A Biblical Journey Through the Bible Lands: Israel (Part 3 of 10)

The Jordan River 

Serving as a natural boundary marker, the Jordan River flows north to south, winding over 223 miles (359 km) from Mt. Hermon through the Sea of Galilee into the Dead Sea. Only about 100 feet (30 meters) wide at its broadest point, and just over 17 feet (5 meters) at its deepest, it is a primary water source for an otherwise arid land. Explicitly referenced nearly 200 times in scripture, its biblical significance comes from major events occurring in, around, and through it.¹ Naaman the Syrian was cleansed by God of leprosy by dipping seven times in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:10-14). About nine centuries later, Jesus was baptized in the same river (Matt. 3:13-17).

John the baptizer, in preparing the way for Christ’s ministry, went “into all the surrounding region of the Jordan” (Luke 3:3), and multitudes went out to hear his preaching from “all the region around the Jordan” (Matt. 3:5-6; 11:7-10). John was “at first” baptizing in a particular place across the river (John 10:40)—within a couple of days’ walk from Bethany near Jerusalem (John 1:28; 10:40; 11:1, 6, 17)—but no single location can be identified as his only baptismal site.² On at least one occasion he was immersing converts from the west side of the Jordan (John 3:23, 26). Jesus and his disciples also baptized masses of penitent believers in this general area (John 3:26; 4:1-3), as the Lord’s public ministry targeted both sides of the river.³

The Sea of Galilee

The Sea of Galilee is also known as the Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1; 21:1), in connection with the western coastal city of Tiberias (John 6:23), and the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1), in connection with the northwestern coastal region of Gennesaret (Matt. 14:34; Mark 6:53). The latter designation is the Grecized form of Chinnereth, the ancient Hebrew name of this body of water, its western district, and city (Num. 34:11; Deut. 3:17; Josh. 19:35).

Fed primarily by the Jordan River and smaller streams, it is not really a “sea” (salt-water ocean) by modern conceptions but a fresh-water lake, second only to the Dead Sea as the lowest lake on earth, approximately 705 feet or 215 meters below sea level (notwithstanding declining water levels). About 8.1 miles (13 km) wide and 13 miles (21 km) in length, it covers an approximate area of 41,019 acres. Because of its location in a basin-like area of the Jordan Valley, it is subject to sudden and violent storms.

Fishing was a significant part of the Galilean economy in the first century AD, presumably the backdrop of the Lord’s parable of the dragnet (Matt. 13:47-48). The first four apostles were Galilean fishermen (Mark 1:16-20). Simon Peter owned a fishing boat, which Jesus used as a teaching platform (Luke 5:3), and throughout the Gospel narratives there are recurring references to “the boat,” suggesting a particular vessel readily available for the Lord’s use.⁴

Jesus and his disciples sailed across the Sea of Galilee numerous times, and after Christ’s resurrection, when Simon Peter decided to go fishing, he and others “got into the boat ...” (John 21:3). This would not have been a very large vessel but a comparatively “small” or “little” boat (Mark 3:9; John 21:8). A first-century-AD fishing vessel was discovered in 1986 on the northwest shoreline of the Sea of Galilee, 27 feet (8.2 meters) long and 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) wide, capable of holding 13 people and affectionately called “the Jesus Boat.” 

St. Peter's Fish

Among the numerous species of fish in the Sea of Galilee, the tilapia was one of the main types caught in antiquity. Today it is nicknamed “St. Peter’s Fish” because it is believed to be the kind of fish Peter was instructed to catch to find a coin in its mouth for the temple tax (Matt. 17:24-27). Jesus ate fish with his disciples on more than one occasion (Luke 24:42; John 21:9-12) and performed at least two feeding miracles, providing enough fish to feed thousands.⁵

The supernatural acts Jesus performed on the Sea of Galilee included great catches of fish, calming storms, and walking on water.⁶ Much of his teaching was on the lake’s shores. Of its nine coastal cities (as reported by Josephus), not counting a number of unnamed locations, the biblical record explicitly identifies six that were reached and impacted by Christ’s ministry: Capernaum, Bethsaida, Gergesa, Gennesaret, Magdala, and Tiberias.⁷

The Mediterranean Sea

Separating the continents of Africa and Europe, the Mediterranean Sea covers an approximate area of 970,000 square miles (2,510,000 sq km), almost completely surrounded by land comprising the so-called Mediterranean world. Biblically known as the Great Sea, the Western Sea, and the Sea of the Philistines, it provided the entire western boundary of ancient Israel,⁸ also bordering North Africa, Western Syria, Southern Asia Minor, Macedonia, Achaia, Italy, and Spain. 

Among its many islands alluded to in scripture are Cyprus, Crete, Mytilene, Cos, Rhodes, Malta, and Sicily.⁹ Along its eastern shoreline were the ancient cities of Tyre, Sidon, Ptolemais, Joppa, Caesarea Maritima, Gaza, and Azotus (Ashdod).¹⁰ In carrying the gospel across the Mediterranean world, the apostle Paul and coworkers traversed the Sea multiple times, facing a number of dangers and near-death experiences.¹¹

Reflections

Throughout history God has used water to do some amazing things to accomplish his will on earth, the most remarkable of which continues to this day. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus and the testimony of “the Spirit and the water and the blood” (1 John 5:8, ESV), forgiveness and redemption are still available through the same gospel message that spread across the first-century Mediterranean world. To all who receive it with penitent faith: “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16).¹²  

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:   

     ¹ E.g., Gen. 32:10; Josh. 3:17; 4:22-24; 2 Kings 2:7-14; 5:10-14; Matt. 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; John 1:26-34; 3:22-26; 4:1-3. 

     ² Farther north in the Galilee region seems to be excluded: note Matt. 3:13; 4:12; Mark 1:9, 14; Luke 4:14; John 1:43.

     ³ See K. L. Moore, “Beyond the Jordan: an Ethnogeographical Study,” Moore Perspective (9 June 2021), <Link>.

     ⁴ Mark 3:9; 4:1-2, 35-38; 5:2, 18, 21; 6:32, 45; 8:10, 14; also Matt. 8:23-24; 9:1; 13:1-2; 14:13, 22, 29, 32, 33; 15:39; Luke 8:22, 37; John 6:17, 24; 21:6. See K. L. Moore, “Leaving All to Follow Jesus,” Moore Perspective (16 Dec. 2012), <Link>.

     ⁵ Matt. 14:13-21; 15:32-39; Mark 6:31-44; 8:1-10; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14.

     ⁶ Matt. 8:23-27; 14:22-34; Mark 4:35-41; 6:45-53; Luke 5:1-11; 8:22-25; John 6:15-21; 21:1-14. 

     ⁷ Matt 4:13; 15:39; Mark 5:1; 6:45, 53; John 6:23. Concerning the lakeside community of Gergesa, see K. L. Moore, “Geographical Confusion: the Land of Demon-Possessed Pigs?” Moore Perspective (6 July 2022), <Link>.

     ⁸ Gen. 49:13; Ex. 23:31; Num. 34:6; Deut. 11:24; 34:2; Josh. 1:4; 9:1; 15:12; 23:4; Ezek. 47:10; 48:28; Joel 2:20; Zech. 14:8.

     ⁹ Acts 20:6–21:14; 27:1–28:16; Tit. 1:5.

     ¹⁰ 2 Chron. 2:16; Ezra 3:7; Josh. 11:22; Jonah 1:3; Matt. 15:21; Mark 3:8; 7:24; Acts 8:26-40; 9:36–10:48; 21:2-8.

     ¹¹ Acts 9:30; 13:4-13, 26; 16:11; 17:14; 18:18-22; 20:3-6, 13-16; 21:1-16; 27:1–28:14; 2 Cor. 11:23-27.

     ¹² For more biblical information, see K. L. Moore, “What Must I Do to be Saved?” Moore Perspective (30 Jan. 2015), <Link>.

Related Posts: Biblical Journey: Israel Part 1, Part 2, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Jordan Part 1, Jordan Part 2, Palestinian West Bank

 

Image credits:

Jordan River, photo by Cassidy Chapman Wilkins

Sea of Galilee, photo by Kaitlyn Moore

St. Peter’s Fish, <https://www.catholicconvert.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1178.jpg>

Mediterranean Map, <https://enterthebible.org/map/first-century-mediterranean-world>

A Biblical Journey Through the Bible Lands: Israel (Part 2 of 10)

Caesarea Philippi  

At the southern base of Mount Hermon in Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, about 4 miles (6.4 km) east of Tel Dan, is an ancient Greco-Roman city along “the way of the sea” (Isa. 9:1) that connected the Mediterranean coastal ports of Tyre and Sidon with Damascus of Syria. Around the turn of the second century BC, the Syrian Seleucids won a decisive battle here against the Egyptian Ptolemies (Polybius, Hist. 16.18-20) and built a temple dedicated to Pan, the Greek god of goats and flocks, shepherds, pastoral music, rural areas, and fertility.¹ The city was thus called Paneas (today Banias). When the Romans gained control, the area was included in the jurisdiction of their client king Herod the Great (Matt. 2:1), whose son Philip II renamed the city Caesarea Philippi after himself and the Roman emperor.  

Cave and Grotto of Pan

At the north of the city a natural spring reportedly flowed from a large cave (the Cave of Pan) in the steep limestone cliff face, feeding the Banias River, one of the main tributaries of the Jordan River. The cave was believed to be the entranceway to the underworld, or the gateway of Hades, in the front of which Herod the Great built a temple in 19 BC dedicated to Augustus Caesar. Other shrines, idol niches, and a temple of Zeus were also along the cliff face.

Having established his ministry in Galilee and Judea, Jesus led the twelve disciples to the northern extremities of Caesarea Philippi (Matt. 16:13), far removed from their monotheistic Jewish environment, deep in pagan territory. Here his identity as “the Christ, the Son of the living God” was confirmed, with Simon Peter commended for having made the confession upon which Jesus promised to build his church, assuring that “the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (vv. 16-18, NKJV). 

Perhaps this was a veiled allusion to the Lord’s approaching death and resurrection (v. 21), i.e., the gates of the hadean realm could not and would not contain him (cf. Acts 2:31) or keep him from establishing his community of the saved. An added possibility is drawn from the immediate environment in which these words were spoken. Seeing that “gates” are not meant for attacking but for defense, the implication here could be the bold advancement and victory of Christ’s church despite ungodly resistance and opposition (cf. Matt. 16:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:55). 

Tiberias

On the southwest coast of the Sea of Galilee, the city of Tiberias was founded sometime between AD 18 and 26 in honor of the Roman emperor Tiberius (Luke 3:1). It was built and controlled by Herod Antipas (Mark 6:14-28) until he was exiled in 39, then governed by his nephew Agrippa I until his death in 44 (Acts 12:21-23). It was the capital of Galilee until 61, then detached from Galilee when Nero bequeathed it to Agrippa II (Acts 25:13), whose capital was Caesarea Philippi. Despite being a center of Greco-Roman influence and inhabited by pagan Gentiles, it was also home to a significant number of Jews. Among the many followers of Jesus around the Sea of Galilee were residents of Tiberias (John 6:23).

Campernaum Synagogue 

Capernaum

Kǝfar Naḥūm, meaning “Village of Comfort,” was a fishing village on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, west of the Jordan River. In Jesus’ day its estimated population was around 1,500. Early in his ministry the Lord moved with his mother and siblings to Capernaum, making it his home-base,² from which he traveled to other places and frequently returned.³ As he ministered in the community,⁴ he also taught in the local synagogue,⁵  near the house of Simon Peter and his wife, mother-in-law, and brother Andrew.⁶ Also nearby were Matthew Levi’s tax booth and home.⁷  Sadly, most of the residents of Capernaum rejected the Lord’s call to repentance and redemption (Matt. 11:20-24; Luke 10:15).

Reflections

Even in the harshest environments and most unlikely places, the Lord offers hope to all who are willing to listen with receptive and responsive hearts. The message of Christ has the power to convict and convert, no matter what obstacles try to stand in the way. Not everyone will take advantage of God’s merciful grace, but the places targeted and impacted by the ministry of Jesus demonstrate that all deserve a chance to receive it. “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2).

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:   

     ¹ The English word “panic” is derived from the name of the Greek god Pan, depicted as half-man/half-goat and provoking fear.

     ² Matt. 4:13; John 1:12; cf. Matt. 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21.

     ³ Matt. 4:23-25; 8:5, 18; 17:24; Mark 2:1; 1:38; 9:33; Luke 4:42-44; 7:1.

     ⁴ Matt. 8:16-17; 9:1-8; Mark 1:32-34; 2:1-12; Luke 4:23, 40-41; 7:1-10; John 4:46-54; 6:24-59.

     ⁵ Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37; John 6:59.

     ⁶ Matt. 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-33; Luke 4:38-39; cf. Matt. 17:25; Mark 2:1.

     ⁷ Matt. 9:9-13; Mark 2:13-17; Luke 5:27-32.

Related Posts: Biblical Journey: Israel Part 1, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Jordan Part 1, Jordan Part 2, Palestinian West Bank

 

Image credits:

Caesarea Philippi Cave of Pan, <https://www.generationword.com/Israel/caesarea_philippi.htm#GrottoShrin>.

Tiberias, <https://www.kayak.com/Tiberias.12463.guide>.

Capernaum synagogue, photo by Katie Wadlington.

A Biblical Journey Through the Bible Lands: Israel (Part 1 of 10)

 

The Red Sea 

The Red Sea lies between the continents of Africa and Asia and is bordered by six countries, its northern tip touching Jordan, Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The origin of its name is uncertain but may be based on a directional color system, with black signifying north (thus the Black Sea) and red signifying south. A more popular theory is derived from the seasonal blooms of red-colored algae that turn its waters a reddish-brown color. 

At the end of the eighth plague in Egypt, a mighty wind drove the swarm of locusts into the Red Sea (Ex. 10:19). From Egypt God through Moses led the Israelites to the Red Sea and then across it on dry ground, destroying the Egyptian pursuers in its waters (Ex. 13:18–15:5): a defining moment in Israel’s history.¹ The Red Sea provided the southeastern boundary of Israel’s land inheritance (Ex. 23:31; 1 Kings 9:26).

Ein Gedi 

Ibex

West of the Dead Sea near Qumran, Ein Gedi is an oasis of fresh-water springs, wildlife, and vegetation. Once called “Hazazon Tamar” (with reference to its palm trees), the Amorites (descendants of Ham-Canaan) once inhabited the area (Gen. 14:7; 2 Chron. 20:2) that was later included among the wilderness cities of Judah (Josh. 15:62). Its beauty and life-sustaining resourses were the subject of Hebrew poetry and prophetic imagery (Song 1:14; Ezek. 47:10). It was also known as “the rocks of the wild goats” or “ibex rocks” (1 Sam. 24:2), because of the abundance of ibex (a species of wild goat) in the area. 

As David fled from King Saul, he hid in the caves of Ein Gedi (1 Sam. 23:29; 24:1-2), where it is traditionally believed Psalm 63 was composed. Finding this refuge-oasis in an otherwise inhospitable desert would have offered inspiration and signification for the earnest prayer, “O GOD, you are my God; early will I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water” (Psa. 63:3, NKJV).

More than a century later, a massive army of pagan nations gathered at Ein Gedi to fight against Judah’s fourth king Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. 20:2), but God reassured his people, “Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s…. see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you” (2 Chron. 20:15-17). 

The Golan Heights 

Also known as simply the Golan, this hilly region east and northeast of the Sea of Galilee is principally controlled today by Israel and bordered by Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Its most prominent topographical feature is Mount Hermon (Israel’s highest mountain), where the Jordan River begins (cf. 1 Chron. 5:23).

Descendants of Noah’s son Ham and grandson Canaan established the Amorite kingdom in Bashan—the northern territory east of the Jordan River. At one time ruled by the Amorite King Og, these lands, including sixty fortified cities, were claimed by Moses and the Israelites as a God-given possession, the southern portion of which was allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh (Deut. 3:1-20; 1 Kings 4:13). It was a fertile land suitable for raising livestock and timber (Deut. 3:19; 32:14; Isa. 2:13). One of three Levitical cities of refuge east of the Jordan was established at Golan (Deut. 4:41-43; Josh. 21:27).

Tel Dan

A tel is a mound of accumulated debris of multiple layers of civilizations over an extended period of time. The ruins of the ancient city of Dan at the southern base of Mount Hermon have been excavated, revealing centuries of human settlements and history. The Tel Dan Stele was discovered in 1994, a 9th-century BC Aramaic inscription commemorating the victory of Damascus king Hazael over “Israel” and the “House of David,” the only known archaeological evidence naming the biblical King David.

"Abraham's Gate" at Tel Dan

Formerly known as the Canaanite city of Laish, its location was along a major trade route connecting Galilee in the south with Damascus of Syria in the north. When the troops of four northern kings kidnapped Abraham’s nephew Lot, Abraham and 318 trained men of his household chased them all the way to Dan, where the city’s ancient gate (constructed of mudbricks) has been discovered and excavated, now called “Abraham’s Gate.” The pursuit continued even farther north, where Lot was finally rescued (Gen. 14:14-16).

The city was conquered, destroyed, and rebuilt by the Israelite tribe of Dan (Judg. 18:7-29), becoming the northernmost city of the nation of Israel.² Unfortunately its high places were used as idolatrous worship sites for centuries until God gave up the northern Israelite kingdom to Assyrian exile (Judg. 18:30-31; 1 Kings 12:28-30). 

Reflections

This leg of our journey reminds us not only of the disastrous consequences of rejecting the way of God but even more so the enormous blessings of following him. As we face life’s seemingly insurmountable challenges and experience fear, discouragement, and perhaps a sense of hopelessness, let’s remember Abraham at Dan, Moses at the Red Sea, and David at Ein Gedi. The same gracious God assures us of his abiding presence and providential care. He is our ultimate refuge, deliverance, and hope. “Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me” (Psa. 63:7-8).

--Kevin L. Moore

Endnotes:   

     ¹ Deut. 11:4; Josh. 2:10; 4:23; 24:6-7; Psa. 106:9; 136:13-15; Acts 7:36; Heb. 11:29.

     ² Judg. 20:1; 1 Sam. 3:20; 2 Sam. 3:10; 17:11; 24:2, 15; 1 Kings 4:25; 1 Chron. 21:2; 2 Chron. 30:5.

Related Posts: Israel Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Jordan Part 1, Jordan Part 2, Palestinian West Bank

 

Image credits:

Red Sea map <https://www.worldatlas.com/seas/red-sea.html>

Ein Gedi photos by Cassidy Chapman Wilkins

Ibex <https://www.bibleplaces.com/engedi/>

Golan <https://www.viator.com/tours/Tel-Aviv/Golan-Heights-Day-Trip-from-Jerusalem/d920-88630P24>

Abraham’s Gate Tel Dan, photo by Rebekah Gough