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Israel & Jordan
  • Bruce Hassold
  • Stacy Hassold

Israel & Jordan

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  • Trip start
    February 2, 2023
    Israel & Jordan

    Portland to Amman, Jordan

    February 2, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    We left at 6:00am this morning to fly from Portland via San Francisco and Washington - Dulles to Amman, Jordan. It was a long day of travel, but still enjoyable as we got to meet all of the wonderful people who will be joining us on this trip. I made 6 dozen chocolate chip cookies to share, which sped up the introductions. "Hi! Are you the guy who made cookies?" 🍪Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    Arriving in Amman, Jordan
    Assembling the groupSunset in Amman, Jordan

    Amman to Petra

    February 3, 2023 in Jordan ⋅ 🌙 54 °F

    We arrived safely in Amman, Jordan, after a long day of travel. After clearing immigration and customs, we left Amman as the sun was setting to drive to Petra. We had a late dinner in the hotel, and then it was off to bed. It's a 5:30am wakeup call tomorrow so we can beat the crowds at Petra and have time for a hike.Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    The Treasury from the Siq
    Walking through the SiqThe TreasuryThe AmphitheaterThe trail to The MonasteryThe trail to The MonasteryThe MonasteryRiding camels to The TreasuryMy super handsome camel!The Siq

    Petra

    February 4, 2023 in Jordan ⋅ ⛅ 48 °F

    Our visit to Petra began at 6:30am with a hike through the Siq at sunrise. We stopped briefly to view the treasury, temple, and amphitheater before starting our hike to the monastery. It was a steep 700 step climb, which made me wish I'd done more hills in preparation. But the view was more than worth it! After climbing back to the valley, we took a camel ride back to the treasury. It was so much fun, especially when our camels started to run!Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    The Brazen Serpent, by Giovanni Santoni
    The view west toward The Promised LandThe view north toward AmmanThe Memorial Church of MosesThe plains of MoabMemorial of Moses

    Mount Nebo

    February 4, 2023 in Jordan ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F

    We visited Mount Nebo this afternoon. This is the place God took Moses to show him the promised land. Ultimately, God refused Moses entry because he and Aaron took glory for themselves when they implied that they could provide water to the Israelites. There is a memorial statue of the snake Moses raised in the wilderness and a plaque in both English and Arabic of John 3: 14‐15. "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him." We ended the day back in Amman where we had dinner and spent the night.Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    Teaching and worship at Machaerus
    Machaerus (flat hilltop at left)Atop MachaerusThe dance floor where Salome danced for Herod AntipasHerod Antipas throneView toward the Dead SeaThere are numerous caves at Machaerus. One of them was the prison where John the Baptist was held.The climbThe trail to Machaerus

    Machaerus

    February 5, 2023 in Jordan ⋅ ⛅ 50 °F

    This morning, we left Amman and drove to Fortress Machaerus, which was constructed by Herod the Great. The dance floor here is where Salome, the daughter of Herodian, danced before Herod Antipas. He granted her a wish, and she asked for the head of John the Baptist. Even though John declared Jesus to be the lamb of God, he doubted when he was being persecuted.

    It's a reminder to not doubt in the darkness what God has shown us to be true in the light.

    Jesus sent a message back to John telling him that the blind see and the lame walk but left out setting the captives free (Isaiah 61). Ultimately, Jesus did set John free - it just wasn't in this lifetime.    Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    Sunset over the Mediterranean Sea
    A Jordanian shepherdThe view from our hotel in Netanya

    Crossing into Israel

    February 5, 2023 in Israel ⋅ ☁️ 61 °F

    This afternoon, we crossed the Jordan River and the border into Israel. As we left the West Bank, there was a second security checkpoint between the Palestinian controlled area and the Jewish controlled region of Israel. We drove west across the country, arriving in the town of Netanya on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

    Note: During our time in Israel, we visited territories in the West Bank, Golan Heights, and Jerusalem that Israel took control of during the Six-Day War in 1967. Only Israel and the United States recognize these territories to be part of Israel. The rest of the international community recognizes them to be part of Syria or Palestine. Yet, there isn't now, and there has never been a Palestinian state. As Henry Kissinger once said, "The Palestinians have never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity to end their conflict with Israel and establish a Palestinian state. "    Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    Amphitheater in Caesarea
    Group check!A replica of the stone bearing the name of Pontius PilateThe ruins of Herod the Great's PalaceCaesarea coastlineThe sea wall in front of the HippodromeThe Caesarea harbor is in ruins. This is why the breakwater was necessary!Stormy seasThe Roman AqueductThe Roman Aqueduct

    Caesarea

    February 6, 2023 in Israel ⋅ 🌧 54 °F

    We persevered through strong winds, heavy rain, and a raging sea to visit Caesarea. This extravagant port city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea was built by Herod the Great to honor Caesar. It included what was likely the world's first man-made harbor to foster trade and the collection of taxes, a Roman amphitheater, Herod's Palace, a hippodrome, and an aqueduct.

    A noteworthy archeological discovery is a stone bearing the name of Pontius Pilate, who was doubted to exist by some archeologists because the Bible is the only historical document where his name appears.    Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    The Valley of Armageddon (Har Megiddo)
    The City GateA stone mangerExcavation siteAn excavation that revealed a circular sacrificial alter to BaalExcavation siteGrain siloWater tunnelStairs to the city gateThe Valley of Armageddon

    Megiddo

    February 6, 2023 in Israel ⋅ 🌧 54 °F

    Megiddo was one of the most important cities of the ancient world because it guarded the Via Maris trade route through the crucial mountain pass of Mt Carmel. Today, it's an archeological dig site that has revealed 30 layers of civilizations dating back thousands of years. Megiddo looks over the Valley of Armageddon, mentioned in the Bible as the location of a future great battle where the forces of darkness will be defeated by Jesus.Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    Mosaic floor in Dionysus House in Sepphoris
    Roman amphitheaterNazarethExploring the excavation siteThe main street in SepphorisMosaic tileMosaic tileMosaic tileThe main street in Sepphoris

    Sepphoris

    February 6, 2023 in Israel ⋅ 🌧 54 °F

    Although Sepphoris isn't mentioned in the Bible, it's significant because in the time of Jesus, Herod Antipas made it the capital city of Galilee. Because of its proximity to Nazareth, it's likely that Joseph and perhaps Jesus helped to build the city. The Greek word tekton is used to describe their profession and is often translated as carpenter. But it can also be translated as artisan or builder. Because of the lack of wood in Israel, it's unlikely that a tradesman would specialize in carpentry. It's far more likely that they were generalists who were skilled in a variety of building trades. Archeological digs have uncovered intricate stone work and beautiful mosaics at Sepphoris.

    We ended the day with a drive to Magdala on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, the home of Mary Magdalene. We'll be staying here the next three nights.    Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    The Capernaum synagogue
    CapernaumA millstonePeter's houseThe shoreline of the Sea of GalileeThe shoreline of the Sea of GalileeThe shoreline of the Sea of GalileeAn olive tree

    Capernaum

    February 7, 2023 in Israel

    Today, we visited the three towns where Jesus performed the majority of his miracles. We started in Jesus' hometown of Capernaum. We visited the synagogue where Jesus taught, Peter's home where Jesus may have lived, and the shoreline of the Sea of Galilee where Peter and several of the other disciples fished. This was also the hometown of Andrew, James, John, and Matthew. It was here that Jesus healed the man with an unclean spirit, Peter's mother, the Centurion's servant, and the paralytic who was lowered through the roof of a house. It was awe inspiring to walk where Jesus walked and to participate in a time of worship in this historic and holy place.Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    The city gate of Bethsaida
    Luke 10: 13View toward the Sea of GalileeA time of teaching and worshipA hillside in gentile lands where Jesus cast the legion of demons into a herd of swineA portion of the city wall

    Bethsaida

    February 7, 2023 in Syria ⋅ 🌧 52 °F

    Bethsaida was one of the three cities where Jesus performed a majority of his miracles. It was the hometown of Philip, Andrew, and Peter. It was in Bethsaida that Jesus healed the blind man and numerous others who needed healing. The feeding of the 5,000 was also performed nearby.

    In the Old Testament, this location was called Geshur. It was here that David fled from Saul and where David’s son Absalom fled after killing his brother.

    We were reminded that God reveals himself to all mankind and that we're each responsible to answer His call.    Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    Some of the seed fell on rocky soil...
    Chorazin synagogueChorazin synagogueThe Seat of MosesAn "ark of the covenant" where the scrolls would be stored in the synagogueA mikvah (ceremonial bath)A home in ChorazinA rock badgerChorazinChorazin

    Chorazin

    February 7, 2023 in Israel ⋅ 🌧 54 °F

    There aren't any recorded miracles of Jesus in Chorazin, but it's mentioned in Matthew 11: 20-21 as one of the three cities where Jesus performed the majority of his miracles.

    "Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes."

    Even so, it's a significant archeological site. A few highly important items were recovered from the site of the synagogue.We saw a "Seat of Moses" where the Rabbi would sit after reading from the Torah, and an "Ark of the Covenant" where the Torah scrolls would be stored after the reading. In the town, we also saw a mikvah or ceremonial bath where Jews would cleanse themselves of spiritual impurity.    Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    The view toward CapernaumA time of teaching and worshipView toward the valley of Knesset

    Mt. Arbel

    February 7, 2023 in Israel

    Although we know of no biblical events that happened on Mt. Arbel, it's believed that Jesus prayed here in Luke 6. From this hilltop, you can see most of the locations where Jesus conducted his three years of public ministry. The views were stunning, and the teaching, worship, and time of prayer were memorable.Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    Magdala synagogue
    Magdala synagogueBarricaded roadPart of the town of Magdala, with fish market ponds in the foregroundA mikvahThe table on which Torah scrolls were placed in the synagogue

    Magdala

    February 7, 2023 in Israel ⋅ 🌧 52 °F

    The fishing village of Magdala was the hometown of Mary Magdalene. Prior to the construction of the Magdala Hotel, in 1984, an archeological survey revealed the remains of a first century synagogue. Further digs uncovered a road that had been barricaded to prevent the advance of the Roman army (a.d. 78-80), a fish market, and a mikvah. The Magdala Hotel, which we're staying in, was relocated slightly and now sits adjacent to the archeological dig site.Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    Abraham's Gate
    A time of teaching and worshipThe High Place where Jeroboam placed the golden calfThe alter where Jeroboam made sacrifices for the northern kingdomView across the DMZ toward SyriaCourtyard outside the city gateThe city gate of DanStanding on top of the city wallsBanias waterfall near Dan

    Dan

    February 8, 2023 in Israel ⋅ 🌧 43 °F

    Genesis 14 tells the story of Abraham coming to Dan to rescue his nephew, Lot, who had been taken captive in battle. Archeologists discovered the gate to the old city of Dan, where Abraham most certainly would have walked. The arch of the gate would typically be described as Roman. But this gate dates to 1750 BC, roughly 1000 years prior to the rise of the Roman empire.

    When the kingdom of Israel was divided, Jeroboam, who was King of the northern tribes, didn't trust God and was fearful of the southern kingdom of Judah (1 Kings 12:25-33). He defied God and created two golden calves and two locations to perform sacrifices rather than allow His people to travel to Jerusalem in the south. One location was in Bethel, and the other was in Dan. Later, King Josiah of the southern kingdom had the idols destroyed as part of the reforms he implemented.

    Dan is a reminder to trust God and take him at his word, and to never claim that God will bless something that he has clearly told us is contrary to his will.    Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    Caesarea Phillipi
    The Gates of HadesTemple of PanTemple of PanTemple of PanThe Palace of King Agrippa IIThe Palace of King Agrippa II

    Caesarea Philippi

    February 8, 2023 in Syria

    When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
    Matthew 16:13‭-‬18 NIV

    David reminded us that city gates are a defensive position. Jesus was taking the offensive position by bringing his message of salvation to Gentiles in Caesarea Philippi, who were actively worshiping the false Greek god, Pan. Adjacent to the temple of Pan is a large cave commonly referred to as the Gates of Hades. It contains a pit that the historian Josephus described as being so deep that a rope couldn't be made that would reach the bottom.

    Caesarea Philippi is a reminder that we need to be courageous sharing our faith, even if it means going into enemy territory.    Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    View toward Mt. ArbelMark sharing a messageA first century fishing boat

    The Sea of Galilee

    February 8, 2023 in Israel

    This afternoon, we went sailing on the Sea of Galilee. This is where Jesus walked on water, where he calmed the stormy sea with just a word, where he gave his disciples a miraculous catch of fish, where he preached from a boat to multitudes, and where he prepared a meal for his disciples on the shoreline after his resurrection.

    Mark shared a message from Matthew 14. After feeding the 5000, he sent his disciples ahead of him to cross the sea to the other side. But they were caught in a storm and spent the entire night struggling to make any progress. Early in the morning, Jesus came to them walking on the water. They thought he was a ghost and were afraid.

    But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
    Matthew 14:27

    Jesus is with us through the storms of life, even in situations where we think we're skilled enough to be self-reliant.    Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    The group that hiked to the top of the tel
    Beit She'an from the top of the telThe Roman amphitheaterView toward the telA pagan temple in the foreground. Roman bath house in the distance.The main street of the cityThe main street in Beit She'anRoman bathRoman bathHow stones were moved

    Beit She'an

    February 9, 2023 in Israel ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

    1 Samuel 31 tells the story of the death of Saul and Jonathon at the hands of the Philistines. Their bodies were hung on the wall of Beit She'an.

    The city is located on the east side of the Jezreel Valley, situated to control trade along the Via Maris. It's the counterpart to Megiddo that sits on the west side of the valley.

    The Beit She'an archeological work has revealed 20 layers of civilization. Over time, the city had been controlled by the Canaanites, Egyptians, Philistines, Israel (conquered by King David), the Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans.

    Note: The dead tree at the top of the tel was used in the movie Jesus Christ Superstar as the location where Judas hung himself.    Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    75% off all Dead Sea Scroll manuscripts were found in cave 4.
    Another cave (top right)The caves at Qumran

    Qumran

    February 9, 2023 in Palestine ⋅ ☁️ 57 °F

    Qumran is the site of the most important archeological discovery of the modern era. In 1947, a group of Bedouin shepherd boys were exploring a cave and found several earthenware jars that contained scrolls. Since then, thousands of fragments and hundreds of manuscripts have been discovered in twelve caves. They are known today as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

    Qumran was the home of an Essene tribe, a highly conservative Jewish sect. The Dead Sea Scrolls are believed to have been their library. Roughly 40% off the scrolls and fragments are of biblical texts. Every book in the Old Testament was found other than Esther. Prior to the discovery, the most recent manuscript texts were 1300 years after the dates of the original writings. The Dead Sea Scrolls reduced the gap to 300 years. The scrolls also confirmed the accuracy of the copying process over the centuries.    Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    David's Waterfall
    Desert landscapeCaves in En GediTruly an oasisView toward the Dead SeaThe Dead SeaA time of teaching and worship

    En Gedi

    February 9, 2023 in Israel

    En Gedi is the location of the famous story in 1 Samuel 24 of David hiding from King Saul. Saul goes into a cave to relieve himself, and it just happens to be the same cave where David is hiding. David cuts off a corner of Saul's robe but immediately feels regret. He can't harm or even dishonor God's anointed. David confronts Saul and proves that he had the chance to kill him and asks Saul to stop pursuing him and trying to kill him.

    David ends up having to wait 17 years from the time of his anointing until he is finally made king of Israel. But even during this time of frustration and suffering, God provides him with sanctuary and refreshment at En Gedi.    Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    Standing in the Dead Sea
    Shoreline of the Dead SeaFloating in the Dead SeaThe beach is made of salt crystalsSetting sun casting a red glow onto the Dead Sea

    The Dead Sea

    February 9, 2023 in Israel ⋅ 🌙 57 °F

    After arriving at our hotel this afternoon, we went for a swim in the Dead Sea. It was such an unusual experience. The shoreline is salt crystals, and you float like a cork! Whereas the oceans are roughly 3.5% salt, the Dead Sea is 34%. It's shores are the lowest land-based elevation on earth at 1400 feet below sea level.Read more

  • Israel & Jordan
    The Roman siege ramp
    The Lower PalaceThe hiking path, gondola, and ruins of a Roman siege camp at leftTop of the Masada fortressThe commander's quartersA model of the three hillside palacesA large cistern for storing waterThe synagogueThe siege ramp from the point the walls were breachedThe Byzantine Church

    Masada

    February 10, 2023 in Israel ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    Built by Herod the Great, king of Judea, Masada was a palatial fortress in the style of the ancient Roman East. The camps, fortifications, and assault ramp at its base constitute the most complete surviving ancient Roman siege system in the world.

    Masada was the last bastion of Jewish freedom fighters against the Romans; its fall signaled the violent destruction of the kingdom of Judea at the end of the Second Temple period. The tragic events of the last days of the rebels at Masada transformed it into both a Jewish cultural icon and a symbol of humanity’s continuous struggle for freedom from oppression.

    Because of the enthralling historic events that took place on the mountain, and the archaeological finds that have been revealed there, UNESCO has declared Masada National Park a World Heritage Site.    Read more

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