Holy Land Tour - Day 3
Our 3rd day would cover biblical points of interest on our journey south, from Nazareth to Jerusalem.
First the town of Nazareth, the boyhood town of Jesus. Then a travel through the Jazreel Valley to Megiddo (Armageddon) where the final battle between the forces of good and evil is prophesied to take place.
Continue to Haifa (north) and Carmel mountain range with lovely views of the bay and city.
Then head south, down the coast to Caesarea, capital of the Roman province, then to,
Tel Aviv, and the harbour at Jaffa (Joppa) which is said to be one of the oldest in the world.
Continue to Jerusalem, to check-in at the Olive Tree Hotel.
Church of the Annunciation - the focal point in Nazareth and situated in the City's old market quarter. It is the 5th church to be built on the spot where the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce that she would be the chosen one to bear the Messiah.
Luke 1:26-28
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.
28 And having come in, the angel said to her,"Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!"
Luke 1:46-47
And Mary said:
"My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
The front of the church has an inscription of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John of the four gospels, inscribed with them are the faces of a man, an eagle, an ox and a lion as described in the vision of Ezekiel.
Irenaeus declared that the four gospels he espoused were the four Pillars of the Church: “it is not possible that there can be either more or fewer than four” he stated, presenting as logic the analogy of the four corners of the earth and the four winds (3.11.8). His image, taken from Ezekiel 1, or Revelation 4:6-10, of God’s throne borne by four living creatures with four faces. These are mentioned in the Bible, Genesis 3:24 where they are called Cherubim, and are guardians of the Throne of God.
Below: The figures on the wall of church depict early christian life.
The bronze door below is sculptured to illustrate the life of Jesus on it.
Side of the main church which leads to a lower crypt (Grotto) - where the Holy family is supposed to have lived after they returned from Egypt.
The Grotto - a service was going on when this photo was taken.
The Grotto - a service was going on when this photo was taken.
We then proceeded to enter the main Church of Annunciation.Beautiful mosaic work in the central hall
Opposite the Church of Annunciation is the Church of St Joseph which is built over the cave which served as Joseph's carpentry shop.Also know as the House of Joseph.
Beneath the crypt is the Holy Cave. Below steps leading down to it.
We next proceed South East down the Jezreel Plain heading for Megiddo which is only 13 miles away as the crow flies.Below: the Jezreel valley as we descend from Nazareth.
Down the Jezreel Plain. A suitable vast place for the armies of Armageddon to assemble? Armies in the past had fought in this plain.
Another view from the bus as we travel to Megiddo. We are travelling down Route 65, if it means anything.
Megiddo was a site of great importance in the ancient world, as it guarded the western branch of a narrow pass and an ancient trade route which connected the lands of Egypt and Assyria. Because of its strategic location at the crossroads of several major routes, Megiddo and its environs have witnessed several major battles throughout history. The site was inhabited from approximately 7000 BC to 586 BC (the same time as the destruction of the First Israelite Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians, and subsequent fall of Israelite rule and exile). One of its claims to importance is the fact that since this time it has remained uninhabited, thereby preserving the ruins of its time periods pre-dating 586 BC without newer settlements disturbing them.
Megiddo is mentioned in Ancient Egyptian writings because one of Egypt's mighty kings, Thutmose III, waged war upon the city in 1478 BC. The battle is described in detail in the hieroglyphics found on the walls of his temple in Upper Egypt. Named in the Bible Derekh HaYam (Hebrew: דרך הים), or "Way of the Sea," it became an important military artery of the Roman Empire and was known as the Via Maris. (Wikipedia)
On top of this hill lies the ruins of the old city. Megiddo consists of 20 superimposed cities the oldest dating back to 5000BC. There is also a Canaanite city dating back to 2000BC.
A marble plaque detailing the layout of the place.
More plaques showing the layout of the place.
Judg 5:19
19 "The kings came and fought,Then the kings of Canaan fought In Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo;They took no spoils of silver. NKJV
These Northern Stables of the City originally thought to have been built by King Solomon, but now proved to have housed Ahab's 2000 horses, palaces, storehouses, sentry towers, walls, gates, soldiers quarters and private houses.
Rev 16:13-1613 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."
16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. NKJV
A commanding view of the plain of Jezreel from the city. After being here, I am personally awed at the accuracy Bible prophesy, predicted many years ago, which singles this place as the site for the 'end time' battle. (Easy access for the armies of the North, South & West)
We stayed at the Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem.
Down the Jezreel Plain. A suitable vast place for the armies of Armageddon to assemble? Armies in the past had fought in this plain.Another view from the bus as we travel to Megiddo. We are travelling down Route 65, if it means anything.
Megiddo was a site of great importance in the ancient world, as it guarded the western branch of a narrow pass and an ancient trade route which connected the lands of Egypt and Assyria. Because of its strategic location at the crossroads of several major routes, Megiddo and its environs have witnessed several major battles throughout history. The site was inhabited from approximately 7000 BC to 586 BC (the same time as the destruction of the First Israelite Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians, and subsequent fall of Israelite rule and exile). One of its claims to importance is the fact that since this time it has remained uninhabited, thereby preserving the ruins of its time periods pre-dating 586 BC without newer settlements disturbing them.
Megiddo is mentioned in Ancient Egyptian writings because one of Egypt's mighty kings, Thutmose III, waged war upon the city in 1478 BC. The battle is described in detail in the hieroglyphics found on the walls of his temple in Upper Egypt. Named in the Bible Derekh HaYam (Hebrew: דרך הים), or "Way of the Sea," it became an important military artery of the Roman Empire and was known as the Via Maris. (Wikipedia)
Today, Megiddo is an important junction on the main road connecting the center of Israel with lower Galilee and the northern region. Therefore, to this day it remains a site of strategic importance as it lies at the northern entrance to Wadi Ara, an important mountain pass connecting the Jezreel Valley with Israel's coastal plain.[1] (Wikipedia)
Megiddo has been the site of numerous battles throughout history, with the site changing hands many times. Three of the more famous battles include:
Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC): fought between the armies of the Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition led by the rulers of Megiddo and Kadesh.
Battle of Megiddo (609 BC): fought between Egypt and the Kingdom of Judah, in which King Josiah fell.
Battle of Megiddo (1918): fought during World War I between Allied troops, led by General Edmund Allenby, and the defending Ottoman army.
The Book of Revelation mentions apocalyptic military amassment at Armageddon, a name derived from Megiddo. The word has become a byword for the end of the age.[2] (Wikipedia)
Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC): fought between the armies of the Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition led by the rulers of Megiddo and Kadesh.
Battle of Megiddo (609 BC): fought between Egypt and the Kingdom of Judah, in which King Josiah fell.
Battle of Megiddo (1918): fought during World War I between Allied troops, led by General Edmund Allenby, and the defending Ottoman army.
The Book of Revelation mentions apocalyptic military amassment at Armageddon, a name derived from Megiddo. The word has become a byword for the end of the age.[2] (Wikipedia)
The small town of Megiddo located on a hill.
Strategic location which Egypt recognised for dominance in the region.
Megiddo was abandoned in the 4th century and never resettled. Now it is a Kibutz formed in 1948 as seen in the photo below.
On top of this hill lies the ruins of the old city. Megiddo consists of 20 superimposed cities the oldest dating back to 5000BC. There is also a Canaanite city dating back to 2000BC. King Solomon built most of these cities. King Ahab (whose wife was the evil Jezebel) tried to rebuild this city after the Asyrian conquest.
It is also the site for many battles. Gen Allenby destroyed the Turks here in 1917.
The place was destroyed 25 times (25 levels of archeology indicates thus)
The place was destroyed 25 times (25 levels of archeology indicates thus)
This part of Israel was allocated to Manessah, one of the 12 tribes of Israel (son of Joseph)
Photo below is the hilltop where the ruins of the ancient Megiddo exists.
The marble slab below states "From Megiddo to Armageddon".
Megiddo is the Armageddon of St John's Revelation, where the forces of Good will defeat the forces of Evil in the Final battle at the End of Days.
A marble plaque detailing the layout of the place.
On the way to the ruins.
On the way to the ruins.
On the way to the ruins.
More plaques showing the layout of the place.Judg 5:19
19 "The kings came and fought,Then the kings of Canaan fought In Taanach, by the waters of Megiddo;They took no spoils of silver. NKJV
2 Kings 23:28-30
Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 29 In his days Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went to the aid of the king of Assyria, to the River Euphrates; and King Josiah went against him. And Pharaoh Necho killed him at Megiddo when he confronted him. 30 Then his servants moved his body in a chariot from Megiddo, brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in his father's place. NKJV
Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 29 In his days Pharaoh Necho king of Egypt went to the aid of the king of Assyria, to the River Euphrates; and King Josiah went against him. And Pharaoh Necho killed him at Megiddo when he confronted him. 30 Then his servants moved his body in a chariot from Megiddo, brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own tomb. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, anointed him, and made him king in his father's place. NKJV
2 Chron 35:2222 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself so that he might fight with him, and did not heed the words of Necho from the mouth of God. So he came to fight in the Valley of Megiddo. NKJV
Zech 12:10-11
"And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. 11 In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. NKJV
At Megiddo two stable complexes were excavated from Stratum IVA, one in the north and one in the south. The southern complex contained five structures built around a lime paved courtyard. The buildings themselves were divided into three sections.
"And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. 11 In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. NKJV
At Megiddo two stable complexes were excavated from Stratum IVA, one in the north and one in the south. The southern complex contained five structures built around a lime paved courtyard. The buildings themselves were divided into three sections.
These Northern Stables of the City originally thought to have been built by King Solomon, but now proved to have housed Ahab's 2000 horses, palaces, storehouses, sentry towers, walls, gates, soldiers quarters and private houses.
Rev 16:13-1613 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
15 "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."
16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. NKJV
Rev 19:17-19
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven,"Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great."
19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven,"Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, both small and great."
19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army.
A commanding view of the plain of Jezreel from the city. After being here, I am personally awed at the accuracy Bible prophesy, predicted many years ago, which singles this place as the site for the 'end time' battle. (Easy access for the armies of the North, South & West)
On the way to the water tunnel.
Another commanding view of the Jezreel Valley from the hilltop of Megiddo.
A silo for storing grain for the City.
Another commanding view of the Jezreel Valley from the hilltop of Megiddo.
A silo for storing grain for the City.
Water was hauled from an elaborate water system. It was the City's main water supply running through a tunnel.
The tunnel was dug out in the rock in the same way as Hezekiah's tunnel in Jerusalem: diggers started at the two ends and worked towards each other. They operated by ear, but at one point they realized that they were heading wrong, and they started digging in another direction. The exit of the cave with the spring was camouflaged by a wall and a layer of earth.
Below we are descend steeply down the tunnel.
I seem to have been left behind!
Having completed the tour of the ruins of the old city of Megiddo, we now proceed North West heading for Mt Carmel and Haifa. 
On the spur of Carmel is El- Muhraka, the place of sacrifice or burning.
These mountains owes it fame to Prophet Elijah, who stayed and ministered there, and became the scene of God's mighty deeds.
1 Kings 18:20
So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel.
1 Kings 18: 19 Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table."
1 Kings 18:36
36 And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, "LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,...."
1 Kings 18:38-39
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.
Magnificent view of the Jezreel Valley from the Convent.
View of an Airbase from the top of Murkhara.
We next proceed to the western side of the range where the Cave of Elijah lies.
Below a another beautiful view of Haifa and northwards towards Lebanon.
Another view of the Bay of Haifa and the city.
Below: Stella Maris Carmelite monastery
Cave of Elijah where according to tradition, Elijah lived. Also know as "Elijah's School of Prophets"
Below a Grotto of Elisha.
Interior of Stella Maris Monastery.
Below: Haifa's landscape is dominated by the golden dome of the Bahai Temple.
Below: Looking up from the streets of Haifa at the mountainous range we had just been to.
We stopped for lunch at a restaurant below. A lovely meal it was.
Next stop was a drive along the coast from Haifa to Caesarea.
Roman Aquaduct.
Pool of the Promontory Palace of Herod.
Acts 23:33-34n they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. NKJV
Acts 25:1Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to JerusalemNKJV
Acts 25:13-14
And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus. NKJV
Matt 16:13
13 Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
(Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-20)
When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" NKJV
Acts 9:3030 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. NKJV
More Roman ruins.
View of the harbour in the background.
The tunnel was dug out in the rock in the same way as Hezekiah's tunnel in Jerusalem: diggers started at the two ends and worked towards each other. They operated by ear, but at one point they realized that they were heading wrong, and they started digging in another direction. The exit of the cave with the spring was camouflaged by a wall and a layer of earth.
Below we are descend steeply down the tunnel.
I seem to have been left behind!
Having completed the tour of the ruins of the old city of Megiddo, we now proceed North West heading for Mt Carmel and Haifa. The Carmel Range of mountains extend about 35 km from the Bay of Haifa to the SE. It rises to a height of 1800 ft amsl. In Hebrew Carmel is Kerem El, meaning "vineyard of God"
On the drive up to the Carmelite Convent we pass a Druz town. This area is predominatly Druz.
On the spur of Carmel is El- Muhraka, the place of sacrifice or burning. Muhraka - Carmelite Convent.
This place marked the founding of the Carmelite Order, which soon spread throughout Europe.
These mountains owes it fame to Prophet Elijah, who stayed and ministered there, and became the scene of God's mighty deeds.1 Kings 18:20
So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel.
1 Kings 18: 19 Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table."
1 Kings 18:36
36 And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, "LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel,...."
1 Kings 18:38-39
38 Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and the stones and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench.
39 Now when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said,"The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!"
It is also the place of Elisha who followed after Elijah, where he raised the Shunammite's women son.
2 Kings 4:25 And so she departed, and went to the man of God at Mount Carmel.NKJV
Monument of Elijah.
2 Kings 4:25 And so she departed, and went to the man of God at Mount Carmel.NKJV
Monument of Elijah.
Magnificent view of the Jezreel Valley from the Convent.
View of an Airbase from the top of Murkhara.
We next proceed to the western side of the range where the Cave of Elijah lies.
Below a another beautiful view of Haifa and northwards towards Lebanon.
Another view of the Bay of Haifa and the city.
Below: Stella Maris Carmelite monasteryCave of Elijah where according to tradition, Elijah lived. Also know as "Elijah's School of Prophets"
Below a Grotto of Elisha.
Interior of Stella Maris Monastery.
Below: Haifa's landscape is dominated by the golden dome of the Bahai Temple.
Below: Looking up from the streets of Haifa at the mountainous range we had just been to.We stopped for lunch at a restaurant below. A lovely meal it was.
Next stop was a drive along the coast from Haifa to Caesarea.Roman Theater.
Roman Aquaduct.
Pool of the Promontory Palace of Herod.
Acts 23:33-34n they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. NKJV
Acts 25:1Now when Festus had come to the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to JerusalemNKJV
Acts 25:13-14
And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus. NKJV
Matt 16:13
13 Peter Confesses Jesus as the Christ
(Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-20)
When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" NKJV
Acts 9:3030 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. NKJV
More Roman ruins.
View of the harbour in the background.
Ceasarea - Roman ruins.
Joppa - Below: House of Simon the Tanner.
2 Chron 2:16 we will cut wood from Lebanon, as much as you need; we will bring it to you in rafts by sea to Joppa, and you will carry it up to Jerusalem.NKJV
Jonah 1:33 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; NKJV
Acts 9:41-43 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. NKJV
Acts 10:9-10The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a tranceNKJV
Acts 10:14-1614 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean."
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common." 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. NKJV
View of the beach at Tel Aviv.
Joppa - Below: House of Simon the Tanner.
2 Chron 2:16 we will cut wood from Lebanon, as much as you need; we will bring it to you in rafts by sea to Joppa, and you will carry it up to Jerusalem.NKJV
Jonah 1:33 But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; NKJV
Acts 9:41-43 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. NKJV
Acts 10:9-10The next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 Then he became very hungry and wanted to eat; but while they made ready, he fell into a tranceNKJV
Acts 10:14-1614 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean."
15 And a voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed you must not call common." 16 This was done three times. And the object was taken up into heaven again. NKJV
Acts 9:43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner
St Peters Church - Joppa
Entrance to the Church
View of Tel Aviv from Joppa.
Tel Aviv beaches.
In the Bus travelling on our last leg from Joppa to Jerusalem .
Below: The hills surrounding Jerusalem. The small trees on the slopes are Olive Trees.
Entrance to the Church
View of Tel Aviv from Joppa.
Tel Aviv beaches.In the Bus travelling on our last leg from Joppa to Jerusalem .
Below: The hills surrounding Jerusalem. The small trees on the slopes are Olive Trees.
We stayed at the Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem.
No comments:
Post a Comment