On a hilltop in Azekah

After a short night at the hotel, we set off for the first stop: Kiriath-Jearim. Here we had a chance to prepare ourselves for the day ahead and open our hearts to be receptive of how God would speak to us as we visited the various locations (Kiriath-Jearim; Azekah; Maresha; Beth Shemesh) that many of us have read before in the Old Testament. It was amazing getting insights from our guide Dan throughout the day on how the Israelites lived during this time from the olive oil production to the cisterns of Maresh. The highlight of the day for me was when we were standing on a hilltop in Azekah. As Steve read 1 Samuel 17, the story began to come to life and the realization of the significance of that battle between David and Goliath. David showed an unwavering faith as he went into battle with Goliath despite the enormous odds stacked against him. To this day, Israel views themselves as David being surrounded by hostile countries but that one day God will rescue them. It is a reminder in our own life that faith does not change even though our circumstances do.

— Chad Cochrane