Trip - Part V

Today we leave the area of the Sea of Galilee and travel almost the entire length of Israel, to the Dead Sea. Several stops along the way.

My interest this trip has been looking at the geography in relation to the twelve tribes of Israel. The area of the Sea of Galilee belonged to Napthali on the west and Manasseh on the East. Most of the drive south, along the Jordan River will be the land of Manasseh.

We take a side drive, west, to see the springs where Gideon chose his men for a great battle. A beautiful park, with pool and picnic area surrounds the site. Clear spring water flows from the side of the mountain in a narrow trickle. Many of us get down on our knees to "lap" water with our hands. A great teaching from the Pastor.

On to the ruins of the Roman city of Beit Shan dating back to the 16th century BC. A Roman street, theatre and other structures have been unearthed. One of the ten cities of the Decapolis. Destroyed by a major earthquake in 749 AD. Relevant in Scripture as the city on which the bodies of King Saul was hung after being killed. The people of Jabash Gilead (across the Jordan River to the west) rescued the body and showed respect for the king. (I visited the ruins of Jabash Gilead on a trip several years ago.)

At Beit Shan I did something I have never done. Instead of the walk-around tour with our guide, several of us made the walk up the tel/ancient mound located in the rear section of the site. This is the "Fortress Mound" that has not been fully excavated. Like a little hill, this 'tel' or mound looms majestically behind Biet Shan. Few tourists make the steep climb up the mound because of time restraints, and difficulty - but I wanted to walk the tel this trip. The view was worth the short hike in the heat. Beneath our feet are buried ancient artifacts - perhaps part of the ancient city - it just has not been excavated yet.

We drive south along the Jordan River to the Dead Sea. Passed through a security check point - going into the West Bank area. Saw Jericho, a large heard of camels, date palm orchards, small modern villages, and large farms in the distance. Moab, or modern-day Jordan to the west on the other side of the Jordan River.

A visit to Quamran to view, from a distance, the cave where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. We are in the land area of the tribe of Judah. Lunch and shopping at this site. It is hot. We have dropped down from the green hills of northern Israel into the dry, lowest place on the earth. The area of the Dead Sea is part of the slash across the planet known as the African Rift. The Dead Sea is the lowest location on the planet - 1200 feet below sea level.

Dry and brown. Nothing grows in this area - thus called "dead". The "sea" is formed by water that flows from the north, through the Jordan River to this "dead sea." Becaue there is no outlet, the water pools and stagnates. The water evaporages and leaves riches of minerals such as potash that is mined- but nothing lives in the salty water. No fish. No plants. No organisms. No ruins of Sodom and Gomorrah - but just looking around at the lifeless landscape is proof of what took place with Lot and his family.

We check into the hotel and head for the water. It is always fun to swim in the Dead Sea...if only briefly. Because of the salty ph of the water, swimmers 'bob' around. People come from all over the world for the medicinal properties of the salty water on the skin.

We spend the night at another first-class hotel. The accomodations are beautiful and the food is wonderful - and never ending.