The day started with a short drive to Kursi National Park, in the Golan Heights region, situated on the other side of lake Galilee, across Tiberias where we are lodging. A drizzle of rain greeted us at the park, first rain we’ve experienced since arriving in the middle east a week ago. Two prominent hills dominate the park; the one on the right houses a cave.
It was fitting that Bob did the scripture reading for this segment of the tour; a place he holds close to his heart. The way he read the verses from Matthew 8:28-34, revealed this closeness.
Looking at the two hills, I could not help imagine a herd of pigs running down the slope into the lake. Who is this Jesus? Even the demons trembled and obeyed him.
Next stop is Korazim, north of Kursi and outside of the Golan Heights region. In the rocks adjacent to the parking lot, a pack of rock badgers welcomed our arrival to the park. We then went to a synagogue ruin where the Bible passage Luke 10:1-20 was read. Korazim, Chorazin in the Bible, was one of the 3 places, including Bethsaida and Capernaum, where Jesus gave stern warning to repent. Pastor Phil, briefly but beautifully explained the above verses while sitting on the ‘seat’ of Moses, a replica seat for dignitaries.
Still in Korazim, we saw an olive press ruin where a large millstone was on display. Referring to the Bible, Pastor Phil described a similar millstone stated in the verses warning those who cause ‘little’ ones to stumble. It would be better for them to hang a millstone around their neck and be thrown into the sea. I would not wish for anyone to be drowned with a large millstone on the neck, nor a fate much worse than this. Heed Jesus warning then.
50 minutes drive north of Korazim is Tel Dan Nature Reserve. The sound of birds and gushing water were music to my ears. The Dan stream is a significant tributary to the Jordan River. Streams of water are so abundant in Tel Dan creating a favourable environment for vegetation and animals.
Before we started our walk we had our scripture reading of Matthew 16:13-20 where Peter confesses that Jesus is the messiah, the Son of the living God. Pastor Phil clarified that Jesus, not Peter, is the Rock, upon which the church will be built.
Tel Dan is also a mountain range of archaeological ruins. Remnants of biblical civilizations were uncovered by a well know archaeologist Abraham ‘Briham’ in 1906. We saw remnants of old city wall still standing; layers of rock boulders laid in different times visible to the naked eye. There were 2 gates, the remnants still standing. The main gate built in 10th BC and the Caananite gate built in the 18th BC.
The group had lunch at the Garden of the North and from there we went to the Banias Nature Reserve, 15 minutes drive away. The ancient name of the city was Paneas, in honour of the Greek God, Pan. The name then changed to Banias, and then to Caesarea Philippi during the time of Philip, son of Herod the Great.
As we walked through the reserve we saw a huge cave called the Grotto of the God Pan. You can’t miss it. It is so prominent. This was the site of ritual sacrifices. I had an eerie feeling on this site.
Last stop of the day was the Nimrod fortress, the largest and most impressive surviving medieval fortress in Israel. Sitting on one of the highest peaks of the area, it has a commanding view of the Hula valley and the area enroute to Damascus. What an awesome experience just to be in the fortress looking down to the valley and the surrounding areas. And for the few brave souls who ventured to the ‘The Keep’, the entrance gate, it was even more exhilarating experience. The heart-puffing climb to the keep was well worth the experience.
By Lem
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