Joel Thornton

A common sense conservative.

Safety in Israel

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 Obviously, until we are passed COVID-19 nobody is going to Israel. So, this information is for when those days are behind us, which they soon will be.

As we promote our Israel trips, I have a lot of people rightly concerned about their safety if they travel to Israel with us. I have been in Israel the last three years and I can start by telling you that tourists are extremely safe in Israel.

The first thing to remember is that the bombs exploding on buses and in restaurants in Israel were all before the walls were built, walls that are doing a remarkable job of keeping terrorist from the Palestinian Controlled Territories out of Israel. The bombings have stopped.

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Shilo, Alone with God

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Shilo is a place that all Christians are familiar with, even though you might not realize the significance of the area. We grew up hearing about it. We know that it was important to Israel, but we might not know why. We even sang hymns about it.

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The City of David, Jerusalem, Israel

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Just outside the gates of today’s Jerusalem lies the ruins of King David’s Palace and the city of Jerusalem that he ruled over. It is an amazing sight to behold. Enter through the gates directly off of Ma’alot Ir David Street. The gate is easy to identify because it has a harp on the wall, since King David was a harp player of great renown.

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The Entrance to the City of David

Once you enter into the City of David you are in an interior courtyard that leads to stairs on the left which will take you up to an overview of the Mount of Olives and the Kidron Valley. You will have an amazing view of the ancient Jewish Cemetery that sits on the Mount of Olives, just above the Garden of Gethsemane.

From there, go back down to the first floor platform and enjoy the gift shop for the City of David for a few minutes before going underneath the platform to view the foundations and the walls of the Palace of David. This sight is amazing because of what it is. It is also amazing because it was literally dug out from underneath the gift shop that sits just above it. The building was in place when an archaeologist realized there might be something significant underneath it. The archaeologist got permission to dig and man did they find something significant—The Palace of David and the walls of the that Palace!

The Walls of the Palace of David

Spend some time with the Palace. It is almost beyond words to think about standing just over the place where King David spent his private time. After your reflections, walk down the stairs to see the exterior walls of the Palace. These walls are remarkably intact and include several rooms that are believed to either be office of Palace staff or homes for Palace workers. Either way they come complete with a toilet that was used by the inhabitants. Scientists were even able to analyze the remains left at the toilet and tell us something of what the diet of these ancient Israelis was like.

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Matthew Finstein teaching at the Walls of the Palace of David

There are bleachers here for you to sit and look over the walls. Take a few minutes to reflect on these walls from the comfort of the bleachers. Do not, however, take too long because this tour is just getting started. From here you will walk uphill and downhill to the entrance of Hezekiah’s Tunnel. This tunnel was built under the direction of Jewish King Hezekiah for the purpose of bringing water into the city, from underground sources, to prepare for a siege as the Assyrians were known to be headed to Jerusalem to destroy it.

This tunnel was started at two different ends, the beginning at the source of the water and at the end where the water was being diverted to. The two crews worked hard and at the last minute, when they were to join the two tunnels into one tunnel it was discovered that they were perfectly aligned. This is made more spectacular considering that it was built about 2800 years ago!

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Heading into King Hezekiah’s Tunnel

There are two options once you are underground. The Canaanite Tunnel also goes through this area. In this tunnel you can walk on dry ground through cramped tunnels to end up at the same basic location as the other tunnel. The other tunnel is the more adventurous of the two. It is Hezekiah’s Tunnel and is thus filled with water that comes up about to your mid thigh. This tunnel is not as cramped, but it does require you to get fairly wet.

Both tunnels ultimately end up at the famous Pool of Siloam where Jesus instructed the blind man to go wash out his eyes. The blind man was healed, thus a famous pool. It is no longer filled with water and is, in fact, barely excavated due to land disputes for land that literally sits over the pool. The discovery of the Pool was made in 2005.

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Pastor Doug and Mike at the Pool of Siloam

This entire trip will take you about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on how much time you spend in contemplation along the way. Relax. Slow down. Enjoy the journey!

If you are thinking about traveling and would like some more information, contact me at [email protected]. You can also ask to sign up for our travel newsletter (we are beginning it soon) and to keep up with tours that we are currently planning. We can help you make memories to last a lifetime!

CAESAREA MARITIMA, AN AMAZING PLACE

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This city was built by Herod the Great right smack dab on the Mediterranean Sea. It is remarkably well preserved and quite a joy to walk through and explore. There was a Prometory Palace that sat right on the edge of the water. You can still walk through the remains of the Palace and look out over the nearly Olympic sized, fresh water pool that sits in the Mediterranean today, yet you can still see the remains of the pool.

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Herod’s Pool on the Mediterranean Sea

There remain the seats from the Hippodrome, where gladiatorial contests occurred as well as chariot races, and the Ancient Theater that seated 3,500 people that still stand. In fact, you can walk through the Theater and sit in the seats looking out toward the Mediterranean Sea. You can sit in the Hippodrome and imagine what it must be like to be a Roman citizen, living in Israel, watching the games that marked the empire for centuries. While you are sitting, look up and ahead to see the Mediterranean shining in the sun.

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Sitting at the Hippodrome

You will want to take your time in Caesarea because there is a lot to see and a lot of history here. Just up the coast are the Aqueducts that supplied water from Mount Carmel to this city, which at one time was home to 120,000 souls.

The ancient harbor was built using Roman concrete that would harden under water and was said to have been able to hold more than 300 ships at one time. All of this can be seen during a leisurely stroll from the Theater, to the Palace, to the Hippodrome, to the Harbor. Once you have finished at the Harbor, there is a great ice cream shop waiting for you. Sit down and enjoy a couple of scoops of great ice cream while you listen to the surf pounding on the shores of Israel.

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The Harbor at Caesarea

As you walk through the sight here is some history to contemplate. This city was dedicated to Augustus Caesar as Herod the Great had backed the wrong horse in the battle to rule Rome and was looking for Augustus’ favor to continue in power. That is where the name came from. Also, Pontius Pilate used this as his summer palace during the time when Jesus was in ministry in Israel. By that time, Herod the Great was dead. Herod Agrippa, the son of Herod the Great would die during a production at the Theater in a very dramatic style.

When Peter was called from Jaffa to pray for the Centurion’s family, it was Caesarea where he came. There the Centurion’s family was converted to Christianity and baptized, thus becoming the first gentiles to be baptized into the Christian faith.

When Paul first escaped Jerusalem, after his conversion to Christianity, he was brought to Caesarea. Later he was in Caesarea under trial before the Governor Felix and King Agrippa, the son of Herod the Great. The trial ended with the Apostle Paul appealing to Rome and he left Israel through the Harbor in Caesarea to go to Rome from which he would never return.

There is some proof that the Nicene Creed may have originated in Caesarea.

That is just a brief overview of the history that surrounds Caesarea Maritima. It is a rich city that will provide a great moment in any trip to the Holy Land. It is my favorite place in all of Israel. I know you will enjoy it as well.

If you are thinking about traveling and would like some more information, contact me at [email protected]. You can also ask to sign up for our travel newsletter (we are beginning it soon) and to keep up with tours that we are currently planning. We can help you make memories to last a lifetime!

ISRAEL: OVERVIEW OF A TOUR

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Israel is rapidly becoming one of my favorite destinations. It is not that hard to do, because Israel is a land that anyone who grew up in Sunday School has heard all the stories of ancient Israel—it is a part of our DNA. The first time I traveled to Israel was almost a year ago as I write this blog. I was full of anticipation because I love to travel, especially some place new.

When we landed in Tel Aviv I was filled with excitement, but I had no idea what a magical time awaited me. I found Israel to be inviting. It was everything I had imagined and more.

Everyone I knew who had ever been to Israel had told me that it was like nothing you could imagine. I did not believe them, thinking they were just talking in hyperbole. Little did I know they were right.

There is history in every step you take. Our tour guide on the most recent trip to Israel summed it up well. “Every place you dig a shovel into the ground in Israel becomes an archeological dig.” While that is a slight exaggeration, it is only slightly exaggerated.

Because of the Bible and other writings, the whole country is filled with history. It seems like the world has passed through Jerusalem. The Pharaohs, Alexander the Great, Marc Antony, Cleopatra, King David, King Solomon, Napoleon, the list goes on and on. The land of Israel has seen it all and traveling there helps every part of history come alive like you cannot imagine.

We are now leading tours to Israel several times a year. I think Israel should be on everybody’s must see list. What is it specifically I think you should see when you are there? The truth is there is so much to see in Israel for any student of history, biblical or secular, that one trip will not be enough. We are trying to pack our trips full of the most critical sights for Christians touring Israel for the first or second time.

Let me give you a look at some of the sights that I think are must see when you are in Israel.

The City of Jaffa is where Peter was staying when he was called to Cornelius’ house in Caesarea. This was the beginning of the outreach to non-Jewish people. A walk through the old town is refreshing and gives you the feel of being in an ancient city without being crowded. There are some great places to eat lunch in the old city. Relax, enjoy walking and looking out over the Mediterranean Sea.

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A street in Ancient Jaffa

Caesarea is an archeological wonder sitting by the sea. It was built as a gift to Caesar Augustus to make up for supporting the wrong horse in the battle for control of Ancient Rome. This one of the highlights of a tour of Israel. I love walking through this ancient city that is so full of history. It is from this port that the Apostle Paul began his trip to Rome as a prisoner, the trip where Paul was ultimately martyred for his faith.

In Caesarea you can sit in the theater from ancient times on stone seats, looking out over the Mediterranean Sea. You can walk through the ruins of Pontius Pilate’s summer palace and look out over his swimming pool sitting on the edge of the sea. Then you can stroll down the sands of the hippodrome where gladiator fights occurred, along with several massacres of Christians and Jews. Caesarea is well preserved and well worth an afternoon, even if just for the ice cream.

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The theater in Caesarea

Another amazing sight for any student of the Old Testament is Mt. Carmel where Elijah and Prophets of Baal had their confrontation. Imagine looking out over the area where Elijah called down fire from heaven and ultimately destroyed the Prophets of Baal. From the look out area you have a 360° view of northern Israel which varies based on whether or not the day is hazy. Stand in front of the statue of the Prophet Elijah and imagine the confrontation that took place here centuries ago.

The statue of the Prophet Elijah, Derek Schneider, and Joel

Historically, secular as much as biblical, Megiddo is one of those famous sights that you have probably never heard of. I know the first time I went I had no idea that the city existed, much less what to expect. Megiddo is a fortified city, one of four, built by Solomon. It also housed a palace of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. This city has 28 layers of civilizations, one on top of the other, and walking among the excavations is simply amazing. You enter Megiddo through the ancient gates that served as protection from invading armies. These ruins set the tone for the rest of the sight. From the top of Megiddo, you look out over the Valley of Armageddon from Revelation where the battle at the end of the age happens. After walking through the area where King Ahab housed his cavalry horses, you can climb down, out of Megiddo, through the ancient cistern.

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Looking up at the gates of Ancient Megiddo

 

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Atop Megiddo overlooking the Valley of Armageddon

Capernaum, the town of Jesus. Here Jesus lived and taught in the Synagogue. You can walk on the floor of the Synagogue that was built in the Fourth Century A.D., but stands on the foundation of the Synagogue Jesus actually taught in. You will also see the house Jesus lived in while he was in Capernaum, the home of Peter’s mother-in-law.

Capernaum sits on the northern edge of the Sea of Galilee, so take a few seconds to walk down to the Sea and look out over the region of Galilee. This region of the Galilee is an amazing place. Take a few minutes to look out over the sea and reflect on the history that has happened in this place. You are literally in the epicenter of where Jesus’ ministry on this planet took place. He eventually condemned Capernaum for their lack of faith and the rest is history.

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The Synagoge in Gapernaum

Take the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River. This experience is incredible when you think about being baptized in the same river where Jesus was baptized. Whether it is your first time to be baptized, or a symbolic baptism for the sake of recommitting your life to God, this is a great experience for everyone to do at least once. Additionally, on any trip to Israel outside of Jerusalem you will see the reach and value of the Jordan River as you ride through the incredibly fertile Jordan River Valley.

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Across the Jordan River into the country of Jordan, preparing to baptize

Another great place to visit is Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. Here, in the deserts of Israel, you will look at the caves in the sides of the mountain where the Scrolls were protected for nearly 2000 years. When you turn from the caves and look behind yourself you will see the Dead Sea—the lowest place on earth.

The Dead Sea is amazing. It is 33% salt because massive amounts of water flow in, but nothing flows out. The only way water leaves the Dead Sea naturally is through evaporation and evaporation occurs faster than the water arrives in the Dead Sea. Take a few minutes and float in the sea. Soak in its mineral rich waters and enjoy the refreshment that comes from this area.

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The shores of the Dead Sea looking across into the country of Jordan

Masada, this fortress is sacred to the modern state of Israel as it is a place where the Jewish Rebellion against Rome was finally ended in 73 A.D. with a dramatic stand against the oppressors of Israel. Take a ride on the cable car to the top or climb up the crooked foot pathway to the top. This mountain fortress was a palace of Herod the Great around the time of Jesus. Wander through the ruins of this mountain palace and meditate on the great sacrifices that were made by the people of Israel on this very spot. While there you must hike down to the Northern Palace for a beautiful view over the desert back to the Dead Sea.

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At the Northern Palace on Masada, worth the climb back out

 

Jerusalem is the jewel of Israel. You need to take two or three days to see many of the sites. They are to be savored and enjoyed in a leisurely manner, rather than rushed through and mark off of a to do list. Jerusalem can be overwhelming, so bite it off in small pieces and walk through the back streets and the main streets. Enjoy the people.

Here Christians, Jews, and Muslims live together in peace and harmony. Here you will have Muslims selling Christian crosses and icons. Here you will see how cultures can mingle in a way that everyone can find something to enjoy. You should not be any different.

This is what travel is supposed to be about, meeting new people, learning new cultures, and learning that we all share humanity in common. Here you can see the hope of one day laying down our swords and working together for a brighter world, filled with peace and decency.

Start any trip to Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives looking out over Jerusalem. This overview leaves you feeling like Jesus looking from the same basic place and weeping over Jerusalem, knowing what is coming for him and for Israel under Roman Rule.     

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Joel Thornton standing in front of Jerusalem

Wander through the Garden of Gethsemane touching the Olive trees that still grow there. Any time I am in this Garden I think of Peter, pulling his sword and cutting off the ear of one of the soldiers. Then I am immediately reminded that Jesus told him to put up his sword and restored the ear to its rightful place on the head of the soldier.

This is the ultimate act of Christian forgiveness as this man had come to take Jesus into custody, a custody that would end in His death. Jesus went forward from this point, resigned to what was coming for the sake of all those to follow.

Dylan sang it on his Saved album: “when they came for Him in the Garden did they know?” That song reverberates through my spirit every time I am in the Garden.

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The olive trees of the Garden of Gethsemane at the base of the Mount of Olives looking over to Jerusalem

Another highlight of any tour of Israel for me is walking through the ruins of the City of David. Here you can see the walls of King David’s Palace and the outer walls of his city. Think about that, you are looking at the palace of the greatest king of Israel. Seeing the walls that protected him from his enemies.

The Israelis have uncovered some of the houses that were built into the outer walls of the Palace for some of the people who worked for the King. See the walls that lead to his greatest sin. Stand just above the walls, look down into the home of King David. I always take a few minutes here and remember the legacy that King David left for Israel and us through his life and his psalms. The great warrior king who was considered a man after God’s own heart.

They are continuing to expand the archeological dig here. So, every time you come it is different. That is one of the things I love about Israel, they are always uncovering their past to help us understand our faith better.

The outer walls of the Palace of King David

When Roman General Titus destroyed the Temple of Solomon in 70 A. D. he pushed the walls down until the ruins were as high as the remaining walls. This left in tact at least one of the walls of the Temple Mount which housed the Solomon’s Temple. It is known as the Western Wall, it is also known as the Wailing Wall.

This wall is the closest surviving wall to the Temple Mount and is one of the holiest places in the world to Christians and Jews alike. It is here that you must take time to pray and reflect. Write your prayers down and stick them in the wall after you have prayed. The Israelis treat these prayers as sacred and store them for a period of time before they bury them with respect.

It is an amazing place where you will stand next to Orthodox and Conservative Jews who are praying. Children run around playing and then suddenly stop to pray at the wall before returning to play. The men and women are separated here at the wall, so that men pray in one place and women pray in another place.

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Praying at the Western Wall

Follow Jesus’ steps to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is one of two traditional sights of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. Inside this church is amazing. This church has been under the control of the Christians, the Jews, and the Muslims over the course of its life. It is an incredible cross of different types of architecture. It is currently controlled by different religious orders and has been somewhat restored.

There is the site where Jesus was allegedly crucified, buried, and resurrected. I say allegedly, not because I do not believe in the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus, but because there are two sights with credible claims to be the spot. This particular spot was believed by Constantine’s mother to be the sight of the crucifixion and burial and resurrection of Jesus.

Climb up and see the spot where the cross was planted in the ground. Climb back down and visit the tomb of Jesus which is covered with a pinkish stoned chapel to preserve it. Wait in line and step into the tomb. It is crowded, but usually the wait is little enough to be worth the time in line, as long as you are not there in October or during the Easter season. Besides you are inside one of the most historic and fought over churches in the entire world, so a few extra minutes in line can be filled by looking around at the vast interior of this holy place.

Virtually every tour of Israel ends at the second option for the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, it ends at the Garden Tomb.  This garden enclave is peaceful. There are places to sit and reflect. There are small structures where groups can gather together to share communion and devotions. There is the Place of the Skull, a small hill where many believe Jesus was crucified. You can make your own decision about this, but one thing is certain, there is a peacefulness in the Garden Tomb that is unmatched at the Church of the Holy Sepluchre.

The crowds are less here. Walking into the tomb is a sacred experience that is sure to affect anyone who does so. It is a fitting way to end any tour of Israel for a Christian.

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Joel coming out of the Garden Tomb

If you are thinking about traveling and would like some more information, contact me at [email protected]. You can also ask to sign up for our travel newsletter (we are beginning it soon) and to keep up with tours that we are currently planning. We can help you make memories to last a lifetime!