Galilee Day 1

We began our four day trek through the Galilee at Casarea. In this "uttermost part of the earth," the Roman society was very visible. The Hellenizedcoastal plain was centered around this amazing feat of engineering - a port in an unnatural place. Surrounding the port are thre remains of theater, amphitheater, hippodrome, and palace complete with a freshwater swimming pool mere yards from the Mediterranean shore.

At lunchtime we travelled Northeast through the Jokneam pass to the most prominent place along the Israeli Mediterranean cost - Mount Carmel. Her the Jezreel valley spreads across the horizon with a splendid view. At Muhraqa we considered the story of Elijah the prophet who may have gotten water from the nearby spring to prove the power of YHWH. The thunder of the day made the image of Baal all the more prominent, and Dr. Wrights insight on the flight of Elijah was an interesting reminder of our God who cannot be controlled by Human convention. He can light fire through the lighting or speak in utter silence.

Megiddo was a view into the past and the future. Over 25

layers have been found on this ancient tel. One of the most impressive remains is a grain storage bin that probably dates to the time of Hosea and Amos. Such a size could only have been used by a ruler for taxation, which fits nicely with the social justice message preached by the prophets. As for the future, this is often the supposed place for Revelation 16s Battle of Armageddon. Dr. Wright explained why Har Mo'ed might be a better translation indicating the Mount of Assembly - Jerusalem (cf Isaiah 14, Zech 12, 14, Joel 3, and Is 29).

We finished the day at Jezreel which points out

the connectedness of the Jezreel valley. From here one can see transjordan east as well as through the end of the valley to the west. This is the eastern pinch of the international route. The prominence of the spot is evident by the stories of Judges 6-8, Ahabs capital, and II Kings 8.