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

Orientation help for groups traveling to Israel. What to expect, packing list, group travel dynamics, seeing the holy sites, and more. Holy Land Travel Orientation Holy Land Travel Orientation Please understand that much of what there is to see in the Holy Land is hidden from many who walk her paths. They are unseen spiritual truths, revealed only to the sensitive and spiritually inclined heart. This page is desig ned to help you get the most out of your pilgrimage in the Holy Land. The following are nine orientation se ctions we highly recommend you acquaint yourself with before departing on your Holy Land Trip to Israel: Sectio n 1: Historical Periods in Israel's History Section 2: Preparing Yourself to See the Holy Sites in Israel Section 3: How to Get the Most Out of Your Holy Land Trip Section 4 : Understanding Group Travel Dynamics Section 5: Travel Tips for Israel Section 6 : Packing List Section 7: Staying Connected While In Israel Section 8: Getting Around In Israel for Personal Use Sec tion 9 : Orientation Meeting In Israel Helpful Airport Orientation Videos Below are two helpful videos that show exactly what to expect and the process you'll need to follow for arriving and departing Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. In the arrival video, you'll see: Where to get your B2 Stay Permit. Going through the Passport checkpoint area. Proceeding to the baggage claim area. Going through customs with luggage. Exiting the airport. Getting a taxi. In the departure video, you'll see: Security checkpoints. Luggage check-in. Terminal layout, and more. Anchor 1 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 1 Historical Periods in Israel’s History Why is it essential to understand a brief overview of the historical periods of Israel? The Holy Land is an ancient place, one of the oldest in the world. While in the Holy Land, you’ll be seeing things as old as 6,000 years. That’s old! Different periods of history will be referred to when describing Israel’s holy sites and places. Please note that at a particular site, several key events are likely to have occurred. Each event will have happened during a specific period in Israel’s history. If you can understand the different periods a little, you’ll get much more out of your experience. Please click here for the Historical Timeline of Israel Anchor 2 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 2 Preparing Yourself to See the Holy Sites in Israel The Need to Understand What You’re Going to See It would be wonderful if the Holy Land were exactly the same as it was 2,000 years ago when Christ walked its paths, or 4,000 years ago when Abraham traversed its hillsides and valleys. However, 4,000 years is a long time, and many changes have occurred during this span. It’s hard for us to understand, but 4,000 or even 2,000 years is a long time! Because of its strategic location in the world, no other country has had as many kingdoms occupy it, or as many battles fought on its soil, as Israel. This, along with time, has led to many changes in Israel and its holy sites. The good news is that many of the biblical sites are in their natural state and appear much the same as they did when the events that occurred there took place. Other sites have had monuments, churches, or basilicas built near or on them, and are not exactly as they appeared when the events that occurred there happened, but mark the spot where they did happen. Understanding What Some of The Holy Sites Will Be Like Many of these monuments, churches, or basilicas will have a distinctly Catholic, Arabic, or Middle Eastern style. They’re very different from what we’re accustomed to seeing, and at first glance, you might find this unattractive. You also might disagree with the religious backgrounds of some of these sites and feel somewhat uncomfortable as well. In addition, you most likely will find other people visiting the Holy Land from different countries who are actually worshipping and kissing some of the adornments on these sites. On a previous trip to Israel, some members of our group found this aspect somewhat repulsive and chose not to enter specific holy sites. Because of these possible adverse reactions, we would like to provide you with a bit of background and history about how these sacred sites have been preserved so your sightseeing experience can be the best as possible during your time in the Holy Land. A Little History Even before the time of Christ and afterward, many of the holy sites were marked out and preserved. Then, about 300 years after the time of Christ, the Roman Empire (world power at that time) embraced Christianity. At that time, the mother of Emperor Constantine (Helena) was one of the first members of the royal family to convert to Christianity. Later, Emperor Constantine also did so. Helena came to the Holy Land and wanted to preserve some of the holy sites, so she had churches, monuments, and basilicas built over some of the key holy places. These included the Church of the Holy Sepulture, Church of the Nativity, Basilica in the Garden of Gethsemane, Church of the Annunciation, and others. Helena and others throughout history felt such emotion and awe at these holy sites that they wanted to honor and preserve them for future generations. The Early Church was the first to oversee these sites during this period. As the Early Church gradually evolved into what we now know as the Catholic Church, many of these holy sites came under its care. The monuments, churches, and basilicas were not always Catholic in nature, so we shouldn’t assume that they shared the same religious views at their inception. There were others as well that came to the Holy Land to build churches, monuments, and basilicas on these holy sites (Armenians, Russians, Greeks, etc.). Their hearts felt the same awe and emotion as others who came, so they, too, built on or by these holy sites to honor and preserve them. Some of these holy sites are ancient (from as old as 5,000 years), and the churches have a Middle Eastern style look. Gratefulness to Those Who Preserved the Holy Sites If it hadn't been for those who preserved the biblical sites, they would have been lost or had other buildings, roads, and infrastructure built over them. They would have been lost to the world forever. These early pilgrims felt the same awe and emotion you will feel. We certainly can’t fault them for this. Due to the numerous adornments and constructions over the centuries, it's challenging to envision how some of these sites would have appeared in their original setting. However, the years of activity and tradition at these holy sites give greater weight to their authenticity. And while we might disagree with the decorations and atmosphere of these places, we should appreciate and admire all the devotion and sacrifice made to preserve them. Some Might Find These Churches, Monuments, and Basilicas Repulsive Part of the reason some might find the places they see in Israel repulsive will have to do with a difference in religious faith. Another reason is due to a misunderstanding of style. These holy sites have a very different style than what we’re accustomed to in modern churches. Closing Thoughts 1. Entering these churches, monuments, and basilicas to see these holy sites doesn’t mean we’re in any way embracing and accepting their religious beliefs. 2. While the style, religious background, and adornments might not be to our taste, the motives of those who preserved these sites seem to be noble and honorable. As you see these sites, you will understand why these early pilgrims wanted to preserve them. 3. It’s important to note that we, from a modern mindset, have different views and tastes regarding building styles. Because to us, something 200-400 years old might seem really ancient, we need to realize that seeing something 1,500 years old has an entirely different architectural look and sense to it than what we’re accustomed to seeing. Hopefully, this info is helpful. As mentioned, on a previous trip to Israel, some individuals didn’t fully understand these concepts beforehand, and it took them a bit to grasp them. It was a self-discovery process. For this reason, this orientation and background are provided so you can get the most out of your Holy Land Experience Trip and not get bogged down in this area. Anchor 3 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 3 How to Get the Most Out of Your Holy Land Trip How to See What Many Don’t See in the Holy Land Understand that half of what there is to see in the Holy Land is hidden from most who walk her paths. They are unseen spiritual truths, only revealed to the sensitive and spiritual of heart. Try to get as close to God as you can prior to and during your time in the Holy Land, so you can see and hear things that many don’t see during their visit there. The Holy Land is not just places and historical artifacts; it’s an experience, an experience that is spiritual in nature and eye-opening for those who can see in this realm. You Won’t Be Able to See Everything It would be great to see every detail at every holy site, but that would take months, if not years, to do. It’s important to understand that there is a lot to see and, therefore, just the highlights can be seen. You’ll be eating the frosting off the cake and won’t be able to eat the whole thing. As a result, please don’t be discouraged if you can’t spend as much time in each place as you’d wish. You’ll have to move along to see just the highlights, and if you stay too long at one place, that means you’ll be saying “No” to another. Your Trip Won’t be Perfect It would be fantastic if you could be guaranteed a perfect trip with a perfect experience, but that’s just not reality. Going to the Holy Land is undoubtedly the closest you’ll get to the “Trip of a Lifetime,” but please don’t get your hopes up so high that you’re let down and feel discouraged if it doesn’t turn out as you dreamed. Your trip won’t be perfect. Your leader and the rest of your group will probably not live up to your expectations either. The only perfect person on the trip will be you (well, maybe not exactly perfect, but pretty close to it, lol). So just prepare yourself to understand that things just aren’t going to be flawless. Trust God for Your Experience It’s also easy to have preconceived ideas of what to expect: the emotions you’re going to feel, the dreams you might have of the Holy Land, and the experience you want to have. Please try to set some of these aside and trust God to give you the experience He has for you. Don’t get everything built up so high that it would be impossible to fulfill them. Trust God to bless you and teach you what He has for you. He’s the One who’s worked everything out for you to go, and I’m certain He has special things to teach you. Trust in Him and be looking for what He has for you. And after everything is said and done, be content with what He gives you. It’s His trip, and you need to be happy with the outcome, whatever it may be. Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 4 Understanding Group Travel Dynamics Traveling with Others Part of the joy and richness of your Holy Land Experience will come from sharing it with others. Going somewhere alone is never as much fun as doing it with someone else. The impact and fullness of the experience will come alive as it’s experienced as a group rather than as an individual or couple. For this reason, you’ll want to consider a few things to make your Holy Land Experience as good as possible. Try to Think as a Group and Not as an Individual Traveling as a group is very different from traveling as an individual or couple. There will be other team members in your group, and each person needs to realize they’re part of a larger event than just themselves. The entire team will depend on one another to be punctual, courteous, thoughtful, and pleasant. Try to take into consideration that what you do affects everyone else on the team. Try to Keep Up with the Group It will be important that you keep up with the group and not linger too long seeing things during your travels. Because you’ll be seeing some really interesting things, it will be easy to get lost in these and forget that there are other things to see as well. Pleas e Be Punctual Everything from wake-up times, mealtimes, arrival times, departure times, and the sightseeing schedule for each day needs to be considered. Because you are spending a significant amount of money and taking precious time out of your busy life to experience the Holy Land, you’ll want to be as punctual as possible so that you and your team can see everything as planned. Your group can only be as fast as the slowest person, so try to be punctual and thoughtful of others. If you tend to be a late person, consider getting a head start on things by starting earlier than usual so you can be on time. Please Be Patient & Courteous Be aware that sometime during the trip, you’ll likely feel tired, a bit irritated with others, or upset at something that’s happened. Do your best to overlook the faults of others and try to keep yourself in check. Also, realize that we have an enemy who will do his best to take away from our experience by using others or problems. Be alert and prayerful! Keep yourself close to God and do your best to love others, and take everything in stride. Try to Be Rested Up Before Your Holy Land Trip Because you’re going to be expending a lot of energy during the trip, try to get as rested as possible before departure. To illustrate this point, we’ll use the term “gauges” to help clarify our discussion. We all know that most of our vehicles have gauges, such as a gas gauge, a temperature gauge, and an oil gauge. Using this analogy for our bodies, we also have bodily gauges. We have physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual gauges. Before your trip, try to get your bodily gauges as full as possible. By doing so, you’ll get more out of your trip and be more joyful and patient with others. Here are a few tips for filling up your bodily gauges before trip departure: Try to scale down on your activities and output before the trip. For example, cut back on meetings, outings, get-togethers, and social events. Get plenty of sleep. Get plenty of exercise (you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking, so try to get in walking shape before the trip). Get as many of your responsibilities and commitments done ahead of time, and don’t wait until the last minute to take care of things. There will be plenty of last-minute things to do, so don’t add to them by procrastinating. Try to get packed and ready at your earliest convenience. If you need to shop for trip items, try to do so plenty of time in advance. By doing the following, you’ll start your trip with your bodily gauges full and not empty. And when you think about it, who would start a long journey with their car having an empty gas tank and little or no oil in the engine? Anchor 4 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 5 Travel Tips for Israel 1. Get in shape physically before you go to Israel. You will be doing a lot of walking, so the better shape you’re in, the easier and more pleasant your time will be. Several months before your trip, start walking for at least 15 minutes a day. 2. Activate your credit/debit cards before departure to Israel. 3. Make sure your Passport is up to date and valid. It must have at least 6 months remaining before expiration (of your dates in Israel) to be valid. 4. Don’t shave your body before taking a dip in the Dead Sea. The salt and minerals will irritate your skin. 5. Don’t show public display of affection with the opposite sex, especially on the Temple Mount and Muslim sites. 6. Don’t be afraid to bargain for purchases at marketplaces. It’s expected, so take part in it. 7. Carry a water bottle and stay hydrated. 8. Pack layered types of clothing instead of heavy clothes. 9. Carry your personal items in a safe place on your person. 10. Take a good camera or video camera. 11. Please understand that smoking cigarettes is common in Israel and the Middle East. 12. Many Israelis are not religious, but secular. This might seem weird, but it’s true. 13. Carry a copy of your passport and driver's license with you. 14. Women should dress very modestly, especially when visiting holy sites. Ladies should bring a large scarf or shawl to cover themselves when necessary. 15. Men should wear hats when visiting Jewish holy sites. 16. Men should not wear hats when visiting Christian holy sites. 17. Men should not wear shorts or tank tops when visiting holy sites like churches, Temple Mount, etc. Anchor 5 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 6 Packing List General Items Travel Bible or smartphone with Bible app Journal and pen for taking notes Plug adapter for plugging devices into the outlets in Israel. Click here for purchase options Note: The outlets in Israel are different from the States. You’ll need this adapter for plugging things in to be charged, etc. Also, electricity in Israel is 220 volts. In America, it’s 110 volts. Many electronic devices today can adapt to both voltages, such as smartphones, tablets, etc. If this is all you'll be charging, then a plug-in like this is all you'll need. Lightweight Portable Chair. Click here for purchase options Note: Chairs are optional, but you might find them handy for our Bible teachings. Charger converter needed for Israel (Needed for charging cameras and etc.). Click here for purchase options Note: Electricity in Israel is 220 volts. In America, it’s 110 volts. Many electronic devices today can adapt to both voltages. If you plan to take an item that cannot use 220 volts, then the above link is a charger converter you’ll need. Travel alarm or smartphone that has this capability Flashlight (mini) or smartphone that has this capability Camera or smartphone that has this capability Film or Storage Disks for your camera (bring plenty, because it's much more expensive in Israel) Many people find it helpful to take Ziplock baggies or small plastic containers to put their lunches in. Clothes Weather In Israel During Your Visit Sea of Galilee & Jordan Valley Sites Daytime highs: 85-95°F, 30-35 °C. Nighttime lows: 65-75°F, 18-24 ° C Jerusalem Area Sites Daytime highs: 75-85°F, 24-30 ° C. Nighttime lows: 60-70 °F, 15-21 ° C Dressing in layers is best when considering your clothes. It rarely ever rains during the time of year we visit Israel. Usually, it's warm and pleasant. Special clothing requirements apply when visiting sites such as the Temple Mount, many churches, and other religious sites. Ladies: Please bring a large scarf or shawl to cover yourself when visiting these religious sites. You must also dress modestly, ensuring that your knees and shoulders are covered. Men: You will not be able to enter many religious sites if you are wearing shorts or tank tops. Therefore, we recommend avoiding the use of these items during the day. However, they can generally be worn during your free time in the evenings if desired. General Clothing Swimsuit, beach shoes, and a plastic bag for the Dead Sea experience, if you want to get in the water Light jacket Sturdy walking shoes with traction for the many stone paths and roads you’ll traverse. FYI ~ Many of the streets are paved with stone, so it's challenging to wear shoes with awkward heels/soles on uneven pavement. Sleepwear Hat for sun protection purposes Day Pack/Back Pack (can be used as a carry-on and for travel in Israel) Ziplock bags for lunches and items you might find while in Israel. Umbrella - Small contractible type Sunglasses Other Clothing and Shoes Baptismal Site of Jesus Everyone is welcome to get baptized, regardless of whether you've already been baptized. Many folks do it just for the experience of being baptized in the same place Jesus was. If you plan to get baptized, please bring some baptismal attire (regular swimwear or casual clothes are acceptable). You may also want to bring some sandals or shoes for the water. The baptismal site has wooden steps that lead to the water, so there's very little walking you'll do in the water. The water will be cool but not cold. It should be quite warm, so you'll dry off fast and warm up quickly if you get a little cold. Also, bring a small towel or something to dry off with afterward. Hezekiah's Water Tunnel If you plan to walk through Hezekiah's water tunnel in the City of David, it is recommended that you wear shoes of some kind. The ground is somewhat rough, so you'll definitely need some foot protection. Washing Clothes in Israel Every hotel we use in Israel offers laundry service. However, most people simply wash their clothes in the sink or shower and hang them up to dry. Toiletries In Israel, most products are available. However, prices in Israel tend to be higher. The following are some reminders of items you might want to take: Shampoo/Conditioner Soap Toothbrush Toothpaste Deodorant Lip balm Razor After-shave Band-Aids Feminine items Sunscreen Tylenol/ Ibuprofen Eyeglasses/ contact lenses Any prescription medicine Money We recommend bringing approximately $300 USD for emergency use, if needed. A credit card is the best way to pay for things in Israel, as it offers the best exchange rate. However, some local vendors will not accept credit cards, so Shekels are best for that (US Dollars are also accepted by local vendors selling to tourists). Shekels can be drawn out from most ATMs in Israel. Therefore, there is no need to go to your bank to get them ahead of time. At our first hotel in Tel Aviv, an ATM is conveniently located nearby. Food & Lunches The day of arrival in Israel (unless you arrive earlier) will be a Sabbath evening . This means all Jewish stores, restaurants, and so forth will close early (usually starting around 3:00 pm). This can present challenges for eating and preparing lunch for the next day. If you will be arriving after 3:00 pm, you can eat dinner at the hotel or buy something ahead of time. Some places will be open, but very few. For the next day's sack lunch, you can either buy something ahead of time or take extra items from the breakfast buffet at the hotel (the hotel staff seems okay with this). Breakfast - The hotels will provide breakfast if desired. Some will provide dinners as well. These can be paid for when you book your lodging or at the hotels. It's ideal to eat breakfast at the hotels as it's handy. However, you can eat your breakfast at a local restaurant or prepare it yourself. Lunch - Since eating out is expensive in Israel, time-consuming with a large group, and we will not always be close to a restaurant, each trip participant will prepare their own daily sack lunch. Each day around noon, we will take a break to eat, or you can eat and snack at your leisure. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores, or additional items from the breakfast buffets at the hotels can be taken (the hotels seem to be okay with this). The hotels will have refrigerators in the rooms if needed. Dinner – On your own. Enjoy the local culture as you dine at local restaurants or at the hotel, if you prefer. Note: Many people find it helpful to pack their lunches in Ziplock baggies or small plastic containers. Luggage Size & Amount We don't have a specific luggage size and number allowance per person, but we suggest not exceeding 40-50 lbs (18-22 kg) per piece of luggage, as it makes handling easier. The lighter, the better. You will be responsible for handling your luggage during the trip, so please pack only what you can comfortably lift. Documents & Items to Carry with You at all Times There are several options for carrying your money and important documents on your trip. You can use a money belt (waist-style or necklace-style) or pockets on your pants or shirt that can be buttoned and secured. Passport ~ Must not expire until 6 months after your trip. Copy of your Passport Driver's License Printed or screenshots of your payment receipts for our trip to Israel, in case you are interviewed by Israeli security at the airports (because of security purposes, Israel often interviews travelers at incoming and outgoing airports) Credit/Debit Card (make sure to activate your cards for Israel or international travel) Note: It’s a good idea to activate your debit card so you can withdraw Shekels for spending in Israel. Electronic Travel Document for Entry into Israel (ETA-IL) Travelers from visa-exempt countries (meaning they don't need to obtain a visa before arrival in Israel, but instead receive one upon landing, must obtain an ETA-IL before their planned travel to Israel. ETA-IL is designed to smoothen border control upon arrival in Israel and ensure Israel's national security. How long is an ETA-IL valid? Obtaining an ETA-IL indicates you can travel to Israel as a tourist and stay up to 90 days. Your ETA-IL authorization is generally valid for multiple trips over a period of up to two years from the date your application is approved, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. What does the ETA-IL application cost? 25 NIS ($7.50 USD) per applicant. How to apply for an ETA-IL? The application is made online through the Israeli Population and Immigration Authority website. Here's the link: ETA-IL (piba.gov.il) When to Apply? Please do so no later than two weeks before the departure date of the Israel trip. However, it can be done sooner if you'd like. B2 Stay Permit This permit is issued upon arrival at the airport. Self-service kiosks are available, where you can scan your passport, and a printed permit will be issued. It's essential to keep this permit safe, as you will be required to present it multiple times during your stay. For convenience, you may place it inside your passport. Visas Israel does not require visas from almost all countries in the world to enter its country. However, if you are from a country that Israel does require a visa from before entering its country, you will need to check and verify this in advance. Anchor 6 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 7 Staying Connected While In Israel Staying connected with loved ones back home and having Internet access is a high priority for many. Additionally, being connected to the Internet would be very helpful in accessing our HolyLandSite.com website, where you can view and follow along during our Bible studies and tours of each site we'll be visiting in Israel. Additionally, it would be beneficial to access info during your free time in the evenings if you wanted to investigate sites of interest, dining options, directions, and so forth. What are the options for staying connected while in Israel? Here are some options to consider: 1. In many cases, you can use your phone in Israel if you add an international plan with your cell provider. Just check with your provider to learn about the cost and availability of this service. 2. You can purchase an Israeli SIM card. A physical SIM card can be mailed to your home before leaving for Israel and then activated upon arrival in Israel (I believe these are only available for those in the United States, but you could call them and see). A SIM card service we use is TalknSave . 3. If your phone has the capability, an eSIM card (requires no physical SIM card, and is all digital) can be purchased on the Internet and activated at your home, anywhere in the world. For this option, we use TalknSave . 4. You can purchase a SIM card at Ben Gurion Airport upon arrival. Here are some links for this option: Buying a SIM Card at Tel Aviv Airport - Traveltomtom.net Israeli SIM cards | SimToIsrael | Tour Israel Jerusalem Tel-Aviv Anchor 7 Anchor 8 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 8 Getting Around In Israel for Personal Use Public Bus Company - Egged Where will you find Egged buses? Almost everywhere. Egged is the biggest bus company in Israel. They usually operate as intercity buses, except for some cases in Northern Israel. Egged is also the main player in most Israeli cities, except for the Tel Aviv area. Their buses are completely green. Lately, they’ve also added a fleet of greyish buses. Useful Travel Apps Google Maps - This is our favorite. It has great maps in English, and you can use it to see exactly where you need to go. It also shows the live bus arrival times. Taxis Only use recognized, marked taxis in Israel. Sometimes, private people will act like a taxi service, but they are not. This can be risky. The taxis are easily recognizable with their distinct black and yellow taxi sign on their rooftops. Taxis operate 24/7. The taxi fare you will pay to whichever city in Israel you are traveling to has a legally fixed price. This will depend on the time of the day that you are traveling (after 9.15 pm, there is a surcharge of +25%). There will also be an extra charge for more than two passengers, and if you have a large amount of luggage, you may have to pay another 5-10 NIS. Taxi drivers also charge an extra 5 NIS when leaving the airport. Catching a Taxi from the Street It is still common practice to hail a taxi on the streets in Israel. There are two ways to set the price: 1. Ask the driver to turn on the meter. This is a good way to ensure you do not get overcharged. The meter will begin at a standard minimum charge and then go up from there. Drivers are also required to present you with a receipt at the end of the journey, should you ask for one. 2. Negotiate a fee with the driver before you get into the taxi. Make sure you agree on a fair price for both of you so there are no nasty surprises when you arrive at your destination. Taxi Apps In Israel Booking a taxi using an app on your smartphone is increasingly popular now. Following are several options. Yango Taxi Israel - This is an app where you can set your destination and see the estimated cost of your ride almost immediately. You can also track your ride in the App and see exactly when it will arrive. It’s an easy-to-use service that works both on Android and iOS telephones. Yango lets you book a ride with multiple destinations and can also suggest alternative pickup points to reach your destination faster and at a cheaper price. Because the price is upfront, it will stay the same, even if you are delayed by traffic. Gett - About 8,000 of Israel's 25,000 cab drivers now use Gett, an Israeli company once known as Gett Taxi. Gett Taxi app in Israel does not actually own taxis or employ drivers but simply takes a fee for introducing passengers and drivers and acting as a third party for payments. Like Yango, the system is transparent, so passengers can’t be overcharged. Also, it’s easy to pay by credit card. Uber - Uber is smaller than Yango or Gett, so response times might be a bit longer. Ordering an Uber driver costs 8 NIS from the time you get in the car, then 1 NIS for every minute you spend in it, plus 2 NIS for every kilometer. The hotels can also order you taxis if needed. Light Rail System This is a great way to travel while in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. Transportation on the Sabbath Starting Friday afternoon (around 3:00pm) all public transportation in Israel will begin shutting down and won't resume until Saturday evening around 7:00 pm. Getting around during this time is limited to walking, or taxis. Taxis operate 24/7. Anchor 9 Holy Land Travel Orientation Section 9 Orientation Meeting in Israel Some might say that the ideal way to see and experience the Holy Land would entail being transported around in a bubble. No walking, getting tired, struggling with other people, getting too hot, cold, and so forth. However, this would in reality remove much of the experience. Walking, getting tired, and all the difficulties are part of the experience. In fact, it helps us to understand how those in the Bible lived. Even Jesus got tired and stopped at Jacob's Well to rest. Our desire is that you would have the best experience possible during your dream trip in the Holy Land. Our orientation meeting is designed to help meet this goal. We Admire You You have made many sacrifices to make this trip a reality. You have done this because you love the Lord and want to know Him and all He did in the Holy Land. Our prayer is that God will be our teacher and minister to our hearts and souls in a mighty way during our time here. Get Acquainted Time We'll begin our orientation meeting in Israel by getting acquainted. Each person is welcome to state their name and where they're from. Name Tags Each person will receive a nametag that can be worn around the neck. Please wear it every day. This way, we can identify those in our group, and you won't get mixed up with other tour groups . Device Equipment Package At our get-acquainted and orientation meeting in Israel, we will provide you with a package containing several items. Wireless audio receiver. Neck strap for wireless receiver. Receiver charger cable. Audio earpiece with cable to connect to the wireless receiver. Nametag Nametag neck strap, or clip. Charger for charging the audio receiver in Israel. The wireless receiver will allow you to hear your tour guide, Dr. Todd Fink, at all times during the tour, which will be very helpful. At the orientation meeting, we'll show you how to use them. They're simple to operate. It will be your responsibility to keep them charged. You can do this each evening so that they will be ready the next day. If you have any issues with them during the tour, we will be happy to help you. At the end of the tour, we will need all the loaned equipment returned, except your nametag and holder. They're yours to keep. Please return your equipment in the original plastic ziplock bag in which it was received. Thank you. Lunches Since eating out is expensive and time-consuming in Israel, and we won't always be close to a restaurant, each person will need to prepare their own daily sack lunch. You can eat on the tour bus as we travel between sites. In Jerusalem, when we're not on the tour bus, we'll stop around noon to eat. Lunch items can be purchased at local grocery stores, or extra items and leftovers from the breakfast buffets at the hotels can be taken. The hotels will have refrigerators in the rooms if needed. Stay Hyd rat ed Water is the best way to stay hydra ted. Soda and most other drinks do not hydrate you; instead, they cause you to go to the bathroom more frequently. Many bathroom stops can significantly slow down our tour schedule. So, it's essential to stay hydrated with the best means possible, which is water. Bottled Water on the Tour Bus Bottled water is available on the tour bus for $1.00 USD per bottle. It is located at the front of the bus. Visiting the Tour Sites Our visits will typically last around two hours. We'll begin with an introduction to the site, then explore and experience its key points of interest. When touring the sites, we will take our time and walk at a leisurely pace, stopping along the way to explore and discuss the points of interest. We'll then find a quiet spot to reflect on the main events from the Bible that took place there and conclude with a faith lesson to learn the key truths God desires to teach us. Afterward, you'll have approximately 20 minutes to use the restroom and purchase souvenirs if desired. We'll tell you what time the tour bus will be departing. Dress Attire at the Tour Sites When visiting churches, synagogues, Muslim sites, and the Temple Mount, please dress modestly. Ladies can take a light shawl if needed. Long capris for ladies are acceptable. Everyone should be covered well below their knees. Bathroom Breaks You will have plenty of opportunities to use the bathrooms, but we will not be able to stop every time someone needs to use a bathroom. Stopping all the time can significantly slow down our trip and possibly cause us to miss some sites due to time constraints. As mentioned above, stay hydrated, but avoid drinking excessive fluids to prevent frequent trips to the bathroom. Also, it is easy to leave some folks behind in the bathrooms when touring the sites. If you don't have a travel companion, it would be helpful to find one and use the buddy system so you are not left behind. No Bathrooms on Tour Buses in Israel Israel doesn't allow any bathrooms on any buses in Israel. This is to prevent the discharge of sewage into unauthorized areas. Therefore, you will not have access to bathrooms on our tour bus. Video Filming As most of you are aware, we have a large YouTube Channel where we publish videos of the Bible in the Holy Land. In fact, most of you found this Israel tour trip through these videos. We will have our cameras rolling most of the time to gather more material for future videos. We are grateful for your understanding and consideration of this ministry to the Lord. We hope you will continue with everything as usual and consider it a blessing to be used by the Lord through these videos. Also, as w e tour the sites, please feel free to video, take photos, and so forth of our talks and teachings for your own use as well. We'll try to move slowly through the sites so you'll have plenty of time to capture your memories. Understanding Some of the Sites Some of you might not agree with the religious background of some of the churches we enter. Please understand that simply entering a church doesn't mean we are endorsing or agreeing with its views. These churches have preserved these sites over the years, allowing them to be seen today. We Won't Be Able to Wait in Long Lines at Some Sites The Church of the Nativity sometimes has long lines to enter the grotto area where Jesus was born. The wait can be several hours. If there is a long line, we'll still be able to see everything else in the church, just not the grotto. We'll see the grotto from the outside and look down into it, but not enter it. This is similar to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. To enter the tomb where Jesus was buried, one often encounters long lines as well. We'll still see everything else in the church, just not enter the tomb. We'll see the tomb from the outside and take a look inside, but not enter it. As mentioned, visiting the grotto of the Church of the Nativity and the tomb at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre can take several hours. If they are truly important to you, you will need to make arrangements to see them on your own. If we waited in the long lines, we would have to eliminate other sites on the tour schedule. Pass Along Directions While in crowded areas, please pass along turn directions so those behind you know where to go. Fro nt Seats on the Tour Bus Please save the first two rows of seats on the bus for Holy Land Site staff. We'll need space for camera equipment and other items. Thank you for your understanding. Tour Bus Departu re & Arrival Times From the Hotels We will meet in the main hotel lobby each day at 7:15 a.m. Then, we will leave the lobby promptly at 7:30 a.m. to board the tour bus. Unfortunately, we will not be able to search for late people, so it will be each person's responsibility to be on time. We have a schedule, and the bus will depart promptly at the indicated times . Thank you for your understanding. Return Time to Hotels Our goal is to return to the hotel we're staying at each day by 5:00 p.m. This will give you plenty of free time in the evenings to do as you please . Hotel Transfer Days When we change hotels, please prepare all your luggage for transportation. Please give yourself extra time to have your luggage with you when we depart the hotel lobby at 7:30 a.m. We suggest packing your luggage and getting everything ready the night before, so you're all ready for the next day. Also, check your rooms carefully when transferring to a new hotel. If you leave something behind, the tour bus won't be able to return to get it. We're sorry, but you'll have to make your own plans for this. When loading the tour bus with your luggage, anything for the day that you don't need should be stowed in the luggage department under the bus. Anything you need for the day for touring the sites, etc., you can take on the bus with you and stow above or under your seats. We Will Be Treating You As Responsible Adults Everyone will be responsible for being on time and ready to leave the hotels and sites we visit. We won't be able to search for you to make sure you're on the bus or ready to go at departure times. Again, we have a schedule, and the bus will depart promptly at the indicated times. Thanks again for your understanding. If You Miss the Tour Bus If, for any reason, you miss the tour bus, you will need to take a taxi to the next stop on the tour, where we will be. Our itinerary can be found on our website. Please Be Punc tual Your experience, along with everyone else in the group, will be so much better if each person is punctual. Our group can only be as fast as the slowest person, so try to be punctual and thoughtful of others. If you tend to be late, consider getting a head start on things by starting earlier than usual so you can be on time. Tour Trip Itinera ry If you don't have Internet service when you're away from your hotel, it would be wise to download the tour trip webpage to see the itinerary in case you are late and miss the tour bus. Digital Maps of Daily Trip Itinerary On the website trip itinerary, you will find a link to a Google Map Directory of the route and sites we'll visit each day at the bottom of each day's itinerary. Souvenirs & Purchases We will be somewhat limited as to how long we can shop for souvenirs. There is always a tension between shopping and seeing sites. If too much time is spent shopping, we might have to eliminate visiting a site from that day's agenda. During your free time (especially in Jerusalem), you can shop till you drop, so you might want to save your heavy shopping until these times. If you do see something at a site you must have, please make your purchases quickly so we can move along and see all the sites on the agenda for that day. At the end of each tour site, we will tell you what time the bus will depart. If you miss the bus, you'll need to get a taxi to our next stop. Unfortunately, we cannot search for each person who is late, so it's your responsibility to be on time. In Israel, everyone would like to sell you something. We can't stop the tour if you want to make a purchase. If you do make a purchase, you will need to find a way to catch up with the rest of the group. This is especially challenging while in Old City Jerusalem. Almost every vendor will try to stop you. Just smile and walk on. Please don't start talking to them, or you'll get left behind. They are professionals at starting a conversation with you to get you inside their stores. You will have plenty of free time to purchase items in Old City Jerusalem after the end of the tour day. Internet Service While In Israel If you don't have Internet access through your phone service, free Wi-Fi is provided at each hotel where we will be staying. The tour bus also has free Internet service. Touring In Jerusalem This will be slightly different than most places as we'll be on foot often. Be sure to stay with the group. We will use bathrooms along the way as needed. Please don't wander off, or you might get separated from the group. Volunteers to Carry Our Tour Group Flag In many cases, it's nice to have our group's small flag so everyone can see where the group begins. If you would like to help out, just let us know. We would be grateful for the help. Stay Toget her As We Tour It will be essential to stay together as a group while touring the sites. This way, you'll stay within range of the audio devices, allowing you to hear the talks clearly and avoid getting lost. Please don't be a straggler or lag behind. Please Don't Block Walkways As We Tour Be mindful of blocking walkways, aisles, and other areas. We want to be courteous and not cause others problems trying to get around or through our group. The Use of My Bible Over the years, I have come to rely on my cell phone for Bible teachings due to its convenience and ease of use. However, because I'm known in all our videos to be holding my Bible, I now put my cell phone in my Bible when teaching. When to Ask Questions During the site introductions and during the Bible teaching times, please refrain from asking questions. Otherwise, please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Shekels for Using Some of the Bathrooms Some bathrooms require a few Shekels to use. If possible, have a few Shekels for this (you can draw them out in Israel at an ATM). We will cover this for you if you don't have any Shekels. Take Photos on Your Phone & Make Copies of Your Passports & Identification In case you lose any of your identity documents, it's a good idea to take photos of them on your cell phone and make copies to carry with you. Transportation on the Sabbath Starting Friday afternoon (around 3:00 pm), all public transportation in Israel will begin shutting down and will not resume until Saturday evening, around 7:00 pm. During this time, transportation options are limited to walking or taking taxis. Taxis operate 24/7. This is a Bible Study Tour This tour will be equivalent to a year of Bible college. You will be immersed in the Bible daily. Please don't grow weary of all the Bible teachings throughout the trip. Soak it in and allow God to transform your life. Farewell Dinner The last day of the tour we will have a Farewell Dinner at 5:30 pm in the dining room of the Prima Park hotel in Jerusalem. Everyone is invited to join even if you are staying at a different hotel. For those staying at the Prima Park hotel, you will most likely receive a free dinner voucher. This is to be used for the Farewell Dinner. Please save it in a safe place. Just Call Me Todd While the Lord has blessed me with several Bible degrees , please just call me Todd. I am your humble servant and nothing more. All that I am is due to God's grace and work. Without Him, I am nothing. Emergency Contact s During Tour Hours Joel Fink: joelfink27@gmail.com 1-541-603-4770 USA After Tour Hours Todd Fink: holylandsite.com@gmail.com 1-541-603-0881 USA

Selah Book Press is a Christian Publishing Ministry for the Glory of God. Selah Book Press Christian Publishing for the Glory of God! Books by Todd Michael Fink Clink to see more For more on Selah Book Press click below: SelahBookPress.com

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The temple was to be a house of prayer for all the nations, not just Israel. Mark 11:17: Christ said, "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." The money changers were corrupting the temple by charging excessive fees for the purchase of animals to be used by those coming to the temple to offer sacrifices. Temple Mount: Jesus Cleanses the Temple Temple Mount: Jesus Cleanses the Temple Welcome to the Holy Land and the biblical site of the temple mount. The temple mount encompasses around 35 acres and was where the temple was located during the time of Christ. See the Bible come to life as we take a look at a key event of Christ cleansing the temple area that took place here. Why did Christ cleanse the temple by driving out the moneychangers? 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." Who were the money changers? They were basically businessmen who took advantage and overcharged those traveling from afar who couldn’t bring animals to sacrifice because of the long distance, and therefore, chose to buy them at the temple instead. Let’s also look at the background and understand the purpose of God for the temple and the Nation of Israel. God’s plan for Israel was that they would be a blessing to the whole world, a people through whom God’s love and commandments could be shown to all. Gen. 12:1-3: “Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you, all the families of the earth shall be blessed." The Nation of Israel was to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Exodus 19:4-6: “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now, therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel." Israel was to be a light to the nations. Isaiah 6:1-4: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Lift up your eyes all around, and see; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.” Christ summed up our purpose, and the purpose of Israel in Matthew 5. Matt. 5:13-16: “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” The temple was to be a house of prayer for all the nations, not just Israel. Mark 11:17: Christ said, "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? God’s plan for Israel was that they would be a blessing to the whole world, a people through whom God’s love and commandments could be shown to all. God’s purpose for Israel was to use them as a kingdom of priests to spread His truth to the world. The temple was a house of prayer for all nations, not just Israel. The money changers were corrupting the temple by charging excessive fees for the purchase of animals to be used by those coming to the temple to offer sacrifices. What about us? Am I a light to the world, showing God’s truth and commandments to all? Am I being an example of a child of God for all to see? Do I corrupt the message of God’s truth in any way by my lack of honesty in finances, by being a bad example, by not living out the truth, etc.?

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the believed place where Christ was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead. See all the places and events that happened at the Church of this historical place. Church of the Holy Sepulchre Background Photo Gallery Places of Interest Church of the Holy Sepulchre Background Introduction Welcome to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The evidence is overwhelming that this is the place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead. This is the most significant event in Christian history. We will explore all the evidence and witness this monumental event. There are two main sites here that we'll see: (1) Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified, and (2) the tomb where Jesus was buried and rose from the dead. May the significance of this place move you as you reflect on what Christ did here for you and for everyone else. Its role in God's master plan of salvation cannot be overstated. Location 1. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located about 450 yards (415 m.) west of the Temple Mount. 2. It was located outside the city walls during the time of Christ. 3. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is believed to be the place where Christ was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead. 4. It is the ending place of the Via Dolorosa path, and the last five stations are located there. 5. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the most important holy site in Christianity and is visited by over one million pilgrims every year. Historical Background 1. The place of Calvary was once a stone quarry that supplied stone for the building of the temple and so forth. 2. During Christ's time, there was a gate to Jerusalem called the Gennath Gate, which means garden gate. This gate was discovered recently. It is in a slightly different location than the Jerusalem model, which was built before the gate was discovered. Josephus also mentions this gate in his historical writings. There was a road that passed by the stone quarry, serving as a route for travelers entering and leaving Jerusalem. Because the quarry had fallen out of use many years before Christ, it gradually developed into a garden, with a nearby cistern and pool of water. Some of the rock was left, and the Romans crucified people upon it. This rock can be seen in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre today. It was an ideal place because it was just outside the city and located on a well-traveled road. The Romans crucified people in the most visible places possible so all would learn what would happen to them if they disobeyed Roman laws. There were also tombs in the rock faces that were used for burials. Scripture states in John 19:20 that the place of crucifixion was near the city of Jerusalem, so this place fits the biblical narrative well: Therefore, many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and in Greek. Substantial remains of the First Wall have been found in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. In these latter excavations, the remains of the Gennath (Garden) Gate and the beginning of what is believed to be the Second Wall have been found, just where Josephus described them as being (cf. War 5.146). The name "Garden Gate" indicates that a garden must have been located nearby. However, this garden wasn't like a flower garden; it was a farming garden for raising crops. Excavations below the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer reveal that this area was once an ancient quarry, which was later abandoned. A layer of new farming soil has been discovered under the Church of the Redeemer, indicating that it was once a garden area. The excavators believe that the area was filled with fertile soil, presumably to transform the unsightly quarry remains into a small garden for farming. An additional area near the rock quarry was converted into a cistern as the city expanded. From the Gospels, we know that Jesus was crucified in a place called "Calvary" and buried in a garden that was in the same place as Joseph of Arimathea's tomb. The front wall of the tomb faced east, allowing the early morning sun to illuminate it. According to Hebrews 13:12, Jesus was crucified outside the city. Some people have a problem with the proximity of the place where Jesus was crucified and his tomb in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. However, John 19:41 states, "Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid." So, Scripture clearly indicates that the crucifixion and the tomb were close to each other. 3. According to tradition, the early Christian community of Jerusalem venerated the site of the crucifixion from the time of the resurrection until 135 AD, when Emperor Hadrian destroyed and rebuilt Jerusalem. Visiting the burial sites of rabbis was a common practice that is still done to this day by the Jews. Therefore, it is clear that the early Christians would have visited the place where Christ died and rose again as well. No one was like Jesus, so His followers knew exactly where Golgotha was and venerated it. There is no way this spot would have been lost or forgotten by them. For example, shortly after the resurrection of Christ, the Upper Room was converted into a church, and the apse (which is a half-round circle with a dome shape) pointed toward the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection place of Christ. This provides significant evidence that this place was venerated and visited early on after Christ's resurrection. Because this place was so important, the apse of the Upper Room Church pointed toward it and not the temple. Another interesting fact is that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre also contains burial tombs that date back to the time of Christ. They are of the type that were used from about 37 BC to around 70 AD. These tombs clearly indicate that this area had tombs and was outside the City of Jerusalem during the time of Christ, as regular people were not buried within the city. Lastly, during this period, from the time of Christ to 132 AD, a carving with an ancient Latin description was found here. It says, "Yes, Lord! We will go." This shows that early Christians venerated this place. 4. About 10 years after the crucifixion of Christ, a wall was built by King Agrippa I that enclosed the area of Christ's execution and burial within the city. This accounts for why the Holy Sepulchre is located inside the Old City walls of Jerusalem today. 5. The next major event that affected the site of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ was a major Jewish rebellion against the Romans called the Bar Kokhba revolt around 132 AD. Due to the revolt, the Roman Emperor Hadrian destroyed much of Jerusalem and altered its orientation. He renamed the city Aelia Capitolina and the country to Palestine, which was a Philistine name. Aelia is derived from the emperor’s family name, and Capitolina refers to the cult of the Capitoline Triad (Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva). He desired to erase the Jewish connection to the land because of the Jews' continual rebellions and uprisings. He constructed a main street that ran north and south, called the Cardo Maximus (meaning "hinge" or "center axis"). He also desecrated the place of the crucifixion and resurrection that had been venerated by early Christians, and in its place, he built a large platform that filled in the quarry and erected upon it a large temple. Hadrian erected a statue of the Roman god Jupiter (equivalent to Zeus) over the tomb of Jesus, and a statue of Venus (equivalent to Aphrodite) over the site of his crucifixion. Hadrian was so intent on destroying any connection to the land by the Jews and the Christians that he buried all the evidence of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ under a platform that housed his large temple to Venus. Hadrian laid out the new City of Jerusalem so that the major streets led to his temple to Venus, which again were over the remains of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ. Coins have been discovered that depict the image of the temple that Hadrian built to Venus. Melito of Sardis in 160 AD. The most compelling, and indeed the earliest witness to the local memory of the site of Jesus’ death and burial, comes through the testimony of Melito of Sardis. Melito was a very important figure in the history of the church, as he was the first to compile the Christian Canon of the Old Testament. In fact, he is the one who coined the term “Old Testament.” Melito affirms that the location of Golgotha was where Hadrian built a temple to the false god Venus. Origen of Alexandria (1 85 – 254 AD) is also an eyewitness to the location of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the site of Golgotha. Eusebius, the bishop of Caesarea , Israel, who lived from 260 to 339 AD, provided a chronological account of the development of Early Christianity from the 1st century to the 4th century. He was an eyewitness to some of the events Hadrian did and wrote down what he saw. Regarding the desecration of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ, Eusebius says: "The Romans brought a quantity of earth from a distance with much labor and covered the entire spot and buried it. Then having raised this to a moderate height, they paved it with stone." What he described was the raised platform Hadrian built, upon which he erected his temple to Jupiter and Venus. This platform had retaining walls around it, some of which can still be seen inside the Church today. Additionally, some of the stairs leading up to the Temple of Hadrian can still be seen today in the lower part of the church to the east. Eusebius goes on to say, "The monument of his most holy passions so long ago buried beneath the ground." Here, he is describing the place where the crucifixion and tomb of Christ were buried. Hadrian also minted a coin depicting the temple he built upon Golgotha. The temple of Hadrian would remain in place for another 200 years or so until the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine. It is important to note that between 160 and 450 AD, six historians wrote about the location of the crucifixion site, and all of them place this event either under or in the vicinity of Hadrian’s Temple to Venus. 6. In 313 AD, a major change happened in the Roman Empire when Constantine legalized Christianity. Later, because his mother was so passionate about Christ, she made a trip to the Holy Land to build churches over the main events of Christ’s life. She built the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the Church of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives (currently known as the Pater Noster Church), the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Roman Emperor Constantine had the Temple of Hadrian, erected to Jupiter and Venus, demolished to make way for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. During the demolition process, the tomb and crucifixion site of Jesus were uncovered once again, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was subsequently erected. Additionally, Constantine's mother, Helena, is claimed to have discovered the relic of the Cross of Jesus at this time as well. The church was dedicated in 335 AD. The church was laid out in three sections: 1: Leading up from the Cardo was the church venerating the crucifixion site, also known as the Basilica of the Martyrium (taken from the word martyr). The apse of the church faced west. 2: The courtyard was called the triportico because it had three sides with covered walkways. Just outside the church, and before the mausoleum (with its rotunda dome), was an open courtyard. Just to the left was the crucifixion site of Christ. Now, I should mention that some believe the crucifixion site was located in the apse part of the Basilica of the Martyrium and not in the courtyard. However, the likelihood of the tomb's location and the crucifixion site being exactly aligned is unrealistic. It appears that the building was constructed in this manner for aesthetic reasons, rather than archaeological purposes. The remains of the rock of Golgotha are still preserved today and are located in the place where the courtyard once stood, not in the church itself, specifically in the apse area. 3: Just beyond the open courtyard was the large rotunda covering the tomb of Christ. This is also known as a mausoleum or anastasis. The tomb was initially carved out of the rock and preserved. You can see an example of this in Absalom's Monument in the Kidron Valley. The crypt, or cistern of the crosses, was under the Basilica of the Martyrium, venerating Golgotha. 7. Now, let's see what Jerome says about Hadrian’s temple being located on top of the crucifixion and tomb site of Christ. Jerome lived from 347 to 420 AD. In about 389 AD, he established a monastery at Bethlehem and translated the Hebrew Bible into Latin. Bethlehem is very close to Jerusalem, so Jerome was an eyewitness to the events he wrote about. Here's what Jerome tells us: "From the time of Hadrian to the reign of Constantine, the spot which had witnessed the resurrection was occupied by a figure of Jupiter while on the rock where the cross had stood a marble statue of Venus was set up by the heathen and became an object of worship. The original persecutors indeed suppose that by polluting our holy places, they would deprive us of our faith in the passion and in the resurrection." So Jerome confirms that from the time of Hadrian to Constantine, the temple Hadrian built was located on top of Golgotha. So, in the place where Christ died for the sins of humanity, Hadrian set up a temple to false gods who promoted deep immoral sins. What a contrast. 8. Eusebius, whom we referred to earlier, describes the destruction of Hadrian's temple by Constantine: "As soon as his [Constantine's] commands were given, these engines of deceit were cast down from their proud eminence to very ground and the dwelling places of error with the statues and the evil spirits which they represented were overthrown and utterly destroyed. Nor did the Emperor's zeal stop here, but he gave further orders that the materials of what was thus destroyed, both stone and timber, should be removed and thrown as far from the spot as possible, and this command also was speedily executed." Eusebius continues: "The emperor, however, was not satisfied with having proceeded thus far; once more fired with holy adjure, he directed that the ground itself should be dug up to come to a considerable depth and the soil which had been polluted by the foul impurities of demon worship transported to a far distant place. This was also accomplished without delay, and as soon as the original surface of the ground beneath the covering of the earth appeared, immediately the venerable and Holy Monument of our Savior's resurrection was discovered. Then indeed did the most holy cave [referring to the tomb] present a faithful similitude of his return to life and that after lying buried in darkness, it again emerged to light and afforded to all who came to witness a sight a clear and visible proof of the wonders of which that spot had once been seen, a testimony to the resurrection of the Savior clearer than any voice could give." Eusebius then speaks about the Church of the Holy Sepulchre that Constantine built: "Accordingly, on the very spot which witnessed the Savior's suffering, a new Jerusalem was constructed where at the side opposite to the Sepulcher [Jesus's tomb] which was the eastern side, the church itself was erected, a noble work rising to a vast height and a great extent in length and breadth." Eusebius now describes the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre by Constantine: "Thereupon the Emperor issued sacred edicts, and when he had provided an abundant supply of all the things required for the project, he gave orders that a House of Prayer worthy of God should be erected round about the cave of salvation [he is speaking about the tomb], and on a scale of rich and imperial costliness to be greater than anything else that had been built on earth." So Constantine built a large mausoleum over the tomb's location. A mausoleum is a structure designed for burial or entombment above the ground. 9. Another eyewitness account that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was located on the site of the crucifixion and tomb of Christ comes from the Pilgrim of Bardot from 333AD: "On your left is a little hill of Golgotha where the Lord was crucified, about a stone's throw from it is the Crypt where they laid his body and from where he rose again on the third day. These are present by order of Constantine. There has been built a basilica that is a church of wondrous beauty." 10. A quote from another pilgrim's account of a worship service in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre comes from 380 AD: "I know you were eager to know about the services they have daily in the holy places, I shall tell you about them. When the first cock has crowed, the bishop straightaway enters and goes into the tomb and the anastasis [anastasis means resurrection and is the round rotunda dome place in the church over the tomb of Christ] and the whole crowd streams into the Anastasis which is already ablaze with many lamps. Then the bishop standing inside the screen takes the gospel and advances to the door of the tomb, where he himself reads the account of the Lord's resurrection. When the gospel is finished, the bishop comes out and is taken with hymns to the cross, and they all go with him to the great church, the martyrium. The people assemble in the great church built by Constantine upon Golgotha." 11. Another amazing piece of evidence is found at the Basilica of Santa Pudenziana, which is recognized as the oldest place of Christian worship in Rome. In the apse of the building, which dates to around 400 AD, is a mosaic of Christ with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the background. So, we actually have a photo of what Constantine's Church of the Holy Sepulchre looked like. This is strong evidence of the church's authenticity. 12. In addition, more substantial evidence supporting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as the true site of Golgotha is found in Madaba, Jordan. The Madaba Mosaic Map is part of a floor mosaic in the early Byzantine church of St. George in Madaba, Jordan. The map is of the Middle East, and part of it shows the oldest surviving original depiction of the Holy Land and Jerusalem. On the map of Jerusalem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the center of the city. This reveals that the church existed and was venerated as the site of Jesus' death and resurrection—the map dates to around 550 AD. 13. The next significant change to the church occurred during the Persian conquest in 614 AD, when it was pillaged and suffered significant damage. However, the monk Modestus restored it. According to tradition, the relic of the True Cross was also taken during this time and then recovered in 630 AD. 14. In 648 AD, Jerusalem came under Muslim rule, but Christians could still make pilgrimages to the church. 15. In 1009 AD, the Muslim Caliph al-Hakim ordered all churches to be destroyed. This proved fatal for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which was singled out in particular and destroyed beyond recognition. During the destruction of the church, the tomb of Christ was largely destroyed. However, some of the rock of the tomb and its location were still preserved. 16. In 1048 AD, Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos and Patriarch Nicephorus of Constantinople again restored the church at great expense. 17. The Crusaders renovated the church in 1112 AD and reconsecrated it in 1149 AD. Much of what is seen today of the church dates back to the Crusader renovations around 1112 AD, although portions of the original church of Constantine remain. As 12th-century maps reveal, the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was the spiritual center of Christendom and its most important pilgrimage site. The church was laid out so pilgrims could move from chapel to chapel, culminating in the Holy Sepulchre itself. The church that the Crusaders built included the courtyard where Golgotha was believed to have been, and enclosed everything under one roof within a magnificent cathedral. The entrance to the church was relocated from the east end to the south side of the building. The Basilica of Helena, accessed from stairs leading downward, was built. This is the place where Helena is believed to have found the true Cross of Christ. It was initially in a hole under the quarry. The entrance to Calvary was located outside the church, with stairs leading upwards to a platform where all the events of the crucifixion were depicted. The Basilica of the Martyrium was transformed, and all its contents were housed under the cathedral's roof. The apse of the church Constantine built for the crucifixion site faced west; today, it faces east. The sites of the crucifixion and tomb have remained in the same places since the time of Christ. Only the buildings around them have changed. An Edicule was built over Christ's tomb, and within it is the Chapel of the Angels, as well as what remains of Christ's tomb. 18. The right-hand door was blocked up after the Muslim reconquest of the city in 1187. Today, the entrance consists of a single large door. 19. The three primary custodians of the church were appointed when the Crusaders ruled Jerusalem. They are the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Roman Catholic churches. In the 19th century, the Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Syrian Orthodox also acquired responsibilities, albeit in a smaller capacity. Each church denomination agrees on the times and places of worship. 20. A Muslim family has been given the key for opening and closing the church doors since 1187 AD, when Muslims seized control of Jerusalem. 21. After a fire, the last significant changes to the church took place around 1808. The Edicule over the tomb was renovated. The central Catholicon was closed, which was once part of the courtyard of Constantine’s church. New stairs leading up to Calvary were changed from outside the church to inside. Today, you enter from just inside the church, turn right, and take steep stairs up to the platform of Calvary. The Edicule, or tomb of Christ, has been renovated several times since the Crusaders. It suffered an earthquake in 1927 and was subsequently shored up; then, in 2016, it underwent another renovation. 22. Because of all the adornments and construction over the centuries, it is hard to imagine how the site would have looked in Christ's time. However, these 2,000 years of activity and tradition give greater weight to its authenticity. Some people have an adverse reaction to the atmosphere inside the church. However, this is what we should expect from a place that has been venerated for two millennia. 23. In April of 2022, a stone slab was recently turned over during renovations, and its significance was rediscovered. They identified unique decorations on this stone slab that combine Classical, Byzantine, and early Islamic art, featuring finely cut tiles of colorful marble used to fill in circular engravings on the stone. The stone slab stood at the apex of the sanctuary in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This provides further evidence that this site has been revered for millennia as the actual location of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Now, in archaeology, one of the most important factors in locating an authentic site is having one thing built upon another. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has a history spanning approximately 2,000 years. All this provides overwhelming evidence that this is the genuine place where Christ was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead to pay for our sins. All the evidence and historical writings from eyewitnesses provide overwhelming support for the authenticity of this site. 24. In conclusion, the true site of Golgotha should have all the evidence of the buildings described by all the eyewitness accounts, should match the historical records, archaeological discoveries, and have these remains visible to some extent today. There is only one place in the world that contains all this evidence, and it's the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The evidence is just so overwhelming that this is the true location of Golgotha. Here is the very place where Jesus was crucified, buried, and risen from the dead. It is, therefore, Christianity's most holy site. Places of Interest 1. Window Ladder The so-called "Immovable Ladder" under the window of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, made of Lebanese cedar wood, was in place by 1728 and has remained there ever since the 1757 status quo was established, aside from being temporarily moved twice. The ladder is referred to as immovable due to the agreement of the Status Quo, which states that no cleric of the six ecumenical Christian orders may move, rearrange, or alter any property without the consent of the other five orders. The six churches that oversee the church are: Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Roman Catholic churches are the primary overseers. The Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Syrian Orthodox churches have less oversight. 2. The Chapel of the Franks ~ Via Dolorosa Station 10 According to Christian tradition, it's where Jesus was stripped of his clothes before crucifixion. This would make sense as the Romans usually crucified people naked. It is located to the right of the church entrance. It can be seen behind glass panels by going up the stairs. This place was formerly accessed from inside the church. Today, this door is closed, and the Chapel of the Franks can only be accessed from the courtyard of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. 3. Stairway Leading to Golgotha The place where Jesus was crucified was at the summit of a small hill. To ascend the hill of Golgotha today, you need to start at the entrance of the church, turn right, and climb up the 800-year-old stairs leading to Calvary (or Golgotha), the place where Jesus was crucified. 4. Chapel of the Nailing of the Cross ~ Via Dolorosa Station 11 This is where Jesus was nailed to the Cross. It features a 12th-century mosaic of Jesus being nailed to the cross. Here you see Jesus after having been nailed to the cross. Mary is wearing black, indicating that she is in mourning. It seems that the other two people in this mosaic are entirely symbolic. The person bowing before Jesus represents the bride of Christ, the Church, adorned in a pure white robe. The man with the nails is not a soldier because he is dressed in ordinary clothing. Luke 23:33: When the soldiers came to the place called “The Skull,” they nailed Jesus to a cross . They also nailed the two criminals to crosses, one on each side of Jesus. 5. Rock of Calvary The rock of Calvary can be seen under a glass cover on either side of the main altar. 6. Crucifixion Altar ~ Via Dolorosa Station 12 This is where Christ was crucified. A silver disk, with a central hole, lies underneath the altar, marking the place where the Cross stood. On each side of the altar is the bedrock from the original site of Golgotha. Beneath the altar is a hole that permits people to touch the rock of Golgotha. John 19:18-19: There they crucified Him , and with Him two other men, one on either side, and Jesus in between. 19 Now Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It was written: “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 7. Shrine of Mary ~ Via Dolorosa Station 13 Between stations 11 and 12 of the Via Dolorosa is a shrine of Mary, the mother of Jesus, with a spear piercing her heart. This is also the believed place where the body of Jesus was taken down from the Cross. Luke 2:34-35: And Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and as a sign to be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul —to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” 8. Chapel of Adam This chapel enshrines a cracked slab of rock behind glass, which is believed to have been caused by the earthquake after Christ died on the Cross. Just outside the chapel, part of the original rock of Golgotha can also be seen. Matthew 27:50-53: And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and gave up His spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. 52 Also, the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection, they entered the holy city and appeared to many. 9. T he Stone of Unction Located just after entering the church, it commemorates the preparation of Jesus' body for burial. Behind the Stone is a mosaic depicting Christ's anointing for burial. Matthew 27:59-60: And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth , 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. Just above the Stone of Unction is a large mosaic showing a timeline of the events of the death, anointing, and burial of Jesus. 10. Mourning Place An Armenian Shrine, also known as the Chapel of the Three Marys. It marks the place where they watched the crucifixion of Christ. John 19:25: Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 11. Tomb of Jesus ~ Via Dolorosa Station 14 Underneath the large dome of the church (Rotunda) is the Tomb of Jesus. It is housed in a large shrine referred to as an Edicule. In the first room of the tomb is a rock in a case on a table. It is believed to be part of the original stone that was rolled to seal the tomb. In the second room of the burial tomb is bedrock from the original tomb. To the right is the bench where the body of Jesus would have been laid. Matthew 27:57-60: Now when it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea came, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. 58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock ; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. Matthew 28:5-6: The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for He has risen , just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.” In 2016, an archaeological team was granted permission to lift the marble slate covering the tomb, and an older marble slab with a carved cross was discovered beneath it. Underneath it was the original limestone burial bed of Christ. 12. Coptic Chapel Around the back side of the Tomb of the Edicule is the small Chapel of the Coptic Church – the Orthodox Church of Egypt. Probably the most interesting aspect of this small chapel is what lies beneath the altar. Under it is an exposed portion of the original rock that surrounded the tomb of Jesus, which Joseph of Arimathea built. 13. Syrian Chapel ~ First Century Tombs The chapel is located within the original 4th-century walls of Constantine's church. This room is used every Sunday for worship by the Syrian Orthodox Church, which claims to be the oldest Christian denomination in the world. The Syrian church worships in the first-century language of Aramaic, and its Bible is written in the Syriac language, which is closely related to Aramaic. According to tradition, the Apostles Peter and John are considered the founders of the Syrian Church, which originated in the first century in the city of Antioch. It was here, as recorded in Acts 11:26, that the followers of Christ were first referred to as Christians. There are five tombs in this room that date back to the first century. Three of them are blocked, as if they have no significance. A decorative arch surrounds the two open tombs in the middle. That means these tombs were reserved for individuals of special status. It's believed that these were the tombs of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, members of the Jewish ruling council who were secret disciples of Christ, and who laid Him in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. 14. The Catholicon It was the central part of the Crusader Church. It's the largest chapel in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the main prayer hall of the Greek Orthodox church in Jerusalem. At the front of the chapel is a short, rose-colored marble basin containing a circular stone marked with a cross. It’s called the Omphalos, a word that means navel. It has been here for almost 1,000 years. The Orthodox Church teaches that the place where Jesus died and rose from the dead is the center of the world. A specific spot, known as the Omphalos, is situated exactly halfway between the cross and the tomb. They believe this spot is the spiritual center of the entire universe. This throne, located on the right side of the chapel, is reserved for the priest who oversees the Greek Orthodox Church in the Holy Land. He is called the Patriarch of Jerusalem. The throne on the left side of the chapel is dedicated to the Patriarch of Antioch, a city located in southern Turkey. The lecterns on each side of the chapel are called the Analogion. It is where the priest reads Scripture and leads his congregation in song and holy liturgy during Orthodox worship services. The wall in the front of the church is called an iconostasis, or icon stand, and virtually every Greek Orthodox church in the world has one. The iconostasis symbolically separates the main worship hall, which represents all of us on earth, from the sanctuary and the main altar behind the wall, which represents heaven. 15. Chapel of Mary Magdalene In between the rotunda of the church and the Arches of the Virgin is the Roman Catholic Chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene. This chapel is believed to be the site where Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection. Above the altar in this chapel is a bronze statue depicting the encounter of Mary Magdalene with Jesus. High on the opposite side is the pipe organ that accompanies the worship services celebrated here. The tiles on the floor are new, but they are laid in the same pattern that they were in the 11th century. The circle with the rays represents the location where Jesus stood when He and Mary first encountered each other after His resurrection, and the three concentric circles represent the positions where Mary Magdalene stood when she saw Him. 16. Chapel of the Apparition It's approximately 1,000 years old and in the custody of the Franciscan Catholic community in Jerusalem. On the front left side of the church, a sculpture depicts Jesus appearing to His mother shortly after His resurrection. This appearance of Jesus to his mother is not recorded in the Bible. It’s a legend that was first mentioned in the third century. In this chapel is a column of stone believed by many to be part of the pillar to which Jesus was tied as the Roman soldiers whipped Him. On the far side of this room is a bronze statue on the wall, showing all fourteen stations of the cross – from the point at which Jesus was condemned by Pontius Pilate to die, to the tomb where He was buried, and from which He rose from the dead. 17. Arches of the Virgin Mary This is a long gallery under the custody of the Franciscan Catholics in the Holy Land. It’s called the Arches of the Virgin because it commemorates the moment Mary visited the tomb of Jesus, where He appeared to her after His resurrection. This legendary appearance to Mary is not mentioned in the Bible, but found in historical accounts from two ancient sources from the third century AD. The northern wall of this gallery is part of the original Church of the Holy Sepulchre, built by Constantine. There are holes in this wall that once supported large marble panels that adorned the rotunda over the Tomb of Jesus. 18. Chapel of the Prison of Jesus This chapel is under the authority of the Greek Orthodox Church. One of the remnants of this prison was this leg stock, where a prisoner’s legs would have been slipped through these holes, and then shackled at the ankles, so that the prisoner could not escape. It is unlikely that this prison existed during the crucifixion of Jesus, as it was located outside the city walls, and there is no mention in the Gospels of Jesus spending time in a prison at Golgotha. It is believed that Jesus was imprisoned for the night at the House of the High Priest, Caiaphas. However, not here at Golgotha. Today, this prison serves as a commemorative chapel where one can pray and contemplate the imprisonment of Jesus leading up to His crucifixion. 19. The Ambulatory There is a long, curved hallway that runs around the church behind the main worship hall, the Catholicon. This hallway is called the Ambulatory. When you walk through it, starting from the Chapel of Adam, it is like a little miniature Via Dolorosa. There are three chapels on the right side of this hallway, and they tell the story of Jesus' sufferings in chronological order, from right to left. Chapel of Derision Chapel of the Parting of the Robes Chapel of Longinus 20. Chapel of the Derision This place commemorates the people who derided Jesus by mocking and laughing at him while He hung on the Cross. The Paintings in the Chapel of the Derision. Each picture is a fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy. The picture on the right shows Jesus during one of His trials, where the Jewish rulers are mocking him. This was a fulfillment of verses from Psalm 27 and Psalm 35. The middle picture shows Jesus seated on this granite pillar, with the crown of thorns placed on His head. That was a fulfillment of prophecies in Psalms 35, 69, and Isaiah 50. The picture on the left shows Jesus walking through a crowd that is jeering and yelling at Him. That is a fulfillment of verses from Psalm 7 and Isaiah 53. Matthew 27:39-44: And those passing by were speaking abusively to Him , shaking their heads, 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 In the same way, the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking Him and saying, 42 “He saved others; He cannot save Himself! He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. 43 He has trusted in God; let God rescue Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the rebels who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him in the same way. 21. Chapel of the Division of the Robes While Jesus hung on the cross, the Roman soldiers tore His robe up into four parts. This was foretold in Psalm 22:18: They divide my garments among them, and they cast lots for my clothing. The soldiers divided up Jesus’ outer garment into four parts, and then had a kind of lottery drawing to see which one of them would walk away with His tunic, which He wore under His robe. His tunic didn’t have any seams. It was woven into one piece. Mark 15:24: And they crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves , casting lots for them to decide what each man would take. 22. St Longinus Chapel Longinus was the believed Roman Centurion who commanded the soldiers that stood watch at Golgotha. He was an eyewitness to Jesus' final moments and proclaimed that Jesus was truly the Son of God. An ancient source from the fourth century claims the soldier's name was Longinus. John 19:32-34: So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man, and of the other who was crucified with Him; 33 but after they came to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 Yet one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear , and immediately blood and water came out. Whatever happened to this soldier named Longinus? Tradition tells us that Longinus became a believer in Christ, probably not just because of this earthquake, but also because, as a soldier, he likely heard that this same Jesus rose from the dead three days later. Matthew 27:54: Now as for the centurion and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the other things that were happening, they became extremely frightened and said, “Truly this was the Son of God !” Today, Longinus is revered as a saint in many Christian denominations because he is believed to have converted to Christianity after the crucifixion of Jesus. That’s why there is a large statue of Longinus in Saint Peter’s Cathedral in Rome today. Tradition tells us that Longinus was martyred in Cappadocia. 23. Chapel of St. Helena Descending the stairs into this chapel, ancient crosses carved into the walls from the 1100s can be seen. These stairs weren't always here. In the original church, this area was just a tunnel that led down to the foundation of the church that Helena built. After Christianity was legalized in 325 AD, the Empress Helena tore down the pagan temple Hadrian had built over Golgotha. That process exposed the area of this chapel. At the time, she did the same thing that Hadrian did 200 years earlier. She used this room as a foundation for the church that she built above it. To the left of the chapel, part of a structural wall Hadrian built can be seen today. The Chapel of Saint Helena was named after the mother of the first Christian Roman emperor, Constantine the Great. In 326 AD, Constantine sent Helena to the Holy Land in her late 70s to build churches on Christianity’s most holy sites, beginning with this location. It was the Crusaders who gave this chapel its common name, but the current custodians of the chapel, the Armenian Apostolic Church, renamed this chapel after their patron Saint. They now refer to it as the Chapel of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Saint Gregory is the most important saint for the Armenian Apostolic Church. In 301 AD, he convinced the king of Armenia to adopt Christianity. After that, the entire nation of Armenia switched from the pagan religion of Zoroastrianism to Christianity. The three large paintings on the north wall of this room tell his story. The Altar of Saint Helena (also known to the Armenians as the Altar of Saint Gregory). This altar was dedicated to Saint Helena. The Armenian Apostolic Church operates this chapel, and you will find a large mosaic on the floor depicting nine historic Armenian churches. Although the mosaic appears ancient, it was actually created in the 1970s. The Altar of the Penitent Thief is located to the left of the chapel. 24. Chapel of the Discovery of the Cross Going down some stairs located on the right side of the chapel is a room called the Chapel of the Discovery of the Cross. Tradition claims that this is where Saint Helena discovered the "True Cross" on which Jesus is said to have died. Why was the cross left here? This room was once a large underground cistern that collected water for the garden. You can still see the hole in the ceiling where people lowered buckets to get water. Tradition claims that local Christians told Helena that the Cross had been thrown into this old water cistern on the day Jesus died. Why was it thrown in this cistern? Jesus died at 3:00 PM, and the Jewish holy day (the Sabbath) began at 6:00 PM. Jewish law required that everything be buried or cleaned up before the Sabbath started. This gave Jesus’s followers only three hours to bury him and get rid of the bloody crosses. Because they were in a rush, they likely threw the crosses into this nearby cistern. Supposedly, the crosses stayed hidden here until Helena found them in 326 AD. If you look at the ceiling, you can see straight cuts in the rock. This is because, long before it was a cistern, this room was a stone quarry where workers extracted stone for building construction. Later, the old quarry was transformed into a garden, which is mentioned in the Bible (John 19:41). Ultimately, this space was converted into a cistern to supply water for the garden. The left side of this chapel is under the custody of the Catholics, whose altar features a life-sized statue of the Empress Helena holding a cross. The exact place where it is said that Helena found the three crosses is believed to be behind the metal altar railing. 25. Chapel of Saint Vartan This chapel is normally closed to the public, and special arrangements must be made to see it. This chapel is at the deepest part of the church. Throughout the centuries, the wall adjacent to the Altar of the Penitent Thief in the Chapel of Saint Helena was merely a wall. In the 1970s, a hole was made in the wall, and when they broke through, they discovered archaeological ruins that date back almost 2,700 years. The first room was part of a rock quarry that provided the building stones for Solomon’s Temple (960 BC) and other building projects in Jerusalem. A wall containing a boat drawing was part of the foundation of the temple to the false gods that Hadrian built on this site in 135 AD. The only remnants of this ancient temple are in this chapel and the Russian Church of Alexander Nevsky next door. Sometime between 325 AD—after Helena demolished Hadrian’s temple to the false gods—and the completion of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre about eleven years later, a pilgrim made his way to Jerusalem. He had traveled by boat from the western regions of the Roman Empire. Upon reaching this sacred place, he etched a drawing of his vessel onto the wall. Alongside it, in Latin, he inscribed the words: "Domine, imus"—“Lord, we go.” This phrase likely echoes Psalm 122:1: “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” His journey had brought him to the gates of Jerusalem—and he marked the moment in stone. Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Bible 1. Jesus arrives at Golgotha and is stripped of His garments (Station 10 of the Via Dolorosa; for all stations, see Via Dolorosa). John 19:23–24: When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, "They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” 2. Jesus is nailed to the Cross (Station 11). John 19:17–18: And he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 3. Jesus dies on the Cross (Station 12). Luke 23:44–45: It was now about the sixth hour [12:00 pm], and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour [3:00 pm], 45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last.” 4. Jesus' body is removed from the Cross (Station 13). John 19:38–40: After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 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. 5. Jesus is placed in the tomb (Station 14). John 19:41–42: Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. 6. Jesus rises from the dead. Matthew 28:5–6: The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.” Faith Lesson from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre 1. While we might disagree with the decorations and atmosphere of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, do we appreciate all the devotion and sacrifice that have been made to remember and commemorate all Jesus did for us on the Cross? 2. The fact that this place, along with many others, has been preserved and set aside to honor Christ and the events of the Bible provides powerful evidence regarding the historicity of Christ and the truthfulness of the Bible. Do we truly believe the Bible and everything written in it? 3. This is the believed place where Christ gave His life for each one of us. Have we received Christ's gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life with Him in paradise? 4. Are we grateful for the price Jesus paid to save us and have a living relationship with us?

Ein Karem (Kerem) is a charming hillside village famed for its centuries-old holy sites. Among these include the Church of St. John the Baptist, containing a cave said to be John's birthplace, and Mary’s Spring, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have drunk. Four other holy sites are in Ein Karem as well such as Visitation Church, the Notre Dame de Sion convent, the Greek Orthodox St. John Convent, and the Al Moskovia Russian monastery (originally called the Gorny Monastery). Ein - Karem (Kerem) Photo Gallery Places of Interest Ein Karem ~ John the Baptist Introduction Welcome to Ein Karem. Many events from the Bible took place here. Here are some of the highlights. 1. Here is where John the Baptist's parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, lived. 2. John the Baptist was born here. 3. Mary, the mother of Jesus, visited Elizabeth here, and the baby leaped within her womb when she saw Mary. There are three sites here that will be our focus. 1. Church of St. John the Baptist - Birthplace of John 2. Church of the Visitation - Place Mary visited Elizabeth 3. The Spring of Mary - Place Mary quenched her thirst before climbing the hill to visit Elizabeth. Location 1. Ein Karem (Kerem) is located about 4.5 miles (7 km) southwest of Jerusalem. 2. Ein (spring) Karem (vineyard), together meaning “Spring of the Vineyard,” has a Jewish and Christian history and is still a tranquil place of trees and vineyards. Historical Background 1. In the Old Testament, Ein Karem is referred to as “BeitaKerem or Beth-Haccerem,” as found in Jeremiah 6:1 and Nehemiah 3:14. The area was within the jurisdiction of the Tribe of Judah. 2. In the New Testament, Ein Karem is best known as the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth and the birthplace of John the Baptist. 3. It is considered one of the top tour destinations for Christian pilgrims. Two Homes of Zechariah and Elizabeth 1. The two main sites in Ein Karem are the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist and the Visitation Church. It is believed that Zechariah and Elizabeth had two houses in Ein Karem. Zechariah was a priest and likely wealthy. Therefore, it is very possible he had two residences in Ein Karem. 2. Their usual residence was in the valley. However, a cooler summer house located high on a hillside allowed them to escape the heat and humidity during warmer months. The summer house is believed to be where the pregnant Elizabeth remained in seclusion for five months, as found in Luke 1:24. It’s also where Mary visited her. 3. John the Baptist was born in the house in the valley. It was also here that Zechariah finally regained his power of speech when he wrote on a writing tablet that the baby’s name was to be John. Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist 1. During excavations in the church, which has at its core the cave that Christian tradition identifies as the birthplace of John the Baptist, there have been discovered remains of two Byzantine chapels which mark the place where early Christians venerated this site as the home of Zechariah and Elizabeth, and the birthplace of John the Baptist. The Byzantine ruins include two chapels: the “Martyrs Chapel,” where the modern church is located, and another chapel under the southern side of the monastery. The Martyrs Chapel refers to the children killed by Herod in Matthew 2:16. An inscription in a mosaic panel reads, in Greek, “Hail martyrs of God.” Whom it refers to is unknown. 2. Two altars have also been discovered in this church. The high altar is dedicated to St John. To the right is Elizabeth’s altar. To the left are steps leading down to a natural grotto — identified as John’s birthplace and believed to be part of his parents’ home. Also found under this church are remains from the first century AD, including a flight of plastered steps recently identified as part of a typical Jewish ritual bath (mikveh) for purification. Some have linked the discovery to Zachariah. As a priest in the temple, he probably had to purify himself every day since his meals were often based on sacrifices brought by pilgrims. It is, therefore, possible that Zachariah had a mikveh in his own house. Therefore, the archaeological find is of major importance to substantiate the Christian tradition. 3. In the Crusader period (1099-1291), a church was built over the house believed to be the house of Zachariah. First mentioned by a Russian pilgrim, Daniel, in 1109, this church was one of the first to be built by the Crusaders. Church of the Visitation 1. The Virgin Mary’s visit to Elizabeth is depicted in a mosaic on the facade and is commemorated in a two-tiered church built on a slope of the hill south of Ein Karem. Several churches and monasteries were built during the Byzantine period. The Visitation Crusader's Church was built over one of them. 2. Later, the Crusaders rebuilt some of the ruined Byzantine churches. The upper floor of the visitation church shows remains of the Crusader’s church, especially on the south wing. 3. Antonio Barluzzi designed the modern church, which was completed in 1955. The artistically decorated Church of the Visitation is considered one of the most beautiful Gospel sites in the Holy Land. 4. This church is believed to be the site of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s summer house, where Mary visited her cousin. On the wall opposite the church, ceramic plaques reproduce Mary’s song of praise, as found in Luke 1:46-55. Mary's exultation is translated into 58 languages and can be found hanging on large plaques on the side of the church. 5. In the lower chapel, a vaulted passage leads to an old well. Ancient tradition suggests that a spring joyfully burst out of the rock here when Mary greeted Elizabeth. 6. A huge stone set in a niche is known as the Stone of Hiding . According to an ancient tradition, the stone opened to provide a hiding place for baby John during Herod’s Massacre of the Innocents — an event depicted in a painting on the wall. Mary’s Spring 1. In a valley south of the village is a fresh-water spring known as Mary’s Spring or the Fountain of the Virgin. Tradition states that Mary quenched her thirst from this spring before climbing the hill to meet Elizabeth. 2. The village of Ein Karem gets its name from this spring. Its meaning is derived from the Arabic “Ein” (spring) and Kerem (vineyard or olive grove). A small, abandoned mosque is built over the spring, another reminder that this was once an Arab village. 3. Southwest of Ein Karem, off Route 386, a Greek Melkite monastery and a Franciscan convent mark the Desert of St. John, a site where John the Baptist is believed to have lived in seclusion. Places of Interest Ein Karem is home to five churches and monasteries: 1. The Church of St. John the Baptist 2. Visitation Church 3. Notre Dame de Sion Convent: It is operated by an order of nuns of the Zion sisters and has been converted to function as a guest house. 4. Greek Orthodox St. John Convent: This serves the Greek-Orthodox community of Ein Karem. The ancient church (built in 1894) was restored in 1975. 5. Al Moskovia Russian Monastery (initially called the Gorny Monastery). Construction on this five-orange-domed structure started in 1905 and was completed in 2005. Later, its domes were painted gold. 6. Additionally, a focal point is the famous Mary’s Well, where it’s believed that Mary, miraculously pregnant with Jesus, sat and drank from its spring waters while sitting with Elizabeth, who was miraculously pregnant with John at the same time. John the Baptist in the Bible 1. John was the prophesied forerunner of Christ, whose purpose was to prepare the way of the Lord. Malachi 3:1: “Behold, I am sending My messenger, and he will clear a way before Me. And the Lord, whom you are seeking, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of armies. Malachi 4:5–6: “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and strike the land with complete destruction.” 2. He had a supernatural birth and calling. Luke 1:11–17: Now an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 Zechariah was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall [l]name him John. 14 You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice over his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. 16 And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. 17 And it is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers back to their children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 3. It was in Ein Karem that Mary magnified the Lord. The spiritual depth of Mary, a young virgin, is quite remarkable. Luke 1:46–56: And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. 48 For He has had regard for the humble state of His bond-servant; for behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed. 49 For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. 50 And His mercy is to generation after generation toward those who fear Him. 51 He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble. 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty-handed. 54 He has given help to His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, 55 Just as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.” 56 Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home. 4. His main message was a message of repentance. Matt. 3:1–12: Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, “The voice of one calling out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight!’” 4 Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 At that time, Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan; 6 and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance; 9 and do not assume that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’; for I tell you that God is able, from these stones, to raise up children for Abraham. 10 And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit is being cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 5. He had the privilege of baptizing Jesus. Matt. 3:13–17: Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan, coming to John to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have the need to be baptized by You, and yet You are coming to me?” 15 But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. 16 After He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settling on Him, 17 and behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” 6. He was beheaded for his message against the sin of Herod the Tetrarch. Matt. 14:1–12: At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus, 2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he himself has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 3 For when Herod had John arrested, he bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. 4 For John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet. 6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod, 7 so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 And after being prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” 9 And although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths and his dinner guests. 10 He sent word and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 John’s disciples came and took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported to Jesus. Faith Lesson from Ein Karem 1. John's preaching was a strong message of repentance and judgment, the same message Christ preached. What about us? When we share the gospel, do we focus on the need for repentance, or do we skip over it? 2. The depth of Mary's knowledge of God and faith was remarkable. What about us? How deep is our knowledge and faith? Are we committed to growing and deepening our knowledge and faith or are we apathetic and lazy about it? 3. John died for preaching against Herod the Tetrarch's sin. What about us? Do we have strong convictions and stand against sin, or are we passive and silent?

Other than the main holy sites we have on our website about southern Israel and the Negev, this page lists many other sites of interest: Dead Sea, Ein Bokek Public Beach, Zohar Public Beach, Kalia Beach, Biankini Beach, Neve Midbar, Ein Gedi Hot Springs, Ziklag Other Sites of Interest In Southern Israel Photo Gallery Places of Interest Other Sites of Interest In Southern Israel Dead Sea What would a trip to Israel be without taking a dip in the famous Dead Sea? Following is some helpful info for helping you decide which beach is best for you. Northern Beaches The northern beaches are privately owned and charge a fee to enter, even if your stay is for a quick dip in the sea. They have more of the mud for skincare, the water is a little cooler, they have higher waves and a little less salt content. However, there is still plenty of salt, so you can float quite easily. For health reasons, a strong warning is given regarding swallowing the saltwater in the Dead Sea. It has 7 times more salt than any other body of water in the world, and it’s easy to get salt poisoning if even a small amount of water is ingested. All the beaches have changing rooms, restrooms, showers, and bathrooms. All have great places to eat at and shop. The northern beaches have gift shops, while the southern beaches have access to gift shops, but they’re not always right at the resorts. 1. Kalia Beach – Less waves, cheaper entrance fee. 2. Biankini Beach 3. Neve Midbar 4. Ein Gedi Hot Springs – More expensive entrance fees, natural hot mineral springs. Southern Beaches The southern beaches have a higher concentration of salt, are more turquoise in color, have more transparent water, are more gradual with fewer waves, are smoother, and are free as they are public beaches. 1. Ein Bokek Public Beach 2. Zohar Public Beach 3. Segregated Public Beach – This beach separates the men from the women for Jewish reasons. Ziklag While the exact location of biblical Ziklag is debated, most archaeologists now place it at Tel Ser'a (Tel esh-Shariah), which is in the southernmost area of Judea about 14 miles (23 km.) northwest of Tel Beer Sheba and about 15 miles (24 km.) east of Gaza. Ziklag is first mentioned in the Bible as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah (Josh. 15:31). It was allotted to the tribe of Simeon (within the tribe of Judah), but the Israelites apparently failed to conquer it because Ziklag was still under Philistine control when Saul reigned as king (Josh. 19:5). Because for many years King Saul sought to harm David, David fled to Ziklag seeking refuge after the death of Samuel. As a result, he lived in Ziklag with six hundred men and their households in Philistine territory. While living in Ziklag, David petitioned Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, to give him the city of Ziklag (1 Sam. 27:5–6). Achish consented and gave Ziklag to David. During David’s rule over Ziklag, which lasted 16 months, he made it his military home base. From Ziklag, David raided many of the cities of the Amalekites. Because many soldiers from Israel were disappointed with Saul’s leadership, they joined forces with David’s private army during this time (1 Chron. 12:1–22). When war broke out between the Philistines and Israel during the reign of King Saul, David and his small army attempted to join the Philistine army to fight against Saul. However, the Philistine leaders rejected David and sent him away from the battle. While David and the Philistines were away, the Amalekites attacked Ziklag. They burned the city and took captive all the women, children, and the elderly. When David and his men returned to Ziklag, they found it had been destroyed by fire, and their families had been taken captive (1 Sam. 30:1–3). In response, David and his army pursued the Amalekites and recovered their families and possessions. (1 Sam. 30:16–31). While David was living in Ziklag, he received the news of the defeat of Israel by the Philistines and Saul and Jonathan's deaths (2 Samuel 4:10). Ziklag remained in control of Israel from this point on and is last mentioned in the Bible as one of the cities the Jews inhabited after returning from exile in Babylon (Neh. 11:28).

Videos About Mount Tabor In Israel and the Transfiguration of Christ. Mount Tabor is the best candidate for the transfiguration of Christ. It has a lot of evidence dating back to the Old Testament, along with believers after the time of Christ, who set this site aside as the true place of the transfiguration. Sites of interest include the Franciscan Basilica of the Transfiguration, St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church, Descentibus Chapel, Melchizedek Chapel. Mt. Tabor: Transfiguration of Christ Photo Gallery Places of Interest Mount Tabor Transfiguration of Christ Location 1. Mount Tabor, rising like a dome-like mountain from the Plain of Jezreel, is the place where Christian tradition places the transfiguration of Jesus. 2. It’s about 11 miles (15 km.) southwest of the Sea of Galilee and about 5 miles (8 km.) east of Nazareth. 3. Mount Tabor stands some 1,500 ft. (457 m.) above the Jezreel Valley plain in Lower Galilee. 4. It held a strategic position at the junction of several trade routes. For this reason, many battles have been fought around it. 5. It's mentioned as one of the key mountains in Scripture: The north and the south, you have created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name (Psalm 89:12). Historical Background 1. In the Old Testament, Mount Tabor is described as a sacred mountain and a place for worship. However, it's not mentioned by name in the New Testament. 2. Throughout its history, it has been a place where mankind has sought contact with the divine. 3. It also served as an important fortress during the Old Testament, Greek, Roman, and Crusader times. 4. It is best known as the believed place where the transfiguration of Christ took place, an event in the Gospels in which Jesus is transfigured upon an unnamed mountain and speaks with Moses and Elijah as described in Matthew 17:1–9; Mark 9:2–8; and Luke 9:28–36. 5. Christian tradition in the early centuries named Mount Tabor as the place of the transfiguration of Christ. This location is cited in early apocryphal writings and was accepted by the Syriac and Byzantine churches. 6. The earliest identification of the Mount of Transfiguration as Tabor is by Origen in the 3rd century. 7. During the Byzantine period, due to the importance of Mount Tabor in Christian tradition, it became a pilgrimage site from the 4th century and onward. According to descriptions of the pilgrims visiting this site during the 6th century, there were three churches that resided on the top of Mount Tabor. 8. Some biblical scholars today now question this tradition. These scholars see the much higher Mount Hermon as a more likely location as it was closer to Caesarea Philippi, where Peter’s confession of Christ took place. However, this is very unlikely for the following reason. After the transfiguration of Christ, He descended the mountain and was met by a crowd of people: Matthew 17:14: "And when they came to the crowd , a man came up to him and, kneeling before him." Mount Hermon was in a district that the Jews did not go to because it was filled with pagan worship and gentiles. Therefore, it would be extremely unlikely that a large crowd of Jews would be in this area. Also, according to Mark 9:30, right after this event, "They left that place and passed through Galilea." Mount Hermon and Caesarea Philippi were not in the Galilean region, so again, it's very unlikely Mount Hermon was the site where the Transfiguration of Christ took place. 9. Mount Tabor is a much better candidate, and there is great value in considering the 2,000-year-old tradition of history at this site. 10. Scripture says that the transfiguration of Christ took place 6 days after Peter’s confession of Christ in Caesarea Philippi. Mount Tabor is only about 40 miles (65 km.) south of Caesarea Philippi, which could easily have been reached in 6 days. 11. It’s really not important where this event happened but that it did happen. 12. Today, there are two main churches and monasteries on top of Mount Tabor, marking the event of the transfiguration of Christ. They include the Franciscan Basilica of the Transfiguration and St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church. Places of Interest 1. Franciscan Basilica of the Transfiguration – The main church that is visited and sits at the highest part of Mount Tabor. This church, which is part of a Franciscan monastery complex, was completed in 1924. It was built on the ruins of an ancient (4th–6th-century) Byzantine church and a 12th-century church of the Crusader Kingdom period. 2. St. Elias Greek Orthodox Church – Located on the northern side of Mount Tabor. It’s named after the Prophet Elijah. 3. Tower & Walls 4. Other ancient structures, chapels, cisterns, and quarries. 5. Descentibus Chapel 6. Melchizedek Chapel 7. Jezreel Valley Mount Tabor in the Bible 1. Mount Tabor is mentioned 12 times in Scripture. 2. It's first mentioned in Joshua 19:22 as a border between the three tribes of Zebulun, Issachar, and Naphtali. The mountain's prominence is due to its strategic location at the junction of Galilee's north-south route, along with the east-west highway of the Jezreel Valley. 3. According to Judges chapter 4, Hazor was the seat of Jabin, the king of Canaan. His military commander, Sisera, led a Canaanite army against the Israelites. Deborah, the Jewish prophetess, summoned Barak of the tribe of Naphtali and gave him the following command from God. Judges 4:14–16: And Deborah said to Barak, “Up! For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. Does not the Lord go out before you?” So, Barak went down from Mount Tabor with 10,000 men following him. 15 And the Lord routed Sisera and all his chariots and all his army before Barak by the edge of the sword. And Sisera got down from his chariot and fled away on foot. 16 And Barak pursued the chariots and the army to Harosheth-hagoyim, and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword; not a man was left. 4. Transfiguration of Christ. Matthew 17:1–13: And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John, his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 9 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also, the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. 5. After descending Mount Tabor, Christ healed a man and used Mount Tabor as an example of faith. Matthew 17:14–20: And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, 15 said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” 17 And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain , ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” Faith Lesson from Mount Tabor 1. The transfiguration of Christ is another proof that He was truly the Son of God and divine. 2. It cemented in the hearts of Peter, James, and John, who would become key leaders in the early church, that Christ was definitely the Messiah and God the Father in the flesh. 3. The Apostle Peter looked back to this landmark event of the transfiguration to speak about how sure and solid our faith in Christ and His Word is. 2 Peter 1:16–21: For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain [mount of transfiguration]. 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation [source or wisdom]. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 4. Are we anchored in our faith and unmovable? 5. Do we believe Christ was God in the flesh, and are we willing to follow Him and be His disciples? 6. Do we have faith that we can move spiritual mountains if we have faith in Christ?

Shiloh was the religious and military capital of Israel during the times of the Judges, and the tabernacle resided here for 369 years. It was the first place where the Tabernacle became a permanent structure. The site includes: 6th-century Byzantine Church, Northern 4th and 6th-century Byzantine Church (4th-century church contains the inscription "Shiloh"), Mosque, Baptistry, Oil Press, Storerooms, Canaanite Wall, Visitor Tower, Tabernacle Location, Ancient Walls Ancient Shiloh Photo Gallery Places of Interest Shiloh Introduction 1. After the conquest of the land was basically complete, the Tabernacle was set up in Shiloh, where it would reside for 369 years. 2. It became the spiritual center, and two million Jews gathered at Shiloh on the main festivals and camped on the surrounding hills. 3. At Shiloh, Hannah prayed for a son. God heard her prayers and blessed her with Samuel. 4. To Shiloh, Hannah brought Samuel and consecrated him to the Lord’s service. 5. Samuel was raised in the Tabernacle here at Shiloh and became a great prophet whom God greatly used. 6. The ark was captured in a battle with the Philistines. As a result, Hophni and Phinehas died along with their father, Eli, near Shiloh. Location 1. Shiloh is about 20 miles (32 km) north of Jerusalem on Hwy. 60. 2. It was on a major north-south travel route that linked Beersheba in the south to Shechem and the northern cities of Israel. 3. Shiloh was located on a hilltop, which made it defensible. 4. It had hills surrounding it, so when the nation gathered at Shiloh for feasts, they could camp around it and partake of the events. As a result, many pieces of pottery have been found on the hills around Shiloh. 5. Tel Shiloh is at an archaeological park called "Ancient Shiloh," located at the entrance to modern-day Shiloh. 6. Shiloh was in the hill country of Samaria within the tribal allotment of Ephraim. 7. It was likely chosen as Israel's capital and military base due to its central location within the country. Historical Background 1. Shiloh was the religious and military capital of Israel during the times of the Judges, and the Tabernacle resided here for 369 years. 2. It was the first place where the tabernacle became a permanent structure. 3. Two million Jews gathered at Shiloh on the main festivals and camped on the surrounding hills. 4. The Ark of the Covenant resided here within the tabernacle. The ark contained the following three items: Tablets of the 10 Commandments. Aaron’s staff that budded. Jar of Manna 5. During the Byzantine Period, at least three churches were built to commemorate Shiloh. 6. The first Byzantine church dates to around 386 AD. This church was likely built over the ruins of an ancient synagogue. On the mosaic floor a t the entrance of this church is an impressive inscription stating: “Lord Jesus Christ, have pity on Shiloh and its inhabitants. Amen.” This is one of the ways we know this place is the authentic Shiloh. 7. On top of the first Byzantine church, a reconstructed 6th-century Byzantine church was built. 8. Southeast of the northern churches, there is another 6th-century Byzantine church called the Basilica Church. A Danish team in the 1930s added the building over the south eastern base of the 6th-century Byzantine church, as seen today. 9. A Mosque was built on the west side of the ruins of the first two 4th-century Byzantine churches and named Jamia el Arbain. Places of Interest 1. Oil Press 2. Building with Hologram of the Tabernacle 3. Southeastern 6th-century Byzantine church (Basilica Church) 4. Northern 4th and 6th-century Byzantine Church Ruins (The 4th-century church contains the inscription with the name "Shiloh.") 5. Ruins of the mosque built on the west side of the northern 4th and 6th-century Byzantine Church Ruins 6. Stone of a four-horned altar 7 . Baptistry 8. Diagrams of the Exodus and the Ark of the Covenant wanderings after it was captured. 9. Visitor Tower Great movie showing the history of Shiloh 10. Tabernacle Location A rectangular area here fits the exact measurement of the Tabernacle as found in the Bible: "And you shall make the Tabernacle yard ... 100 cubits in length ... and the width of the yard 50 cubits (Exodus 27:9-13). 11. Cisterns 12. Storerooms 13. Canaanite Wall 14. Winepress 15. Red Hiefers viewing place. Shiloh In the Bible 1. During the conquest of the Promised Land (7-year period), the Tabernacle resided principally at Gilgal (Josh. 4:19–24). 2. After the conquest of the land was basically complete, the Tabernacle was set up in Shiloh, where it would reside for 369 years. J oshua 18:1: Then the whole congregation of the people of Israel assembled at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting there . The land lay subdued before them. 3. At Shiloh, lots were cast to divide the land among the seven tribes who had not yet received their inheritance on the west side of the Jordan River. Ruben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had already received their portion on the east side of the Jordan, and Judah and Joseph had already received theirs on the west side. Joshua 18:2–3: There remained among the people of Israel seven tribes whose inheritance had not yet been apportioned. 3 So Joshua said to the people of Israel, “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you? Joshua 18:8–10: So the men arose and went, and Joshua charged those who went to write the description of the land, saying, “Go up and down in the land and write a description and return to me. And I will cast lots for you here before the Lord in Shiloh .” 9 So the men went and passed up and down in the land and wrote in a book a description of it by towns in seven divisions. Then they came to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh , 10 and Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord. And there Joshua apportioned the land to the people of Israel, to each his portion. 4. From Shiloh, Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh departed for their homes east of the Jordan River. Joshua 22:9: So the people of Reuben and the people of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned home, parting from the people of Israel at Shiloh , which is in the land of Canaan, to go to the land of Gilead, their own land of which they had possessed themselves by command of the LORD through Moses. 5. After departing from Shiloh to return home, the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar at the Jordan River. The rest of the tribes misunderstood the purpose of the altar and met at Shiloh to fight against them. Joshua 22:12: And when the people of Israel heard of it, the whole assembly of the people of Israel gathered at Shiloh to make war against them. The 2 ½ tribes intended to erect an altar as a witness to future generations that they were part of the 9 ½ tribes on the west side of the Jordan River. When the 9 ½ tribes understood their purpose, they returned home in peace. 6. During a dark time in the book of Judges, the Benjamite tribe was almost wiped out by the other tribes of Israel because of their severe disobedience to God. To revive the population of Benjamin, wives were provided for them at Shiloh. Judges 21:19–21: So they said, “Behold, there is the yearly feast of the Lord at Shiloh , which is north of Bethel, on the east of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah.” 20 And they commanded the people of Benjamin, saying, “Go and lie in ambush in the vineyards 21 and watch. If the daughters of Shiloh come out to dance in the dances, then come out of the vineyards and snatch each man his wife from the daughters of Shiloh , and go to the land of Benjamin. 7. At Shiloh, Hannah prayed for a son. God heard her prayers and blessed her with Samuel. 1 Samuel 1:3–5: Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh , where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah , he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. 1 Samuel 1:9–11: After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh , Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” 8. To Shiloh, Hannah brought Samuel and consecrated him to the Lord’s service. 1 Samuel 1:24–28: And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh . And the child was young. 25 Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child, I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. 28 Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. 9. The sanctuary in Shiloh was called a "temple," as noted in 1 Samuel 1:9, 3:3. It had doorposts and doors, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:9, 3:15. Therefore, it was a more durable structure than the old Tent of Meeting (tabernacle). 10. Eli and his wicked sons presided over the Tabernacle at Shiloh. Then, through the prophet Samuel, the doom of their house was announced. 1 Samuel 3:11–13: Then the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I am about to do a thing in Israel at which the two ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12 On that day I will fulfill against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. 3 And I declare to him that I am about to punish his house forever, for the iniquity that he knew, because his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them. 11. The ark was captured in a battle with the Philistines. As a result, Hophni and Phinehas died along with their father, Eli, near Shiloh. 1 Samuel 4:16–18: And the man said to Eli, “I am he who has come from the battle; I fled from the battle today.” And he said, “How did it go, my son?” 17 He who brought the news answered and said, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has also been a great defeat among the people. Your two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God has been captured.” 18 As soon as he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell over backward from his seat by the side of the gate, and his neck was broken and he died, for the man was old and heavy. He had judged Israel forty years. 12. The Ark of the Covenant was returned to Beth Shemesh by the Philistines and wound up staying at the house of Abinadab for 20 years (1 Sam. 7:1). 13. Eventually, King David would take the ark to the City of David (1 Chron. 13, 15), and then it would be moved to the temple Solomon built (2 Chron. 5:2). The tabernacle was taken to Gibeon (1 Chron. 21:29) but didn’t have the ark in it. After the temple was instituted, the Tabernacle at Gibeon went by the wayside. 14. After the Kingdom of Israel was divided, Jeroboam, King of the Northern Tribes, erected golden calf altars in Bethel and Dan for the worship of false gods. Over time, Shiloh fell into ruin and came under God's judgment. Psalm 78:59–61: When God heard, he was full of wrath, and he utterly rejected Israel. He forsook his dwelling at Shiloh , the tent where he dwelt among mankind, and delivered his power to captivity, his glory to the hand of the foe. Jeremiah 7:12: Go now to my place that was in Shiloh , where I made my name dwell at first, and see what I did to it because of the evil of my people Israel. Faith Lesson from Shiloh 1. Shiloh was a place of rich blessing and rejoicing when the Israelites obeyed God. Do we understand that obeying and serving God brings life and fulfills our souls? 2. God judged Shiloh because of Eli and his sons' sins. What kind of leaders are we, and do we realize how our leadership affects our families and ministries? 3. Eli was the same father who raised his own sons as well as Samuel. Regardless of our past and the baggage and problems we might have, God's grace is enough to give us victory over our past. What about us? Do we have victory over our past, or do we use our past as an excuse for our problems? 3. Hannah prayed for a child at Shiloh, and God heard her. Like Hannah, do we pray for our needs, and do we pray with the right motives? 4. Shiloh was also a place of deep disaster with a bitter ending. Its end was judgment because of the continual sin of God’s people. Do we realize the danger of allowing sin in our lives and the consequences it can bring?