The newest Jerusalem Center group arrived on a mid-morning flight from the US. It is rare to have a few hours for touring after arrival in the land. Therefore, we took advantage of the time and drove through the Shepelah or "lowlands."
Our first stop was Beth Shemesh, the epicenter of the Samson stories found in Judges 13-17. Although Samson proved somewhat of a playboy, the God of Israel did not forsake him. At the end, Samson pays the ultimate price for his escapades, but he praised God for God's faithfulness.
The second and final stop was Tel Azekah and the Valley of Elah, site of the battle between David and Goliath (I Samuel 17). We have enjoyed this story since childhood and constantly drawn encouragement when the odds against us seem too great.
With the group fading quickly, we traveled the road "up to Bethlehem" from the lowlands. The countryside along this road is one of the most beautiful. Vineyards abound in this area.
After a lunch of felafel or shawerma, the group settled in at their hotel, the Angel in Beit Jala. Tomorrow, we explore the Bethlehem area and study the Christmas stories.
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