We visited Beit She'an this morning first thing. I have include a few photos that can speak volumes more than my writing. Located in the Jezreel Valley area, Beit She'an National Park houses some of Israel’s most spectacular archaeological finds. The excavations first began in 1989. The excavations here were completed in around 1996. The site leaves you with the thought of how engineer minded these people were; an ancient large amphitheater with a capacity of about 7,000 + -, a Byzantine era (eastern Roman Empire) colonnaded street, ritual baths, a pottery workshop, a basilica, a Roman temple and more.
Before the Byzantine era, It was on the walls of Beit She'an that the Philistines hanged the bodies of King Saul and his sons after being defeated on Mt. Gilboa. The site was overwhelming. In the large amphitheater, I stood at the center of the stage and voiced "My fellow Americans", the acoustics were amazing.
We then traveled to Gideon Springs. Reading from Judges 7, "So Jerub-baal (that is, Gideon) and his army got up early and went as far as the spring of Harod. The armies of Midian were camped north of them in the valley near the hill of Moreh". God displayed his ability by taking what Gideon though would be 10,000 soldiers down to 300. With these men, and nourishment from this stream, Gideon defeated the Midianites. The lesson according to Gary Chapman was, "not by might, but by his power".
Heading south, we entered Palestine. The terrain changed. I would compare it to a mountain desert. We entered the city of Jericho, a city located in the West Bank of the Palestinian territories. Well below sea level, it is 10 miles north of the Dead Sea. Jericho is the lowest permanently inhabited site on earth. Our guide referred to it as an oasis. It is also believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Just before lunch, we heard the Islamic call to prayer coming from speakers of the minaret at a local Mosque located in the center of this city, which is populated by approximately 20,000. Seliba, our tour guide pointed out the mountain where oral history says Jesus was tempted by the Devil.. Also, the "valley of the shadow of death". As a side note: I didn't enjoy the lunch today. As we were being seated, a cat exited our table. Jerry Morrison told me that we would soon desire America food....I'd pay $45 for a Lexington BBQ sandwich, Cheerwine and hush puppies!!!
We ended the day at the dead sea. A very nice hotel. We all went swimming. YOU CAN'T SINK!!! My face burned where I shaved this morning because of the salt cotent. I honestly think that everyone underestimates the salt content in this water. It is amazing!!!!
See this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbSUkD3Rtks
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