Study Tour site descriptions of the places you will visit
On the Journey of Discovery Study Tour of Israel
AVDAT
The Nabateans were an ancient people who inhabited Arabia and the southern Israel area. They were merchants who brought herbs, incense, spices, perfumes and treasures from the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean Sea. This allowed them to acquire and sell fine wares from all over the world.
The Nabateans created a highway, which ran from Arabia to the Gaza area on the Mediterranean Sea. This route became known as the Spice Route of the Incense Route. The Nabateans built several cities along this route where the camel caravans of the merchants would stop for rest and to spend the night. These cities were vital to the safe journey of the caravans from Arabia to Gaza.
The Nabateans were very industrious in agriculture. They were able to produce crops in a limited space in a very dry climate. Several large wine presses were found in the ruins of their cities which indicates that they produced a lot of wine in the barren and dry climates. Their cities contained several large cisterns which they used to collect and store what little rain water this area received. They used this water for drinking and to irrigate their crops.
Their wealth and industry caused their trade route to become a very important highway in the desert. It not only served as a road for the travel of the camel caravans, which exported the spices from Arabia and imported goods from the Gaza port, the highway also became a safe way for people to travel in that area. They could travel safely by joining the merchant caravans and receive safe dwelling in the cities at night.
When Mary and Joseph fled Bethlehem Ephrata with the infant Jesus during the slaughter of the innocents by Herod, they traveled down the Patriarch road through Hebron to this Spice Route. They traveled safely along this Spice Route to one of the other roads leading to Egypt.
Situated high on the hill just off the ancient Spice Route sits the ancient city of Avdat. This ancient city was established in the third century BC and abandoned in the Sixth century AD after an earthquake shook the foundations of the city. The well preserved ancient ruins teach us a lot about the people who inhabited this ancient city.
The view from the top of the city overlooking the plateau below is breathtaking. One of the amazing features of this city is the cross shaped baptistery which was filled with water from the 210’ deep well. The early church built two churches at this site. The existing ruins are from churches built in the 4th and 5th centuries. We can learn much about the early church from the ruins we will see at these sites. These sites have icons from the early church which tell us much about what they believed and how they practiced. Our original research has discovered the meaning and significance of these icons which the early church left for us in these holy sites.
Dr. Steven L. Smith © 2013
The Nabateans were an ancient people who inhabited Arabia and the southern Israel area. They were merchants who brought herbs, incense, spices, perfumes and treasures from the Arabian Peninsula to the Mediterranean Sea. This allowed them to acquire and sell fine wares from all over the world.
The Nabateans created a highway, which ran from Arabia to the Gaza area on the Mediterranean Sea. This route became known as the Spice Route of the Incense Route. The Nabateans built several cities along this route where the camel caravans of the merchants would stop for rest and to spend the night. These cities were vital to the safe journey of the caravans from Arabia to Gaza.
The Nabateans were very industrious in agriculture. They were able to produce crops in a limited space in a very dry climate. Several large wine presses were found in the ruins of their cities which indicates that they produced a lot of wine in the barren and dry climates. Their cities contained several large cisterns which they used to collect and store what little rain water this area received. They used this water for drinking and to irrigate their crops.
Their wealth and industry caused their trade route to become a very important highway in the desert. It not only served as a road for the travel of the camel caravans, which exported the spices from Arabia and imported goods from the Gaza port, the highway also became a safe way for people to travel in that area. They could travel safely by joining the merchant caravans and receive safe dwelling in the cities at night.
When Mary and Joseph fled Bethlehem Ephrata with the infant Jesus during the slaughter of the innocents by Herod, they traveled down the Patriarch road through Hebron to this Spice Route. They traveled safely along this Spice Route to one of the other roads leading to Egypt.
Situated high on the hill just off the ancient Spice Route sits the ancient city of Avdat. This ancient city was established in the third century BC and abandoned in the Sixth century AD after an earthquake shook the foundations of the city. The well preserved ancient ruins teach us a lot about the people who inhabited this ancient city.
The view from the top of the city overlooking the plateau below is breathtaking. One of the amazing features of this city is the cross shaped baptistery which was filled with water from the 210’ deep well. The early church built two churches at this site. The existing ruins are from churches built in the 4th and 5th centuries. We can learn much about the early church from the ruins we will see at these sites. These sites have icons from the early church which tell us much about what they believed and how they practiced. Our original research has discovered the meaning and significance of these icons which the early church left for us in these holy sites.
Dr. Steven L. Smith © 2013
TZUBA
Nestled in the beautiful Judean hills sits the Kibbutz Tzuba. This fertile area is rich in produce and fruit trees and is mostly known for its wine production. In the valley below the kibbutz where fruit and grapes grow, a cave was discovered in 1999 which archaeologist Shimon Gibson concludes is the cave where John the Baptist lived. The cave bears drawings of a man whose garb resembled that of John the Baptist. The cave also holds inscriptions of crosses from the third and fourth centuries.
Outside of the cave are mikvehs (ritual baths) which were presumably used in Baptizing believers. This site is very dear to the heart of believers because it is from this site that the early church was launched. John practiced the commandment of Baptism here as well as in the Jordan River. We will also visit the site on the Jordan River where we believe John baptized Jesus, Israel crossed before conquering Jericho, and Elijah was caught up to Heaven in chariots of fire.
We will see at this site in Tzuba the function of baptism before the ministry of Christ. This cave also bears in its drawings an icon which closely resembles the icon of the early church and some of the earliest forms of the Christian cross. The icon of the early church links many of these ancient sites together indicating a commonness of belief and practice among the early church. These beliefs and practices are embedded in the origin and significance of the icon itself. What we will see at this site will confirm some of the same evidence we will se at other sites concerning the early church.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2013
Nestled in the beautiful Judean hills sits the Kibbutz Tzuba. This fertile area is rich in produce and fruit trees and is mostly known for its wine production. In the valley below the kibbutz where fruit and grapes grow, a cave was discovered in 1999 which archaeologist Shimon Gibson concludes is the cave where John the Baptist lived. The cave bears drawings of a man whose garb resembled that of John the Baptist. The cave also holds inscriptions of crosses from the third and fourth centuries.
Outside of the cave are mikvehs (ritual baths) which were presumably used in Baptizing believers. This site is very dear to the heart of believers because it is from this site that the early church was launched. John practiced the commandment of Baptism here as well as in the Jordan River. We will also visit the site on the Jordan River where we believe John baptized Jesus, Israel crossed before conquering Jericho, and Elijah was caught up to Heaven in chariots of fire.
We will see at this site in Tzuba the function of baptism before the ministry of Christ. This cave also bears in its drawings an icon which closely resembles the icon of the early church and some of the earliest forms of the Christian cross. The icon of the early church links many of these ancient sites together indicating a commonness of belief and practice among the early church. These beliefs and practices are embedded in the origin and significance of the icon itself. What we will see at this site will confirm some of the same evidence we will se at other sites concerning the early church.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2013
KATISIMAH
Katisimah lies approximately three miles south of Jerusalem on the ancient road known as the Patriarch road. In ancient times the Patriarch Road led from Jerusalem to Hebron where Abraham lived and the patriarchs of Israel are buried. All of the patriarchs and their wives are buried in Hebron except one. Abraham and Sarah are buried there. Isaac and Rebekah are buried there as well as Jacob and Leah. The only one of the patriarchal families that was not buried there is Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob.
On the left hand side of the Patriarch road about three miles south of Jerusalem stands the ruins of a third century monastery. The early monasteries were built on important holy sites. This monastery marks a holy site that is not mentioned in the Bible but is mentioned in extra- Biblical writings. The name Katisimah comes from the ancient Greek word which to sit or relax. The ancient church is built around a large rock that is the center of the site. History and tradition show that this is the place where Mary rested on the rock before her final ascent to the top of the hill where she gave birth to Jesus.
Ancient maps also show this as the place named Zelzah. Zelzah in the ancient Hebrew means shade or shadowing. This is quite possibly the same path that Jacob and Rachel walked when she gave birth to her second son, Benjamin. It is likely that this is the same place where Rachel died (shadowed her soul) before Jacob carried her body tot the top of the hill and buried her. Rachel was buried in Bethlehem Ephrata by the Tower of the Flock. Jesus was also born in Bethlehem Ephrata near the Tower of the Flock.
Katisimah is a significant site history of the church. It teaches us much about the birth of our Savior and his early childhood. History also demonstrates that Joseph and Mary traveled through this site on their flight to Egypt when Jesus was only two years old. The strong traditions connected to this site and the discoveries made at this site demonstrate the reliance the early church had on the Old Testament stories as well as the New Testament ones.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2014
Katisimah lies approximately three miles south of Jerusalem on the ancient road known as the Patriarch road. In ancient times the Patriarch Road led from Jerusalem to Hebron where Abraham lived and the patriarchs of Israel are buried. All of the patriarchs and their wives are buried in Hebron except one. Abraham and Sarah are buried there. Isaac and Rebekah are buried there as well as Jacob and Leah. The only one of the patriarchal families that was not buried there is Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob.
On the left hand side of the Patriarch road about three miles south of Jerusalem stands the ruins of a third century monastery. The early monasteries were built on important holy sites. This monastery marks a holy site that is not mentioned in the Bible but is mentioned in extra- Biblical writings. The name Katisimah comes from the ancient Greek word which to sit or relax. The ancient church is built around a large rock that is the center of the site. History and tradition show that this is the place where Mary rested on the rock before her final ascent to the top of the hill where she gave birth to Jesus.
Ancient maps also show this as the place named Zelzah. Zelzah in the ancient Hebrew means shade or shadowing. This is quite possibly the same path that Jacob and Rachel walked when she gave birth to her second son, Benjamin. It is likely that this is the same place where Rachel died (shadowed her soul) before Jacob carried her body tot the top of the hill and buried her. Rachel was buried in Bethlehem Ephrata by the Tower of the Flock. Jesus was also born in Bethlehem Ephrata near the Tower of the Flock.
Katisimah is a significant site history of the church. It teaches us much about the birth of our Savior and his early childhood. History also demonstrates that Joseph and Mary traveled through this site on their flight to Egypt when Jesus was only two years old. The strong traditions connected to this site and the discoveries made at this site demonstrate the reliance the early church had on the Old Testament stories as well as the New Testament ones.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2014
RAMAT RACHEL
Ramah is the Hebrew word meaning a high place. A Ramah is not just any geographical place that is higher than another but is a specific type of high place. A Ramah is a strategic mountain or hilltop that overlooks the surrounding areas. A Ramah is usually chosen as a strategic military position because of the ability such a place offers to see the enemy coming long before they arrive.
Jerusalem has two strategic Ramah’s. One is Ramah Samuel or Samuel’s Mountain. This is where Samuel had his school of the prophets and where Samuel was buried. When Saul was looking for his father’s donkies (I Samuel 9) he went to Samuel for help. Samuel was able to tell Saul that he saw them over by Rachel’s Tomb at Zelzah. How did Samuel know that the donkies were there? It is possible he knew because God told him. It is also possible he knew because he could see them from the Ramah where he was. One can see many miles from the Ramah of Samuel. Ramah Samuel lies south of Jerusalem and on a clear day a person can see far north of Jerusalem from there. The ancient city of Bethlehem is south east of Jerusalem and Ramah Samuel is south west of Jerusalem. Ancient Bethlehem is easily visible from Ramah Samuel.
The Hebrew word ramah in the feminine form is ramat. The proper name for the ramah of the ancient city of Bethlehem is Ramat Rachel. This is the place mentioned in the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:15 which speaks of Rachel’s crying from her tomb being heard in Ramah. Some people want to place the real site of Rachel’s Tomb north of Jerusalem because there is a city north of Jerusalem today that is named Ramah. The ancient city of Bethlehem Ephrata, Zelzah (Katisimah), and the Tower of the Flock were all in this area. Ramat Rachel is the place where Rachel’s voice could be heard and is also the ancient city of Bethlehem.
Ramat Rachel is a very important place in the history of God’s people. It is the place where Naomi and Boaz lived. It is the place where David’s father, Jesse, lived. It is where Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, set up his palace after he divided Israel into the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom. It is the place where the Israelites first returned from Babylon under the direction of Cyrus. It is the also the city connected to the village where Christ was born.
Ramat Rachel is very important to our study of the early church because it lays the background for the birth of Jesus. This city is very important throughout the history of God’s people. It is also vital to our study because it is connected to the events of prophecy. Matthew 2:17: -18 indicates that Herod’s slaughter of the innocents in this city was a partial fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:15. In the same context Jeremiah 31:16 will be fulfilled. Ramat Rachel teaches us about the future events coming to the church.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2014
Ramah is the Hebrew word meaning a high place. A Ramah is not just any geographical place that is higher than another but is a specific type of high place. A Ramah is a strategic mountain or hilltop that overlooks the surrounding areas. A Ramah is usually chosen as a strategic military position because of the ability such a place offers to see the enemy coming long before they arrive.
Jerusalem has two strategic Ramah’s. One is Ramah Samuel or Samuel’s Mountain. This is where Samuel had his school of the prophets and where Samuel was buried. When Saul was looking for his father’s donkies (I Samuel 9) he went to Samuel for help. Samuel was able to tell Saul that he saw them over by Rachel’s Tomb at Zelzah. How did Samuel know that the donkies were there? It is possible he knew because God told him. It is also possible he knew because he could see them from the Ramah where he was. One can see many miles from the Ramah of Samuel. Ramah Samuel lies south of Jerusalem and on a clear day a person can see far north of Jerusalem from there. The ancient city of Bethlehem is south east of Jerusalem and Ramah Samuel is south west of Jerusalem. Ancient Bethlehem is easily visible from Ramah Samuel.
The Hebrew word ramah in the feminine form is ramat. The proper name for the ramah of the ancient city of Bethlehem is Ramat Rachel. This is the place mentioned in the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:15 which speaks of Rachel’s crying from her tomb being heard in Ramah. Some people want to place the real site of Rachel’s Tomb north of Jerusalem because there is a city north of Jerusalem today that is named Ramah. The ancient city of Bethlehem Ephrata, Zelzah (Katisimah), and the Tower of the Flock were all in this area. Ramat Rachel is the place where Rachel’s voice could be heard and is also the ancient city of Bethlehem.
Ramat Rachel is a very important place in the history of God’s people. It is the place where Naomi and Boaz lived. It is the place where David’s father, Jesse, lived. It is where Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, set up his palace after he divided Israel into the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom. It is the place where the Israelites first returned from Babylon under the direction of Cyrus. It is the also the city connected to the village where Christ was born.
Ramat Rachel is very important to our study of the early church because it lays the background for the birth of Jesus. This city is very important throughout the history of God’s people. It is also vital to our study because it is connected to the events of prophecy. Matthew 2:17: -18 indicates that Herod’s slaughter of the innocents in this city was a partial fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:15. In the same context Jeremiah 31:16 will be fulfilled. Ramat Rachel teaches us about the future events coming to the church.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2014
CITY OF DAVID
The City of David (Ir Divid in the Hebrew) is not only a common site for many of the events of the Old Testament era but is also the setting for many of the events of Christ’s ministry recorded in the New Testament. The City of David was the palace complex of David’s kingdom. This complex sits just south of the Temple Mount. It contains some public places that were vital to Israel and Temple worship.
In 2004 archaeologist Eli Shukrun discovered the steps to the Pool of Siloam from Christ’s time. Before Eli’s discovery there was a Byzantine Pool of Siloam that tourists would visit. That pool is far too small to be the pool from Christ’s time. The pool that Eli discovered Is over an acre in size, is fed from the Gihon Spring, has the descent leading to it and the ascent which leads to the Temple Mount. There is little dispute that this is the real City of David from the Bible.
The site contains the holy ascent (Ophel) to the Temple. The visitors to the Temple would sing the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) as they climbed these stairs to the Temple. These steps display the violence of the Romans against Temple worshippers in the first century A.D.
Beside the pool of Siloam where the descent steps meet the pool is where Christ healed the man born blind (John 9). The context this site provides helps us understand the significance of the event of Christ healing the man born blind and His confrontation with the Pharisees.
The Upper Room of the burial house of David is just south of the pool of Siloam. This is the upper room where Christ had the Last Supper with His disciples. Communion is one of the basic ordinances of the church yet we understand so little about it. Why was Christ eating this meal with His disciples? Why here? When? How often should we observe communion? This site provides insight to what Christ did with His disciples on the evening before He was crucified.
The context this site provides helps us understand the ministry and life of Christ better. It gives us new insights into His teachings which are foundational to the church. Study of the Upper Room provides a more thorough understanding of one of the basic ordinances of the church.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2014
The City of David (Ir Divid in the Hebrew) is not only a common site for many of the events of the Old Testament era but is also the setting for many of the events of Christ’s ministry recorded in the New Testament. The City of David was the palace complex of David’s kingdom. This complex sits just south of the Temple Mount. It contains some public places that were vital to Israel and Temple worship.
In 2004 archaeologist Eli Shukrun discovered the steps to the Pool of Siloam from Christ’s time. Before Eli’s discovery there was a Byzantine Pool of Siloam that tourists would visit. That pool is far too small to be the pool from Christ’s time. The pool that Eli discovered Is over an acre in size, is fed from the Gihon Spring, has the descent leading to it and the ascent which leads to the Temple Mount. There is little dispute that this is the real City of David from the Bible.
The site contains the holy ascent (Ophel) to the Temple. The visitors to the Temple would sing the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120-134) as they climbed these stairs to the Temple. These steps display the violence of the Romans against Temple worshippers in the first century A.D.
Beside the pool of Siloam where the descent steps meet the pool is where Christ healed the man born blind (John 9). The context this site provides helps us understand the significance of the event of Christ healing the man born blind and His confrontation with the Pharisees.
The Upper Room of the burial house of David is just south of the pool of Siloam. This is the upper room where Christ had the Last Supper with His disciples. Communion is one of the basic ordinances of the church yet we understand so little about it. Why was Christ eating this meal with His disciples? Why here? When? How often should we observe communion? This site provides insight to what Christ did with His disciples on the evening before He was crucified.
The context this site provides helps us understand the ministry and life of Christ better. It gives us new insights into His teachings which are foundational to the church. Study of the Upper Room provides a more thorough understanding of one of the basic ordinances of the church.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2014
MOUNT OF OLIVES
The Mount of Olives contains several key components to the crux of all of history: the crucifixion of Christ. The Mount of Olives is the place where Christ spent time in prayer before His arrest, the place where He was crucified, and the place where He was buried. Perhaps the most overlooked significance of the Mount of Olives is its connection to the red heifer sacrifice.
Most people have heard about the red heifer that will come but few understand its significance to prophecy and the crucifixion of Christ. God commanded that the high priest be cleansed and the Temple be cleansed with the sacrifice of the red heifer. The red heifer had to be sacrificed outside the camp. After the Temple was built in Jerusalem, the red heifer was sacrificed on the Mount of Olives. A special bridge was constructed across the Kidron Valley which the priest would use to carry a combination of water from the Gihon Spring mixed with ashes from the red heifer burned with cedar wood, hyssop, and wool dyed scarlet. This special mixture was used to purify the Temple. The Eastern gate was normally blocked up and not used except for the year of the sacrifice of the red heifer. The Eastern gate was unblocked that year and used only by the high priest as he carried the mixture from the red heifer sacrifice across the special bridge into the Temple to sanctify it.
Christ was crucified just outside the Eastern gate on a hill beside the red heifer bridge. Luke indicates that the centurion beside the cross could see the veil of the Temple torn from top to bottom. The eastern gate was open which allowed the centurion to be able to see into the Temple. The reason the Eastern gate was unblocked when Christ was crucified is it was the year of the sacrifice of the red heifer. There were seven red heifer sacrifices in history. The last one was the year Christ was crucified.
The New Testament indicates that Jesus was the sacrifice outside of the city. Jesus was the red heifer sacrifice for our sins. He was the Passover sacrifice for us as well. In fact, He was all of the sacrifices in one. The red heifer sacrifice is very important to understanding Christ’s sacrifice for us.
Christ was buried at the bottom of the hill where He was crucified in the tomb of His mother’s uncle. Mary’s family was wealthy. Part of the family plot was in the garden of Gethsemane. The Garden of Gethsemane was at the base of the Mount of Olives. This is the garden where Jesus often went to pray and where He was buried. He had access to the garden because it belonged to his mother’s family.
The first martyr of the church was buried in the same area. Stephen’s tomb is also in the garden of Gethsemane. He was also related to Jesus’ family. The connection between the Old Testament sacrifices and the crucifixion of Christ is vital to understanding the context of the early church and their theology. They understood the Bible in a way that no one can without understanding some of the basic elements of the sacrificial system. The red heifer sacrifice is vital to understanding theology and prophecy.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2014
The Mount of Olives contains several key components to the crux of all of history: the crucifixion of Christ. The Mount of Olives is the place where Christ spent time in prayer before His arrest, the place where He was crucified, and the place where He was buried. Perhaps the most overlooked significance of the Mount of Olives is its connection to the red heifer sacrifice.
Most people have heard about the red heifer that will come but few understand its significance to prophecy and the crucifixion of Christ. God commanded that the high priest be cleansed and the Temple be cleansed with the sacrifice of the red heifer. The red heifer had to be sacrificed outside the camp. After the Temple was built in Jerusalem, the red heifer was sacrificed on the Mount of Olives. A special bridge was constructed across the Kidron Valley which the priest would use to carry a combination of water from the Gihon Spring mixed with ashes from the red heifer burned with cedar wood, hyssop, and wool dyed scarlet. This special mixture was used to purify the Temple. The Eastern gate was normally blocked up and not used except for the year of the sacrifice of the red heifer. The Eastern gate was unblocked that year and used only by the high priest as he carried the mixture from the red heifer sacrifice across the special bridge into the Temple to sanctify it.
Christ was crucified just outside the Eastern gate on a hill beside the red heifer bridge. Luke indicates that the centurion beside the cross could see the veil of the Temple torn from top to bottom. The eastern gate was open which allowed the centurion to be able to see into the Temple. The reason the Eastern gate was unblocked when Christ was crucified is it was the year of the sacrifice of the red heifer. There were seven red heifer sacrifices in history. The last one was the year Christ was crucified.
The New Testament indicates that Jesus was the sacrifice outside of the city. Jesus was the red heifer sacrifice for our sins. He was the Passover sacrifice for us as well. In fact, He was all of the sacrifices in one. The red heifer sacrifice is very important to understanding Christ’s sacrifice for us.
Christ was buried at the bottom of the hill where He was crucified in the tomb of His mother’s uncle. Mary’s family was wealthy. Part of the family plot was in the garden of Gethsemane. The Garden of Gethsemane was at the base of the Mount of Olives. This is the garden where Jesus often went to pray and where He was buried. He had access to the garden because it belonged to his mother’s family.
The first martyr of the church was buried in the same area. Stephen’s tomb is also in the garden of Gethsemane. He was also related to Jesus’ family. The connection between the Old Testament sacrifices and the crucifixion of Christ is vital to understanding the context of the early church and their theology. They understood the Bible in a way that no one can without understanding some of the basic elements of the sacrificial system. The red heifer sacrifice is vital to understanding theology and prophecy.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2014
GOOD SAMARITAN’S INN
Jesus tells the story of a Samaritan man who showed compassion and kindness to a Jewish pilgrim who was traveling to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. This pilgrim was beaten and robbed by thieves. After a priest and a Levite ignored this fellow worshipper lying beside the road, the Samaritan man stopped and helped him in his need. He nursed his wounds, carried him to an inn, took care of him, and left money for the innkeeper to care of him.
The Good Samaritan is an exemplary model of what Christians should be. We desperately need people with hearts of compassions and love like the Good Samaritan had.
A recently discovered ancient dwelling found north of Jerusalem in Samaria dates back to the time of Christ. This place could be the inn where the Samaritan took the robbed and beaten man. This site reminds us of the heart of compassion which the early believers possessed and which we should possess in the church today.
The site itself contains no evidence of the early church but there is a unique museum on the property which teaches us a lot about the early church. This museum is unique in that it contains replicas and originals of ancient floors found in Israel. Ancient floors are key to studying and understanding the history of the early church. Many ancient floors were mosaics with icons and inscriptions. The floors were made with small stones cut into tiny cubes. Different colored stones were used to make the designs in the tile floors. Icons were commonly incorporated because of the multi-linguistic society in which these floors were used. The content of these inscriptions was normally general in nature and non-offensive to the ruling powers.
These inscriptions and icons demonstrate the symbiosis between Israel and the early church. Some of the inscriptions are in ancient Hebrew and some are in ancient Greek. This is an amazing source of information because it brings the best information of the archaeology of Israel together into one place.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2014
Jesus tells the story of a Samaritan man who showed compassion and kindness to a Jewish pilgrim who was traveling to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. This pilgrim was beaten and robbed by thieves. After a priest and a Levite ignored this fellow worshipper lying beside the road, the Samaritan man stopped and helped him in his need. He nursed his wounds, carried him to an inn, took care of him, and left money for the innkeeper to care of him.
The Good Samaritan is an exemplary model of what Christians should be. We desperately need people with hearts of compassions and love like the Good Samaritan had.
A recently discovered ancient dwelling found north of Jerusalem in Samaria dates back to the time of Christ. This place could be the inn where the Samaritan took the robbed and beaten man. This site reminds us of the heart of compassion which the early believers possessed and which we should possess in the church today.
The site itself contains no evidence of the early church but there is a unique museum on the property which teaches us a lot about the early church. This museum is unique in that it contains replicas and originals of ancient floors found in Israel. Ancient floors are key to studying and understanding the history of the early church. Many ancient floors were mosaics with icons and inscriptions. The floors were made with small stones cut into tiny cubes. Different colored stones were used to make the designs in the tile floors. Icons were commonly incorporated because of the multi-linguistic society in which these floors were used. The content of these inscriptions was normally general in nature and non-offensive to the ruling powers.
These inscriptions and icons demonstrate the symbiosis between Israel and the early church. Some of the inscriptions are in ancient Hebrew and some are in ancient Greek. This is an amazing source of information because it brings the best information of the archaeology of Israel together into one place.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2014
ZIPPORI
The ancient city of Zippori was known as the “Ornament of the Galilee.” It lies in the heart of the Lower Galilee half way between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean. Zippori sits on a hill 285m above sea level overlooking the Bet Netofa Valley.
Zippori received its name from the Hebrew word meaning “bird.” It received its name because of its view. It overlooks its surrounding area with a bird’s eye view. The city was built at the intersection of two major ancient roads.
Because of its strategic location, it was the capitol of the Galilee. Because of its popularity, it reflects the influence of many people groups. The Sanhedrin was located here in the third century. Rome had its influence and at times control of the city. Egypt’s presence is evidenced also. Early churches were built there indicating its significance to Christianity.
Zippori had a significant relationship to Egypt around the first century B.C. A very large mosaic floor is found in the ruins of an ancient structure just off the main Cardo. This mosaic pictures many key elements from Alexandria, Egypt, including the tower of Alexandria titled in ancient Greek. Why was Egypt so important to this city in Galilee? Evidence and history demonstrate that this city was a gift from Mark Antony to his girlfriend, Cleopatra. The Roman ruler Marcus Antonius held a tragic love relationship with Cleopatra VII Philopator, the Pharaoh of Egypt. Their love ended in a dual suicide. This true love story is the basis of many tragic romances such as Romeo and Juliet.
The significance of this site is enormous to Christianity. Not only do we have inscriptions from the time of Christ and evidence of heavy Jewish influence, there is another significant factor involved in this city. Zippori is the hometown of Mary the mother of Jesus. Many have the perception that Mary was a poor little Jewish girl who happened to be the mother of Christ. This is quite contrary to the truth. Not only was Mary from a wealthy city, she was the daughter of the godly Anne and Joachim.
Mary was born into a priestly family. Her mother’s family had the priestly duty of providing the Saffron for the sacrifices in the Temple. Saffron is very expensive and produced wealth for Anne’s family. Anne’s brother, Joseph of Arimathaea, provided his tomb in the garden of Gethsemane for the burial of Jesus’ body. This garden on the Mount of Olives where Jesus spent much time in prayer was part of the family plot. One had to be wealthy to own a plot of land on the Mount of Olives.
Since Mary was a resident of Zippori she had citizenship rights in Egypt. When Herod sought to kill the infant Jesus when He was two, Mary and Joseph left Bethlehem Ephrata and fled to Egypt. Why did they go to Egypt? They were safe there from the power of Herod. Egypt offered them protection because Mary was from Zippori.
Mary’s priestly heritage also explains why Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem Ephrata for the census when Jesus was born. Anne’s family was from the Levitical city of Bethlehem Ephrata. Bethlehem Ephrata provided all of the elements for the sacrifices in the Temple. It provided the lambs for sacrifices, the wheat and barely for the showbread, and the olive oil for the Menorah. Evidence of all of the spices for the Temple has been found in the area.
The inscriptions and icons found at Zippori not only connect all of theses elements, they demonstrate Jesus’ Jewish heritage. Not only is this Jesus’ heritage, it is the heritage of all believers. Zippori is a site that demonstrates the early believers’ connection to rest of the world. Zippori was also known as Eirenopolis, the city of peace. This was a place where many different people groups lived together in peace. The cultural context of Zippori provides much background information to Jesus’ life and the roots of Christianity.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2014
The ancient city of Zippori was known as the “Ornament of the Galilee.” It lies in the heart of the Lower Galilee half way between the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean. Zippori sits on a hill 285m above sea level overlooking the Bet Netofa Valley.
Zippori received its name from the Hebrew word meaning “bird.” It received its name because of its view. It overlooks its surrounding area with a bird’s eye view. The city was built at the intersection of two major ancient roads.
Because of its strategic location, it was the capitol of the Galilee. Because of its popularity, it reflects the influence of many people groups. The Sanhedrin was located here in the third century. Rome had its influence and at times control of the city. Egypt’s presence is evidenced also. Early churches were built there indicating its significance to Christianity.
Zippori had a significant relationship to Egypt around the first century B.C. A very large mosaic floor is found in the ruins of an ancient structure just off the main Cardo. This mosaic pictures many key elements from Alexandria, Egypt, including the tower of Alexandria titled in ancient Greek. Why was Egypt so important to this city in Galilee? Evidence and history demonstrate that this city was a gift from Mark Antony to his girlfriend, Cleopatra. The Roman ruler Marcus Antonius held a tragic love relationship with Cleopatra VII Philopator, the Pharaoh of Egypt. Their love ended in a dual suicide. This true love story is the basis of many tragic romances such as Romeo and Juliet.
The significance of this site is enormous to Christianity. Not only do we have inscriptions from the time of Christ and evidence of heavy Jewish influence, there is another significant factor involved in this city. Zippori is the hometown of Mary the mother of Jesus. Many have the perception that Mary was a poor little Jewish girl who happened to be the mother of Christ. This is quite contrary to the truth. Not only was Mary from a wealthy city, she was the daughter of the godly Anne and Joachim.
Mary was born into a priestly family. Her mother’s family had the priestly duty of providing the Saffron for the sacrifices in the Temple. Saffron is very expensive and produced wealth for Anne’s family. Anne’s brother, Joseph of Arimathaea, provided his tomb in the garden of Gethsemane for the burial of Jesus’ body. This garden on the Mount of Olives where Jesus spent much time in prayer was part of the family plot. One had to be wealthy to own a plot of land on the Mount of Olives.
Since Mary was a resident of Zippori she had citizenship rights in Egypt. When Herod sought to kill the infant Jesus when He was two, Mary and Joseph left Bethlehem Ephrata and fled to Egypt. Why did they go to Egypt? They were safe there from the power of Herod. Egypt offered them protection because Mary was from Zippori.
Mary’s priestly heritage also explains why Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem Ephrata for the census when Jesus was born. Anne’s family was from the Levitical city of Bethlehem Ephrata. Bethlehem Ephrata provided all of the elements for the sacrifices in the Temple. It provided the lambs for sacrifices, the wheat and barely for the showbread, and the olive oil for the Menorah. Evidence of all of the spices for the Temple has been found in the area.
The inscriptions and icons found at Zippori not only connect all of theses elements, they demonstrate Jesus’ Jewish heritage. Not only is this Jesus’ heritage, it is the heritage of all believers. Zippori is a site that demonstrates the early believers’ connection to rest of the world. Zippori was also known as Eirenopolis, the city of peace. This was a place where many different people groups lived together in peace. The cultural context of Zippori provides much background information to Jesus’ life and the roots of Christianity.
© Copyright Dr. Steven L. Smith 2014