroud was no longer displayed in different churches within the House of Savoy Kingdom, but was given a permanent home in the royal chapel at Chambery, also known as Sainte Chapelle. 1532 A fire damaged the Shroud in Chambery Chapel, where it was stored. A drop of molten silver from the container produced a symmetrically placed mark through the layers of the folded cloth. Poor Clare Nuns, a group of nuns, repaired this damage with patches. Some have suggested that water damage also occurred when the fire was being extinguished. These burn marks are still visible. 1578 It was moved to Turin, Italy, where it has remained to this day. What Are the Arguments Supporting the Shroud's Authenticity? 1. The Image Itself Is a Mystery The image on the Shroud is not painted, drawn, or dyed — no pigment or brushstrokes have been found. When viewed as a negative image, it appears more detailed and lifelike. This is something not understood until it was first photographed in 1898. The image also contains 3D information, which is very rare. When processed by image analyzers like the NASA VP-8, it produces a three-dimensional relief, unlike typical photographs or paintings. 2. The Marks on the Shroud Match Exactly the Wounds of the Crucifixion of Jesus Bloodstains on the head are compatible with a crown of thorns. There is no historical account of anyone being crucified with a crown of thorns. The Shroud didn't touch every part of the body. But considering the parts it did touch, there are over 120 scourges or marks, creating over 370 lacerations. It's estimated the body would have had over 700 lacerations. This is compatible with Roman flogging and what Jesus endured. He was beaten at the House of Caiaphas, the High Priest, before Pilate, before Herod, and then again severely before Pilate. Nail wounds on the wrists. Roman crucifixion generally put nails through the wrists to better support the weight of a body on a cross. Nails through the hand typically wouldn't support the weight and rip through. The wrist was considered part of the hand during this period. Nail wounds in the feet. The man’s feet were on top of one another. The legs are slightly bent due to rigor mortis, a muscle stiffness that sets in quickly after death and lasts less than four days. After four days, the muscles relax and the body becomes limp. Interestingly, Jesus rose from the dead after three days and nights in the tomb. Blood from the body runs downward, showing evidence of the man being crucified. There are no stains or signs of the body decomposing. This is compatible with Jesus' resurrection, which happened on the third day before the body had time to decay. Wound in the side, compatible in size with a Roman spear tip. Post-mortem blood flow from the side wound also flows across the back. The man's legs were not broken. This would be consistent with what happened to Jesus. Interestingly, the two men crucified with Jesus both had their legs broken. Marks on the back of the man from carrying a wooden beam. This is consistent with Jesus carrying His cross. Deviated septum. This would have been caused by the heavy blows Jesus received to His face by the Roman soldiers. 3. Authentic Human Bloodstains The blood on the Shroud is type AB, a Jewish blood type found in less than 3% of the world's population. So the Shroud most likely originated from Israel. The blood is real human blood and shows signs of the chemical bilirubin. It's produced by the liver during extreme trauma or stress. This is consistent with the traumatic injuries that Jesus would have suffered. The blood on the Shroud is reddish. Normally, blood turns blackish when exposed to oxygen. The chemical bilirubin keeps the blood reddish and stops it from turning blackish, which is again consistent with Christ's sufferings before and during the crucifixion. 4. Pollen, Dust, and Plant Evidence The pollen grains found on the Shroud are from plants native to Jerusalem. Some of these plants bloom only in the spring, around the time of Passover. Additionally, other pollen on the Shroud matches perfectly with the places it has traveled throughout its history, such as Jerusalem, Northern Syria, Turkey, and Europe. Limestone Dust from Jerusalem on the Shroud 5. Weaving Style and Material It is made of expensive cloth using the exceptionally durable herringbone weave pattern. It was rare but well-known in the ancient Middle East and is consistent with 1st-century Jewish burial cloths. The linen matches first-century Jewish burial customs. Even the seam on the shroud is identical to stitching found only at Masada, a Jewish fortress destroyed by the Romans in 73 AD. It perfectly matches the Bible's account of being donated by Joseph of Arimathea, who was very wealthy. We also have other ancient clothing that has been preserved. Some are as old as 5,000 years. So, it's not abnormal to have ancient clothing preserved. 6. A Byzantine coin from 692 AD shows Jesus on a cross resembling the Shroud's face. 7. Scientific Affirmation that the Shroud of Turin is Authentic In 1978, King Umberto II, the owner of the Shroud at the time, authorized comprehensive hands-on testing for a group called the "Shroud of Turin Research Project," also known as STURP. The group was made up of over 30 distinguished scientists. STURP’s findings remain a primary scientific source cataloging the Shroud’s unique properties. Below is a partial list of the STURP findings: No substances were manually applied to the cloth. No artistic substances such as paint, ink, dye, pigments, or stain were used to constitute the image. No collagen binder as would be used with paint. No fibers are cemented to each other as with paint. No liquids were applied to create the image. No substances were found between the threads, as with dust rubbing. Bloodstains on the cloth tested positive for heme, bile, serum albumin, and other human blood components. The blood is of the male type, AB. The blood marks seen on the shroud are consistent with a contact transfer to the cloth of blood clot exudates that would have resulted from major wounds inflicted on a man who died in the position of crucifixion. The following are image characteristics found on or about the Shroud: The image is purely superficial. It does not penetrate the cloth but only rests on the top two micro-fibers. (Analogous to the Shroud image resting on the hairs of your forearm.) The image is a photographic negative that develops as a positive. The image contains 3D “distance information” similar to a topographical map. No directionality to the image, as found with a brush or any substance application tool. No variation in the depth of the image. (Virtually impossible with human hands.) The yellowing of the image is uniform in intensity. No outline or defined edges are found on the image. STURP conclusion: “There are no chemical or physical methods known which can account for the totality of the image, nor can any combination of physical, chemical, biological, or medical circumstances explain the image adequately.” 8. Latest Scientific Affirmations As mentioned earlier, it is impressive that around 102 different scientific disciplines have spent over 600,000 hours studying the Shroud, and the great majority of them have concluded that it is indeed 2,000 years old and authentic. The Institute of Crystallography in Italy has confirmed, using wide-angle x-ray scattering technology (WAXS), that the Shroud of Turin is 2,000 years old. Paolo Di Lazzaro of ENEA Laboratory in Italy conducted a five-year study and calculated that it would have taken 34,000 trillion watts of energy, or 1/4th of a billionth of a second, to leave the image on the Shroud. Otherwise, it would have scorched the image and destroyed it. The image is just two or three microns thick and disappears if you get closer than 8 feet (2.5 meters) to the Shroud. This baffles scientists and confirms it's not a work of art or man-made. What Are the Arguments Against Its Authenticity? 1. Radiocarbon Dating In 1988, the Vatican provided three laboratories in different countries with a postage-stamp-sized piece of the Shroud’s linen cloth. Carbon-14 dating from all three laboratories concluded that the cloth had been made sometime between 1260 and 1390 AD, thus indicating that it was not authentic and was a hoax. As a result, this news hit all the news outlets and became a major story. It seemed the Shroud was proven to be a forgery from the Middle Ages. However, some scientists raised doubts about the researchers’ methodology. Recently, it has been verified that the test pieces from the Shroud were from repairs that had been carefully done on a corner of the linen and not from the actual fabric itself. Based on these recent test results, the Vatican encouraged scientists to conduct further investigations of the shroud’s authenticity. In 2022, researchers in Italy published the results of a study in which they used the technique of wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) to analyze a small piece of the shroud. The study concluded that the structural degradations of the Shroud’s linen were “fully compatible” with those of another linen sample dating to 55–74 AD. The 2022 study’s results bolstered the hypothesis that the Shroud of Turin truly is from the time of Christ. 2. Artistic Techniques Critics argue that the image could have been created using medieval methods, such as bas-relief or other artistic techniques. However, recent discoveries and the most recent technology have nullified these claims. 3. The Shroud Lacks Historical Documentation Throughout Its Entire History Some argue that its documented history only begins in 1356 AD, leaving a supposed gap from its beginning until then. An essential fact about the Shroud's history is that it has two distinct periods. The first is before 1356, based on circumstantial evidence, legend, art, and coins. The second is after 1356, when the Shroud's trail is documented and accepted by historians. The Shroud's timeline before 1356 AD is quite verifiable and credible. Legends, art, coins, etc., are commonly valued highly when attempting to verify historical events. This same standard should apply to the Shroud as well. Just because the history from its beginning to 1356 is not documented as well as after that time, does not nullify all the scientific tests done on it. It's a very weak argument against the Shroud's authenticity. Conclusion Whether or not the Shroud is authentic doesn't affect the historicity of Jesus and our faith. We have overwhelming evidence for the existence of Christ and His death and resurrection, so the Shroud isn't needed to prove this. Someone has said that if we stacked the written evidence supporting the Shroud's authenticity, it would reach the ceiling height in a typical house. The evidence against the Shroud's authenticity amounts to a few weak arguments. As mentioned earlier, as of the time of this filming, there is an offer of 1 million dollars to anyone who can replicate the Shroud. No one has been able to do it even using all our modern high-tech technology. With this being the case, it's virtually impossible that the Shroud could be a forgery from the Middle Ages. The Shroud's authenticity is beyond a reasonable doubt and overwhelmingly provides sufficient evidence to convince any modern-day "Doubting Thomas." The DNA of Jesus is not available, so the Shroud can never be 100 percent proven to be his burial cloth. (Although many would argue that the Sudarium of Oviedo provides a blood and stain match.) The fact that the Shroud exists and has been preserved for around 2000 years strongly suggests its high value and supernatural preservation. It is not just any old cloth that endures for millennia if something special isn't going on. Historian John Walsh gives us a good perspective on the Shroud: “The Shroud is either the most awesome and instructive relic of Christ in existence, or it is one of the most ingenious, most unbelievably clever products of the human mind and hand on record. It is either one or the other; there is no middle ground.” After four decades of devoted study to the Shroud of Turin, the French historian Jean-Christian Petitfils is fully convinced that the face unveiled to the world by the Italian photographer Secondo Pia in 1898 is indeed that of Jesus Christ in the tomb. We, at HolyLandSite.com Ministries, are convinced the Shroud is authentic. Faith Lesson for Us Today from the Shroud of Turin 1. Jesus voluntarily submitted to the most horrible manner of death possible to pay for our sins and grant us eternal life. The Shroud provides additional evidence of what Jesus suffered for us. The 120 flogging marks, the 700 or more lacerations, and the beatings show His love. Romans 5:8 says, "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." What about us? Have we received Christ's gift of salvation, and are we grateful for what He did for us? 2. The physical suffering Jesus endured to pay for our sins was overwhelming. However, the spiritual suffering He paid was even greater. What about us? Do we understand how much Jesus loves us and wants to have a relationship with us? 3. Regardless of whether the Shroud of Turin is authentic, we have so much more evidence supporting the death and resurrection of Jesus. What about us? Do we believe the truthfulness of the resurrection of Jesus, or are we skeptical and unbelieving? 4. With the overwhelming evidence that the Shroud is authentic, we are not to worship it in any way. We worship God, not a thing. 5. The evidence for the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin meets the standard of truthfulness beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus, we have an accurate representation of the Face of God. This is amazing! What about us? Does this change our hearts and make us grateful to God for preserving this relic for us to behold today?

Zedekiah’s Cave is a 5-acre (2 hectares) underground limestone quarry that stretches under five city blocks of the Muslim Quarter of Old City Jerusalem. The entrance is just beneath the Old City wall, between the Damascus and Herod Gates. Zedekiah's Cave ~ Solomon's Quarry Photo Gallery Places of Interest Zedekiah's Cave ~ Solomon's Quarry Location 1. The entrance to Zedekiah's Cave is just beneath the Old City wall, between the Damascus and Herod Gates. 2. It's on the north side of Old City Jerusalem, just outside its walls. 3. Only the cave's mouth is natural. The interior was carved over several thousand years. 4. Zedekiah’s Cave is a 5-acre (2 hectares) underground limestone quarry that stretches under five city blocks of the Muslim Quarter of Old City Jerusalem. 5. It was carved over a period of several thousand years and is a remnant of the largest quarry in Jerusalem. Historical Background 1. Solomon very likely used this quarry to construct the temple and Temple Mount platform he built. I Kings 5:15–17: Now Solomon had 70,000 transporters, and 80,000 hewers of stone in the mountains, 16 besides Solomon’s 3,300 chief deputies who were over the project and who ruled over the people who were doing the work. 17 Then the king commanded, and they quarried great stones , costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with cut stones. These verses have intrigued scholars who have suggested that the proximity of the Temple Mount (Mount Moriah), to the site of “Zedekiah’s Cave” is what prompted King Solomon to utilize the quarry to produce the stones necessary for his building projects. 2. Herod the Great likely used the main quarry at Zedekiah's Cave for building blocks in renovating the temple and its retaining walls, today known as the Western or Wailing Wall. 3. Stones from the quarry may also have been used for Herod Agrippa I's building projects. 4. The cave was also said to be the hiding place of King Zedekiah when the Babylonians came to siege Jerusalem. The Biblical commentator Rashi wrote that Zedekiah hid here to escape the soldiers of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar during the siege of Jerusalem. According to Rashi, "There was a cave from the palace of Zedekiah to the plain of Jericho, and he fled through the cave." Thus, the legend and name of "Zedekiah's Cave" were born. 4. Suleiman the Magnificent (1494–1566), the Ottoman sultan who built the present walls around the Old City, also apparently mined the quarry. Because of security concerns, he ultimately sealed it up around 1540. 5. In 1854, the American missionary James Turner Barclay followed rumors of a cavern near the Damascus Gate and, apparently with the help of his dog, discovered the entrance. Barclay and his two sons returned secretly at night and explored the cave. 6. In the mid-1880s, the cave was occupied by a German religious sect that the German Consul eventually evacuated in Jerusalem after many of the group fell ill from living in damp, unsanitary conditions. 7. In 1873, French archeologist Charles Clermont-Ganneau uncovered a crude carving of a winged creature in a small niche in the cave. The carving had two long, narrow wings that opened like a pair of scissors, a curled tail, and a bearded human head under a conical headdress. A plaque now marks the site. 8. Around 1900, the Jews of Jerusalem changed the name from Solomon's Quarry to Zedekiah's Cave. They believed that when Zedekiah, the last Judean king from Jerusalem, fled from the Babylonians as they besieged the city, he passed through this cave on his way to the plains of Jericho, where he was captured. 9. Some minor quarrying occurred in 1907 when the stone was obtained for use in the Ottoman clock tower over the Jaffa Gate. Otherwise, the site was not frequented again until the 1920s, when it became a tourist attraction. 10. In the late 20th century, the East Jerusalem Development Corporation restored the cave. In the mid-1980s, the Jerusalem Foundation built paths and installed lights throughout the cavern, facilitating tourist access. 11. In 1968, an East Jerusalem resident contacted the Israeli Ministry of Finance with a claim that his grandfather had buried three cases of gold in Zedekiah's Cave during the Ottoman period. He claimed he could show officials where the treasure was buried in return for 25% of the gold. The Ministry agreed, but according to The Jerusalem Post, no gold was found after digging a deep hole. 12. The cave reopened to the public in 2023 after three years of renovation and the installation of an audiovisual show. Places of Interest 1. Damascus Gate 2. Herod Gate 3. Zedekiah's Cave 4. Old City Jerusalem Walls 5. Temple Mount 6. Muslim Quarter 7. Christian Quarter 8. Jewish Quarter 9. Armenian Quarter 10. New Gate 11. Jaffa Gate 12. Western Wall 13. Temple Mount - Dome of the Rock 14. Church of the Holy Sepulchre Zedekiah's Cave ~ Solomon's Quarry in the Bible 1. Solomon very likely used this quarry to construct the temple and temple mount platform he built - 967 BC. I Kings 5:15–17: Now Solomon had 70,000 transporters, and 80,000 hewers of stone in the mountains, 16 besides Solomon’s 3,300 chief deputies who were over the project and who ruled over the people who were doing the work. 17 Then the king commanded, and they quarried great stones , costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with cut stones. 2. The destruction of Jerusalem and the tragic end of King Zedekiah's reign - 586 BC. King Zedekiah reigned briefly over Judah from 597 to 586 BC. His reign ended in the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the deportation of many Jews to Babylon. 2 Kings 24:17-20: Then the king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in his place, and changed his name to Zedekiah. 18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. 19 He also did evil in the sight of the Lord , according to all that Jehoiakim had done. 20 For because of the anger of the Lord this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, that He finally cast them out from His presence . Then Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 2 Kings 25:1-7: Now it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and all his army came against Jerusalem and encamped against it; and they built a siege wall against it all around. 2 So the city was besieged until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. 3 By the ninth day of the fourth month, the famine had become so severe in the city that there was no food for the people of the land. 4 Then the city wall was broken through, and all the men of war fled at night by way of the gate between two walls, which was by the king’s garden, even though the Chaldeans were still encamped all around against the city. And the king went by way of the plain. 5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued the king, and they overtook him in the plains of Jericho . All his army was scattered from him. 6 So they took the king and brought him up to the king of Babylon at Riblah, and they pronounced judgment on him. 7 Then they killed the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, put out the eyes of Zedekiah, bound him with bronze fetters, and took him to Babylon. Faith Lesson 1. God sent Israel and Judah prophet after prophet over a period of around 400 years to warn them against rejecting Him. God was more than patient with them. What about us? Do we take God's word and His warnings seriously? 2. Judah, the southern part of Israel, should have seen God's seriousness when it saw the northern part of Israel deported to Assyria in 722 BC. What about us? Do we heed what God does to others and realize He could do the same to us if we continue rebelling against Him? 3. God led all of Israel into captivity because they rejected Him. 2 Kings 24:20: For because of the anger of the Lord this happened in Jerusalem and Judah, that He finally cast them out from His presence . What about us? Do we genuinely believe there will be consequences to our rejection of God and living life as we want instead of following God's will for our lives?

See and learn about the epic battle between Gideon and the Israelites, and the Midianites. Sites of interest include the Hill of Moreh, where the Midianites camped. Jezreel Valley. Gilboa Mountains, where the Israelites hid out in. The period of the Judges saw the nation of Israel experience many cycles of obedience and disobedience. One verse is repeated several times in Judges that summarizes their day: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." Gideon's Spring Photo Gallery Places of Interest Gideon’s Spring Introduction Welcome to Gideon's Spring. This is where the famous battle took place between Gideon and his 300 men and the Midianites, who were in number like the sand of the sea. All the places mentioned in the Bible can be found in this vicinity. 1. Hill of Moreh, where the Midianites camped. 2. Midianite Camp 3. Jezreel Valley 4. Battle Area 5. Gideon’s Spring, where Gideon chose 300 men for battle. 6. Gilboa Mountains: Where the Israelites hid out. Location Gideon’s Spring, or also known as Harod Spring, is located in the fertile Jezreel Valley about 26 miles (42 km.) from the Mediterranean Sea and about 17 miles (28 km.) south of the Sea of Galilee. Just to the south of Gideon’s Spring are the Gilboa Mountains. Historical Background 1. The period of the Judges saw the nation of Israel experience many cycles of obedience and disobedience. 2. They would walk with God for a bit and then fall away. 3. One verse is repeated several times in the book of Judges that summarizes the mentality of their day: "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6, 21:25). 4. In order to bring the nation of Israel back to Himself, God would send them oppressors to make their lives difficult. 5. As a result, the Israelites would look to the Lord, and He would send them a deliverer, or also known as a Judge. 6. Gideon was one of these deliverers that God raised up to deliver the Israelites out of the hand of the Midianites who were oppressing Israel at that time. 7. There were a total of 13 Judges or Deliverers in the book of Judges. 8. Gideon was the 5th Judge. Places of Interest 1. Hill of Moreh: Hill area where the Midianites camped. 2. Midianite Camp 3. Jezreel Valley 4. Battle Area 5. Gideon’s Spring: Area where Gideon chose 300 men for battle. 6. Gilboa Mountains: Where the Israelites hid out. 7. Hankin House Museum: Located above the spring entrance. Gideon’s Spring in the Bible 1. God gave the Israelites into the hands of the Midianites because they abandoned and disobeyed Him. Judges 6:1–6: Then the sons of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord ; and the Lord gave them into the hands of Midian seven years. 2 The power of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of Midian the sons of Israel made for themselves the dens which were in the mountains and the caves and the strongholds. 3 For it was when Israel had sown, that the Midianites would come up with the Amalekites and the sons of the east and go against them. 4 So they would camp against them and destroy the produce of the earth as far as Gaza, and leave no sustenance in Israel as well as no sheep, ox, or donkey. 5 For they would come up with their livestock and their tents, they would come in like locusts for number, both they and their camels were innumerable ; and they came into the land to devastate it. 6 So Israel was brought very low because of Midian, and the sons of Israel cried to the Lord. 2. God hears the prayers of the Israelites and decides to deliver them. Judges 6:7–10: Now it came about when the sons of Israel cried to the Lord on account of Midian, 8 that the Lord sent a prophet to the sons of Israel, and he said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘It was I who brought you up from Egypt and brought you out from the house of slavery. 9 I delivered you from the hands of the Egyptians and from the hands of all your oppressors, and dispossessed them before you and gave you their land, 10 and I said to you, “I am the Lord your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live. But you have not obeyed Me.” 3. God visits Gideon through an angel and chooses to deliver the Israelites through him. Judges 6:11–12: Then the angel of the Lord came and sat under the oak that was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite as his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press in order to save it from the Midianites. 12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior.” 4. Gideon responds by saying that his family was the least in the tribe of Manasseh and that he was the youngest in his family (Judges 6:15). This is similar to the response of Moses when God called him. 5. God allows the angel to show Gideon a couple of miracles to prove God will help him. Judges 6:21: Then the angel of the Lord put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread ; and fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the Lord vanished from his sight. 6. God commands Gideon to tear down the altars to Baal that his father had erected and to erect an altar to the Lord in their place (Judges 6:28–32). 7. Shortly afterward, many nations gathered together to wipe out the Israelites. Judges 6:33–35: Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the sons of the east assembled themselves ; and they crossed over and camped in the valley of Jezreel [just north of Gideon’s Spring]. 34 So the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon ; and he blew a trumpet, and the Abiezrites [descendants of Abiezer, the son of Gilead] were called together to follow him. 35 He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, and they also were called together to follow him; and he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they came up to meet them. The Midianites were the descendants of Midian and therefore, children of Abraham. They settled in “the land of the east.” When Moses fled the wrath of Pharaoh, he traveled to Midian (Exodus 2:15). There, Moses met and married his wife, Zipporah, and served his father-in-law, Jethro, as a shepherd for forty years. The Amalekites were the first ones to attack the Israelites upon their exodus from Egypt. Genesis 36 refers to the descendants of Amalek, the son of Eliphaz and grandson of Esau, as Amalekites. So, the Amalekites were somehow related to, but distinct from, the Edomites. 8. As a result of the nations who had gathered together to wipe out the Israelites, Gideon asks for a sign from God that he will be successful. The sign of the wet and dry fleeces is used by Gideon to seek assurance of God’s help (Judges 6:36–40). However, it reveals a lack of faith in what God had said He would do. 9. God commands Gideon to choose 300 men for battle so that He gets all the glory for the victory. Judges 7:1-7: Then Jerubbaal [Gideon] and all the people who were with him rose early and encamped beside the spring of Harod . And the camp of Midian was north of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 2 The LORD said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.' 3 Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, 'Whoever is fearful and trembling, let him return home and hurry away from Mount Gilead.'" Then 22,000 of the people returned, and 10,000 remained. 4 And the LORD said to Gideon, "The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall go with you,' shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, 'This one shall not go with you,' shall not go." 5 So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, "Everyone who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, everyone who kneels down to drink." 6 And the number of those who lapped, putting their hands to their mouths, was 300 men, but all the rest of the people knelt down to drink water. 7 And the LORD said to Gideon, "With the 300 men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hand, and let all the others go every man to his home.” It's believed God chose those who lapped like dogs because they were less civilized. This would give God even more glory for the victory. 10. The size of the opposing army was enormous. Judges 7:12: Now the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the sons of the east were lying in the valley as numerous as locusts; and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand on the seashore. 11. God allows Gideon to visit the camp of the opposing army to be assured of victory. Judges 7:13–14: When Gideon came, behold, a man was relating a dream to his friend. And he said, “Behold, I had a dream; a loaf of barley bread was tumbling into the camp of Midian, and it came to the tent and struck it so that it fell, and turned it upside down so that the tent lay flat.” His friend replied, “This is nothing less than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel; God has given Midian and all the camp into his hand.” 12. God delivers the nations into the victorious hands of the Israelites. Judges 7:15-25: As soon as Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. And he returned to the camp of Israel and said, "Arise, for the LORD has given the host of Midian into your hand." 16 And he divided the 300 men into three companies and put trumpets into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the jars. 17 And he said to them, "Look at me, and do likewise. When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do as I do. 18 When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow the trumpets also on every side of all the camp and shout, 'For the LORD and for Gideon.'" 9 So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch [10:00 pm to 2:00 am], when they had just set the watch. And they blew the trumpets and smashed the jars that were in their hands. 20 Then the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the jars. They held in their left hands the torches, and in their right hands the trumpets to blow. And they cried out, "A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!" 21 Every man stood in his place around the camp, and all the army ran. They cried out and fled. 22 When they blew the 300 trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his comrade and against all the army. And the army fled as far as Beth-shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel- meholah, by Tabbath [cities by the Jordan River directly east]. 23 And the men of Israel were called out from Naphtali and from Asher and from all Manasseh, and they pursued after Midian. 24 Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, "Come down against the Midianites and capture the waters against them, as far as Beth-barah , and also the Jordan." So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they captured the waters as far as Beth- barah , and also the Jordan. 25 And they captured the two princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of Zeeb. Then they pursued Midian, and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon across the Jordan. Faith Lesson from Gideon’s Spring 1. God sent oppression to get the attention of the Israelites because they had fallen away from Him. He often sends us problems to get our attention as well. 2. God often puts us in difficult situations, so He gets all the glory when He helps us with our problems. 3. We, like the Israelites, can worship idols as well. An idol is anything that distracts us from our time and attention on God. What is distracting you away from God at this time in your life? 4. We should look at the size of our God rather than the size of our difficulties. 5. God delights in our faith but is grieved by our lack of it. 6. God chooses the weak things to show His glory: But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God (1 Cor. 27-29). 6. Even if we have weaknesses, God can use us if we trust and follow Him.

The Greek Orthodox “Prison of Christ” is a small underground grotto/chamber inside the Greek Orthodox Holy Monastery of the Praetorium along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem’s Old City, near the area associated with the early “trial/condemnation” stations. A long-standing devotion connects it to Jesus being held briefly in custody in connection with the “praetorium” scenes of the Passion (especially John 18:28). It is also the believed place where some of the apostles were jailed. Greek Orthodox Prison of Christ/Apostles Photo Gallery Places of Interest Greek Orthodox Prison of Christ/Apostles Introduction 1. The Greek Orthodox “Prison of Christ” is a small underground grotto/chamber inside the Greek Orthodox Holy Monastery of the Praetorium. 2. A long-standing devotion connects it to Jesus being held briefly in custody in connection with the “praetorium” scenes of the trial of Jesus before Pilate. 3. According to the Greek Orthodox Church, this complex sits on the site of the Roman Praetorium where Pontius Pilate judged Jesus, and its underground chambers served as the temporary holding cells for prisoners awaiting execution. Among these prisoners would be some of the Apostles. Location 1. Located along the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem’s Old City just west of the Sisters of Zion and Ecce Homo Arch. 2. It's also west of the area associated with the early “trial/condemnation” stations marked out as stations one and two of the traditional Via Dolorosa path. Historical Background 1. The Underground Prison While the monastery building above ground dates primarily to the 18th century, the subterranean levels consist of ancient, rock-hewn caves. These chambers feature authentic Roman-era stonework and were likely used for local detention facilities (jail) in antiquity. The Cell of Christ: The smallest cave in the complex is venerated as the specific cell where Jesus was held while the Roman soldiers prepared the cross. The main focal point is a stone bench and a distinctive flagstone carved with two holes, traditionally believed to be the stocks where Jesus' feet were shackled. The Cell of Barabbas: Another cave within the underground complex is traditionally identified as the holding cell for Barabbas, the insurrectionist released by Pilate in place of Jesus in honor of the Passover custom. General Jail Area: Located in the lower area of the caves is a larger area with hooks in the walls. This could be the area where some of the Apostles were held by the Jewish religious leaders for preaching about Christ. 2. Historical and Archaeological Context The site is steeped in religious devotion, but its historical authenticity as the actual site of Jesus' imprisonment and trial is a subject of ongoing debate among historians and archaeologists. The Antonia Fortress Tradition: The monastery is situated near the remains of the Antonia Fortress, a massive military garrison built by Herod the Great to monitor the adjacent Temple Mount. Beginning heavily in the Crusader period (12th century), Western and Eastern traditions began to associate this fortress with the Praetorium. It was a logical assumption that the Roman governor would station himself near the Temple Mount during volatile Jewish festivals to quickly suppress any riots. The Herod's Palace Consensus: Today, the majority of modern archaeologists and historians believe the actual Roman Praetorium was located on the opposite side of the Old City at Herod's Palace (near the modern Jaffa Gate and the Tower of David). Roman governors generally preferred the luxury of Herod's Palace to the austere military barracks of the Antonia Fortress. Extensive excavations in the 1970s and early 2000s uncovered massive Roman-era pavements and retaining walls there, which better fit historical descriptions of the trial's location. 3. A Landscape of Traditions Because the Gospels do not provide exact geographical coordinates, and because Jerusalem was entirely destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD, the exact locations of many biblical events were obscured. As a result, the Greek Orthodox Praetorium is actually one of five distinct locations in Jerusalem that lay claim to a "Prison of Christ." The other four include: A dedicated chapel inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also maintained by the Greek Orthodox Church. A dry dungeon beneath the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu, the Catholic tradition for the house of the High Priest Caiaphas. A medieval chapel within the Armenian Monastery on Mount Zion, the Armenian tradition for the estate of Caiaphas. The Church of the Archangels in the Armenian Quarter, traditionally held as the house of Annas, where Jesus faced his preliminary interrogation. 4. How the Tradition Developed The familiar route of the Via Dolorosa developed in the medieval period and located the “praetorium” area in the city’s northeast (near where pilgrims were shown features tied to Lithostrotos/Gabbatha). Greek Orthodox custodianship and a specific “prison” grotto: In this same northeastern complex, the Greek Orthodox preserve a grotto and point it out specifically as the Prison of Christ, alongside pieces of ancient fortification/paving remains in the area. Modern chapel/labeling: Some tour guides report that, from the early 20th century (often dated to 1911), the site was more formally promoted/marked as “the real Prison of Christ,” with a chapel above and signage that makes it easy for pilgrims to find. 5. What Archaeology Reveals This part of the Old City is archaeologically like a “layer-cake.” This means there are many layers sitting one on top of another in this area. The Via Dolorosa area preserves ancient features (including stretches of paving and nearby subterranean installations), but key surfaces long shown as Lithostrotos are often dated to Hadrian’s Aelia Capitolina in 135 AD rather than Jesus’ time. Because of that, most historians treat the “Prison of Christ” identification as devotional tradition, not something that can be proven from archaeology alone. 6. The Big “Praetorium” Question A major reason this site is discussed cautiously is that many scholars today associate Pilate’s praetorium in Jerusalem with Herod the Great’s palace on the western hill, not the Antonia Fortress complex that anchors the traditional Via Dolorosa. So, the Greek Orthodox monastery’s “prison” is best understood as part of the pilgrimage memory-map of Jerusalem—deeply meaningful for prayer, but not a settled archaeological identification. 7. Conclusion We believe the best location for the Praetorium (trial location of Jesus) is at Herod the Great’s palace on the western hill beside the Jaffa Gate. This would have been used by Pilate as well. The evidence there is overwhelming. Both the biblical and archaeology evidence all align well. While we don't believe Jesus was imprisoned here, we do believe some of the apostles were. We believe the best option for the Prison of Christ is in the dungeon at the House of Caiaphas (Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu). This prison is the most likely place some of the apostles were held because of its proximity to the Temple where they were arrested by the Jewish leaders. Sites of Interest Inside the Prison 1. Street Level Entrance Stairs descending to first level. 2. First Level Souvenir Purchase Counter Reflection Room Prison of Christ Cell/Feet Stocks 3. Second Level Prison Area Anchor holes in the ceiling, around which prisoners’ chains were fastened. Behind an iron railing, there is a primitive altar, which is one of the oldest in the Holy Land. It reveals that this prison ultimately became a church. On the right side of this area is an ancient plaster-lined baptistry. It reveals that the early church believed this was a holy place. General Prison Area Original Hole to Third Level 4. Third Level Prison Area General Prison Area Hooks in the Walls for Binding Prisoners Prison Cell of Barabbas Walled off Door Places of Interest Outside the Prison 1. Lions’ Gate 2. Temple Mount 3. Antonia Fortress 4. Convent of the Sisters of Sion - Lithostrotos 5. Church of the Holy Sepulchre 6. Ecce Homo Arch 7. Via Dolorosa 8. Herod/Pilate Praetorium Prison of the Apostles in the Bible 1. Peter and John Are Arrested on the Temple Mount and Put in Prison Acts 4:1-10: The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day . 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand. 2. Peter and John Released from Prison 5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 3. The Apostles Do Many Signs and Wonders on the Temple Mount Acts 5:12-16: 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 . 13 None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. 14 And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. 4. The Apostles are Arrested and Thrown in a Public Prison Acts 5:17-21: But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison . 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. 5. The Jewish Leaders are Astounded at the Supernatural Release of the Apostles from Prison Acts 5:21-26: When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles . 22 But on arriving at the jail , the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked , with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss , wondering what this might lead to. 25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people .” 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them. Faith Lesson from the Prison of the Apostles 1. The Apostles were bold in their faith and preached and ministered to many. What about us? Are we bold in our faith and do we share it unashamedly to others? 2. The Apostles suffered and were persecuted for their faith. What about us? Are we willing to suffer and be persecuted for our faith? 3. Standing in a “prison” space like this makes Hebrews 13:3 come alive and real: “Remember those in prison …” What about us? Do we have compassion for the countless people right now in other countries who are suffering for their faith? 4. God can turn confinement into mission. Even when the doors don’t open immediately, God’s purposes aren’t stopped. The early Church learned that chains can become a platform for witness. What about us? Do we use what appears to be setbacks to grow and witness for Christ?

Solomon's Temple was located at the same place where Abraham was to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to God. King David then purchased the original place when it was a threshing floor. He purchased it to build an altar to the Lord. Solomon then built the Temple in this exact location. Construction on Solomon’s temple began in 960 BC. It took 7 years to build the first temple. When the Temple was dedicated, the Ark of the Covenant was put in it. The temple was to be a House of Prayer for all nations. Temple Mount: Solomon's Temple Temple Mount: Solomon’s Temple Welcome to the Holy Land and the biblical site of the temple mount where the original temple Solomon built was dedicated. See the Bible come to life as we take a look at this key event from Scripture that took place here. The location of the temple was the same place where Abraham was to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to God. Gen. 22:1: “After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here am I." 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." King David then purchased the original Temple Mount when it was a threshing floor. He purchased it to build an altar to the Lord. 1 Chron. 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 the Jebusite.” King Solomon then built the Temple in this exact location. 2 Chron. 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." Construction on Solomon’s temple began in 960 BC. 1 Kings 6:1: “In the four hundred and eightieth year after the people of Israel came out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, he began to build the house of the LORD.” It took 7 years to build the first temple. 1 Kings 6:37-38:, “In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid, in the month of Ziv. And in the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished in all its parts, and according to all its specifications. He was seven years in building it.” When the Temple was dedicated, and the Ark of the Covenant put in it, God filled it with such brilliant glory that the priests had to suspend their dedication activities until it subsided. 1 Kings 8:1-10: “Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers' houses of the people of Israel, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion. And all the men of Israel assembled to King Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. And they brought up the ark of the LORD, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the priests and the Levites brought them up. And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the Most Holy Place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, 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. During the dedication of the temple, Solomon prays a prayer of dedication. 1 Kings 8:22-24: “Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, "O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart, who have kept with your servant David my father what you declared to him. You spoke with your mouth, and with your hand have fulfilled it this day. The temple was to be a House of Prayer for all nations, not just for Israel. Mark 11:15-17: "And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." What can we observe and learn from these events that happened at this significant place? As we can see, the temple has played a key role as the center of God’s dwelling place and ministry on this earth. It will play a key part during the Millennial Reign of Christ on the earth as well. God has chosen to focus His presence and attention here like a laser beam from heaven like no other place. Faith Lesson In the Old Testament, the temple was the center place where God dwelt, in the New Testament we are now the temple of God as He dwells in our hearts by faith. 1 Cor. 3:16, 17, says, “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.” What kind of temple am I?

Tour and learn all about Bethany. It was the hometown of Jesus’ good friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. It's the place where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and the home of Simon, the leper. It was the place where Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume and where Jesus stayed overnight during His final week of earthly ministry, between His triumphal entry and His crucifixion. Bethany ~ Tomb of Lazarus Photo Gallery Places of Interest Bethany ~ Tomb of Lazarus Introduction Welcome to Bethany. Many events from the Bible took place here. Here are some of the highlights. 1. It's where Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived. 2. Jesus taught Martha, Mary's sister, a major lesson about choosing priorities at Bethany . 3. Bethany is where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. 4. Bethany was also where Simon the Leper lived, and an unnamed woman anointed the head of Jesus with expensive perfume. 5. Mary anointed Jesus' feet with expensive perfume in Bethany. This most likely happened in the house of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. 6. Jesus cursed a fig tree on His way to Bethany from the temple where He had been ministering. 7. The Triumphal Entry began close to Bethany. 8. When in Jerusalem, Jesus regularly stayed in Bethany. Most likely at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. 9. The Gospel of Luke states that Jesus ascended back to heaven not far from here, as this area is part of the Mount of Olives. Location 1. Today, Bethany is located in the modern town of Al-Eizariya or Al-Azariya (Arabic for the place of Lazarus). 2. In 2002, the Israeli government built a separation wall between Jerusalem and Al-Azariya to control terrorism from East Jerusalem. Before this date, biblical Bethany was just a short drive or walk from the Mount of Olives. Today, you must go around this wall, which takes about one-half hour by car. 3. It was a village in Judea about two miles (3.2 km.) southeast of Jerusalem, which the Bible confirms: "Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away " (John 11:18). 4. It was situated on the well-traveled road to Jericho. 5. Some believe Bethany was more like a modern subdivision of Jerusalem rather than an entire town. 6. In biblical times, the edges of Bethany reached the Mount of Olives and bordered Bethphage, a suburb of Jerusalem. 7. Some translate the name Bethany to mean “house of figs,” as there are many fig trees and palms in the area. On the other hand, others translate it as “house of misery,” believing that Bethany was a designated place for those with contagious diseases. Historical Background 1. Archaeological excavations between 1949 and 1953, directed by Sylvester J. Saller of the Franciscans, have unearthed evidence of Christian places of worship erected near the tomb. 2. Six layers of archaeology confirm this is the authentic site of the tomb of Lazarus and Bethany. Rock-cut tombs and the remains of houses, wine presses, cisterns, and silos were also discovered. 3. Pottery finds dating to the Persian and Hellenistic periods also provide evidence of this site's authenticity. 4. O ngoing excavations continue around the area of the House of Martha and Mary. Layers of Archaeology 1. Early Christians Venerated This Site Before any formal churches were built here, early Christians venerated this site as it was here Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, which caused many Jews and religious leaders to believe in Jesus. Virtually no churches were built in the Roman Empire from the time of Christ until 314 AD, when Constantine made Christianity legal. Nonetheless, Christians still venerated and protected the holy sites, including this one. Archeologists have established that the area was used as a cemetery in the 1st century AD, and tombs from this period were found a short distance north of the church. 2. First Church - 350 AD The Byzantines built the first church by Lazarus's tomb. Several eyewitnesses attest to its existence and saw it personally. Among them were the historians Eusebius of Caesarea, the Pilgrim of Bordeaux, and Jerome, who lived in Bethlehem. The first church measured 35 meters long and 19 meters wide. It consisted of a hall with three naves divided by columns and an atrium connecting it to the tomb of Lazarus. The first church had beautiful mosaics, many of which remain today. It was likely damaged by earthquakes in 447 and 551 AD. 3. Second Church - 650 AD A second church was built between 600 and 700 AD and survived intact until the Crusader era. The second church followed the same general plan as the first, but the apse was situated about 13 meters (43 ft) to the east to create a larger atrium. A chapel was built on the south side of the atrium. The pilgrim Arculf, who wrote in 680 AD about a large basilica and monastery, is an eyewitness to this building. 4. Third Church & Monastery - 1138 AD In 1138, King Fulk and Queen Melisende obtained the village of Bethany from the Latin patriarch in exchange for land near Hebron. The queen built a large Benedictine monster (convent) south of the tomb and church. Melisende had extensive repairs made to the 6th-century Byzantine church, which remained the focal point of pilgrimages. These buildings were destroyed in 1187 by the Muslims. 5. Fourth Church - 1200 AD Shortly after renovating the third church, Queen Melisende built a new church with three apses directly over the tomb of Lazarus. This new church was dedicated to Lazarus, and the older church was reconsecrated to Mary and Martha. Melisende also fortified the complex with a tower. 6. Mosque of Al-Uzair - 1384 By 1384, a simple mosque had been built on the site of the existing structures. In the 16th century, the Ottomans built the larger al-Uzair Mosque to serve the town's (now Muslim) inhabitants. They named it to honor the town's patron saint, Lazarus of Bethany. The construction utilized the surviving barrel vaulting of the former west church. Its courtyard is in the Byzantine church atrium. For 100 years after the mosque was constructed, Christians were invited to worship in it, but European church authorities frowned upon the practice, preferring Christians to remain separate. As access to the tomb became more difficult, the Franciscans were eventually permitted (between 1566 and 1575) to cut a new entrance into the tomb on the north side. At some point, the original entrance from the mosque was blocked. This entrance can still be seen in the east wall of the church's antechamber. Modern Church - 1955 In 1863, the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land gained title to a plot of ground close to the tomb of Lazarus. Other areas were acquired later. Between 1952 and 1955, a modern church dedicated to Lazarus was built on this property over the remnants of the former Byzantine and Crusader churches. This church's courtyard stands over the older churches' west end. Parts of the original mosaic floor are still visible here. The west wall of the courtyard contains the west facade of the 6th-century basilica and its three doorways. About twenty-five meters up a hill northwest of the church is the modern entrance to the Tomb of Lazarus. Greek Orthodox Church - 1965 At this time, a modern Greek Orthodox church was built just west of the Tomb. Its construction incorporates the north wall of the former medieval Benedictine chapel. Nearby the church are ruins belonging to the Orthodox Patriarchate, which are traditionally identified either as the House of Simon the Leper or Lazarus. Places of Interest 1. Tomb of Lazarus The Crusaders made major changes to the tomb. Originally, it was a three-bench tomb, with space for three bodies to be laid along the walls. Then, when the Crusaders built their church above it, they feared the weight of the building might cause the tomb to collapse. To strengthen it, they covered the inside walls with stonework for support. Because of that, the original burial benches are still there, but they are now hidden behind the added stone. The Crusaders also left a few small niches in the walls, likely for candles to light the tomb. The bench where Lazarus was probably laid was most likely the one just to the right of the crawl space as you enter. 2. House of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus 3. House of Simon the Leper 4. Ancient churches built over the Tomb of Lazarus 5. Bethany 6. Bethphage 7. Mt. of Olives 8. Old City Jerusalem 9. Old Jericho to Jerusalem Road Bethany I n the Bible 1. Bethany was the place where Jesus taught a major lesson to Martha, the sister of Mary. Luke 10:38-42: Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village [Bethany]; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 And she had a sister called Mary , who was also seated at the Lord’s feet, and was listening to His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do the serving by myself? Then tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” 2. Bethany is where Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. John 11:1-5: Now a certain man was sick: Lazarus of Bethany , the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 And it was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not meant for death, but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” 5 (Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister, and Lazarus.) John 11:17-27: So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia away [2 miles, 3.2 km.]; 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary, to console them about their brother. 20 So then Martha, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went to meet Him, but Mary stayed in the house. 21 Martha then said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 Even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise from the dead.” 24 Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have come to believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, and He who comes into the world.” John 11:38-44: So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” 41 So they removed the stone. And Jesus raised His eyes, and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 But I knew that You always hear Me; nevertheless, because of the people standing around I said it, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 And when He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out !” 44 Out came the man who had died, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” 3. Bethany is where Mary anointed the feet of Jesus with expensive perfume. This event most likely happened in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. John 12:1-3: Therefore, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus was , whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they made Him a dinner there, and Martha was serving; and Lazarus was one of those reclining at the table with Him. 3 Mary then took a pound of very expensive perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4. Bethany is also where Simon the Leper lived, whom it appears Jesus had healed. In Simon's home, a woman anointed Jesus' head with expensive perfume. Mark 14:3-9: While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the Leper , He was reclining at the table, and a woman came with an alabaster vial of very expensive perfume of pure nard. She broke the vial and poured the perfume over His head. 4 But there were some indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? 5 For this perfume could have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. 6 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone! Why are you bothering her? She has done a good deed for Me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed My body beforehand for the burial. 9 Truly I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the entire world, what this woman has done will also be told in memory of her.” 5. Jesus cursed a fig tree on His way to Bethany from the temple where He had been ministering. Matthew 21:17-22: And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany , and spent the night there. 18 Now in the early morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry. 19 And seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves alone; and He said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered. 20 Seeing this, the disciples were amazed and asked, “How did the fig tree wither all at once?” 21 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive it all.” 6. The Triumphal Entry began close to Bethany. Luke 19:29: When He approached Bethphage and Bethany , near the mountain that is called Olivet, He sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village ahead of you; there, as you enter, you will find a colt tied, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. 31 And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent left and found it just as He had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 They said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and they threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 Now as He was going, they were spreading their cloaks on the road. 37 And as soon as He was approaching, near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles which they had seen, 38 shouting: “Blessed is the King, the One who comes in the name of the Lord; Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 7. When in Jerusalem, Jesus regularly stayed in Bethany. Most likely at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Mark 11:11: And Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple area; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late. 8. While Acts 1:9-12 says Jesus ascended back to heaven from the Mount of Olives, Luke states it happened around Bethany. There is no contradiction, as Bethany was considered part of the Mount of Olives. Luke 24:50-53: And He led them out as far as Bethany , and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising God. Faith Lesson from Bethany 1. Martha was a busy person who worked hard but neglected spiritual devotion and eyes to see what was most important in life. What about us? Are we so busy that we neglect our devotion to Christ? 2. In Bethany, Christ raised Lazarus from the dead and claimed to be the resurrection and the life for those who believe in Him. What about us? Are we right with the Lord and have the hope that we will be resurrected to live with a new, glorified body with Christ for eternity in heaven? 3. Mary showed her love and devotion to Jesus by anointing Him with very expensive ointment and wiping His feet with her hair. What about us? How do we show our love and devotion to Jesus? 4. Jesus cursed a fig tree, and it died. He told us that if we have faith and don't doubt, we can move mountains. What about us? Do we have faith and believe God can do great things when we serve and trust Him? In what areas of my life do I lack faith and have fear?

If you want an in-depth Bible-centered trip and see more holy sites in Israel than other tours, then this trip is designed for you. Holy Land Trips Final Payment Secure Payment Link Holy Land Trip Final Payment To complete your final deposit payment, please send your payment of $1,750 by either credit card, PayPal, or check. Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If paying by credit card or PayPal, a 4% fee is added to your total amount due to fees charged by the credit card and PayPal providers. If paying by credit card or PayPal, click the button below. PayPal does not require you to create a PayPal account to use your credit card. $1,750.00 Final Payment Payment can be made for more than one person if needed. If paying by check, please send your check to the following address: Holy Land Site (Make checks payable to: Holy Land Site) 6945 Burnett St., SE Salem, OR, 97317-5202 (Using regular mail is preferred as there's not always someone available to sign for certified mail).

The Jordan River is mentioned over 180 times in the Bible. It is the main River in Israel, supplying much of the country with water. Its total winding length is about 125 miles (200 km.). The meaning of “Jordan” in Hebrew is “descend.” Mount Hermon, Sea of Galilee, Yardenit Baptismal Site, Adam, Gilgal, Camp Gilgal, Jericho, Baptismal Site of Jesus, Israelite Crossing the Jordan River Site, Dead Sea Jordan River Overview Photo Gallery Places of Interest Jordan River Overview Location 1. The Jordan River begins at Mount Hermon in the northernmost part of Israel, flows into the Sea of Galilee, and then out and down to the Dead Sea. 2. The lower part of the river has the lowest elevation of any river in the world. 3. It’s the border between Israel and Jordan for much if its length. 4. Today, because of the high demands of water by both Israel and Jordan, little water makes it to the Dead Sea area. Historical Background 1. The Jordan River is mentioned over 180 times in the Bible. 2. It is the main River in Israel, supplying much of the country with water. 3. Its total winding length is about 125 miles (200 km.). 4. The meaning of “Jordan” in Hebrew is “descend.” This is true of the Jordan River as it literally descends thousands of feet from its inception to its ending, and all but the beginning part is below sea level. 5. However, there’s a deeper spiritual meaning to the word. In the same way we must descend to access the Jordan River’s waters physically, we must descend and humble ourselves before we can ascend spiritually. This concept is seen in many of the miracles that happened in and around its shores. Places of Interest 1. Mount Hermon: Rises to around 9,232 ft. (2,813 m.) above sea level and supplies the Jordan River with most of its water. 2. Hermon Stream Nature Reserve: Beginning area of the Jordan River. 3. Jordan River View: Nice viewing place where the river is wide and calm. 4. Sea of Galilee: The Jordan River flows into and out of the Sea of Galilee. 5. Yardenit Baptismal Site: Located just south of the Sea of Galilee. It’s a popular place where many pilgrims get baptized in the Jordan River. 6. Adam – Place the waters of the Jordan backed up to when the Israelites crossed the river (20 miles, 32 km. above crossing). 7. Baptismal Site of Jesus: Located across from Jericho, this is the believed place where Jesus was baptized. It’s also a popular place where many people get baptized today as well. 8. Crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites: Located close-by to the Baptismal Site of Jesus. 9. Camp Gilgal 10. Jericho 11. Dead Sea Jordan River in the Bible 1. Abraham entered the Promised Land through the gateway of the Jordan River Valley when he first journeyed from Ur of the Chaldeans (Gen. 12:1–9). 2. When Abraham and Lot divided their possessions, Lot chose to settle in the lower part of the Jordan River Valley. Genesis 13:10: And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 3. Before entering the Promised Land, the Israelites camped on the east side of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho. Joshua 3:1: Then Joshua rose early in the morning, and they set out from Shittim. And they came to the Jordan , he and all the people of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over. 4. The Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground as God miraculously parted the waters. Joshua 3:14–17: So when the people set out from their tents to pass over the Jordan with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, 15 and as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan , and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the brink of the water (now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest), 16 the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away, at Adam [20 miles, 32 km. north], the city that is beside Zarethan, and those flowing down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off. And the people passed over opposite Jericho. 17 Now the priests bearing the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan , and all Israel was passing over on dry ground until all the nation finished passing over the Jordan . 5. Naaman, the Leper, was healed in the Jordan River by the Prophet Elisha. 2 Kings 5:10–14: And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean." 11 But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, "Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?" So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 But his servants came near and said to him, "My father, it is a great word the prophet has spoken to you; will you not do it? Has he actually said to you, 'Wash, and be clean'?" 14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan , according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. 6. Elijah parted the waters of the Jordan with his cloak. 2 Kings 2:6–8: Then Elijah said to him, “Please stay here, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” But he said, “As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.” So the two of them went on. 7 Fifty men of the sons of the prophets also went and stood at some distance from them, as they both were standing by the Jordan . 8 Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground. 7. Elisha made the head of an ax float at the Jordan River. 2 Kings 6:1–7: Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.” And he answered, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said, “Be pleased to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan , they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” 6 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. 7 And he said, “Take it up.” So he reached out his hand and took it. 8. John the Baptist baptized people in the Jordan River. Matthew 3:5–6: Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 9. Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. Matthew 3:13–17: Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” 10. The disciples of Jesus baptized many in the Jordan River. John 4:1–3: Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. Faith Lesson from the Jordan River 1. The Jordan River represented life and vitality to the Israelites. They were desert people, and water was their life. Therefore, Christ used this concept to teach them that in the same way water was vital for their physical lives, He was vital for their spiritual lives as well. Do we realize the importance of a close relationship with Christ in order to have spiritual life and vitality? 2. The meaning of Jordan means “descend.” In a spiritual sense, are we humble before God and submissive to Him in order to grow spiritually? 3. The Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground. In so doing, God reminded them of the miracle of crossing the Red Sea after their exodus from Egypt. Often, God will repeat miracles to show His faithfulness. What things has God done repeatedly to show His faithfulness to us? 4. Naaman, the leper, had his own idea of how God should operate. Do we often have our own ideas as well as to how we think God should do things? 5. Baptism played a large role in the ministries of John the Baptist, Jesus, and his disciples. It was a baptism of repentance. What is our view of baptism today, and how important is it to us and our ministries?

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 see the tombs Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, along with around 50 other tombs. It will be extremely special. 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 foretell 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 like Elijah, John the Baptist, and others. 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.

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