Today was a very full day, but we were pleased to be driving to higher ground where the temperature was a little cooler and the breeze was wonderful.

Our first stop was Tel Dan. [Tel = a mound of ruins over several eras]. Dan was one of the tribes of Israel in the northern kingdom, and this find has brought many great sites to the surface from the Old Testament. There is a major spring here which is one of the main water sources for Israel, and our initial walk through the bush was certainly a beautiful one as we wove our way beside this beautiful, fast-flowing stream.

We then came upon Jeroboam’s altar, where he offered sacrifices on the high places in direct contravention to the law. It was quite incredible to be in the exact place where God’s people, despite knowing the law, sinned so obviously. [Read 1 Kings 12] The next portion of our walk brought a view across to the borders with Lebanon and Erez shared with us some history of the relationship with that country.

We continued on a great looking bush walk with so many gum trees we could have been back home in Queensland. But the end of that walk led us to an incredible site as we saw the gate which Abraham approached as he entered Dan on his search for Lot. Read Genesis 14:1-15. It was quite an awesome feeling to be in the very place where Abraham would have entered the city.

The next short distance brought us to an entrance place where it was clearly the king’s seat where he would have received his people and offered judgement. Quite amazing.

We then drove to Caesarea Philippi where the scriptures came to life for us as we read Mark 8 where Jesus asks the disciples who people were saying he was, followed by the direct question of who they said he was. It was amazing to learn that Caesarea Philippi was home to the temples of Augustus, Zeus, the Sacred Goats and the Dancing Goats, as well as the grotto of Pan, the Court of Pan and the Nymphs, and the court of Nemesis. It was in this thoroughly pagan context that Jesus was asking the disciples what people were saying about him. It was also fascinating to learn that in that place the people also believed that the Gates of Hades were actually in one of the caves from which the waters flowed. In Matthew’s account of this story he writes that Jesus says, ‘I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ The newfound context we now have for this passage makes it so much more real. We shared in Holy Communion together and found it very moving as together we also proclaimed Jesus as the Christ for whom we live.

One more stop before lunch took us to a totally different era as we visited Nimrod’s Castle, a muslim fortress of the 13th century. This huge and magnificent structure was set on top of a mountain, built by the mamelukes. This fortress is over 400m long and has the most amazing views of the Golan region of Israel’s north. It was fascinating to explore this huge castle and to find watch towers with arrow windows, secret passageways, underground rooms, large cisterns [still with water] and to exit via the final secret tunnel was great fun. Those of us who went the furthest distance felt like children playing in this great maze of rooms and passageways.

Our lunch today was in a village of the druze, a religious group with roots in Islam but a very peaceful people. Some of us shared in their bread speciality, Labne.

Two more stops on the late afternoon drive back to our hotel took us to a viewpoint where we saw the border with Syria. Realising the war just across the border took us back to the reality of this broken and divided world. We then went to an olive oil manufacturer, where we learnt about the production of olive oil over the centuries, sampled a number of oils, and also had the option of purchasing not only oils, but also cosmetics made from the byproduct. We all came out with faces and arms shining as we were also able to sample the lotions and creams. Beautiful.

Reflecting together in our group time helps us all to process what we are experiencing, and our prayers for one another are such a great gift. Dinner tonight was another feast, but we were more prepared, having already had the night before.