Day 05 - Galilee: Katzrin, Caesarea Philippi, Tel Dan

At our first site today, we started by putting on the garments of the 4th century at the Talmudic village of Katzrin in Golan Heights. Our guide quickly put us to work, kneading dough and baking bread, then crushing and pressing olives for their oil. She explained that, because of the extremely rocky soil in the region, the primary crops were the olive and the grape; these plants have strong roots and are able to withstand the difficult environment. The people who had lived there had built their community around a prominent synagogue—a constant reminder of the need to be rooted in God’s Word. 

On our way to Ceserea Philippi at the headwaters of the Jordan River, we were able to see both Syria and Lebanon in the distance, and learned a great deal from our guide, Dan, about the modern history of Israel. Archaeological excavations at Ceserea Philippi revealed much older history… a time when pagans worshiped idols and many gods at a place known as the gates of Hades. It was against this backdrop that Jesus asked his disciples first who the people thought he was, and then the more pointed question, “Who do you say that I am?” And, as Peter acknowledged him as Messiah and Son of the living God, Jesus declared that “the gates of Hades” would not overcome the church built on such a foundation. 

At Tel Dan, we followed the second of three rivers that later merge to form the Jordan River, both fed by melting snow from Mount Hermon, through lush forests. Here we saw incredible remains of the ancient cities of Lashish and Dan. We explored the temple which Jereboam had built as an alternative to worshiping God in Jerusalem… where they instead worshiped golden calves. They had forgotten what true worship was as they drifted from the truth of God’s Word. 

As we returned to our final night at Kibbutz En Giev, the sun setting over the Sea of Galilee was the perfect backdrop to celebrate the baptisms of Ingrid, Marilyn, and Ardell. Before they headed into the water, each affirmed a faith deeply rooted in God’s Word and trust in Christ, the only true and living God.

Afterwards, we went together to a nearby restaurant and enjoyed fish freshly caught from the Sea of Galilee… be sure to look at the pictures below of the specialty: St. Peter’s Fish!