Friday, June 15, 2007
Vacation Time!
It is summer and time for all of us to hit the road. I will be gone until the 1st of July. Enjoy reviewing my other blogs: www.biblestudy2women.blogspot.com, www.biblestudy4women.blogspot.com and www.jeannesant.blogspot.com.
Monday, June 11, 2007
K - Women of the Holy Land: Walk Where They Walked
Kafin Cana See Cana.
Kedesh, Kadesh-barnea City of Abraham and wives on their journeys. Fifty miles east of the Mediterranean Sea and fifty miles southwest of Beersheba. Hagar, Sarah’s made fled into the desert near Kadesh-barnea. God called her by name and spoke to her (Gen. 16:7-14). She named the place where she stopped, Beer Lahoi Roi (tThe Well of One Who Lives and Sees Me”.
Moses and the Israelite families camped in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh-barnea (Num. 12:16-14:10). The people complained against Moses and Aaron. Here God proclaimed that they would travel for forty years in the desert. Korah rebelled against Moses authority and God killed him and his family (Num. 16). Fourteen thousand men, women and children died because of rebellion (Num. 16).
Prophetess and older sister of Moses, Miriam, died and is buried here (Num.20:1). Miriam cared for and protected the baby Moses. Being called a ‘prophetess’ indicates that she spoke for God. Also known as the first woman singer, the song of Miriam is one of the earliest known songs in Hebrew literature. (Ex. 15:21). She was a leader of women. As the new nation formed, Moses would have been busy dealing with the male leaders of the tribes. Miriam would have been a leader and perhaps counselor to the women. The prophet Micah (6:4) mentions her in the same list as Moses, and Aaron, indicating her importance.
Miriam became jealous of the second wife of Moses and acted in rebellion to the God-given authority that was given to Moses (Numbers 12). She was punished by the infliction of leprosy, and had to stay outside the camp for seven days of healing. Aaron was not punished, which probably indicates that she was the stronger of the two, and leader in the scheme to take over leadership of the people.
According to the historian Josephus, Miriam married Hur and thus is the grandmother of Bezaleel, who was in charge of the building of the tabernacle. Miriam’s name is the Hebrew name for Mary, which became common name for Jewish girls. (Numb. 20:1; 26:59; Deut. 24:9; 1 Chr. 6:3).
The people complained about lack of water (Ex. 17:1-7). Also called tel Ainel el Quadeirat.
Khirbet Safsafa See En Dor.
Khiret Kefre The plains of Moab In modern-day Jordan. Last resting place for the children of Israel before they crossed over into the land, opposite Jericho in the land of Moab (Num. 33:48-56). Where the people sinned and were killed by God (Num. 25:1-9). Joshua sent the spies from here to investigate Jericho. They were rescued by Rahab. See Abel Shittum.
Kibbutz Nof Ginnosar See Jesus Boat site.
King’s Highway “The way of Kings.” Main route for caravans for the Transjordan area. The road has been in continuous use for 3,000 years. It runs from Damascus to Eilat. Moses and the Israelites traveled this route through Edom. (Num. 20:17; 21:22).
Kiriath-Arba See Hebron.
Kiriath-sannah. See Debir. Joshua 15:15.
Kiriath-sepher Near Hebron, city of David and Caleb. Daughter of Caleb, Acsah was given to Othniel for his capture of the city. Acsah persuaded her father to give her land a springs of water. (Josh. 15;16-20) Also see Debir.
Kiryat-jearim, Kiriath-jearim. See modern-day Abu-gosh. Located about ten miles west of Jerusalem.The ark of the covenant was brought here from Beth Shemesh. Remained for twenty years. The area and the families were greatly blessed by God (1 Sam. 6:20-7:2). Today it is a thriving community that continues to prosper.
Kursi, Gadara,Gergessenes,Gadarenes On eastern side of Sea of Galilee. Healing of the demoniac and site where townspeople told Jesus to leave after He sent demons into a herd of swine (Mt. 8:28-34, Mark 5; Luke 8:26-39). Today the remains of an ancient cemetery may be seen. Archaeological excavation has unearthed the largest known Byzantine Monastery built to commemorate the miracle of the swine. Kursi was an important pilgrimage site for early Christians. Ongoing archaeological excavations at this site.
Kedesh, Kadesh-barnea City of Abraham and wives on their journeys. Fifty miles east of the Mediterranean Sea and fifty miles southwest of Beersheba. Hagar, Sarah’s made fled into the desert near Kadesh-barnea. God called her by name and spoke to her (Gen. 16:7-14). She named the place where she stopped, Beer Lahoi Roi (tThe Well of One Who Lives and Sees Me”.
Moses and the Israelite families camped in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh-barnea (Num. 12:16-14:10). The people complained against Moses and Aaron. Here God proclaimed that they would travel for forty years in the desert. Korah rebelled against Moses authority and God killed him and his family (Num. 16). Fourteen thousand men, women and children died because of rebellion (Num. 16).
Prophetess and older sister of Moses, Miriam, died and is buried here (Num.20:1). Miriam cared for and protected the baby Moses. Being called a ‘prophetess’ indicates that she spoke for God. Also known as the first woman singer, the song of Miriam is one of the earliest known songs in Hebrew literature. (Ex. 15:21). She was a leader of women. As the new nation formed, Moses would have been busy dealing with the male leaders of the tribes. Miriam would have been a leader and perhaps counselor to the women. The prophet Micah (6:4) mentions her in the same list as Moses, and Aaron, indicating her importance.
Miriam became jealous of the second wife of Moses and acted in rebellion to the God-given authority that was given to Moses (Numbers 12). She was punished by the infliction of leprosy, and had to stay outside the camp for seven days of healing. Aaron was not punished, which probably indicates that she was the stronger of the two, and leader in the scheme to take over leadership of the people.
According to the historian Josephus, Miriam married Hur and thus is the grandmother of Bezaleel, who was in charge of the building of the tabernacle. Miriam’s name is the Hebrew name for Mary, which became common name for Jewish girls. (Numb. 20:1; 26:59; Deut. 24:9; 1 Chr. 6:3).
The people complained about lack of water (Ex. 17:1-7). Also called tel Ainel el Quadeirat.
Khirbet Safsafa See En Dor.
Khiret Kefre The plains of Moab In modern-day Jordan. Last resting place for the children of Israel before they crossed over into the land, opposite Jericho in the land of Moab (Num. 33:48-56). Where the people sinned and were killed by God (Num. 25:1-9). Joshua sent the spies from here to investigate Jericho. They were rescued by Rahab. See Abel Shittum.
Kibbutz Nof Ginnosar See Jesus Boat site.
King’s Highway “The way of Kings.” Main route for caravans for the Transjordan area. The road has been in continuous use for 3,000 years. It runs from Damascus to Eilat. Moses and the Israelites traveled this route through Edom. (Num. 20:17; 21:22).
Kiriath-Arba See Hebron.
Kiriath-sannah. See Debir. Joshua 15:15.
Kiriath-sepher Near Hebron, city of David and Caleb. Daughter of Caleb, Acsah was given to Othniel for his capture of the city. Acsah persuaded her father to give her land a springs of water. (Josh. 15;16-20) Also see Debir.
Kiryat-jearim, Kiriath-jearim. See modern-day Abu-gosh. Located about ten miles west of Jerusalem.The ark of the covenant was brought here from Beth Shemesh. Remained for twenty years. The area and the families were greatly blessed by God (1 Sam. 6:20-7:2). Today it is a thriving community that continues to prosper.
Kursi, Gadara,Gergessenes,Gadarenes On eastern side of Sea of Galilee. Healing of the demoniac and site where townspeople told Jesus to leave after He sent demons into a herd of swine (Mt. 8:28-34, Mark 5; Luke 8:26-39). Today the remains of an ancient cemetery may be seen. Archaeological excavation has unearthed the largest known Byzantine Monastery built to commemorate the miracle of the swine. Kursi was an important pilgrimage site for early Christians. Ongoing archaeological excavations at this site.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
J - Part III
Jesus Boat Site A two-thousand year old boat, similar to the ones Jesus must have used was found perfectly preserved in the mud not far from Magdala at Kibbutz Nof Ginnosar on the Sea of Galilee. Found in 1986 after a severe drought exposed shoreline of the Sea of Galilee. About eight yards long and two yards wide, this boat would have held over a dozen men. A modern museum was opened to house the antiquity and protect it from further deterioration in 2003. The wood of the boat has been carbon dated to 40 B.C. Boats of this type were common on the lake, and played a significant role in the lives of the men an woman of the Galilee during the time of Jesus. Capernaum, home town of Jesus, was within sight of the location of this boat. (Matt. 4:18-22). Called the “Jesus Boat” because it was from the time of Jesus and was large enough to have held Jesus and his disciples. Although there is no stories in Scripture of women in boats on the Sea of Galilee, they must have heard the stories from the disciples. Some of the disciples must have wives, and Peter did have a mother-in-law living in Capernaum who must have heard of the stilling of the storm, and the episode when Peter walked on water.
Jezreel Hilltop city of Ahab and his evil wife Jezebel. Who “wore the pants” in that family? Here Jezebel murdered Naboth to enable her husband to take his vineyard. Ongoing archaeological excavations at this site have unearthed a stone tower from which Queen Jezebel may have been thrown to her death - and where the dogs ate her body as prophesized by Elijah (1 Kin. 21:23; 2 Kin.9:30-32).
Jezreel Valley (See Photo) Israel’s largest valley and important east-west route. Part of the Via Maris. Also called Valley of Arrmageddon and Plain of Esdraelon (1 Kin. 21:23; 2 Kin.9:30-32). Important sites in Jezreel Valley include: Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, the city of Jezreel and Herod Springs. Deborah and Barak’s battle of Mt. Tabor was in the Jezreel valley.
Joppa Peter raised Dorcas(Tabitha) from the dead. Her friends praised her to Peter Because of her good works and skill as seamstress or weaver(Acts 9:36ff). The is the modern day area of Ben Gurion Airport.
Jordan The country of present day Jordan was the land of Moab. Ruth, Naomi and Orpha lived in this area. Orpha returned to her family in Moab. Naomi wept as she left Moab (Ruth1:9). Land of Seir and Edom (Gen. 36:8). Esau, wives and children populated this area. Esau’s wife Adah bore him firstborn son, Eliphaz; wife Aholibamah bore him three children; wife, Anah bore him one child in Moab. (Gen. 32:2-16). See Madaba – possible hometown of Ruth.
Jordan River Major water supply for Israel. The Jordan River is formed by three streams in the foothills of Mt. Hermon. It descends into the Sea of Galilee and flows 65 miles south to the Dead Sea. Where there is water there are men, women and children. The Hebrew slave girl of Naaman, the Syrian, sent him to the prophet to be healed of leprosy. He was healed in the Jordan River. The waters of the Jordan were parted by Joshua, Elijah and Elisha. Today the mighty Jordan River is, at spots, no more than a steam. See Bathabara.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
DAILY JOURNAL #7
Visited the “Jerusalem Model” a scale model of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. It includes streets, Temple Mount, homes, etc… After seeing so much of Jerusalem in such a short time this is a great site to see, to pull it all together. To me, this site itself, is another miracle from God to us to help us better understand the past.
No words can express a visit to the Garden of Gethsemene. There are several olive trees there that experts have dated back 2,000 years. Perhaps these very trees were mere sprouts on the evening that Jesus prayed, sweat great drops of blood, and was arrested. Perhaps they were witness to Peter cutting off the ear of the man.
Visited the Western Wall and Rabbi Tunnel. Praying at the wall is always so special. The wall is not ‘magic,’ but I love to write out short prayers and put them in the cracks of the wall. It is a privilege to be here again and experience this.
Watching the other women at Mt. Moriah and at the Wailing Wall. God loves them each and knows them by name. As I stand at the wall and pray, I pray for the women around me from the four corners of the world. Some dressed in formal, fancy garb. They come here to pray to the One True and Living God.
We walked through the streets of the Jewish Quarter and the Old City. It is easy to imagine what it was like in those ancient days. We saw too many things to write down. I hope I will remember them.
Visited the Rabbi’s Tunnel (Kotel). A long walk underground. I imagine that Jesus must have seen these very stones. Nehemiah 3:12 mentions that a certain man ‘and his daughters,’ built a section of the wall. This the only specific mention of women helping rebuild the wall. Women were everywhere – behind the scenes and silent.
The Garden Tomb. Pastor Crisp always saves the best for last. The most glorious site. A quiet and serene empty tomb near an outcropping of rock that looks like the face of a skull. We observed the Lord’s Supper and sang hymns. Such a special memory. Most people cannot get through this site without shedding a few tears. Thank you God for giving us this garden spot to remember You and what You have done or us. What a way to end the tour!
Off to a great dinner – then through security at the airport. A long sleep home.
Note - if you have an interest in the women of the Holy Land be sure to see my other blogs: www.biblestudy4women.blogspot.com; www.biblestudy2women.blogspot.com.
No words can express a visit to the Garden of Gethsemene. There are several olive trees there that experts have dated back 2,000 years. Perhaps these very trees were mere sprouts on the evening that Jesus prayed, sweat great drops of blood, and was arrested. Perhaps they were witness to Peter cutting off the ear of the man.
Visited the Western Wall and Rabbi Tunnel. Praying at the wall is always so special. The wall is not ‘magic,’ but I love to write out short prayers and put them in the cracks of the wall. It is a privilege to be here again and experience this.
Watching the other women at Mt. Moriah and at the Wailing Wall. God loves them each and knows them by name. As I stand at the wall and pray, I pray for the women around me from the four corners of the world. Some dressed in formal, fancy garb. They come here to pray to the One True and Living God.
We walked through the streets of the Jewish Quarter and the Old City. It is easy to imagine what it was like in those ancient days. We saw too many things to write down. I hope I will remember them.
Visited the Rabbi’s Tunnel (Kotel). A long walk underground. I imagine that Jesus must have seen these very stones. Nehemiah 3:12 mentions that a certain man ‘and his daughters,’ built a section of the wall. This the only specific mention of women helping rebuild the wall. Women were everywhere – behind the scenes and silent.
The Garden Tomb. Pastor Crisp always saves the best for last. The most glorious site. A quiet and serene empty tomb near an outcropping of rock that looks like the face of a skull. We observed the Lord’s Supper and sang hymns. Such a special memory. Most people cannot get through this site without shedding a few tears. Thank you God for giving us this garden spot to remember You and what You have done or us. What a way to end the tour!
Off to a great dinner – then through security at the airport. A long sleep home.
Note - if you have an interest in the women of the Holy Land be sure to see my other blogs: www.biblestudy4women.blogspot.com; www.biblestudy2women.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
DAILY JOURNAL #6
One of the most moving sites on this trip is the “pit” of the church of St. Peter of Galluctu. This is where Jesus was brought from the Garden of Gethsemane to the home of the High priest. He was probably lowered down a narrow shaft that opened up into a small area used as a cell. (See the photos of the mosaic depicting this.) As we stood in the cave-like space, I tried to imagine what it was like for Jesus –dark and isolated. Pastor Crisp read Isaiah 53 – I could not help to be moved. Many in the group cried. To visit here is to have a visual reminder of how the Lord Jesus must have suffered for us. We turned off the lights and were in total darkness. When we visit the pit it is warm, dry and lighted. It smells good. We are able to come and go as we choose. We are surrounded by friends and family. Jesus had none of this.
Next was a drive across town to the Shrine of the Book. After seeing Quamran where the Scrolls were found, now we get to see some of the actual scrolls, housed in this building that, architecturally, looks like a clay jar from the time of Jesus. God worked a special set of miracles to bring us His Word. Thousands of small miracles, all linked together to give us our Scripture today. We take it so for granted.
The Holocaust Museum is without description. Every Christian, no, every human being should see it. God calls the Jews, “the apple of His eye,” yet this happened. When we get to heaven we will have to ask God, “Why?”
We saw many other things today.
Next was a drive across town to the Shrine of the Book. After seeing Quamran where the Scrolls were found, now we get to see some of the actual scrolls, housed in this building that, architecturally, looks like a clay jar from the time of Jesus. God worked a special set of miracles to bring us His Word. Thousands of small miracles, all linked together to give us our Scripture today. We take it so for granted.
The Holocaust Museum is without description. Every Christian, no, every human being should see it. God calls the Jews, “the apple of His eye,” yet this happened. When we get to heaven we will have to ask God, “Why?”
We saw many other things today.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
DAILY JOURNAL #5
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.
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.
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.
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