One of the Great "Ah" Moments

Middle Bronze Gate at Tel Dan

One of the truly breathtaking moments while traveling in Israel comes during a visit to Tel Dan.  The inspiration is the Middle Bronze gate.

Without fail, the group that I am teaching stops in their tracks as they round the final approach to the gate.  The "ah" is quite audible.  Only the sound of cameras break the silence.

The gate dates to around 1800 BC.  It is a four-chambered gate, constructed of mud brick.  

Two common questions are: how in the world did this gate survive?  Could Abraham have walked through this gate on his journey south?  This musing certainly adds to the awe.