The Elders at the Gate

Today we set out for the Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights. The weather forecast called for rain and snow. Our first stop was Hazor which was pleasant enough weather-wise. Hazor is remembered as the site of one of the earliest victories of Joshua over the Canaanites. Also, Hazor served as the setting for James Michener's The Source.

The second stop was Tel Dan which proved an even more pleasant outing. Members of the group secured their baptismal water from the one of the headwaters of the Jordan which flows through the nature reserve.

But the gate to the Iron Age City drew much of the attention. One of the group assumed the role of the king at the gate. In ancient times, judgments were made by the king at the gate in the presence of the elders and the people

Here we also read Ruth 4 detailing how business transactions were made in biblical times. In this instance, Boaz redeemed the property of Naomi as the first step to claiming the hand of Ruth. Boaz had to give the next-of-kin the first opportunity at redemption. When the kinsman declined the offer, Boaz acquired the field. The transaction was attested by the exchange of one sandal.

Amazingly, we were drawn into the business of the day at this ancient gate. The lessons from the land were numerous.

Continuing on to Caesarea Philippi, we encountered heavy rain. As we climbed onto the Golan Heights, heavy fog and icy rain descended. The day ended early with a return to the lake and two visits to churches.

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