SAFED
This is one of the significant places in upper Galilee. It is a child among mountains nature gave beauty to it. It was a spiritual center. This is Jewish learning center
Jerusalem Hebron and safed are considered as Jewish cities. All are active and hold prayer services daily on Fridays they sing and pray to welcome the coming Sabbath the artist’s quarter in the old city with workshop and galleries celebrate Klezimer festival of
Jewish music.
SHEPHERD’S FIELDS
The traditional Shepherd’s field is east of Bethlehem in an area which supported the agricultural needs of Judea. The area was perfect for gazing live stock. The agricultural lands spread out as far as Indian Desert and these areas not used for agriculture were taken up by pasture.
As mentioned in Mica 4:8. The place is associated with tower for the flock Mica 5:2. “A ruler who would one day arises from Bethlehem. An angel appeared and altered, shepherd that a saviour was born.
There are several churches in the area built above caves considered sacred near Arab village of Beit Sahur, east of Bethlehem Greek and Franciscan’s churches were built. Modern
123 churches along with monasteries continue to recall the revelation to the shepherd’s. Luke 2:8-
18.
BAPTISM OF JESUS
The Jordan River flows South part, the Sea of Galilee through the Syrian African Rift to the Dead Sea. Many prophets in Israel found inspiration and comfort on the area around the
Jordon. Mark 1:9-11, Mathew 3:1-3
Elijah hid by Wadi Cherith after he confronted Ahab with the Lord 1 Kings 17:3. Elisha,
Naaman was healed after dipping in Jordan 7 times, 2 Kings 5:8-14. John the Baptist chose
Jordan to Prepare away for the Lords coming.An event which marked the beginning of
Saviour Public Ministry.Nearby more than 1200 years earlier, Israels crossed the Jordan and entered the Promised Land Joshi 3.
MT OF TEMPTATION
The mount of temptation according to Tradition stands, North West of Jericho, over looking the world’s most ancient city. Mathew 4:1-4, Mathew 4:8-11
124
THE AREA OF SAMARIA
It is located 9 miles north of Nablus.
The cities of Samara make up the ten tribes over which Jerobam made himself king both east and west of Jordan. (1 King 13:32-34)
BETHANY
“Bethany” has three meanings. House of Dates; House of the Poor; House of Misery. It is also called El-Azariyeh or House of
Lazarus.
1.Home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus (Lk. 10:38-42)
2.Lord’s prayer probably given near here (Lk.11:1-4)
3.Raising of Lazarus (Jn.11:1-46)
4.Christ anointed by Mary (Jn.12:1-8).
5.Jesus stayed here when he came to Jerusalem for Passover (Mt. 21:17). Known as the
Quarantal Monastery means (Forty) from its balcony visitors can view Jericho and Jordan
Valley.
SHECHEM (NABLUS)
The city of Shechem lives between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal in a fertile Valley which has attracted settler’s throughout history.
It is first mentioned in the Old Testament when Abraham and Jacob passed through the territory and built altars there. After the division of Israel, Jeroboam built shechem and resided there. 1 Kings 12:25. The Arabic name of the city today is Nablus. Nablus is a corruption of the Greek “Neopolis” the name given to Hellenistic period.
Tel Balatah, east of the modern city is the site of the Old Testament and Hellenistic village. The oak of Moreh stands near Shechem. Abraham built on a altar Gen 12:5-7 in respect of Divine promise and God’s appearance. Jacab too built an altar there El-Elohe -
125
Israel God, God of Israel. Gen.33:18-20. After Joseph died the Israelites Joshua 24:32 brought his bones back from Egypt.
WADI QELT
The person who asked Jesus “Who is my neighbor” at this very place. (Luke 10: 30,37)
There is one monastery for Greeks in St.
George monastery was built few found a cave where five saints lived where one of the saints built a big bell above 40 ft and a plea too.
During war it was destroyed but it was rebuilt in 1900.
WADE QUELT (Nahal Parat)
Nahal Parat is one of the beautiful and interesting steams in the country. It collects waters from Judean country side and runs into
Jordan near Jericho.
Along the edge of the wadi a Roman road
led upto the mount of Olives. Along the streams, there are remains of aqueducts fortresses, palaces and monasteries. This is where Elijah the prophet had and where ravens brought bread 1 Kings 17:2-7. This place belonged to parents of Mary.
JACOB'S WELL
In this Samaria area one can find Jacob’s well. Greeks were in charge of maintaining this precious place. (John 4:13, 14).In winter time Samarians worship at Garezim mountain by fasting for 40 days. They worship God with dedication. They offer sheep for offering to God by traditions performances they follow Jews customs. This is the place where Jesus met Samaritan woman. (John 4:1-42). The well is situated on the land that Jacob purchased at Shechem.
126
Mt. Garizim
Mt. Garizim and Mount Ebal mark the highest points of Elevation in the region. After
Israelites crossed the Jordan, they erected an altar on Mount Ebal and set up stones inscribed with the words of Law.Josh 8:30.
Mt. Ebal became known as Mount of curse. (Deu 27:11). According to Samaritans doctrine,
Abraham erected an alter to sacrifice his son Isaac Gen 22:1-19). Every year they celebrate pass over eve by sacrificing lambs on this mountain.
JERICHO
On this final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus passed through Jericho. No desert Oasis is more stunning than Jericho. It is one of the oldest cities of the world. The Vegetation which blankets the city - appears to give a green glow to the desert and its surroundings. Jericho reached its Pinacle of Prosperity in the times of Hasmoneans and Kings Herod.
Medical plants and spices particularly balsam are famous. Many palaces summer homes were built due to its climate. Some synagogues were also built during Bygentine period. If became famous for important Christian Heaven with many churches and Monasteries.
There is an ancient spring called Arabic Eines - Sultan - It is also called Elisha’s well.
Elisha put salt in that water to make it sweet. (2 Kings 2:19-22).
Winter palaces Jewish synagogues were with decorations on Mosaic floor. Some Hebrew inscriptions which road shalom. Al ye Israel peace upon Israel were there to be admired.
ROAD TO JERUSALEM
After Christ had said this Parable in Jericho, he went on a road going to Jerusalem. Luke
19:28.
127
1. On this last Journey from Jericho to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled through an important road, Ascending Mount, Holy city. The route was full of twists and turns, robbers linger there.
The way side inns and fortresses were set up along the way. Their remains are still evident today. Who is my neighbor “The parable based on this area? Luke 10:29, Luke 10:30-37.
BETHANY
Bethany means in 3 ways.1. House of dates, 2. House of poor, 3. House of Misery, It is called as (El - Azariyeh) house of Lazarus. Home of Mary and Martha. Luke 10 : 38, 42.
Lords Prayer probably given here. Luke 11: 1 - 4. Raising Lazarus. John 11: 1-46.
Christ was anointed by Mary. John 12:1-8. Jesus stayed there when he came to Jerusalem for Passover. Mathew 21:1.
Bethany is a place on the way to Jericho from Jerusalem at a distance of 3 Kilometers.
Jesus came to this place several times’ Jesus four close friends belong to this place, Mary
Martha, their brother Lazarus and Simon the leper. There was a church dedicated to Lazarus.
In 1952 a church was built old churches were already three there, A Bible verse was written
I am the resurrection and life.
(John 11:25).
BETH PAGE:
Bethpage means, tender figs (Mathew 21:1). Some call this as house of green figs.In this same village Jesus rode on donkey on Palm Sunday.Greeks built a small Church in 1883.
They call it Monting stone of Christ. From this every Sunday a procession will follow.
There are many churches as on of them. Peter Noster means father (Mathew 6:10, 13). Here
128 only Jesus ascended to Heaven. Close to this there is Kedron valley from where Jesus wept for Jerusalem.
ARMENIAN QUARTER
It is on the South West corner of the old city in the heart of the national, religious and cultural life of Armenian Orthodox in Jerusalem.
In the middle of it St. James Cathedral is the most important Armenian Church of the
Holy Land. That is dedicated to St. James, the brother of St. John one of the 12 disciples of
Jesus. Acts: 12:12. King Herod killed James with sword.
CRUCIFIXION AND BURIAL
Roman soldiers crucified Jesus on a barren, rocky hill top. In Aramaic it was called
Golgotha (Calvary in Latin). It means a place of Skull. Joseph of Arimatheas provided a burial cave for Jesus adjacent to the place of his crucifixion, He sealed the entrance to the cave with a large stone. After three days the disciples found the tomb empty (Mathe 28:1-7), (John
20:11-17) (Mathew 27:33-37, Luke: 23:37,
Luke 23:37, Mark 15:33-34, Mathew 27:50-
51, Mathew. 27:57-61. The Stations of the
Cross within the sepulcher were 10 to 14
stations. Holy Sepulcher)
There are two places pointed out to visitors to the Holy Land as the place where Lord was crucified (Mt 27:33-50). There is traditional side of the crucifixion and burial of
Christ. Christian crucified out side of the gate.
GARDEN TOMB:
Located at the foot of the rock knoll known as Gardens Calvary is a rock at tomb dating from the Roman period. It belonged to Joseph of Arimathea when Jesus was buried. (Math
27:57-60). Next to it is the mound of Golgotha (Calvary). Below Golgotha is the chapel of
Adam built in honour of the first man. The body of Jesus was laid prior to the burial on the
129
stone as tradition declared. With in the church complex many important chapels provide places of worship. The building was shared by many Christian denominations including Catholics, Crèche, Orthodox,
Armenians.
THE TOWER OF DAVID, CITADEL:
The Citadel, better known as the Tower of David, sits on the Western hill of the city next to the Jaffa Gate Both Pullers of
Jerusalem in second century BC and Herod the great in first century BC had fortified this place as a strong hold.
The Muslim minor built by the Ottoman. Turks and the lower of the upper lever are one of the well known land marks in Jerusalem. It got rich and varied history of the entire city.
THE JEWISH QUARTER:
It is in the South East part of the old city; and the recognised as center of Jewish spiritual life for hundreds of years. After 6th day war in 1967, man excavations were done. The old and new were wonderfully blend together makers all in a delightful fashion. Many synagogues like Roman, Sephardic Hurva were famous one.
Scale model of the Jerusalem with its accompanying 3-D sound and light show Cardo
Museums the man thorough fare of the Roman Byzantine city. It may be of the most significant places in the Holy Land.
WESTERN WALL OR WAILING WALL:
Since June 1967, it has been known as the Western wall and by many it was called Joy wall. This retaining wall of the huge platform where both Solomon and Herod built their temples stood nearest to the Sanctuary.
130
THE MUSLIM QUARTER:
It lies in the North East part of old city. Adjacent to the temple mount and its holy Muslim sites. It contains most of the markets and bazaars of the old city making a walk through the vibrant streets an interesting tourist experience. Each shop has its own special smell and unique atmosphere.
The wares include antiques, jewelry, perfume, embroideries, leather goods, meats, foods with special sweets and oriental species.The streets of the Muslim quarter lead to the temple mount on which stands the Dome of the rock and El Aqsa Mosque, the sacred shrines of the
Muslims.
Nain
At the Western base of the mount there is the Arab Village of Dabburiye which may be the place of Youth Stricken with Epilepsy. Math 17:134-21. Jesus other disciples likely waited here when their master ascended the mountain into Peter James and John.
The Lord felt compassion for widow and resurrected her son to the delight of all. All the Northern base of Mount Tabor sets the
Bodowin village of Shibli Galilee Bodowin
Heritage Cellar is located here visitors enjoy their coffee and hospitality also listen to the stories they tell.
CAESAREA PHILIPPI
Augustus Caesar presented the town with surrounding country to Herod the great, who build the temple there in honor of the emperor.
Herod’s son, Philip, the Tetrarch, enlarged the town and names it Caesarea.
Today it is called Banyas. It is historical site known as Panyas after Pan, the goddess of
Shepherdess flocks and forests. Here we see one of the three sources of the Jordan River.
Here peter altered his great profession and Christ spoke prophetically. Mathew 16:13-
18. North to Galilee sea coast, close to Hermon Mountain, we can see the flow of water from
South Jordon River platoe, The name of the water flows is Banias. Its Greek name is Perias.
131
It is one of the Greek cities. It is under Herod. Then changed to Caeseria Philip. The flow of
Banias water is one site long and beautiful. Mathew 16: 13-17
“What do people say” Jesus asked Peter and Peter replies “You are the Messiah, the son of the Living God. Then Jesus said,” Blessed are you” Oh, what a beautiful question with nice answer from Jesus. It is a question for us also. In Mark 5: 24-34, a lady who suffered for 12 years belonged to this place. One tradition holds that Jesus transfiguration happened near by.
(Mathew 17:1-8) Its importance increased in the middle ages as a prosperous city on the road to Damascus many important remains can be found near the sources of the springs.
MOUNT OF HERMON
Mount Hermon with its white
capped summit rises in the North of the
Holy land; above the Hula vally and the
Golan heights. It extends north east to
the regions of Lebanon and Syria.
Mount Hermon is referred to in the Old
Testament as a blessed mountain and has been regarded as “Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name. Psalm 89:12.
The meaning of Hermon is place of fellowship among the cebonon Mood Mountains from east. It is the biggest in Palestine (2814 meters).
These details are in Mat.17:1-5. Mount Tabor with its beautiful and peculiar dome or cone hap rises majestically in Galilee. It is green throughout the year keeping special beauty.
Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera here. (Jud 4:14-16). Because the height and location of
Mount Tabor made it.
The Primacy of St. Peter (Tegba):
In the Ministry of Jesus the Sea of Galilee is very important place. In Tabga, on the North western shore of the sea stands sanctuary of the primacy of peter. It was built by Franciscans in 1933 on the water front next to ancient steps leading down the sea.
132
Here tradition holds Jesus appeared to his disciples following the resurrection and restored
Smooth his place of authority in the church after his denials. A flat rock, known as the Mensa
Christi or Christ’s table marks the site where the disciples ate that day. The rock was incorporated into the ancient churches that stood here as well as the more recent church.
This is a place of strategic military importance. Gideon slew Zebalu and Zalmunna Midianite
Kings, here Judge 8:18-21). Heathen worship took place on the mountain. (Hos.: 5:1). The traditional spot of Jesus transfiguration. (Mathew 17:1-13)
JERUSALEM CITY
This is a Holy city. City of prophets, city of peace. Jerusalem the blessed city with a hundred names is the only considered. The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was called Psalm Sunday. Read Mark 11:1-11, John: 12:13. Hosanna. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
The King of Israel.
DOMINUS FLEVIT
As Jesus approached
Jerusalem from Mount of Olives,
he wept over it. On the descent
from the mount of Olives, towards
Jerusalem stands a Franciscan
church of unique architectural
form. Its dome is shaped like a
tear. The altar faces Jerusalem as
Jesus would have seen when he
first drew near to the city and
wept over it. Dominus Flevit, the
Lord wept. Luke 19:41-44. In 7th
century Byzantine, style building
was found, and next to it was a
large ancient cemetery was
133 uncovered in the time of second temple period.
Stone boxes and stone coffins with human bones and pottery were found. There were 43 insriptions bearing the names such as Simian Maria, Joshua. Some were engraved with a small across next to its name. It might be burial ground for Jewish Christians.
HADASSAH HOSPITAL
Hadassah Hospital is the famous
place. It is a centre where many British
soldiers were buried.
In 1949 cease fire, mount Scopus became an Israel enclave in Jordanian territory. It regimented the rest of the city in 1967.
RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
It is one of the most important sites around Jerusalem. It played a central role on the life of Jesus. He came here often. He prophesied to his disciples that the temple would one day fall. Luke 19:41-44.
He went to pray. Mark 14:26-42. Judah arrived with company of officials and soldiers to arrest. John 18:1-12. The name Mount of Olives derives from Olive groves that cover the hill east of old city of Jerusalem across the Kidron vally.
THE CHAPEL OF ASCENSION
The peak of the Mount of Olives is considered the site of the ascension, since 4th century AD several churches have been erected, In 387, Matron poet menia founded the church of the Ascension on this site, it was destroyed by Persians in 614.
The crusaders built a small holy building surrounded by arched columns. These supported an open dome and sheltered a rock with celebrated foot primates of Christ. After the crusaders were defeated by Muslims in 12th century the building was burnt and turned to Mosque. But the original still stands today.
134
Russian Church of Ascension. It has the tallest spire in the area of Land marks of Mount of Olives. It honours John the Baptist Lutheran Church of the Ascension.
TOMBS OF PROPHET
Burial places of prophets like Haggai and Malachi were found grottos convict for the important places.
GATHSEMANE (OIL PRESS)
The garden is maintained by
Franciscans. Olive tress were there in
Jesus time. Titus cut down all the trees in
70 AD Duhem, he destroyed Jerusalem.
The Church of all nations is named after
16 countries, who helped to build it.
1.Jesus agonised in this place. Mathew
26:36-46. Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested by Soldiers. Math: 26: 47-56,
Luke 22: 47-53, Mathew: 26: 30-46. At the foot of the Mount of Olives just above the Kidron
Valley stood the garden of Gethsemane filled with Olive trees.Jesus spent his last hours in solitude here. Shortly after he was captured by the Romans. Today in Gethsemane visitors come to the Garden the Gethsemane. Basilica a Franciscan church which is one of the most beautiful in Jerusalem.
CHURCH on the TOMB OF VIRGIN MARY
Situated at the foot of the Mount of Olives in the Kidron Valley, the Church contains the traditional tomb of the Virgin Mary.
In 4th century AD, the church was built when the tomb of virgin many was surrounding rock the complex was surrendered by a wall which looks like a castle. In the center of the lower level is the Holy tomb of the Virgin Mary.
135
Kidron Valley
It is also called the Valley of Jahoshaphat. The valley runs 2-3/4 miles along the east wall of Jerusalem. During the reforms by Israel’s Kings, Idols and other Pagan items used in worship were disposed of in the Valley 1 to 5 pts.
The traditional site of the last supper and the house of Caiphas the high priest who examined Jesus before his crucifixion. In his coming and young men where there going to the temple to Gethsemane and to Bethleham. Jesus crossed over Kidron valley many times.
The church of St. Peter in Galli Cantu
This church is dedicated to Peter’s denial, so the word Galli Canter refers to the crowing of the cock. Many churches by Byzantine monastery were discovered on the grounds of the church. They were built on the ruins of the second temple period structure.
It contains underground rooms which
may have been used as guard houses and a prison. The discovered steps into the hill which leads to a path to the city of
David, the Kidron valley and Gethsemane.
This is the path that Jesus looks on his
way from upper room to Gethsemane and
his way back from Gethsemane to
Ciapha’s house. The Armenian Church of
Caiphas' is close to the Zion gate. Few found dwellings from the second temple period some of those have underground rooms and cellars. Armenian Patriarchs were buried in the cemetery next to the church.
136
Hinnom Valley:
Hinnom Valley lies South West of Mt
Zion. Bible says that child sacrifice took place in this area. (Jeri. 7:31-32). That was used as a cemetery for Pilgrims to
Jerusalem. The Chief Priests purchased this property with 30 pies of silver returned by
Judas and used it as a place to bury
foreigners (Math 27:3-10).
TOMB OF DAVID
The tomb of David is the traditional burial place of King David. It includes a large stone covered with silver crown and Torah Scrolls. During Muslim rule the tomb was taken over and turned into Mosque. The original shape has therefore been adopted for that purpose.
CITY OF DAVID
David city is matrix of the city of Jerusalem has been inhabited continuously. Since the time of King David. In connection with Melchizedec King of Salem “Priest of the Most
High” who blessed Abraham assured him of Victory over his adversaries and received from him a tenth of every thing Gen. 14:18-20.
According to Isa. 5:8-10. Over 3000 years ago David defended the city’s inhabitants, the
Jebusites and occupied the ancient Jerusalem. David brought to Jerusalem the Ark of the
Covenant, a Symbol of Unity of tribes and the covenant between the people of God.
Abraham built an altar where the story of sacrifice of Isaac on the mountains of the land of Moriah. The remains of the city of David are South of the present wall of the old city. Neh
2:11-
OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM
The old city of Jerusalem may be likened to a thick book with each page another chapter in its history. In each period different people and rulers stamped their particular mark on the face of the city. Due to those changes now it is a classic city.
The walls were built by Ottoman during Turkish sovereign in 16th century by sultan
Suleman who is magnificent.
137
Now we can enter into 7 gates. The eight gates, the golden gate in eastern wall of the temple mount was sealed by the Muslims many years ago. The gates lead to different quarters of the old city.
DOME OF THE ROCK
The Octagonally shaped mosque with brilliant blue Persian tiles erected over the site of the Jewish temple. The mosque was built in seventh century over the immense rough rock about 40 feet by 52 feet which rises 7 feet about the level of the temple area. If formed the base of the Jewish altar where burnt offerings were offered. The grooves and hole in the middle of the rock were there.
THE CHRISTIAN QUARTER,
Armenian quarter,Jewish quarter,
And Muslim quarter. The temple mount
Moriah, comprises about 35 acres the story of Jesus begins at temple mount. As
Zechariahs, the father of John the Baptist, served the Lord in the temple, an angel appeared (Luke 5:5-20) John would be the fore runner of the Messiah as the prophecies declared.
In Jesus day, the second temple stood proudly on the crest of the mountain for all to see.
It was built originally in the 6th century BC. The temple Jesus entered has been renovated and enlarged by Herod the great in the 1st century BC. Jesus visited temple mount many times during his life. Forty days after his birth Luke 2:27. When Jesus the was lost and found. He asked the parents Luke 2:29.
“Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my father’s house?”. During Jesus temptation experience Devil brought Jesus to the temple to test him.
Luke 4: 9 to 12).
138
Jesus temple triumphal entry in Jerusalem, out religious officials he accused of defiling the temple. Mark 11:15-18. Jesus said “My house shall be called the house of prayer for all the nations but you have made it a den of robbers.
But the final days of the temple would be disastrous as Jesus warned in his prophecies. It is written in Luke 21:5-6.