I know I have not written on my blog on a very long time so let me explain my absence. Last week at school was midterm week here so I had 24 pages of papers to write in about 3 days. I only had about 3 days because we had a 3 day fields study the previous weekend. So needless to say I was very very busy this last week.
Last weekend we had a 3 day field study that went from Saturday to Monday. On Saturday we left Jerusalem at 7 in the morning as usual. From there we drove west towards the Shephalah. The Shephalah is the small foothills between the hills of Judah and the coast. One of the places that we visited was Lacish. Lacish is the city in the middle of the Shephalah that basically the whole region. It is one of the cites that king Hezekiah fortified to prepare the nation for the invasion of Sennacherib. Needless to say Sennacherib came through the Shephalah and destroyed Lacish. One unique thing about Lacish is that there was a chariot garrison that was stationed there. While we were there I was reminded of the verse in Psalms that says "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." King Hezekiah was never able to fully trust God for his defense so when Sennacherib attacked he wiped out all the defenses he had.
After that day we drove to Beer-Sheba in the Negev and stayed the night there. The next morning we woke up and drove to the Biblical sight of Beer-Sheba. Here was a sight that was out in the middle of the desert and had no civilization on the sight until the time of the united monarchy in Israel. There was no way that there could of been a city there before there was an outside government to keep it well supplied. It was built to direct the trade from Arabia to Jerusalem instead of the coast. We then went to Arad where there is a holy of hollies with 2 incense burners and two standing stones. This made it pretty clear that Israel was not only worshiping one God and is evidence of what the prophets say is the state of Israel. After that we visited the largest erosion crater on earth. The size of it is breathtaking. It was massive and was so awesome to sit on the side of the cliff and look out into the crater as Ibex jumped around on nearby rocks.
The next day was my birthday and probably my favorite day in Israel so far. We started the day at Herod's desert fortress of Masada. Masada is on a high plateau near the shore of the Dead Sea. Our group spent all morning here. It was a spectacular sight and must have been even more spectacular in the time of Herod. From there we went to the Dead Sea and were able to swim around in it. It was very strange. You did not need to try and swim, you couldn't help but float. Later we went to Qumran where the majority of the Dead Sea scrolls were found. That was a very cool location. The legend is that a passing Bedouin threw a rock into the cave that held the scrolls and heard a pot break. So naturally all the guys in the group tried to throw a rock in the exact cave. Let me tell you, that Bedouin had a good arm.
After that we went home and I began one of the many papers I had this week. I am finally done with midterm week and will be home before I know it, the time is just flying by. Thank you all for reading
Jason
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Samaria
Sunday we were in Samaria (Ephraim and Menassah). It was a great field study. A few of the highlights were going up to Mount Gerizim where Joshua and the Israelites recited the blessings and curses when they entered Canaan. Samaritans still live on this mountain. (about 300 of them) There are only about 800 of them in the world. They believe that only the Torah is scripture and that Mount Gerizim should be the sight of the Temple. On the mountian they still preform Levitical sacrifices and they said last Yom Kippur they sacrificed 50 sheep.
So here is my reaction report.
Our first stop on our Samaria field study was a scenic overlook down towards the Rift Valley. Unfortunately it was very foggy so we could not see down into the valley. Even with our view obstructed we began to talk about the tribal allotments of Ephraim and Manasseh, or Samaria, as it is called in the New Testament. We discussed that there is no real conquest narrative in Joshua about this part of Israel but it is clear through the Bible that this area was settled by the Israelites and they even set up the Tabernacle at Shiloh, the center of this territory. One of the reasons for this is that the people of Israel already considered this land as theirs. This area is where Abraham had settled, and Isaac even purchased land. Because of this the Israelites may of thought there was no need for a conquest story when the land they were entering already belonged to them. This is a very prevalent theory considering the events surrounding us today. For the last six months there has been a hold on Israeli settlements being built in the West Bank. Today, September 26th, is the day that agreement expires. The Israeli settlers have made it clear that as soon as the band is lifted they will begin settling in the West Bank again. They are planning on doing this because they have the same mindset that the Israelites had 3000 years ago. That land is their land and they should take it without having to pay for it or compensate the people settled there.
Our next stop was Jacob's well. The church that was over top of Jacob's well was relatively new and extremely beautiful. The gardens around the church were stunning. Before us stood this exquisite church and everyone in our group pointed their cameras towards the trees and flowers in the surrounding garden. As I watched I thought about how God is the ultimate architect. Here was a brand new church and yet all cameras and focus were turned towards what God has been creating for thousands of years. The inside of the church was beautiful, with huge pictures of events from the Bible and early church. As we walked down the stairs to Jacob's well the peaceful church turned into a mad house. It was just a small room that held the well and it was packed with pilgrims all wanting to look at and taste the water from this “holy” well. I stood there, surrounded by pilgrims pushing and shoving just so they could get a sip. I thought to myself, “is this really how Jesus would have wanted us to act around the sight where he first revealed himself to the Samaritans? I do not think he would even consider this place important since he was worried about the woman at the well and not the well itself.
Later we went to the top of Mount Garizin where the Israelites shouted the blessings of the Lord from. Just on the other side of the fog was Mount Ebal. That was the mountain that the Israelites shouted the curses from. These blessings and curses were conditional. If the Israelites obeyed the Lord and kept his commandments they would be blessed. If they turned from him and did what they pleased they would be cursed. This was very evident at our next sight, Shiloh. Shiloh is where the Israelites set up the Tabernacle when they entered the land and it resided in the most powerful tribe, Ephraim. Because of the wickedness of the High priest's sons the ark of the Lord was taken and the city of Shiloh was destroyed. Because the people were unable to follow the commands God moved the ark, and his presence, from Shiloh in Ephraim to Jerusalem in Judea.
Thank you all for reading. Dad, thanks for showing Granddad and Grandmom the pictures.
So here is my reaction report.
Our first stop on our Samaria field study was a scenic overlook down towards the Rift Valley. Unfortunately it was very foggy so we could not see down into the valley. Even with our view obstructed we began to talk about the tribal allotments of Ephraim and Manasseh, or Samaria, as it is called in the New Testament. We discussed that there is no real conquest narrative in Joshua about this part of Israel but it is clear through the Bible that this area was settled by the Israelites and they even set up the Tabernacle at Shiloh, the center of this territory. One of the reasons for this is that the people of Israel already considered this land as theirs. This area is where Abraham had settled, and Isaac even purchased land. Because of this the Israelites may of thought there was no need for a conquest story when the land they were entering already belonged to them. This is a very prevalent theory considering the events surrounding us today. For the last six months there has been a hold on Israeli settlements being built in the West Bank. Today, September 26th, is the day that agreement expires. The Israeli settlers have made it clear that as soon as the band is lifted they will begin settling in the West Bank again. They are planning on doing this because they have the same mindset that the Israelites had 3000 years ago. That land is their land and they should take it without having to pay for it or compensate the people settled there.
Our next stop was Jacob's well. The church that was over top of Jacob's well was relatively new and extremely beautiful. The gardens around the church were stunning. Before us stood this exquisite church and everyone in our group pointed their cameras towards the trees and flowers in the surrounding garden. As I watched I thought about how God is the ultimate architect. Here was a brand new church and yet all cameras and focus were turned towards what God has been creating for thousands of years. The inside of the church was beautiful, with huge pictures of events from the Bible and early church. As we walked down the stairs to Jacob's well the peaceful church turned into a mad house. It was just a small room that held the well and it was packed with pilgrims all wanting to look at and taste the water from this “holy” well. I stood there, surrounded by pilgrims pushing and shoving just so they could get a sip. I thought to myself, “is this really how Jesus would have wanted us to act around the sight where he first revealed himself to the Samaritans? I do not think he would even consider this place important since he was worried about the woman at the well and not the well itself.
Later we went to the top of Mount Garizin where the Israelites shouted the blessings of the Lord from. Just on the other side of the fog was Mount Ebal. That was the mountain that the Israelites shouted the curses from. These blessings and curses were conditional. If the Israelites obeyed the Lord and kept his commandments they would be blessed. If they turned from him and did what they pleased they would be cursed. This was very evident at our next sight, Shiloh. Shiloh is where the Israelites set up the Tabernacle when they entered the land and it resided in the most powerful tribe, Ephraim. Because of the wickedness of the High priest's sons the ark of the Lord was taken and the city of Shiloh was destroyed. Because the people were unable to follow the commands God moved the ark, and his presence, from Shiloh in Ephraim to Jerusalem in Judea.
Thank you all for reading. Dad, thanks for showing Granddad and Grandmom the pictures.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Benjamin
Our last field study was on the land of Benjamin. This land is right between Judah and Israel after the kingdoms split. Its borders are marked by 4 cities. Jerusalem in the south, Jericho in the east, Bethel to the north, and Gezer to the west. Since we live in Jerusalem we drove from there to Jericho. From Jericho we traveled to Nebi Samwil. It is a hilltop just south of the Central Benjamin Plateau. The Byzantines claimed it was the place the prophet Samuel was born and died. (It isn't) From there you can see Gibeon, (The city Joshua makes an alliance with) Geba, (where Saul was born and his capital city) and Ramah. (The place of Samuel's birth and death) From there we drove to Gezer near the west coast and finished our field study as the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea. The next day a different class took a field study to Tekoa. (the place Amos was from) Then we drove through the Valley of Elah. (David and Goliath) Over all it was a very tiring 2 days and the fact that I had a test the next day did not make it easier. Here is my reaction report on the day.
Our first stop on our field study was the wilderness to the east of Jerusalem. Looking out over miles and miles of pure wasteland I was in complete awe of the expanse. I was amazed still further when I heard that Jesus spent 40 days out in this desert, fasting and praying. For me, I have never fasted for more than 30 hours and have always been in a comfortable location. Jesus went out into this wilderness to prepare himself for his ministry. Every single field study we go on I have come away from it with a greater appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice for us. Imagining Jesus suffering and being tempted in this spot opened to mind to the suffering of Christ, not only on the cross, but as a man. This view gave new life to the verses in Philippians 2 saying, “but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Our next stop was at Jericho. This city is truly an oasis. From the top of the old testament site of Jericho you can see the desert on all sides, completely surrounding the dot of green that is Jericho. It is a very interesting city because you can trace its history by just looking around. If you are standing on the Old Testament site you are standing on the oldest city that archeologists have uncovered. I was actually able to climb down the steps of the oldest building known to man while on the Old Testament tel. It is a tower that does not look like much of a structure at all. It is only after you begin to descend the stairs into it that you feel a sense of history and time. In one of our archeology classes Dr. Gaby Barkay told us that one of the greatest inventions would be a machine that could see what a stone saw throughout its lifetime. I thought about this machine when I climbed down this tower. What incredible sights it has seen.
As I looked to the south I could see the remains of Herod the Great's palace he built in Jericho. Here the first bridge in the entire Middle East was built. When I looked to the west of Herod's pleasure palace I saw the forts of Herod, who would have been keeping a watchful eye on the commerce and trade coming through this city. I looked east to the Byzantine site of Jericho. Here there was a thriving modern city. In certain places the Byzantines remembered such Biblical events as Zacchaeus by fencing in an ancient sycamore tree. Finally to the north of me was the Palestinian refugee camp. Still in the same place they were forced to move to 60 years ago. Refusing to move into and integrate with the Palestinians living in Jericho because they are still waiting to return to the place they call home. Such a diverse history, and present, sharing in this one green oasis in the middle of the desert.
We next went up to Nebi Samwil. Here I could see the entire Central Benjamin Plateau before me. I could see where many of the important stories of the Bible took place just from this lookout. The Central Benjamin Plateau sitting in between Judah and Israel like a giant gear that makes Israel tick. From here you can go anywhere in Israel. This is why Saul set up his capital here, on the plateau. This is why this land was always so hotly contested among Judah and its enemies. With possession of this land you could create a choke hold on the other nations around you by dividing and uniting how you please. It is just like God to give the youngest and smallest tribe the most important and central land in all of Israel.
Thank you all for reading and responding. I am glad you all are enjoying the blog. I hope most have you have seen the pictures on my facebook.
Granddad and Grandmom if you guys have not seen the pictures tell Dad to bring them up on facebook for you Next time he is over watching the Phils play.
Thanks again, Jason
Our first stop on our field study was the wilderness to the east of Jerusalem. Looking out over miles and miles of pure wasteland I was in complete awe of the expanse. I was amazed still further when I heard that Jesus spent 40 days out in this desert, fasting and praying. For me, I have never fasted for more than 30 hours and have always been in a comfortable location. Jesus went out into this wilderness to prepare himself for his ministry. Every single field study we go on I have come away from it with a greater appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice for us. Imagining Jesus suffering and being tempted in this spot opened to mind to the suffering of Christ, not only on the cross, but as a man. This view gave new life to the verses in Philippians 2 saying, “but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Our next stop was at Jericho. This city is truly an oasis. From the top of the old testament site of Jericho you can see the desert on all sides, completely surrounding the dot of green that is Jericho. It is a very interesting city because you can trace its history by just looking around. If you are standing on the Old Testament site you are standing on the oldest city that archeologists have uncovered. I was actually able to climb down the steps of the oldest building known to man while on the Old Testament tel. It is a tower that does not look like much of a structure at all. It is only after you begin to descend the stairs into it that you feel a sense of history and time. In one of our archeology classes Dr. Gaby Barkay told us that one of the greatest inventions would be a machine that could see what a stone saw throughout its lifetime. I thought about this machine when I climbed down this tower. What incredible sights it has seen.
As I looked to the south I could see the remains of Herod the Great's palace he built in Jericho. Here the first bridge in the entire Middle East was built. When I looked to the west of Herod's pleasure palace I saw the forts of Herod, who would have been keeping a watchful eye on the commerce and trade coming through this city. I looked east to the Byzantine site of Jericho. Here there was a thriving modern city. In certain places the Byzantines remembered such Biblical events as Zacchaeus by fencing in an ancient sycamore tree. Finally to the north of me was the Palestinian refugee camp. Still in the same place they were forced to move to 60 years ago. Refusing to move into and integrate with the Palestinians living in Jericho because they are still waiting to return to the place they call home. Such a diverse history, and present, sharing in this one green oasis in the middle of the desert.
We next went up to Nebi Samwil. Here I could see the entire Central Benjamin Plateau before me. I could see where many of the important stories of the Bible took place just from this lookout. The Central Benjamin Plateau sitting in between Judah and Israel like a giant gear that makes Israel tick. From here you can go anywhere in Israel. This is why Saul set up his capital here, on the plateau. This is why this land was always so hotly contested among Judah and its enemies. With possession of this land you could create a choke hold on the other nations around you by dividing and uniting how you please. It is just like God to give the youngest and smallest tribe the most important and central land in all of Israel.
Thank you all for reading and responding. I am glad you all are enjoying the blog. I hope most have you have seen the pictures on my facebook.
Granddad and Grandmom if you guys have not seen the pictures tell Dad to bring them up on facebook for you Next time he is over watching the Phils play.
Thanks again, Jason
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
around Jerusalem
Here is another one of my reaction papers that I wrote for my field study we took to the Mount of Olives, the Herodion, Bethlehem and others
As I stood on Mount Scopus, the place where millions of pilgrims and numerous armies stood, I wondered what it was about this city that made it such an historical landmark. Jerusalem laid before me, nestled between the hills around it. The walls surrounding the Old City were rather small and with mountains surrounding it, it appeared rather insignificant. Yet many conquers through the ages stood at the very same place I did and were ready to take the city to prove their power. I thought back to our first day of Archeology class where Dr. Barkay asked the class what made Jerusalem such an important city. It took us a while for us to answer this question. Many of us stated that it was a city that was significant to three religions. He explained that it was only after the city was important did it become a center for Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. One of us finally answered that it was important because David made it the capital of Israel. Clearly this was the answer. No one would find any importance in a lone Jebusite city in the middle of Israel, but David's decision to make it the capital set off a chain reaction that ultimately led me to be standing on Mount Scopus, overlooking the small, hidden city of Jerusalem.
As we traversed down the Mount of Olives I could not help thinking about what Jesus felt as he crested the mountain and headed down towards Jerusalem. Knowing what awaited him in the city that he loved and wanted to take under his wing. As we entered the church to commemorate the place on the mountain where Jesus wept, the gravity of his decision began to hit me. All he needed to do was to hike up the Mount of Olives for about 20 minutes and he would be able to escape his fate in the Judean wilderness. Even though he knew his destiny he was not crying for himself, but for the people who lived in Jerusalem who he knew would never accept him. As I entered the Garden of Gethsemane, just a valley away from the eastern entrance of Jerusalem, I could see why he began to pray so intensely he sweat blood. Jerusalem so daunting before him, it was intimidating even to me who knew I was completely safe. The trip down the Mount of Olives really gave me a new appreciation for a man who denied himself so that we could all live.
In contrast to this was the Herodion. This landmark is a testimony to a man who was the exact opposite of Jesus. He spent his entire life trying to exalt himself and do things that would benefit him. The tomb of Herod, meant to be a beacon of his greatness, was now smashed to pieces with only the base still standing. His grand palace built for his pleasure and to display his power is nothing but a pile of stones on a mountain. As I looked down on the ruins of the Herodion I contrasted Herod's life to Jesus, who never exalted himself. The only thing left that Herod built was ruins, while almost everywhere that Jesus went a beautiful cathedral was built to commemorate the event. Not only this, but Jesus' legacy lives on in the millions who follow after him today. Herod is only remembered because of his interaction with Jesus, a homeless craftsman. This reminded me of the words of Jesus in Luke 14:11 “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
We also went hiking in north Galilee. It was a beautiful hike but unfortunately I forgot my camera :)
Thank you all for reading and for the positive feedback. For a while I thought my mom was my only reader :) (not that there is anything wrong with that)
Thanks again
Jason
As I stood on Mount Scopus, the place where millions of pilgrims and numerous armies stood, I wondered what it was about this city that made it such an historical landmark. Jerusalem laid before me, nestled between the hills around it. The walls surrounding the Old City were rather small and with mountains surrounding it, it appeared rather insignificant. Yet many conquers through the ages stood at the very same place I did and were ready to take the city to prove their power. I thought back to our first day of Archeology class where Dr. Barkay asked the class what made Jerusalem such an important city. It took us a while for us to answer this question. Many of us stated that it was a city that was significant to three religions. He explained that it was only after the city was important did it become a center for Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. One of us finally answered that it was important because David made it the capital of Israel. Clearly this was the answer. No one would find any importance in a lone Jebusite city in the middle of Israel, but David's decision to make it the capital set off a chain reaction that ultimately led me to be standing on Mount Scopus, overlooking the small, hidden city of Jerusalem.
As we traversed down the Mount of Olives I could not help thinking about what Jesus felt as he crested the mountain and headed down towards Jerusalem. Knowing what awaited him in the city that he loved and wanted to take under his wing. As we entered the church to commemorate the place on the mountain where Jesus wept, the gravity of his decision began to hit me. All he needed to do was to hike up the Mount of Olives for about 20 minutes and he would be able to escape his fate in the Judean wilderness. Even though he knew his destiny he was not crying for himself, but for the people who lived in Jerusalem who he knew would never accept him. As I entered the Garden of Gethsemane, just a valley away from the eastern entrance of Jerusalem, I could see why he began to pray so intensely he sweat blood. Jerusalem so daunting before him, it was intimidating even to me who knew I was completely safe. The trip down the Mount of Olives really gave me a new appreciation for a man who denied himself so that we could all live.
In contrast to this was the Herodion. This landmark is a testimony to a man who was the exact opposite of Jesus. He spent his entire life trying to exalt himself and do things that would benefit him. The tomb of Herod, meant to be a beacon of his greatness, was now smashed to pieces with only the base still standing. His grand palace built for his pleasure and to display his power is nothing but a pile of stones on a mountain. As I looked down on the ruins of the Herodion I contrasted Herod's life to Jesus, who never exalted himself. The only thing left that Herod built was ruins, while almost everywhere that Jesus went a beautiful cathedral was built to commemorate the event. Not only this, but Jesus' legacy lives on in the millions who follow after him today. Herod is only remembered because of his interaction with Jesus, a homeless craftsman. This reminded me of the words of Jesus in Luke 14:11 “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
We also went hiking in north Galilee. It was a beautiful hike but unfortunately I forgot my camera :)
Thank you all for reading and for the positive feedback. For a while I thought my mom was my only reader :) (not that there is anything wrong with that)
Thanks again
Jason
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Two things
So several days ago we had our first full day field study. This consisted of 11 hours of walking around the old city of Jerusalem in the extreme heat. Here is the reaction paper I wrote for it.
After today's field study I will remember that Jerusalem is not built on flat ground. It seemed like any time we moved we were either going up or down a hill. Because we were visiting the sites of the Old Testament first our group headed towards the City of David. As we walked through the Zion gate I could immediately feel and see us descending. Sitting atop the long Eastern Hill, the City of David is a interesting site. While it is the oldest part of the city of Jerusalem, it is not included in the walls of the modern “Old City”. The City of David is no longer part of the Old City but a national park full of excavations and tour groups. It is strange to think that at one point it was the only part of Jerusalem that existed.
From the spot where David's palace once stood I finally was able to attach a place with the place I had read about in the Bible. I could look around and see what the psalmist meant when he said, “I will lift my eyes up to the hills.” I understood the physical significance to calling God the “Most High”. For the city of Jerusalem the Temple literally was the highest point of the city. As we moved through the City of David we went down what is known as Warren's Shaft. At the end of this shaft is the spring that provided Jerusalem with water. This source of water was known as the spring of Gihon. This also was the site that Solomon was anointed as king over Israel. It was here where I began to think about how much history is everywhere you walk in the area of Jerusalem.
It seemed like every step I took had different historical significance. This is much different than America because it is such a young, yet large country. Even a sight of the smallest historical significance is marked by a sign or a plaque. In Jerusalem it is much different. Each historical sight is covered by layers and layers of debris, houses and people. Many of these places are lost because of the plethora of people and armies that used this land as a land bridge to move around in the Middle East. Still others are placed in a certain place by years and years of tradition but is clearly not the accurate location of the historical event. For instance the Bible clearly says that David was buried in the City of David in 1 Kings 2:10, but the traditional location of his tomb is outside of the City of David and on the hill next to where the city was.
After lunch we traveled to the sights with New Testament significance. We walked over to the base of the Temple Mount. When we got there we sat ourselves right next to Robinson's Arch and stared up at the majesty of a structure that no longer existed. Just imagining what the structure used to look like was incredible. It would be hard for modern technology and machinery to create a structure such as the one that now was strewn in pieces in front of our feet. Even today we still have no idea how people 2000 years ago created such a massive bridge and wall. We then moved to the other side of the wall to where the steps leading up to the Temple Mount were uncovered. As we sat on the steps I was able to read a teaching of Jesus that was quite possibly given on those very same steps. Being able to look out from those steps and see the same landscape that Jesus was looking at was a surreal moment for me. Looking up towards the doorway that led to the Temple, I imagined what Jesus would of felt during his last week on earth, climbing up these steps to preach to the people who would ultimately reject him, and still reject him to this day. Being where he stood gave me a new appreciation and awe of the sacrifice that he made for me in Jerusalem, 2000 years before I was even born.
The day after this I had 8 and a half hours in class. That night I learned what the psalmists were talking about when they spoke of the glory of Jerusalem and quite possibly what Song of Songs is about. I did not learn this in class but in my wanderings through Jerusalem that night. I stumbled upon the greatest thing ever created by man. Shawarma (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawarma) It is the most delicious thing I have ever eaten. If you come to Jerusalem, getting one of these should be the first thing you do. You will not regret it
After today's field study I will remember that Jerusalem is not built on flat ground. It seemed like any time we moved we were either going up or down a hill. Because we were visiting the sites of the Old Testament first our group headed towards the City of David. As we walked through the Zion gate I could immediately feel and see us descending. Sitting atop the long Eastern Hill, the City of David is a interesting site. While it is the oldest part of the city of Jerusalem, it is not included in the walls of the modern “Old City”. The City of David is no longer part of the Old City but a national park full of excavations and tour groups. It is strange to think that at one point it was the only part of Jerusalem that existed.
From the spot where David's palace once stood I finally was able to attach a place with the place I had read about in the Bible. I could look around and see what the psalmist meant when he said, “I will lift my eyes up to the hills.” I understood the physical significance to calling God the “Most High”. For the city of Jerusalem the Temple literally was the highest point of the city. As we moved through the City of David we went down what is known as Warren's Shaft. At the end of this shaft is the spring that provided Jerusalem with water. This source of water was known as the spring of Gihon. This also was the site that Solomon was anointed as king over Israel. It was here where I began to think about how much history is everywhere you walk in the area of Jerusalem.
It seemed like every step I took had different historical significance. This is much different than America because it is such a young, yet large country. Even a sight of the smallest historical significance is marked by a sign or a plaque. In Jerusalem it is much different. Each historical sight is covered by layers and layers of debris, houses and people. Many of these places are lost because of the plethora of people and armies that used this land as a land bridge to move around in the Middle East. Still others are placed in a certain place by years and years of tradition but is clearly not the accurate location of the historical event. For instance the Bible clearly says that David was buried in the City of David in 1 Kings 2:10, but the traditional location of his tomb is outside of the City of David and on the hill next to where the city was.
After lunch we traveled to the sights with New Testament significance. We walked over to the base of the Temple Mount. When we got there we sat ourselves right next to Robinson's Arch and stared up at the majesty of a structure that no longer existed. Just imagining what the structure used to look like was incredible. It would be hard for modern technology and machinery to create a structure such as the one that now was strewn in pieces in front of our feet. Even today we still have no idea how people 2000 years ago created such a massive bridge and wall. We then moved to the other side of the wall to where the steps leading up to the Temple Mount were uncovered. As we sat on the steps I was able to read a teaching of Jesus that was quite possibly given on those very same steps. Being able to look out from those steps and see the same landscape that Jesus was looking at was a surreal moment for me. Looking up towards the doorway that led to the Temple, I imagined what Jesus would of felt during his last week on earth, climbing up these steps to preach to the people who would ultimately reject him, and still reject him to this day. Being where he stood gave me a new appreciation and awe of the sacrifice that he made for me in Jerusalem, 2000 years before I was even born.
The day after this I had 8 and a half hours in class. That night I learned what the psalmists were talking about when they spoke of the glory of Jerusalem and quite possibly what Song of Songs is about. I did not learn this in class but in my wanderings through Jerusalem that night. I stumbled upon the greatest thing ever created by man. Shawarma (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawarma) It is the most delicious thing I have ever eaten. If you come to Jerusalem, getting one of these should be the first thing you do. You will not regret it
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Tel Aviv and the OC
Last week I realized that Saturday was really our only free day for the next 3 months. So I suggested to Betsy that we should go to the beach for the day. She took this idea and rad with it. She invited tons of people and made sure we all knew how to get there. So Saturday morning we walked to a sherut station (because the buses were not running on Saturday) and traveled to the beach at Tel Aviv. The Mediterranean was beautiful and so warm. We had a group of about 14 students that all went and it was a good day off after the first week of classes. We had Falafel on the beach and it was wonderful. After we came back a few of us went out to eat in the new city of Jerusalem for a friend's birthday. When we came back from that we watched the Israeli version of American Idol, which was being held in an open air venue in the Hinnom valley. (right below our campus) It was a very tiring day, but it was nothing compared to today.
Today was our first full field study. (A field study is basically a class out in the place we are learning about. In this case Jerusalem) We started at 7 and went until 6. (so yes, 11 hours walking around Jerusalem in 1 billion degree weather) It was long and tiring but very worth it. We covered places that were significant to the Old and New Testament. We started at the old City of David, the city's water system, the steps of the temple, and much more. It was incredible. It seems like every inch of the city has some sort of historical and Biblical significance. We walked from where David's palace would have been to the place Solomon was coordinated to Hezekiah's tunnel, to the steps that would have been used by Jesus to enter the temple mount and much much more.
I took a lot of pictures but it is late so I will post them soon. (It may not be tomorrow because I will be in class all day)
Alright well goodnight
Jason
Today was our first full field study. (A field study is basically a class out in the place we are learning about. In this case Jerusalem) We started at 7 and went until 6. (so yes, 11 hours walking around Jerusalem in 1 billion degree weather) It was long and tiring but very worth it. We covered places that were significant to the Old and New Testament. We started at the old City of David, the city's water system, the steps of the temple, and much more. It was incredible. It seems like every inch of the city has some sort of historical and Biblical significance. We walked from where David's palace would have been to the place Solomon was coordinated to Hezekiah's tunnel, to the steps that would have been used by Jesus to enter the temple mount and much much more.
I took a lot of pictures but it is late so I will post them soon. (It may not be tomorrow because I will be in class all day)
Alright well goodnight
Jason
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Old City
So in one of my classes here we are supposed to write what is called reaction papers to places we have been. They are our first reaction of that place. Our first one was for the Old City of Jerusalem so I thought you would be interested in reading mine. This is just the rough draft (so don't worry mom, I'm have not turned it in yet) but see what you think.
Jerusalem is a city like no other. Not only because history lies in every corner of the city, but it is because of who walks the streets of the streets of the Old City that makes it so unique. Jerusalem is a city that, because of its positioning in the Middle East, joins three continents. As I walked through the Old City for the first time this was very apparent. So many different people from all over the world were crammed in city walls that are only one square kilometer. During my walk through the street I felt as if the entire population of the city was trying to walk down the same street as I was. Even this is not what left a lasting impression the first time I adventured out into the city. What I noticed most from the people of Jerusalem was their quiet defiance for the people that were different than them.
Also just an update. I have been to the city of Jerusalem every day so far. sometimes twice a day. :) I love it. I have already been to the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, walked around the city on the ramparts, and much more. If you are still reading this I am impressed.
Well I have class early tomorrow so I'm going to bed. Goodnight
Jason
Jerusalem is a city like no other. Not only because history lies in every corner of the city, but it is because of who walks the streets of the streets of the Old City that makes it so unique. Jerusalem is a city that, because of its positioning in the Middle East, joins three continents. As I walked through the Old City for the first time this was very apparent. So many different people from all over the world were crammed in city walls that are only one square kilometer. During my walk through the street I felt as if the entire population of the city was trying to walk down the same street as I was. Even this is not what left a lasting impression the first time I adventured out into the city. What I noticed most from the people of Jerusalem was their quiet defiance for the people that were different than them.
One thing that may surprise you is that Jerusalem is a peaceful city. Gone are the days that put bullet holes up and down the Zion gate in 1967. No longer do angry Muslims throw rocks down upon the Jews praying at the Western Wall. What remains is a quiet tension and hate that one group of people have for every other. What defines these people is their religion. Jerusalem itself is divided into four quarters: The Muslim, The Christian, The Armenian, and Jewish quarters. Each group feels they have a right to the city and they have more right to be there then anyone else. The Muslims believe that Jerusalem is where the prophet Mohamed was taken up to heaven. The Christians believe that Jerusalem is the sight of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Jews claim the city because it was David's capital city and was the sight of the Temple until 70 A.D. How do these groups address these differences? Dr. Wright said something very interesting when discussing this subject during our tour of the Old City. He said, “Each group is trying to prove their roots go deeper by building higher.”
This statement is very true. Even in the way they dress is a statement to the other religions who live in the city. Their dress is so unique that it is impossible to mistake them for anyone else, and this is how they want it. As our group looked out to the golden dome that is the Dome of the Rock I noticed a giant Menorah encased in glass near by. Written on a plaque next to the Menorah it says it is the Menorah that will be put in the new temple when the Dome of the Rock comes down and the Jews rebuild the Temple. The violence has stopped but the desire to control the city has not.
The same is true with the Christians. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the sight where Jesus was believed to be crucified and berried. Right across the street from the church is a mosque that has made sure that its minaret stands slightly taller than the church steeple as to show that they are in charge. When it comes to The Church of the Holy Sepulchre this is completely true. The Muslims actually own, unlock, and lock the church because of a riot that broke out in the church. The church is run by six different denominations that could not work with each other. So when a riot broke out in the church the Muslims took control of the church and never gave it back. This is not localized with the Christians. Both the Muslims and the Jews disagree with other sects in their own religion Even among the same religion the people of Jerusalem hate each other and lay claim to the city as their own.
Also just an update. I have been to the city of Jerusalem every day so far. sometimes twice a day. :) I love it. I have already been to the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, walked around the city on the ramparts, and much more. If you are still reading this I am impressed.
Well I have class early tomorrow so I'm going to bed. Goodnight
Jason
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