To Bethlehem. Changed to a different bus and tour guides at the checkpoint to get into this Palestinian controlled area. Not all tour groups get to see Bethlehem. Seeing the site of the birth of Jesus is amazing. Many think this is the original site.
This was one of the highlights of this trip for me. I had been to Bethlehem on previous trips, but we also were able to go ‘downstairs,’ beneath the church and see where Jerome translated the Scripture into Latin Vulgate. An amazing link in the chain of men and events that God provided to give us His inspired Word. We sure take the words of God to us for granted! The mosaic on the wall in “Jerome’s study” indicated that there were two women who somehow helped Jerome. I will have to research that aspect.
The city of Bethlehem is also the city of Ruth and Naomi and their story of faithfulness and the providence of God. Little did these two simple women know what an important role they would play in the genealogy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Despite the hurt and disappointments of their lives they both are remembered through the centuries.
Back to Jerusalem and to the steps of the rebuilt southern wall of Temple Mount. Our Lord Jesus and the disciples may have walked on some of these steps. The choirs of the Temple must have stood on these steps and praised God. Perhaps Mary and Joseph walked on these steps when the brought the baby Jesus to the Temple for His dedication.
Saw the Hulda Gate at the southern steps Named after the prophetess who gave a word from God to King Josiah. The king could have sought out Zephaniah or Jeremiah for advice, yet he sent his representatives to Hulda, a woman. Perhaps the prophets were “out of town.”
A larger section of the street built during the time of Herod is now clearly seen to the west of the southern steps. An amazing site. Who walked on this street? What was it like on the day that the Temple was destroyed and the large rocks were thrown down upon the street? (So much has changed since my first trip in 1990. So much more to see. If God continues to let me return to the land what will it be like in 2010? I praise God for His blessing on me to make yet another trip-it is all up to Him.)
For the first time in several years we are permitted up on Temple Mount. It is not always open to tourists. In 1991 we were able to go into the Dome of the Rock. No more. The most holy site in the world for Jews, Muslims and Christians.
One of my favorite people in the Scripture is Anna of the Temple. I think about her as I walked around the Temple Mount. She was devout and was blessed to see the baby Jesus. She was alone in the world and devoted her life to God. I want to be like that. She saw the face of the God of the Universe.
The Temple Mount. Mt. Moriah. God hand-picked this site for His special purpose. Special in the past, even special in the present, and in the future only God knows of the splendor and plan.
Saw the Golden Gate (Eastern Gate) from the view inside the Temple Mount. Jesus rode on the back of a donkey through this gate as the men and women shouted praises. Some believe this is where Jesus will return. Most tourists see the Golden Gate as they drive by the eastern side of the wall, or as they stand in the Garden of Gethsemene. We were blessed to also see it from inside the Temple Mount.
The Pool of Bethesda is nearby - where Jesus healed the man. Still here after all these centuries. Why does God leave us these site? Some are ‘traditional,’ meaning their authenticity can be questioned, some are more than just ‘traditional.’ This site, the Pool of Bethesda is the actual site. Just rocks, shrubs, a hole in the ground, yet it represents the God of the Universe coming down to human kind to heal both our physical needs and our spiritual needs. Then He leaves us gentle reminders – such as this hole in the ground that we come to see - that He came to ‘tabernacle’ with us and reveal the mystery of the plan of salvation.
Adjacent to the Pool of Bethesda is the Church of St. Ann. Not a biblical reference, but noted for its acoustics. Built during the crusader period. Groups always sing here. The sound is fantastic. Not a site to be missed.
We saw too many things to write down. I hope I will remember them.
Showing posts with label Temple Mount. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Temple Mount. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
DAILY JOURNAL #4
(A suggestion: be sure to go to www.jerusalemshots.com for great photos.)
Overnight at Dead Sea. Lot and his women!! Death and distruction and yet the grace of God to save a handful.
Masada in the morning. What a site! I remember the story of the widow woman and children that were left behind after all the death at Masada. I wonder if the leader at Masada planned to have these left alive so that the real story could be told, an not just the Roman ‘spin.’ What happened to the woman and children after this? Did the zealots ever use the ruins of Herod’s palace?
On to En Gedi. A beautiful day for a walk. This beautiful lush green site in the middle of the desert. We say several gazelles. There must have been women at times that lived in this small valley with David or even Saul and his men. A beautiful site and a great strategic stronghold over the centuries.
On to Jerusalem. It never fails to move me as we drive up, up, up to Jerusalem. I sit on the edge of my seat looking out the window to catch the first glimpse of the Golden Dome on Mt. Moriah that marks the spot where the Temple was located. We stop at an overlook to take in the view. The most holy spot on the earth. The place where God not only dwelt in the Holy of Holies, but walked and talked as Jesus.
I guess if non-jewish have to be in control of the site today, at least God has led them to build a beautiful golden dome for His hill, His city. Psalm 122: “Where the tribes go up….pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” The only peace will come when Jesus returns.
Early this morning I read Haggai and Ezra. As I view the Temple Mount it is good to remember that when the Second Temple was built, the old men cried as they remembered the splendor of the past – of the First Temple. Ezra 6:14.
Overnight at Dead Sea. Lot and his women!! Death and distruction and yet the grace of God to save a handful.
Masada in the morning. What a site! I remember the story of the widow woman and children that were left behind after all the death at Masada. I wonder if the leader at Masada planned to have these left alive so that the real story could be told, an not just the Roman ‘spin.’ What happened to the woman and children after this? Did the zealots ever use the ruins of Herod’s palace?
On to En Gedi. A beautiful day for a walk. This beautiful lush green site in the middle of the desert. We say several gazelles. There must have been women at times that lived in this small valley with David or even Saul and his men. A beautiful site and a great strategic stronghold over the centuries.
On to Jerusalem. It never fails to move me as we drive up, up, up to Jerusalem. I sit on the edge of my seat looking out the window to catch the first glimpse of the Golden Dome on Mt. Moriah that marks the spot where the Temple was located. We stop at an overlook to take in the view. The most holy spot on the earth. The place where God not only dwelt in the Holy of Holies, but walked and talked as Jesus.
I guess if non-jewish have to be in control of the site today, at least God has led them to build a beautiful golden dome for His hill, His city. Psalm 122: “Where the tribes go up….pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” The only peace will come when Jesus returns.
Early this morning I read Haggai and Ezra. As I view the Temple Mount it is good to remember that when the Second Temple was built, the old men cried as they remembered the splendor of the past – of the First Temple. Ezra 6:14.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
H – Women of the Holy Land: Walk Where They Walked.
Hazor See Tel Hazor.
Hebron City of Abraham and wives on their journeys (Gen. 13:18). First capital of the Davidic Kingdom. Caleb was given Hebron by Joshua (1400 B.C.)(Josh 14:13). Caleb’s daughter, Achsah, and wives lived here. Achsah was given as wife to Othniel for taking the city of Debir. She later requested land and water springs from Caleb (1 Chr. 2:49; Josh. 15:13-17; Judg. 1:12-13).
Family burial plots of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob(but not Rachel-see Rachael’s tomb) in a cave of Machpelah. The first recorded burial in Scripture is that of Sarah in a cave of Machpelah. (Gen 23:2, 9; 25:7-11).
David had seven women that gave him sons in Hebron: Ahinoam of Jezreel, Abigal (widow of Nabal), Maacah (daughter of King of Geshur and mother of Tamar, David’s only named daughter), Haggith, Abital and Eglah (2 Sam.3:2-5; 5 :13-14; 1 Chr. 3:1-9; 14:3-7). There is no record of Michal having any children; see Rachel’s tomb).
Near Rehab, also called Abdon/Ebron. Kiriath Arba. 22 miles south of Jerusalem in a rocky but fertile area. Now El Khulil. According to tradition, Adam and Eve are buried in Hebron See Tel Rumeida, and Mamre.
Herodium Herod the Great built a fortress on built on top of a mountain south east
of Bethlehem. Easily seen as a cone shaped mountain. A home with pool and tunnels built at the base. In Arpil 2007 Israeli archaeologist found the tomb of King Herod the Great. Hebrew University archaeologist Ehud Netzer said the tomb was found at Herodium, a flattened hilltop in the Judean Desert where Herod the Great built a palace compound. Netzer has been working at the site since the 1970s. Modern name is Jebel el Fureidis (“Hill of Paradise.”) Major building projects of Herod included the Temple, his Winter Palace in Jericho, Masada, Machareus, Heroidan and the fortress at Megiddo.
Herodium House Mansion (Wohl Archaeologic Museum) in Jerusalem Ruins of a
priest’s house in the Upper City. Excavated rooms, mosaic floors, water cisterns, baths etc… A visit to this site teaches about the daily, routine life of families in ancient times.
Herodium Street Ruins of street during the days of King Herod and Jesus. Located on the western edge of the wall of the Temple Mount area. When Jerusalem was destroyed by General Titus is 70 AD, the large stones of the Temple Mount wall were pushed down unto these streets. Excavations have uncovered these streets that must have been well traveled by the populace of Jerusalem. Part of Archaeological Garden Ophel excavations.
Hezekiah’s Tunnel Channel cut through solid rock to channel water into the City of
David. Starts at Gihon Springs and feeds the Pool of Siloam. Where there is water there are men and their families. Built by King Hezekiah whose mother was Abi (2 Kin. 18:2). See Gihon Springs, Siloam Pool.
Hippos, Sussita.. One of the cities of the Decapolis east of Sea of Galilee.(Mt. 4:25; Mark. 5:20; 7:31). Archaeological excavation has revealed a main street, fountains and shops. Hippos survived as a city from third century B. C. through eighth century A.D. An important city of the Roman era. Near present day Kibbutz En Gev. Ongoing archaeological excavations at this site.
Hinnom Valley - south west boundary of Jerusalem/Temple Mount. This is an area where human sacrifices were performed. It will be called the Valley of Slaughter at the end times.
(Jer:7:31-31; 2 Kings 23:10
Holocost Museum Dedicated to the 6,000,000 Jewish men, women and children killed
by Hitler during WWII. Many women mentioned in “Avenue of the Righteous,” dedicated to “Gentiles’ who aided the Jews in WWII, such as Corrie ten Boom. Children’s Memorial Museum is a very moving reminder of the many children that were killed. Memorabilia of Anne Franke, and items found at concentration camps is on display. Not to be missed.
Hulda Gate Gate on southern side of Wall of Temple Mount. Probably named after
Hulda the prophetess. Archaeological Garden Ophel excavations.
Hebron City of Abraham and wives on their journeys (Gen. 13:18). First capital of the Davidic Kingdom. Caleb was given Hebron by Joshua (1400 B.C.)(Josh 14:13). Caleb’s daughter, Achsah, and wives lived here. Achsah was given as wife to Othniel for taking the city of Debir. She later requested land and water springs from Caleb (1 Chr. 2:49; Josh. 15:13-17; Judg. 1:12-13).
Family burial plots of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, Leah, and Jacob(but not Rachel-see Rachael’s tomb) in a cave of Machpelah. The first recorded burial in Scripture is that of Sarah in a cave of Machpelah. (Gen 23:2, 9; 25:7-11).
David had seven women that gave him sons in Hebron: Ahinoam of Jezreel, Abigal (widow of Nabal), Maacah (daughter of King of Geshur and mother of Tamar, David’s only named daughter), Haggith, Abital and Eglah (2 Sam.3:2-5; 5 :13-14; 1 Chr. 3:1-9; 14:3-7). There is no record of Michal having any children; see Rachel’s tomb).
Near Rehab, also called Abdon/Ebron. Kiriath Arba. 22 miles south of Jerusalem in a rocky but fertile area. Now El Khulil. According to tradition, Adam and Eve are buried in Hebron See Tel Rumeida, and Mamre.
Herodium Herod the Great built a fortress on built on top of a mountain south east
of Bethlehem. Easily seen as a cone shaped mountain. A home with pool and tunnels built at the base. In Arpil 2007 Israeli archaeologist found the tomb of King Herod the Great. Hebrew University archaeologist Ehud Netzer said the tomb was found at Herodium, a flattened hilltop in the Judean Desert where Herod the Great built a palace compound. Netzer has been working at the site since the 1970s. Modern name is Jebel el Fureidis (“Hill of Paradise.”) Major building projects of Herod included the Temple, his Winter Palace in Jericho, Masada, Machareus, Heroidan and the fortress at Megiddo.
Herodium House Mansion (Wohl Archaeologic Museum) in Jerusalem Ruins of a
priest’s house in the Upper City. Excavated rooms, mosaic floors, water cisterns, baths etc… A visit to this site teaches about the daily, routine life of families in ancient times.
Herodium Street Ruins of street during the days of King Herod and Jesus. Located on the western edge of the wall of the Temple Mount area. When Jerusalem was destroyed by General Titus is 70 AD, the large stones of the Temple Mount wall were pushed down unto these streets. Excavations have uncovered these streets that must have been well traveled by the populace of Jerusalem. Part of Archaeological Garden Ophel excavations.
Hezekiah’s Tunnel Channel cut through solid rock to channel water into the City of
David. Starts at Gihon Springs and feeds the Pool of Siloam. Where there is water there are men and their families. Built by King Hezekiah whose mother was Abi (2 Kin. 18:2). See Gihon Springs, Siloam Pool.
Hippos, Sussita.. One of the cities of the Decapolis east of Sea of Galilee.(Mt. 4:25; Mark. 5:20; 7:31). Archaeological excavation has revealed a main street, fountains and shops. Hippos survived as a city from third century B. C. through eighth century A.D. An important city of the Roman era. Near present day Kibbutz En Gev. Ongoing archaeological excavations at this site.
Hinnom Valley - south west boundary of Jerusalem/Temple Mount. This is an area where human sacrifices were performed. It will be called the Valley of Slaughter at the end times.
(Jer:7:31-31; 2 Kings 23:10
Holocost Museum Dedicated to the 6,000,000 Jewish men, women and children killed
by Hitler during WWII. Many women mentioned in “Avenue of the Righteous,” dedicated to “Gentiles’ who aided the Jews in WWII, such as Corrie ten Boom. Children’s Memorial Museum is a very moving reminder of the many children that were killed. Memorabilia of Anne Franke, and items found at concentration camps is on display. Not to be missed.
Hulda Gate Gate on southern side of Wall of Temple Mount. Probably named after
Hulda the prophetess. Archaeological Garden Ophel excavations.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Is God still in Israel?
As I was studying this morning I came across several interesting verses. As we prepare to study the Holy Land, and some prepare to visit the Holy Land, think about its importance.
Look these up verses (Be sure not to use a paraphrase version, but a "real Bible” such as KJ, NKJ, NAS, NIV) :
Ps. 132: 13-14; 1 Kings 9:3; 2 Chron. 7: 14-18. Now ask, "Is the Presence of God still in Jerusalem at the Temple Mount?" Think about that as you visit!! :)
Look these up verses (Be sure not to use a paraphrase version, but a "real Bible” such as KJ, NKJ, NAS, NIV) :
Ps. 132: 13-14; 1 Kings 9:3; 2 Chron. 7: 14-18. Now ask, "Is the Presence of God still in Jerusalem at the Temple Mount?" Think about that as you visit!! :)
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