JERICHO, BAPTISMAL SITE, AND VALLEY OF DEATH

At Jericho, we had a quick tour of the excavations with the reading of Johsua.  Jericho is perhaps the oldest known city in the world, with settlements dating to 8,000 BCE, making it more than 10,000 years old.  (Our American history of 400 years seems insignificant when compared to the ancient cities).  The most notable excavation revealed a 24' tall watch tower from the Neolithic period, at the lowest level of the dig.

Buffet lunch at Jericho was full of tasty vegetables prepared in local fashion.  MUCH better than yesterday.  Shopping time ensued, in which Steve Ebert kept my wife from breaking the credit cards.  I owe him big time alcohol!!

The landscape was changing from lush, green hillsides to desert.  The valley floor is rich and fertile in this area, but the hillsides are sparse.  Bedouin herders inhabit the hillsides, tending their flocks and living in shacks (they are no longer able to live in caves).  Reminds us of the bible references to the shepherds.



On the River Jordan is what is believed to be the site where John performed baptisms.  The river was muddy today, and it continues to be VERY cold, so no one was willing to get in.  But, Ginger braved a hand into the Jordan, so at least her hand has repented.

Pastor Rick commented on the significance of Jesus being baptized by John.  By doing so, He not only gave credibility to John's ministry, but He was, again, demonstrating that He is human and is living among the people.


In the background is a baptismal site on the other side of the river, in the Kingdom of Jordan.  The River Jordan divides Israel and the Kingdom of Jordan in this area.  What you don't see until you look closely is that both the Israeli side and the Jordanian side have armed guards.  It is odd to me that the Baptismal site of our Lord is located in a militarized zone.  Again....how far have we, as a civilization and a people, REALLY come in the past 2,000 years?  Where the river does not divide the countries, barbed wire fences with land mines protect against illegal crossing.  More on this in another post.

On the road to Jerusalem, we detoured to an overlook at the Valley of the Death.  It is believed that this is where David wrote Psalm 23 "The Lord is my shepherd...".  Ginger read Psalm 23 as we took in the landscape, noting the contrast between sparse vegetation (we passed Bedouin shepherds on the drive) and the running waters below.  It's not hard to imagine the inspiration that this landscape gave to David resulting in this well known Psalm.  It is believed that Jesus roamed these hills during his 40 days of fasting and the temptation of Satan.  

On the hillside in the background is St George's monastery.  A more closeup photo is to the right (You may have to enlarge this photo to really see the scale of the buildings and how they literally hang off the cliff.)   Built in the sixth century CE, the monastery is inhabited by Greek Orthodox monks.   It is accessed by a land bridge so desolate that many believe it to be inspired by Psalm 23.  The original monks dwelt in a cave that they believe was where Elijah's lived was fed by the Raven.


Another whirlwind day with more images, information, and questions to take in than this feeble brain can absorb in such short order.  On to Jerusalem and check in to the Olive Tree Hotel.  I'm so worn out by the end of each day that, after dinner (and some wine) I go to bed and immediate sleep by 9 PM.  But, I'm waking at about 4 AM, ready to take on the new day!!!  This place is AMAZING!!