Sea of Galilee, Mt Arbel, Capernaum, Chorazin & Bethsaida

Day 4, Monday, January 13, 2014

Boat Ride on the Sea of Galilee

We began our morning with a boat ride across the Sea of Galilee.  We are staying in a Kibbutz (community) on the east side of the Sea directly across from Tiberius in Ein Gev.  We boarded the boat at the Kibbutz first thing after breakfast.  It was a revelation to me that this "sea" is really a lake.  Much like lakes in Oklahoma.  From anywhere on the lake, you can still see the shore.  Fortunately for us, it was a calm morning.

After some time to digest where we were and ponder the idea of being on the Sea of Galilee, the party began!  We started with the Star Spangled Banner and the Israeli National Anthem and moved on to Hava Negilah then other dancing music.  I could start every day with a party like this!

Mt. Arbel

After a steep mountain climb or a bus ride through Tiberius, we all arrived on the top of Mt. Arbel.  It was hazy and the view was still spectacular.  Looking down you could see the Sea of Galilee, a muslim village with a mosque and the town of Magdala as well as the city of Tiberius.  It was pretty amazing to enjoy some quiet time on the mountain.

Mark 1:35 "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed,"

Town of Capernaum

The town of Capernaum where much of Jesus' ministry took place is now owned by the Catholic church.  It has been excavated and contains:  the ruins of the village, what is thought to be Peter's house and a 1st century synagogue (in basalt stone) with a 4th century synagogue (built in limestone) built on top.

Chorazin

The town of Chorazin has been excavated.  It contains houses, an olive press  and a synagogue.  Here is a manger in one of the houses.

Bethsaida

The New Testament town of Bethsaida was probably in the same place as the Old Testament town of Gesher.  One of King David's wives was from Gesher and their son, Absolom fled to Gesher. In the oldest excavations, there is a 4 chambered gate.  It is one of the first examples we have.  Next to the gate is a monument to a god with a bull's head.  Inside, there is also an altar apparently for burnt offerings.  Is this a Hebrew village?  The ruins of Bethsaida appear to be closer to the river and on top of the older settlement.  This is a large site and still under excavation.

Next....Tel Dan, Katzrin, Mt. Bental, Caesaria Philippi,