Experience one of the greatest miracles in the Bible about how God saved Hezekiah and the city of Jerusalem. Sennacherib, King of Assyria, was defeated supernaturally by God because an angel of the Lord killed 185,000 soldiers. Because of King Hezekiah's great faith in the Lord, God provided an astounding miracle to save him and Jerusalem. Learn all about it here. Hezekiah’s Broad Wall, Gihon Spring, Pool of Siloam, Hezekiah's Tunnel, City of David, Temple Mount, Tel Lachish, Tel Azekah. Hezekiah's Broad Wall Photo Gallery Places of Interest Hezekiah's Broad Wall Introduction Hidden within the Jewish Quarter of the Old City lies one of Jerusalem’s most impressive archaeological finds: Hezekiah’s Broad Wall. 1. Built around 710 BC by King Hezekiah, this massive fortification was constructed to protect Jerusalem from the Assyrian army. 2. It's over 23 feet thick (7 m) and hundreds of meters long. It cut through houses and streets to strengthen the city’s defenses. 3. It matches the account in Isaiah and 2 Chronicles describing Hezekiah’s preparations for the Assyrian siege. 4. It was unearthed in the 1970s and revealed how urgently Jerusalem expanded its walls to shield its growing population. 5. Today, visitors can stand beside its remains and imagine the tense days when Jerusalem prepared for war and survival. 6. Let's experience and relive the miracle God did here to protect Jerusalem from the most powerful nation on earth at that time Location 1. Hezekiah’s Broad Wall connected the lower part of the City of David with the west side of the Temple Mount. 2. The part that is visible today is located just north of the Hurva Synagogue, to the left of Bonei ha-Khoma St. Historical Background 1. After the division of the nation of Israel into two kingdoms (Israel and Judah), God sent prophet after prophet to warn them to turn from their sinful ways and follow Him. However, all these warnings fell on deaf ears. 2. All the 19 kings who reigned in the northern kingdom of Israel did not follow the Lord and acted wickedly. 3. As a result, the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered and taken into captivity by 722 BC by the Assyrians because of Israel’s continual disobedience. 2 Kings 18:11–12: Then the king of Assyria carried Israel away into exile to Assyria, and put them in Halah and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes, 12 because they did not obey the voice of the Lord their God, but transgressed His covenant, even all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded; they would neither listen nor do it. 4. The Assyrian army was brutal and known for its torturous tactics. They intentionally instilled fear in the hearts of those they conquered, causing other countries to surrender rather than fight. 5. By 701 BC, the Assyrians, headed by Sennacherib, invaded Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Israel, because they had disobeyed God repeatedly over centuries. 6. According to an Assyrian stele found in the ruins of the royal palace of Nineveh, Sennacherib conquered 46 cities in Judea before attempting to destroy Jerusalem. 7. God allowed most of Judah to be conquered but protected Jerusalem because of Hezekiah’s obedience to Him. 8. As Hezekiah began to prepare for what he knew would be a terrible siege by a merciless Assyrian war machine, he had to figure out how to protect his people. This meant building new defenses. 9. During the time of Hezekiah, Jerusalem’s urban population had grown far outside the old walls of the city and was unprotected. 10. King Hezekiah fortified the existing walls of the city and rapidly built a new wall to protect those living outside the city walls. 2 Chronicles 32:5: He set to work resolutely and built up all the wall that was broken down and raised towers upon it, and outside it he built another wall, and he strengthened the Millo in the city of David. He also made weapons and shields in abundance. 11. Hezekiah’s new wall measured about 22 feet wide (7 m.) by 25 feet high (8 m.). 12. It was a massive undertaking and measured around 2.5 miles (4 km) in length. 13. A portion of the wall was discovered in the 1970s by Israeli archaeologist Nahman Avigad and dated to the reign of King Hezekiah (716-687 BC). 14. It was called “Hezekiah’s Broad Wall” by archaeologists because of how wide it is. 15. King Hezekiah also built a water tunnel to keep the water from the Gihon Spring inside the city walls so the Assyrians couldn’t cut off the water supply (2 Chron. 32:3–4). The curving tunnel is 583 yards (533 m.) long and has an altitude difference of 12 inches (30 cm.) between its two ends. It was chiseled from both ends to the middle simultaneously. It took the water from the Gihon Spring, located under the mountain, to the Pool of Siloam, situated below the city of David. Places of Interest 1. Hezekiah’s Broad Wall. 2. Gihon Spring 3. Pool of Siloam 4. Hezekiah's Tunnel 5. City of David 6. Temple Mount Hezekiah in the Bible 1. King Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, was a wicked king. He closed the doors to the temple and burned his children in sacrificial worship to false gods. 2. King Hezekiah was a godly king who reopened the temple and restored worship to God. 2 Kings 18:3–6: And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. 4 He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). 5 He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses. 3. King Hezekiah chose not to serve the King of Assyria. 2 Kings 18:7: And the Lord was with him; wherever he went he prospered. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. 4. Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, conquered the southern part of Judah, including the mighty city of Lachish. King Hezekiah tries to keep him at bay by paying him money. 2 Kings 18:13–16: Now in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and seized them. 14 Then Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong. Withdraw from me; whatever you impose on me I will bear.” So the king of Assyria required of Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. 15 Hezekiah gave him all the silver which was found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasuries of the king’s house. 16 At that time Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the Lord, and from the doorposts which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria. 5. King Sennacherib makes plans to conquer Jerusalem. 2 Kings 18:17: Then the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rab-saris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah with a large army to Jerusalem. So they went up and came to Jerusalem. 6. King Sennacherib mocks King Hezekiah and the God of Israel. 2 Kings 18:32–35: And do not listen to Hezekiah when he misleads you by saying, “The Lord will deliver us .” 33 Has any of the gods of the nations ever delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 34 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? 35 Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?’” 7. King Hezekiah humbles himself before God and sends for the Prophet Isaiah. 2 Kings 19:1–7: And when King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth and entered the house of the Lord. 2 Then he sent Eliakim who was over the household with Shebna the scribe and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz. 3 They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, ‘This day is a day of distress, rebuke, and rejection; for children have come to birth and there is no strength to deliver. 4 Perhaps the Lord your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the Lord your God has heard. Therefore, offer a prayer for the remnant that is left.’” 5 So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. 6 Isaiah said to them, “Thus you shall say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. 7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land. And I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.” 8. King Sennacherib once again threatens King Hezekiah and speaks against the God of Israel. 2 Kings 19:9–12: So he sent messengers again to Hezekiah, saying, 10 “Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. 11 Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, devoting them to destruction. And shall you be delivered? 12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, the nations that my fathers destroyed.’” 9. Hezekiah seeks the Lord’s help. 2 Kings 19:14–19: Then Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it, and he went up to the house of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 15 Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and listen to the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. 17 Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have devastated the nations and their lands 18 and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. So they have destroyed them. 19 Now, O Lord our God, I pray, deliver us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O Lord, are God.” 10. God answers Hezekiah’s prayer. 2 Kings 19:20–22: Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Because you have prayed to Me about Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you.’ 21 This is the word that the Lord has spoken against him: ‘She has despised you and mocked you, The virgin daughter of Zion; She has shaken her head behind you, The daughter of Jerusalem! 22 ‘Whom have you reproached and blasphemed? And against whom have you raised your voice, And haughtily lifted up your eyes? Against the Holy One of Israel!’” 2 Kings 19:32–34: Therefore, thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, “He will not come to this city or shoot an arrow there; and he will not come before it with a shield or throw up a siege ramp against it. 33 By the way that he came, by the same he will return, and he shall not come to this city, declares the Lord. 34 For I will defend this city to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.” 11. God miraculously destroys King Sennacherib and his army. 2 Kings 19:35–37: Then it happened that night that the angel of the Lord went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when men rose early in the morning, behold, all of them were dead. 36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and returned home, and lived at Nineveh. 37 It came about as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son became king in his place. Faith Lesson from the Life of King Hezekiah 1. Even though Hezekiah had a wicked father, he chose to serve the Lord. 2. No matter what our background might be, and the parents we have, God can still use us greatly if we yield ourselves entirely to Him. 3. He was extremely dedicated to God. 2 Kings 18:5–6: He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel; so that after him there was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he clung to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses. 4. He trusted in God during times of great trials. 5. God blessed him and protected him because of his faith and dedication to Him. 6. He worked hard to fortify the old walls, built a huge new wall, and protected the water source of the city. All this was good, but not needed, as God supernaturally protected Jerusalem because Hezekiah trusted in the Lord. 7. King Hezekiah lived the kind of life God blesses. Are we following his example?

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

See and experience an engineering wonder that happened over 2700 years ago. In order to save Jerusalem and its inhabitants, King Hezekiah orchestrated a tunnel that took the water from the Gihon Spring underground to the Pool of Siloam. This kept the water inside the city so the Assyrian army couldn't cut off their water supply and conquer them. Hezekiah's Water Tunnel Photo Gallery Places of Interest Hezekiah's Water Tunnel Location 1. Hezekiah's Water Tunnel, also known as the Siloam Tunnel, is a remarkable ancient water tunnel located in the southern part of the City of David in Jerusalem. 2. The City of David is located just south of the Temple Mount and is the original part of Jerusalem that existed before it was expanded over the centuries. 3. Today, Hezekiah's Tunnel is a popular archaeological site and tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to walk through the ancient waterway. Historical Background 1. It was constructed during the reign of King Hezekiah of Judah in around 700 BC. 2. The Bible mentions it in the context of preparations for an impending siege by the Assyrians, led by Sennacherib. 3. The tunnel was designed to transport water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam, effectively securing the city's water supply during the siege by preventing the Assyrian forces from accessing it. 4. The construction of this tunnel is considered an engineering marvel of its time, as it was hewn from solid rock. It measures approximately 583 yards (533 m.) long and has an altitude difference of 12 inches (30 cm.) between its two ends. 5. The historical significance of Hezekiah's Tunnel is also highlighted by the Siloam Inscription, found at the southern end of the tunnel. This inscription describes how two teams of workers, starting from opposite ends, met in the middle to complete the tunnel. This feat is detailed in the biblical passages of 2 Chronicles 32:2–4 and 2 Kings 20:20. Biblical Background 1. After the nation of Israel was divided into two kingdoms (Israel and Judah), God sent prophet after prophet to warn them to turn from their sinful ways and follow Him. However, all these warnings fell on deaf ears. 2. All the 19 kings who reigned in the northern kingdom of Israel did not follow the Lord and acted wickedly. 3. As a result, the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered and taken into captivity by 722 BC by the Assyrians because of Israel’s continual disobedience. 2 Kings 18:11–12: Then the king of Assyria carried Israel away into exile to Assyria, and put them in Halah and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes, 12 because they did not obey the voice of the Lord their God , but transgressed His covenant, even all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded; they would neither listen nor do it. 4. The Assyrian army was brutal and known for its torturous tactics. They intentionally instilled fear in the hearts of those they conquered to cause other countries to surrender instead of fighting. 5. By 701 BC, the Assyrians, headed by Sennacherib, invaded Judah, the Southern Kingdom of Israel, because they disobeyed God. 6. According to an Assyrian stele found in the ruins of the royal palace of Nineveh, Sennacherib conquered 46 cities in Judea before attempting to conquer Jerusalem. 7. God allowed most of Judah to be conquered but protected Jerusalem because of Hezekiah’s obedience to Him. 8. As Hezekiah began to prepare for what he knew would be a terrible siege by a merciless Assyrian war machine, he had to figure out how to protect his people. This meant building new defenses. 9. During the time of Hezekiah, Jerusalem’s urban population had grown far outside the old walls of the city and were unprotected. 10. King Hezekiah fortified the city's existing walls and built a new wall rapidly to protect those living outside them. 2 Chronicles 32:5: He set to work resolutely and built up all the wall that was broken down and raised towers upon it, and outside it he built another wall, and he strengthened the Millo in the city of David. He also made weapons and shields in abundance. 11. Hezekiah’s new wall measured about 22 feet wide (7 m.) by 25 feet high (8 m.). 12. It was a massive undertaking and measured around 2.5 miles (4 km.) in length. 13. A portion of the wall was discovered in the 1970s by Israeli archaeologist Nahman Avigad and dated to the reign of King Hezekiah (716-687 BC). 14. Archaeologists called it “Hezekiah’s Broad Wall” because of how wide it is. 15. Additionally, King Hezekiah also built a water tunnel to keep the water from the Gihon Spring inside the city walls so the Assyrians couldn’t cut off the water supply (2 Chron. 32:3–4). Places of Interest 1. Hezekiah’s Broad Wall 2. Gihon Spring 3. Pool of Siloam 4. Hezekiah's Water Tunnel 5. City of David 6. Temple Mount Hezekiah in the Bible 1. King Hezekiah’s father, Ahaz, was a wicked king. He closed the doors to the temple and burned his children in sacrificial worship to false gods. 2. King Hezekiah was a godly king who reopened the temple and restored worship to God. 2 Kings 18:3–6: And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done. 4 He removed the high places and broke the pillars and cut down the Asherah. And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it (it was called Nehushtan). 5 He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he held fast to the Lord. He did not depart from following him, but kept the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses. 3. King Hezekiah chose not to serve the King of Assyria. 2 Kings 18:7: And the Lord was with him; wherever he went he prospered. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. 4. Sennacherib, the King of Assyria, conquered the southern part of Judah, including the mighty city of Lachish. King Hezekiah tries to keep him at bay by paying him money. 2 Kings 18:13–16: Now in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib king of Assyria came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and seized them. 14 Then Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong. Withdraw from me; whatever you impose on me I will bear.” So the king of Assyria required of Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. 15 Hezekiah gave him all the silver which was found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasuries of the king’s house. 16 At that time Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the Lord, and from the doorposts which Hezekiah king of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the king of Assyria. 5. King Sennacherib makes plans to conquer Jerusalem. 2 Kings 18:17: Then the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rab-saris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah with a large army to Jerusalem. So they went up and came to Jerusalem. 6. King Sennacherib mocks King Hezekiah and the God of Israel. 2 Kings 18:32–35: And do not listen to Hezekiah when he misleads you by saying, “The Lord will deliver us .” 33 Has any of the gods of the nations ever delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 34 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? 35 Who among all the gods of the lands have delivered their lands out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?’” 7. King Hezekiah humbles himself before God and sends for the Prophet Isaiah. 2 Kings 19:1–7: And when King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth and entered the house of the Lord. 2 Then he sent Eliakim who was over the household with Shebna the scribe and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz. 3 They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, ‘This day is a day of distress, rebuke, and rejection; for children have come to birth and there is no strength to deliver. 4 Perhaps the Lord your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to reproach the living God, and will rebuke the words which the Lord your God has heard. Therefore, offer a prayer for the remnant that is left.’” 5 So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. 6 Isaiah said to them, “Thus you shall say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. 7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land. And I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.” 8. King Sennacherib once again threatens King Hezekiah and speaks against the God of Israel. 2 Kings 19:9–12: So he sent messengers again to Hezekiah, saying, 10 “Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you by promising that Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria. 11 Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, devoting them to destruction. And shall you be delivered? 12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, the nations that my fathers destroyed.’” 9. Hezekiah seeks the Lord’s help. 2 Kings 19:14–19: Then Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it, and he went up to the house of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 15 Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear; open Your eyes, O Lord, and see; and listen to the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to reproach the living God. 17 Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have devastated the nations and their lands 18 and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. So they have destroyed them. 19 Now, O Lord our God, I pray, deliver us from his hand that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, O Lord, are God.” 10. God answers Hezekiah’s prayer. 2 Kings 19:20–22: Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah saying, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Because you have prayed to Me about Sennacherib king of Assyria, I have heard you.’ 21 This is the word that the Lord has spoken against him: ‘She has despised you and mocked you, The virgin daughter of Zion; She has shaken her head behind you, The daughter of Jerusalem! 22 ‘Whom have you reproached and blasphemed? And against whom have you raised your voice, And haughtily lifted up your eyes? Against the Holy One of Israel!’” 2 Kings 19:32–34: Therefore, thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria, “He will not come to this city or shoot an arrow there; and he will not come before it with a shield or throw up a siege ramp against it. 33 By the way that he came, by the same he will return, and he shall not come to this city, declares the Lord. 34 For I will defend this city to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.” 11. God miraculously destroys King Sennacherib and his army. 2 Kings 19:35–37: Then it happened that night that the angel of the Lord went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when men rose early in the morning, behold, all of them were dead. 36 So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and returned home, and lived at Nineveh. 37 It came about as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son became king in his place. Faith Lesson from the Life of King Hezekiah 1. Even though Hezekiah had a wicked father, he chose to serve the Lord. 2. No matter what our background might be, and the parents we have, God can still use us greatly if we yield ourselves entirely to Him. 3. He was extremely dedicated to God. 2 Kings 18:5–6: He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel; so that after him there was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among those who were before him. 6 For he clung to the Lord; he did not depart from following Him, but kept His commandments, which the Lord had commanded Moses. 4. He trusted in God during times of great trials. 5. God blessed him and protected him because of his faith and dedication to Him. 6. He worked hard to fortify the old walls, built a huge new wall, and protected the water source of the city. All this was good, but not needed as God supernaturally protected Jerusalem because Hezekiah trusted in the Lord. 7. King Hezekiah lived the kind of life God blesses. Are we following his example?

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.?

Videos About Bethlehem and the Place Where Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz Lived In Israel. See the place where the beautiful story of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz takes place in the Holy Land! The story takes place during the time of the Judges, in about 1300 BC. It shows God’s love and a welcoming embrace of non-Israelites into the family of His chosen people, even to the extent of being part of the lineage of King David and Christ. It’s a love story planned in heaven and carried out by God. Bethlehem: Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz Bethlehem: Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz Welcome to the Holy Land and the biblical site of Bethlehem. See the Bible come to life as we take a look at one of the key events from the Scriptures that took place here. One of God’s most beautiful love stories takes place in Bethlehem which is found in the book of Ruth. Here’s some key background info to help us better understand this precious story: The story of Ruth takes place during the time of the Judges about 1300 BC. It shows God’s love and a welcome embrace of non-Israelites into the family of His chosen people, even to the extent of being part of the lineage of King David and Christ. It’s a love story planned in heaven and carried out by God. It all took place here in Bethlehem. Here’s the setting to this beautiful story – Ruth 1:1-5 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. The man's name was Elimelech, his wife's name Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. Now Elimelech, Naomi's husband, died, and she was left with her two sons. They married Moabite women, one named Orpah, and the other Ruth. After they had lived there about ten years, both Mahlon and Kilion also died, and Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband. Next, we see that Ruth chooses the people of God, and God Himself, to be her own God. Ruth 1:16-18: But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you." Now we see how God provides physically for these two widows . Ruth 2: 1-7: Now Naomi had a relative of her husband's, a worthy man of the clan of Elimelech, whose name was Boaz. And Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, "Let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find favor." And she said to her, "Go, my daughter." So she set out and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers, and she happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the clan of Elimelech. And behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem. And he said to the reapers, "The LORD be with you!" And they answered, "The LORD bless you." Then Boaz said to his young man who was in charge of the reapers, "Whose young woman is this?" And the servant who was in charge of the reapers answered, "She is the young Moabite woman, who came back with Naomi from the country of Moab. She said, 'Please let me glean and gather among the sheaves after the reapers.' So she came, and she has continued from early morning until now, except for a short rest." Next, God provides a husband for Ruth. Ruth 3: 1-5: Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, "My daughter, should I not seek rest for you that it may be well with you? Is not Boaz our relative, with whose young women you were? See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Wash therefore and anoint yourself, and put on your cloak and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. But when he lies down, observe the place where he lies. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down, and he will tell you what to do." And she replied, "All that you say I will do." And lastly, God provides rich blessings upon Ruth and allows her to be part of the kingly line of David and of Christ the Messiah. Ruth 4: 13-17: So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the LORD gave her conception, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, "Blessed be the LORD, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him." Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, "A son has been born to Naomi." They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. What are some lessons we see about this story that took place here in Bethlehem? We see that even though it appeared God dealt harshly with Naomi and Ruth, He had a sovereign plan to provide for them. God also wanted to show His acceptance and inclusion of any person outside the Jewish nation who wanted to make God their God. God rewarded Ruth with amazing blessing because of her choice to follow the God of the Israelites. He even allowed her to be included in the lineage of King David and Christ. This story deeply strengthens my faith in God and allows me to see how God will bless those who make sacrifices to follow Him.

We are long-term missionaries who use short-term mission teams in fulfilling the Great Commission! We are a non-denominational ministry. Please join us! Go Missions to Mexico Ministries We Are Long-Term Missionaries Who Us Short-Term Mission Teams in Fulfilling the Great Commission In Mexico! We Host: Youth Teams, Family Teams, Adult Teams & Church Teams. All with any kind of work & ministry emphasis desired! You’re Needed! Serving the Needs of Mexico for 27 Years! Go Missions to Mexico has organized over 12,000 short term mission trip participants and counting! Our Unique Style of Ministry Your mission team will minister at a specially chosen church while serving in Mexico. Through this church, you’ll do your ministries & outreaches. By strengthening and working with the local church, your fruit will remain long after you're gone. This philosophy of ministry ensures maximum fruit and impact! In our ministry you don't just serve the people of Mexico, you serve with them! Please join us in building Christ’s Church in Mexico! Books by Go Missions to Mexico Clink to see more For more on Go Missions to Mexico click GoMissionsToMexico.com

See all the outstanding major holy sites (over 55) in Israel, the Holy Land in 4K and with a Drone. Amazing, clear footage with a biblical overview of each site. See amazing and interesting facts about Israel, the Holy Land. Videos, maps, books, talks, archaeology, Bible teachings, history, walls, gates, people, and language of the people and places in Israel. Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea, Masada, Negev, Nazareth, Bethlehem, Hebron, Shechem, Samaria, Jordan River, Beersheba, and more. Israel Overview Tour of All Biblical Sites Israel – God’s Chosen Land Israel . . . Land of the Bible . . . Land of Faith . . . the Holy Land, revered throughout recorded history as the cradle of monotheistic religion. For a person of faith whose beliefs are rooted in the Bible, there is no place on earth like the Holy Land. In this narrow strip of land lies the source of religious belief of much of mankind. Here, amongst the barren hills and fertile plains, man’s spirit learned to soar and from here a new message went out to all the world: “. . . and many peoples shall come, and say, “Come, let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord, to the House of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths. For out of Zion (Hill next to Jerusalem) will go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:3,4). The unique factor about the Holy Land is its special location in the World. Situated as it is, straddling the divide between Africa and Asia, the area has almost always been a battleground. Wave after wave of conquerors poured into it, anxious to control the strategic trade routes linking the centers of the ancient world. It’s not by accident that it’s virtually in the center of the world. In God’s master plan of creation, He decided to place Israel exactly in the center of His creation. Located on a tiny land bridge between Africa and Asia, there is no other way to get between the two of them except through Israel. It’s located on the crossroads of the world. Whoever wanted to trade between the two continents, or control the known world, had to conquer and control Israel. For this reason, there have been more wars and events that have taken place in Israel than any other country on earth. God positioned Israel in its unique location in order to influence the world and be on “Center Stage” so all of creation would know that He alone is God. For nearly 2,000 years, Christian visitors from all over the world have come to the Holy Land, the land of their spiritual heritage. With Bible in hand, they have walked the places Jesus walked and prayed in the places He preached and prayed. For Christians, Israel is a place like no other. It provides them a one of a kind opportunity to experience the land of the Bible, to deepen their faith, and to be spiritually transformed for a lifetime.

The true location of the Garden of Eden is somewhat uncertain. However, we believe the evidence leads to just north of the Persian Gulf. The Genesis account describes Eden as located at the conjunction of four major rivers, two of which exist today: the Tigris and the Euphrates. Garden of Eden Location Garden of Eden Location The Garden of Eden is described by the Book of Genesis as being the place where the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, were created by God and lived until they fell and were expelled. The Hebrew meaning of Eden is pleasure and delight. It was heaven on earth at that time. The Garden of Eden is the first location mentioned in the Bible (Genesis 2) and is the backdrop for one of the most iconic stories of the Bible. Whether or not you believe this to be true history or a purely symbolic or legendary account, it seems undeniable that the Bible treats the Garden as a real place. Was the Garden of Eden a Real Place? We believe the Garden of Eden was a real place that existed at the beginning of creation. Its location is given in stark detail, along with the story of Adam and Eve. Even Jesus affirmed its reality on a number of occasions. This validates its reality and existence substantially. Matthew 19:4-5: He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?'" This is a direct reference to Genesis 2:24: Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. We also believe God is the Author of Scripture, so we take the Genesis account literally and as inspired writing by God. Additionally, all the places mentioned about the location of the Garden of Eden are real places as well. Many of which can be found even today. Why Has the Garden of Eden Been Difficult to Locate? The main reason it has been difficult to locate is because of the transaction of the Hebrew in Genesis 2:10. Some Bible translations make it seem there is one river flowing out of the Garden that forms four other rivers. Other translations make it sound like there is one river but mention four headwaters. The Hebrew in this text is somewhat vague. We'll address this issue first because when it's understood, it makes the location much easier to locate. In fact, it makes it very easy to locate. Let's look at a few translations of Genesis 2:10 to understand better what this might mean. English Standard Version A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. New American Standard Bible Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers. New International Version A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. New King James Version Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. King James Bible And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads. We notice here that some of the translations mention four river heads. The Hebrew in this verse allows the understanding of four rivers making one river instead of one river turning into four. This is why the word "heads" is used in some translations. In the Anchor Bible Commentary of Genesis, E.A. Speiser explains this meaning. He says, "In verses 10 (see Notes) the term 'heads' can have nothing to do with streams into which the river breaks up after it leaves Eden, but designates instead four separate branches which have merged within Eden." In other words, instead of one main river becoming four separate rivers in Eden, four rivers become one in Eden. The mention of four river heads designates this. The river heads are what flow into one river so that in Eden, four rivers become one, and then the one river flows. Speiser continues, "There is thus no basis for detouring the Gihon to Ethiopia, not to mention the search for the Pishon in the various remote regions of the world." In other words, the Gihon and Pishon Rivers are going to be located in the same area as the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. In his book, "On the Reliability of the Old Testament," K.A. Kitchen also holds this view. When conveying the point that instead of one river becoming four, four rivers (headwaters) became one. He says, "This is a 'snapshot' -type view taken looking out from where the single stream entered the grade, and looking back just upstream to the point where the four 'head' rivers came together to form the single stream that entered the garden" (Pages 428-429). Therefore, Kitchen also believes the Hebrew in Genesis 2:10 refers to four rivers becoming one, not one river becoming four. Additionally, in ancient Hebrew, the word "head" didn't necessarily refer to the beginning of a river, but rather, it indicated a place where a river intersected with other bodies of water. It should also be mentioned that nowhere on earth can there be found one river that turns into four. There is also no point where the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers (whose locations are very well known today) have a point where one river turns into two. The idea of one river turning into four rivers contradicts how water tributaries function. They always go from smaller rivers merging with larger rivers and growing until they empty into some ocean. The idea of larger rivers turning into smaller rivers just doesn't happen. So, I believe the best understanding of Genesis 2:10 is that four rivers joined together in the Garden of Eden to make one river. When we understand this, then the location of the Garden of Eden becomes much easier. It Appears Genesis Was Written from a Post-Flood Perspective This seems to be the case because all the locations in Genesis are mentioned and known throughout the Bible after the flood. With this being the case, it seems the Garden of Eden location is something God wanted us to know about, and its area was known after the flood. Therefore, we should be able to locate its general vicinity today. This doesn't mean the Garden is like it was before the fall because God cursed the earth, and things drastically changed for Eden. However, its location still exists. Wh ere Are the Locations Given for the Garden of Eden? After Genesis 2:10 describes four rivers becoming one in Eden, it provides numerous locations. Let's look at them one by one. 1. The land of Havilah, where there is gold. Genesis 2:11-12: The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah , where there is gold . 12(The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) Genesis 25:18 tells us exactly where Havilah is: They settled from Havilah to Shur, which is east of Egypt, going toward Assyria ; he settled in defiance of all his relatives. So the land of Havilah is directly between Egypt and Assyria. This makes the location of Havilah very clear. Before the time of King Solomon, this area was known as Havilah. After the time of Solomon, it was known as Arabia. Many Bible verses confirm this. Genesis 2:12 also mentions that the land of Havilah was rich in gold. I t should be noted that this Havilah area still has many gold mines and is famous for gold production. In fact, it has around 55 gold mines still in operation today. This matches perfectly with what Genesis 2 :12 says about it being rich in gold. Additionally, in this region, we find a place called Adh Dhahab, which means “cradle of gold.” Scholar Carol Hill says it “was the largest and one of the richest gold mines of the ancient world.” It is, therefore, very likely that this is the location of the gold that Genesis associates with the land of Havilah. Other passages (Genesis 10:7, 29; 25:18; 1 Samuel 15:7; 1 Chronicles 1:9, 23) suggest Havilah is in Arabia or nearby. Bible scholar Gordon Wenham summarizes, “On this basis, the Pishon must either be identified with an Arabian river, or with the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea ‘which goes round all the land of Havilah.’” In summary, the location of Havilah is very certain and is a key location in the search for Eden. 2. The Pishon River Genesis 2:11 says the Pishon River "winds through the entire Land of Havilah." This means the Pishon River is in this area. The climate has changed since the writing of Genesis so this river today is not exactly certain. However, there is a large dry riverbed called "Wadi al Rummah," which turns into Wadi al Batim close to its end, which matches this river exactly. The location of the Pishon River seems to be where Wadi al Rummah (Wadi Ar Rumah), which becomes Wadi al Batin, is today. It was first located in 1994 when Dr. Farouk El-Baz, Director of the Center for Remote Sensing at Boston University and a pioneering figure in remote sensing, used ground-penetrating radar images from the Space Shuttle to locate and trace the bed of an ancient river that flowed for about 600 miles (965 kilometers) through Saudi Arabia, ending in Kuwait where it became a broad watercourse three miles (almost five kilometers) wide. Joel Kramer, an archaeologist, recently explored this riverbed from its beginning in the mountains to its end. He found the same rocks in the mountains that are down toward its end. This means this river once flowed and carried these rocks as it flowed. The climate of Havilah changed at some point. Maybe this occurred during the same time God changed the climate around the Dead Sea when He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and the other three cities in its area. The Dead Sea area was once watered like the Garden of the Lord, as mentioned in Genesis 13:10, but is now a barren wasteland . So, the Pishon River, which runs through the middle of Arabia and is now a dry riverbed, once flowed with abundant water in ancient times due to a wetter climate. In summary, it's safe to say that the area of Havilah is known today and is where the Pishon River ran through to its end, where it joined the other three rivers, as mentioned in Genesis 2:10-14. 3. The L and of Cush Genesis 2:13 mentions that the Gihon River is in the land of Cush: The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush . There are generally two locations where Cush is referenced in the Bible. The first is in the area of modern-day Iraq, north of the Persian Gulf. The second reference is in Africa and translated as Ethiopia (where modern-day Sudan is located). Some of this confusion regarding the location of Cush stems from the incorrect assumption that Cush refers to the kingdom of Cush located immediately south of Egypt in Africa (Ethiopia), which leads to the conclusion that the Gihon must be the Nile River (as Josephus also surmised). But the story makes it clear that the four rivers of Eden joined together, so the Nile River doesn't fit the biblical description of its location as it doesn't join the other rivers and is on an entirely different continent. Cush derives its name from Cush, a son of Ham, son of Noah. In its beginning, we see that the land of Cush encompassed the land of Mesopotamia, just to the east of where the Garden of Eden is located. Genesis 10:6-11: The sons of Ham: Cush , Egypt, Put, and Canaan. 7 The sons of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. 8 Cush fathered Nimrod ; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man. 9 He was a mighty hunter before the Lord. Therefore it is said, “Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the Lord.” 10 The beginning of his kingdom was Babel , Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar . 11 From that land he went into Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah, and 12 Resen between Nineveh and Calah ; that is the great city. The land of Cush is mentioned throughout the Old Testament, and Cushites regularly interacted with Israelites. Cush was located at the beginning of biblical history, near the head of the Persian Gulf, but afterward, in the migration of the Cushite family, the name was applied to s outheast and southern Arabia and gradually to western Arabia not long before the time of Solomon. After that time, the Cushites spread to northern Africa. Wherever Ethiopia occurs in our English translation of the Scriptures, it is Cush in the Hebrew. Which of the places the Cushites settled is where the Gihon River was located? It would have to be in the area north of the Persian Gulf because that's where the other rivers mentioned are mentioned in Genesis. It's also the land where the kingdom of Cush began, as mentioned in Genesis 10:6-11. 4. Gihon River Genesis 2:13 mentions that the Gihon River is in the land of Cush: The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush . Now that we know where the land of Cush was located, we only need to look for the Gihon River in this area. The Gihon River is not mentioned today, but it's believed to be the Karun River as it runs through the land of Cush and joins the Euphrates, Tigris, and Pishon Rivers just north of the Persian Gulf. It matches perfectly with the biblical account. Other candidates for the Gihon River are the Karkheh River and Dez River. These two rivers also flow through Western Iran and meet up with the Tigris and Euphrates. Genesis links this Gihon river with the land of Cush, which, in this view, is tied to the Kassites. 5 . East Side of Ashur Genesis 2:14 mentions the Tigris River and that it ran along the east side of Ashur: The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ashur . Ashur is well known as Assyria during the Old Testament period. In fact, many Bible translations say Assyria instead of Ashur. 6. Tigris River This is easy to locate as it's the same Tigris River that exists today. It is exactly where the Bible places it in Genesis 2:14. The Tigris River (know n by the Hebrews as "Hiddekel") is one of the two large rivers of Mesopotamia, which the Bible says, flowed to the Garden of Eden. The phrase "the great river" is used to describe the Tigris in Daniel 10:42. The Tigris is formed by the confluence of two rivers that flow from the mountains of Armenia. The Tigris River joins the Euphrates River north of the Persian Gulf. Its location and the fact that it joins the Euphrates River fits perfectly with the Bible's location of the Garden of Eden area. 7. Euphrates River The latter part of Genesis 2:14 says, "And the fourth river is the Euphrates ." Interestingly, this river is the only one without any description of the land in which it's located. Why is this so? I believe it's because the river was so well known at the time Genesis was written that the audience had no need to know its location. It would be the same today; this river is so well known that all you have to do is mention its name, and most people know where it is. The Euphrates River runs almost parallel to the Tigris. These two rivers defined a large part of the Fertile Crescent, the cradle of civilization in ancient times. This gives further weight to the belief that where all these rivers met was the area in which the Garden of Eden was located. The Euphrates River is mentioned in God’s promise to Abraham regarding the Land of Israel and is used as one of the defining borders of the Promised Land. We are also told that there was a time when Jewish civilization had spread so far that members of the tribe of Reuben were living all the way to the banks of the Euphrates River. Summary of All the Locations for the Garden of Eden As we have pointed out, the four rivers mentioned in Genesis 2:10-14 refer to four heads of rivers joining together to form one river. Not one river that separates and becomes four rivers. One thing can be certain: All the rivers mentioned in Genesis 2:10-14 must meet at some point. And with the locations of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers being well known, the only place this can happen is just a little north of the Persian Gulf. Where Is the Garden of Eden? Considering all the locations we have looked at, we can safely locate where the Garden of Eden existed. The most common location for the Garden of Eden is in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). The primary reason is the mention of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers which flow through that country. This view has been accepted by Christians from antiquity down to modern times. Another location that has been proposed is the region around Armenia because this is the general area where the Tigris and Euphrates originate. However, as we've learned, there is no place in this area where these two rivers join. Tree of Knowledge (Adam's Garden Shrine) Interestingly, i n the small southern city of Qurna (also spelled Qurnah and pronounced “gurna”) in Iraq, an unusual shrine stands on the shore where the T igris and Euphrates Rivers meet. A small, dead tree, protected by low brick walls and surrounded by a concrete plaza. According to legend, this tree is the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, which Eve ate from in the Garden of Eden. Now, realistically, this would not be the actual tree, as the original tree existed well over 6,000 years ago. However, it's a shrine marking the area. Qurna has been noted in travelers’ accounts for centuries as the place where the great Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet and join together for a few miles before emptying into the Persian Gulf. Elements from the early stories of Genesis have been traced to the cuneiform tablets written by the Sumerians and Babylonians, who lived in this part of the world. This is just one more piece of evidence pointing to this area as the authentic place of Eden. Even if this shrine is not the actual exact spot, I believe it's in the general area where the Garden of Eden was located. How Big Was the Garden of Eden? I'm not certain about you, but I must confess that before all my investigation regarding the location of Eden, I pictured the Garden about the size of a small valley. However, it appears it was much larger than this. It was quite large, most likely the size of a small country. Faith Lesson 1. God made everything perfect, including Adam and Eve. Genesis 1:31: And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good . And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. God made everything perfect. It was all good. No imperfections, stains, or sin. What about us? Do we believe God made everything perfect at the beginning of creation? 2. Disobedience Led to Paradise Lost God created everything perfect for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. However, because of their disobedience to God by eating from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, sin and death began, and the entire earth was cursed. Genesis 2:15: The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die .” Satan lied to Adam and Eve and deceived them. But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die . 5 For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. Satan continues to lie to us today and says, "Has God said ? " When we believe Satan's lies and go our own way, we reap death and destruction. Galatians 6:7-8: Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life . As a result of the fall of mankind in Eden, humanity is lost in sin and destruction, and without hope. 3. Paradise Regained The hope of eternal life and paradise can now be restored through the gift of Jesus Christ. He died for our sins, rose from the dead, proving to have power over death and sin, and offers us the free gift of paradise with Him in heaven forever. John 3:16: For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life . 4. The Tree of Life The Garden of Eden environment will exist forever in heaven. Revelation 22:1-5: And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life , bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; 4 they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 5 And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illuminate them; and they will reign forever and ever. What about us? Do we have the hope of eternal life in paradise with God Himself? This is the most important issue of life. Life has no purpose without God and this hope.

Tel Hazor was one of the largest and most important biblical sites in the Canaanite and Israelite periods. The victory over Hazor by Joshua and the Israelites is probably one of the most overlooked miracles in the Bible. When we realize how powerful Hazor was and how Jabin, the King of Hazor, gathered countless armies against the Israelites, we see that only God could have given them victory. It was on the Via Maris, north of the Sea of Galilee. Tel Hazor Photo Gallery Places of Interest Hazor Location 1. Hazor is located about 10 miles (16 km.) due north of the Sea of Galilee and just to the east of Hwy. 90. 2. It was on one of the most important travel routes called the “Via Maris,” which linked Africa and Egypt with Syria and Asia. 3. It was the largest and most strategic city in northern Galilee due to its size and location. Historical Background 1. Hazor was one of the most important cities of the Canaanites and was the head of all the northern kingdoms (Josh. 11:10). 2. It was 10 times the size of Jerusalem and totaled 200 acres (81 hectares, 200 football fields) in size. 3. The upper part of the tel is around 30 acres (12 hectares), and the lower part is around 170 acres (69 hectares). 4. What we see today of Hazor is 1/8 the size of what it once was. 5. To the north lies most of the city, which is now a farm field. 6. It’s the largest tel in Israel. 7. It’s also believed to have been the largest city in ancient Canaan. 8. It was one of three major cities of defense in Israel (Gezer, to the south, Megiddo, in the middle of the country, and Hazor, in the north). All three cities were on the Via Maris. 9. Hazor rivaled Nineveh in size and importance. 10. Hazor is mentioned 19 times in the Bible. Places of Interest 1. Israelite City Ruins 2. Israelite Walls 3. Lower City 4. Temple Tombs 5. Northern Walls 6. Canaanite Temple/Palace 7. Solomon’s Walls and Gate (archaeologists have uncovered a six-chambered gate at Hazor, which is nearly identical in size and design to gates at Megiddo and Gezer). 8. Ash layer in the Canaanite Palace/Temple 9. Canaanite Altar 10. Water System (a century after Solomon’s time, the Israelites built a massive shaft 131 ft. (40 m.) deep into the tel, reaching the water table below). 11. Israelite Fortress/Tower 12. Rooms & Buildings 13. Canaanite passage between the upper and lower cities. Hazor in the Bible The victory over Hazor by Joshua and the Israelites is probably one of the most overlooked miracles in the Bible. When we realize how powerful Hazor was and how Jabin, the King of Hazor, gathered countless armies against the Israelites, we see that it was only God who could have given them the victory. 1. When Jabin, king of Hazor, heard that Joshua and the Israelites had been on a conquering rampage throughout all the southern part of the land, he gathered a host of kings in the northern part of the land to unite and fight against the Israelites. Joshua 11:1–5: When Jabin, king of Hazor , heard of this, he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph, 2 and to the kings who were in the northern hill country, and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth, and in the lowland, and in Naphoth-dor on the west, 3 to the Canaanites in the east and the west, the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, and the Jebusites in the hill country, and the Hivites under Hermon in the land of Mizpah. 4 And they came out with all their troops, a great horde, in number like the sand that is on the seashore, with very many horses and chariots. 5 And all these kings joined their forces and came and encamped together at the waters of Merom [3.5 miles, 5.5 km. north of Hazor] to fight against Israel. 2. All the unified kings and soldiers believed that with their countless armies and gods, Israel would be no match for them. 3. God told Joshua and the Israelites not to be afraid because He would be with them and deliver all these kings into their hands. Joshua 11:6–9: And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.” 7 So Joshua and all his warriors came suddenly against them by the waters of Merom and fell upon them. 8 And the Lord gave them into the hand of Israel, who struck them and chased them as far as Great Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward as far as the Valley of Mizpeh. And they struck them until he left none remaining. 9 And Joshua did to them just as the Lord said to him: he hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire. 4. After defeating all the armies, Joshua conquered Hazor and burned it with fire. Joshua 11:10–13: Then Joshua turned back at that time, and captured Hazor and struck its king with the sword; for Hazor formerly was the head of all these kingdoms . They struck every person who was in it with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them; there was no one left who breathed. And he burned Hazor with fire . Joshua captured all the cities of these kings, and all their kings, and he struck them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed them; just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded. 13 But none of the cities that stood on mounds did Israel burn, except Hazor alone; that Joshua burned . Evidence of the burn marks and ash layer can be seen in the Canaanite Palace at Hazor. 5. Hazor was later retaken and rebuilt by the Canaanites. God used the Canaanites to punish Israel for their disobedience to Him. Judges 4:1–3: And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord after Ehud died. 2 And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin [title, not a person’s name, i.e., pharaoh] king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor . The commander of his army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth-hagoyim. 3 Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, for he had 900 chariots of iron and he oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for twenty years. 6. God used Deborah and Barak to deliver the Israelites after they repented of their sins and cried out to Him for help. Joshua 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. 7. Hazor later came under the control of Israel during the period of King David and Solomon, and Solomon rebuilt and fortified Hazor, along with Megiddo and Gezer. 1 Kings 9:15: Now this is the account of the forced labor which King Solomon levied to build the house of the Lord, his own house, the Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor , Megiddo, and Gezer. 8. . Jeremiah prophesied against Hazor due to the Israelites disobedience after David and Solomon’s time. Jeremiah 49:33: Hazor will become a haunt of jackals, a desolation forever; no one will live there, nor will a son of man reside in it. It’s amazing that this once sought-after prime location is now desolate. It shows the power of God and His proclaimed word. 9. As a result of Israel’s disobedience to God, Hazor was destroyed by Assyria in 722 BC, and the northern 10 tribes of Israel were deported. 2 Kings 15:29: In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor , Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and he carried the people captive to Assyria. Faith Lesson from Hazor 1. When the Israelites obeyed God, He blessed them and made them victorious over countless kings and multitudes of soldiers. 2. When they disobeyed God, He caused them to become weak and defeated. 3. The same lesson from the Old Testament applies to us today (Rom. 15:4). When we are obedient and faithful to God, we live victoriously and receive His blessings. However, when we disobey Him, we become weak and defeated. 4. What kind of lives are we living today? Are we victorious or defeated?

Located in the heart of the Arava, the landscape is much like that of Biblical times when the children of Israel wandered in the desert for forty years. Learn why it's so important to understand the foundational truths about the Law and all the details of the tabernacle of Moses. See the Tabernacle of Moses replica in Timna Park, Israel. It's the exact size and has all the items found in the tabernacle. Timna Park: Tabernacle Replica Photo Gallery Places of Interest Timna Park: Tabernacle Replica Location 1. Timna Park is 17 miles (27 km.) north of Eilat and the Red Sea, on Hwy. 90. 2. Located within Timna Park is another park that has an exact replica of the tabernacle God ordered Moses to build while he was on Mount Sinai. 3. This tabernacle contains every piece of furniture, Brazen Altar, Table of Showbread, Ark of the Covenant, and everything the original tabernacle had. It’s the only life-size model of its kind in Israel that is exactly like the original one. It has been researched extensively and built according to the specifications given to Moses. 4. Timna Park is in the arid desert of Arava and is on the route the Israelites would have taken in their travels. It’s not for certain, but it’s possible the Israelites could have camped in the same area. 5. The landscape around Timna Park is very similar to that of biblical times when the children of Israel wandered in the desert for forty years. The arid country, lack of water, and heat all paint a picture of what it would have been like to live in the desert at that time. Historical Background 1. The tabernacle was portable, and its specifications are found in Exodus chapters 25–40. 2. Most Christians skim over or don’t read the sections and books of the Bible that deal with the details of the Law and the tabernacle. 3. Some might wonder why God spent 40 days instructing Moses about the tabernacle but only spent 6 days creating the entire universe? 4. And if God only needed a little over one chapter to describe the structure of the world, why did He need 15 chapters to describe the design and details of the tabernacle? 5. For most Christians, reading from Genesis to Exodus chapter 20 is great. Then, they get bogged down in the rest of Exodus, Leviticus, and part of Numbers. 6. The fact that God spends so much time on the details of how mankind can be right with Him reveals that He is more concerned about having a relationship with us than the importance of His creation. Places of Interest 1. Tabernacle Courtyard Fence It measures 75 ft. wide (23 m.) by 150 ft. long (46 m.). The Courtyard has 60 posts with linen curtains all around it. The Courtyard posts were 7.5 ft. high (2.29 m.). Each post had a bronze base with silver hooks and rings on top. Acacia wood was used for the tabernacle. These trees can be seen close to the tabernacle in Timna Park today. The Eastern Gate, which was the entrance, had 4 posts and a colored curtain. 2. Courtyard The Bronze (copper) Altar measured 7.5 ft. wide square (2.29 m.) by 4.5 ft. high (1.37 m.) and had 4 horns on each corner (also called the horns of the altar). The Bronze Laver or washbasin made from brass. Sacrifices and cleansing took place in the courtyard outside the Holy Place. Judgment and cleansing had to take place first before the priests could enter the temple. 3. The Tabernacle (also known as the Tent of Meeting) It measured 45 ft. long (13.72 m.) by 15 ft. wide by 15 ft. high (4.57 m.). It was made with 10 curtains of fine linen of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. Each curtain was made with an embroidered cherub. 4. The Holy Place Only the priests and High Priest could enter the Holy Place. It measured 15 ft. wide (4.57 m.) by 30 ft. long (9.14 m.). It contained the menorah made from a single piece of gold. The Table of Showbread (representing the unleavened bread of the first Passover) measured 36 inches wide (91.44 cm.) by 18 inches deep (45.72 cm.) by 27 inches tall (68.58 cm.). On it were 12 loaves of bread which represented the 12 tribes of Israel. The Altar of Incense measured 18 inches square (45.72 cm.) by 36 inches tall (91.44 cm.). Only a special kind of incense was to be burned upon it. The priests wore white linen robes with a colorful sash. The High Priest wore special garments (a turban, ephod, breastplate, and robe). The breastplate contained 12 stones, each representing the 12 tribes of Israel. There were bells and pomegranates at the bottom of the robe. 5. The Veil Curtain separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. It was made of blue, purple, and scarlet thread. 6. The Holy of Holies It measured 15 ft. by 15 ft. (4.6 m. by 4.6 m.). Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year on the day of Yom Kippur, and he wore a holy linen coat (Lev. 16:4). He had to be purified from all sin before entering. Tradition holds that a rope was tied to the waist of the High Priest in case God smote him for being impure in His site. By doing so, he could be drug out with the rope because they were forbidden to enter the Holy of Holies. This tradition might very well be true, but it’s not mentioned in the Bible. Inside the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the Covenant, which measured 45 inches wide (114 cm.) by 27 inches deep by 27 inches tall (68.58 cm.). On top of the Ark of the Covenant was the Mercy Seat, which measured 27 inches high (68.58 cm.). Molded to it were 2-winged cherubim angel figures made from one piece of gold. Inside the Ark of the Covenant were the Ten Commandments written on Stone Tablets by the finger of God, Aaron’s Rod that budded, and a Jar of Manna. The Tabernacle in the Bible 1. God gave the instructions to Moses of how to build the tabernacle while he was on Mount Sinai. Exodus 24:15–18: Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. 16 The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. 17 Now the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. 18 Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Hebrews 8:5: They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” 2. The tabernacle was to be God’s special dwelling place among His people. Exodus 25:1–9: The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. 3 And this is the contribution that you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze, 4 blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats' hair, 5 tanned rams' skins, goatskins, acacia wood, 6 oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 7 onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst . 9 Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it. 3. The presence of God was over the tabernacle in the form of a cloud by day and fire by night. Numbers 9:15–17: On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle , the tent of the testimony. And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning. 16 So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night . 17 And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped. 4. Part of the reason the Levites were chosen to be the priests and servants of the temple was because of the zeal for the Lord they displayed regarding the Golden Calf at Mount Sinai. Exodus 32:25–29: And when Moses saw that the people had broken loose (for Aaron had let them break loose, to the derision of their enemies), 26 then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, “Who is on the Lord's side? Come to me.” And all the sons of Levi gathered around him . 27 And he said to them, “Thus says the Lord God of Israel, ‘Put your sword on your side each of you, and go to and fro from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill his brother and his companion and his neighbor.’” 28 And the sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. And that day about three thousand men of the people fell. 29 And Moses said, “Today you have been ordained for the service of the Lord , each one at the cost of his son and of his brother, so that he might bestow a blessing upon you this day.” Faith Lesson from the Tabernacle 1. God focused on the details of the tabernacle because He wanted to embed some essential concepts in our minds. 2. The details of the tabernacle reveal how sinful people must approach a holy God. 3. The tabernacle was God’s dwelling among mankind. 4. The tabernacle and sacrificial system details reveal that God is more concerned about having a relationship with us than His creation. 5. It reveals the honor and respect we should have toward God. 6. The tabernacle and sacrificial system show the consequences of sin and the value of Christ’ sacrifice on the Cross. When a person sinned in the Old Testament, it cost them financially as they had to offer a sacrifice from their flocks or purchase one. 7. The tabernacle was a pattern of heavenly things. Hebrews 8:5–6: They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things . For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” 6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. 8. The tabernacle gives insight and understanding regarding the privilege believers have today of being the temple of the living God. 1 Corinthians 3:16–17: Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you ? 17 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are . 9. The concepts of the tabernacle provide understanding for believers today about how we are a living temple made with living stones. 1 Peter 2:4–5: And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood , to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ . 10. Those who skim over or neglect to read the details in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers will miss the foundational truths of who Christ is and what He did in redeeming us through His work on the Cross. 11. The New Testament is built upon the foundation of the Old Testament. Therefore, if our understanding of the Old Testament is weak, so will be our understanding of the New Testament.