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Israel Study Tour with Faith Chapel Billings
April 17-29, 2017
Subscription options are no longer available for this tour.
Landmarks to God’s word
What a first day to a bucket-list adventure. We not only saw some beautiful areas, but connecting the actual landmarks to God’s word really made the Bible come to life in a deeper meaning.
Our first stop was a garden memorial highlighting major elements to the Israel people. From the fruits of the land to the terms used in scripture we now have an even clearer understanding of the “pictures” written in God’s word. (If you see someone from the tour ask them what “land flowing with milk and honey” really means!).
Yad Hashmonah
The Biblical Village on the slope of Yad HaShmonah provides visitors with hands-on exposure to the manners and customs of the ancient Israelites. The garden includes olive trees and press, grape vines and several winepresses, wheat field and threshing floor, watchtower, Bedouin tents, ancient Galilean synagogue, and a burial cave. All have been constructed according to the best archaeological knowledge of ancient life.
The next stop was the land where Samson and Delilah’s story came to life. I now read that story with a clearer understanding of how this was a broken man who still was used by God.
Beth Shemesh
A border city between Judah and Dan, Beth Shemesh was given to the Levites. Beth Shemesh was the most important Israelite city in the Sorek Valley as it watched both east-west traffic through the Sorek Valley and north-south traffic along the “Diagonal Route.” Recent excavations have shown a thriving city here from the Middle Bronze Age through the Iron II period.
The next stop was the top of a hill where we viewed the valley where the battle of David and Goliath occurred. To see the actual hill the Israelites were camped on while the Philistines taunted them was moving. I use to think it was a battle between David and Goliath, but after seeing the valley and hearing the story once again it became clear it was a battle between our mighty God and the Philistines gods, all engulfed in a story of great faith in God by David. To finish off the day with all of us singing Amazing Grace in an incredible underground complex was not only beautiful, but also very moving.
Today made the Bible come alive in even more vibrant color and understanding. God is good, He is good indeed!
-Jay & Mary Hoffmann
Tel Azekah and Elah Valley
The Brook Elah is famous for the five stones it contributed to the young slinger, David. Some surmise that David chose five stones instead of the one needed in case he needed to face Goliath’s four brothers.
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