Walking the Old Testament

We didn't end up going back to Jerusalem today since the rest of our group hasn't arrived yet, and they want to do all the big sites in one day for everyone. We did get to see some pretty neat archeological sites from the Old Testament. We started with Zorah, Samson's home (Judges 13). Most of the sites that have been excavated there date back more to the Byzantine era rebuild, but it was still cool to see.

Area for wine and olive pressing

The view from Zorah

These pitted out areas were all over

The next site was Beth Shemesh (1 Samuel 6). There was an under ground water system that we went down in to, and most of the excavated area so far were at one point the houses for the wealthier and/or government buildings.

Our next stop was what they are 90% sure is Shaaraim (I guess the name means literally "two gates") since it is in the geographically correct place, and is the only site with two gates (1 Samuel 17). It over looks the valley where the battle between the Israelites and the Philistines took place that ended with David killing Goliath. From there we could see Socoh and could kind of see Azekah, and the next hill over was Jarmuth. Along the base of the hill where Shaaraim is a brook, that was pretty much dry and not so rippling, but it is very likely the brook it mentions in the passage.

One of the gate houses, the gate is the opening farthest forward. The hill on the tight is Jarmuth, the hill on the left is Socoh, the valley is where the battle took place.

After that we headed to Lakhish (or Lachish), which is an area Joshua conquered at one point (Joshua 10), and was rebuilt and conquered several other times by all sorts or different people groups. It was very high up, so the view was incredible, but the walk was kind of killer.

Lakhish from the ground, but only one side.

Palace, and view

The last stop of our day was Gath, Goliath's home (1 Samuel 17, again). Another lengthy walk, but very extensive views from the top of the hill. You could see all the way to Gaza. The main excavation site was some sort of temple ground. There was a wash basin, and several rooms uncovered.

Temple Ground

I have so many more photos, but the internet at our hotel is a bit slow, so you'll have to wait till I get home and post them on facebook. :) Now I am going to bed.