Jericho, Mount of Temptation, Herod's Winter Palace.

Field trip update time! The date was September 12, 2011 [I'm a little late in the game in posting]. First stop: Tel Jericho, tel referring to an archaeological mound. An ancient tower, considered to be the oldest man-made structure in the world, makes Jericho a symbol of the Neolithic [New Stone Age] period. Jericho is also the site of Joshua’s first conquest after crossing the River Jordan. The word Jericho means scented place. This name was given because of the perfumes and scented resins that were sold there. Upon Tel Jericho, we read several chapters of Joshua talking of Jericho. Do you remember Joshua 2 when the harlot Rahab conceals the spies that Joshua sends to Jericho? This chapter spoke to me. It reminded me of the concept that our Father in Heaven is no respecter of persons. The covenant isn’t solely for those who happen upon it by way of bloodline. It is for people like Rahab, men and women who love their God. In Joshua 3 it gives the account of how the Israelites crossed the Jordan River on dry ground near Jericho, by the hand of the Lord. Joshua 6 talks of the destruction of Jericho, including the walls falling down. Only Rahab and her household are saved. And just one more Jericho specific scriptural reference! 2 Kings 2: 19-22, Elisha heals the waters of Jericho. Ok I’m done. In my defense, I’d like to mention that it is simply a beautiful thing to stand on Biblical ground and read from scripture specific to that location. It’s an experience that sucks me into the Bible, like a gravitational force. A strong one. Let me make it simple for you: if I put myself in Harry Potter’s shoes, my experience can be likened to Harry’s entrapment in Tom Riddle’s diary. Just a little less sinister. But just as, if not more, magical. Bible > Tom Riddle’s diary.

Now for the second installment of the conquest field trip. The Greek Orthodox Quruntul Monastery on the cliff-side of the traditional Mount of Temptation site. Here, the Adversary tempted Christ following His 40 day fast. During the Byzantine period, monasteries were built in this area to commemorate this event, as well as other scriptural events. Quruntul is the Hebrew word for temptation. The temptation of Christ can be read about in Matthew 4: 1-11, as well as Luke 4: 1-13. This is also the traditional site of where Elijah is fed by ravens, as seen in 1 Kings 17: 1-7.

Drumroll for the last installment...Herod’s Winter Palace in Jericho. Let us begin by a brief history of the people that have inhabited fertile Jericho. Following Alexander the Great’s conquest in 332 BC, Jericho became his personal estate. After conquering Judea from the Seleucids in 140 BC, the Hasmonean rulers built a royal winter palace south of ancient Jericho at the mouth of Wadi Qilt. The Hasmonean complex came into the hands of Mark Antony, who gave it to Cleopatra, until her and Mark Antony’s death, at which time Roman Emperor Augustus gifted Jericho to Herod. Herod is recognized for his colossal building projects, including the Second Temple and palaces. The most splendid pleasure palace of Herod’s was his Winter Palace at Jericho. The Winter Palace included spacious reception halls and courtyards, a hippodrome, gardens, two swimming pools, and a spa. Herod adored swimming pools. So much so that he ordered his brother in law [a high priest] downed in one at the Winter Palace. Because Herod was especially sensitive about his lack of political legitimacy [he was a convert to Judaism], he became ruthless toward all those whom he perceived as being a threat to his power. As long as we’re talking about death, I’ll mention that he ordered his wife, 2 sons, his wife’s grandmother, and 2 rabbis killed. There are others, but he was talking more quickly than I could write in a bumpy bus. But you get the picture, he was a terrible person. A paranoid madman. Ironically enough, Herod also died in his Winter Palace, nearly 70 years old, in 4 BC. But not before ordering the most prominent men of the area arrested and trapped in the hippodrome. You see, Herod recognized that his death would be welcomed with Jewish rapture and wasn’t content with this sending off. He arranged for the execution of these learned men at the time of his own death. This ensured that mourning would occur. Mourning for the other men, but seeming mourning for his own death.

Now for my own brief insight. This site evoked a distinct impression of Herod the Great, and therefore the political environment at the time of Christ’s birth. It was a toxic environment. The surrounding area, as well as the world, was in dire need of a Christ, but whether they were ready to receive Him is not quite as definite. Now let me tell you of the heat of Jericho. It’ll give you some understanding if I make the point that 6 million tons of water evaporate from the Dead Sea every day. Humidity central. All 80+ of us were balls of sweat. Although the weather was unpleasant, it somewhat enhanced the experience for me. Let me explain. It served to humanize Christ for me. When I read the New Testament, I don’t think of the weather. I don’t think of a less pleasurable physical situation being the setting for the grand events of the New Testament. I don’t think of Christ as subject to simple, yet uncomfortable situations. Such as blistering heat. I don’t want to sound irreverent in any way, but He most likely sweated. Probably got sunburned on the back of His neck, like I did. Maybe some mosquitos were involved. The heat made Him thirsty, and He probably asked a friend for a drink. My word, He was subject to the same physical world as I am. At this moment. The miracle of it is that He transcended it. He did what He did in spite of the fact that He lived on this world. He loved fiercely, he healed, he redeemed. Isn’t it wonderful? How blessed I am, little Samy, able to glory in this. And to be here, where He lived out his 33 year ministry with perfection.

God bless you.

Neolithic Tower in Jericho has been dated to about 8,000 BC and is considered to be the oldest known man-made structure in the world.

“Jericho, the city of palm trees...” Deuteronomy 34:3

Herod’s Winter Palace. “I’d rather be one of Herod’s pigs than one of his sons.” Caesar Augustus. Yes, actual quote.

Bathing area at Harod's Winter Palace. His constructions were known for the diamond shaped brick work seen at the back wall of this room.

“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” Matthew 4:1. The traditional site of the Mount of Temptation. If you look closely, you can see the Monastery carved into the Mount [look for the light blue roof tops in the center of the picture].

Oh, hello camel in an Israeli gas station parking lot. He bit Taylor's shirt shortly after this picture was taken.