Early Rains Are Here!

Every year, I tend to become more and more fascinated by the weather in Israel. In the fall, I begin looking to the digital sky and watch as the early rains begin to fall. Over the past several years, Israel has been experiencing a drought. This is evident not only in the data, but also walking around the land.

The water level in the Sea of Galilee has dropped several feet in the past several year. Places along the shoreline where I have taken my tour groups to board boats are no longer accessible. The water level is just too shallow for a boat to dock in those locations. In addition, as you visit different areas along the shore, more and more of the land is visible. This is especially evident along the northwest corner of the lake as there are many visual markers that show this fact with clarity.

But….good news…the rains have arrived. This morning, I took three screenshots from web cameras that are located in the northern part of the land. The first picture is from the city of Sefad, which sits a couple of miles north of the Sea of Galilee. On a normal day, you would be able to see part of the lake from this image. But, not today.

The second image is from the top of Mount Bental, about 50 miles north of the Sea of Galilee. Again, you will see that it is a rainy day. It is not uncommon to see visitors and families eating picnic lunches from this vantage point.

Finally, this picture is from Merom Golan, which is very near Mount Bental. Again, rain everywhere.

To me, these are beautiful views. These rains will fall through the Hula Valley and into the Jordan River. From there, they will flow into the Sea of Galilee and offset the water shortages that currently exist. In addition, they will make the land nice and green for us to see later next year.

“And if you will indeed obey my commandments that I command you today, to love the Lord your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, he will give the rain for your land in its season, the early rain and the later rain, that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil. And he will give grass in your fields for your livestock, and you shall eat and be full.” - Deuteronomy 11:13-15

Rain In The Forecast

In speaking to the people of Israel, God says: 

“If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit." - Leviticus 26:3-4

Even today, Israel basically has two seasons: the dry season (May - October) and the rainy season (November - April). I have been trying to pay close attention to the ongoing rainy season due to the dry conditions that have persisted over Israel for the past 3-4 years. The good news is that within the past couple of months, Israel has received a good amount of rain. In fact, about two weeks ago, much of northern Israel received several inches of snow. Snow was even reported in the city of Zefat (Sefad), which sits just a few miles north of the Sea of Galilee. 

The effects of that amount of rain can easily be seen downstream. Rain that falls on northern Israel eventually finds its way into the Jordan River, which flows into the Sea of Galilee. Consequently, the level of the Sea of Galilee has risen several centimeters since November, including six centimeters in the last week. For those who have traveled to Galilee in the last couple of years, they have seen how low the water level is. The level of the Sea of Galilee still has a way to go. As of today, the elevation of surface of the lake is at -213.84 meters, which is still below the lower red line (the level at which water can be pumped out of the lake for irrigation). 

In looking at the weather forecast, the land is forecast to receive more rain this weekend. I am hopeful that this will help the level of the lake rise even more. 

(NOTE: The picture at the top of this post is from the top of Mount Bental, in the Golan Heights. This image was captured from a web camera during the snowstorm a little over a week ago.)

Early and Latter Rains

With a degree in Meteorology, I have a special interest in the weather. And, when it comes to the Bible, I pay particular interest to references to weather. In a few different instances, the writers of the Bible use the term "early and latter rains". Some examples include:

They do not say in their heart, “Let us now fear the Lord our God, who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season. He reserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest.” - Jeremiah 5:24

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. - James 5:7

Contrary to popular belief, Israel actually receives a lot of rain every year. Admittedly, there are areas of the country where it is pretty dry (Jordan Rift Valley, Negeb, etc). But much of the land is very blessed by rain. 

The rain, however, falls in an interesting pattern. Every year, the rains start in late October and then continue until mid-May. This phenomenon is what the Biblical writers are referring to when they mention the early rains (October) and the latter rains (May). 

Since it is January, we are currently in the middle of the rainy season. The rains that fall right now help nourish the land for the rest of the year. Last week, Israel had an unusually rainy day. Many locations of the Galilee received nearly four inches of rain in one day. It was so much rain, that the water level of the Sea of Galilee rose three centimeters that same day. The Times of Israel had a very interesting story about it on their website.

Just as He did centuries ago, God is still ensuring that the land is properly watered. 

Leaving on a Jet Plane

The reservations have been made. The flights have been booked. And the bags are packed. Tomorrow morning, we will be heading to Israel on another tour of this beautiful land. My tour group will meet in Tel Aviv on Tuesday afternoon and begin our adventure. I can not wait. 

I will be posting here every evening and give you an update on what we have seen, where we have been, and what we have learned. So stay tuned.

For those members of my tour group: Travel safe and Lord willing, I will see all of you in Israel!

NOTE: The picture above is looking east from Tiberias across the Sea of Galilee. 

Fishing on the Sea of Galilee

Last June, I was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee and was able to catch a picture of this gentleman fishing in the lake. Obviously, in the first century, fishermen used nets as opposed to a rod and reel. But, it is still very interesting to see that even today, people still love to fish this beautiful area. 

Rare View of Mount Hermon

I have been lucky enough to travel to Israel several times. But last June, when I was traveling with the team from Appian Media, I was able to see something that I have never seen before. While we were staying in Tiberias, it was clear enough so that I could see Mount Hermon from the lake. The picture at the top of this post was one (of many) that I captured. Most of the time, there is too much haze in the Hula Valley to see the mountain from this distance.

The above picture was taken late one afternoon. You can clearly see Mount Hermon and the location where the Hula Valley (with the Jordan River at its base) empties into the Sea of Galilee.

Mount Hermon sits about 60 miles north of the Sea of Galilee on the modern-day borders of Israel, Syria and Lebanon. It rises over 9,000 feet in elevation. Since the Sea of Galilee sits approximately 700 feet below sea level, the top of the mountain is nearly 10,000 feet above the location of this photograph. The Old Testament city of Dan and the New Testament city of Caesarea Philippi sit near the base of the mountain.

In the 4th century, Bishop Cyril of Jerusalem suggested that since many of the activities in the lifetime of Jesus happened around Mount Tabor, therefore he preferred that site as the probable location of the Transfiguration. Consequently, that site has been recognized as the traditional location of the event since that time.

However, many recent scholars prefer the location of Mount Hermon for the Transfiguration. Just prior to the Transfiguration, Jesus and His disciples were at Caesarea Philippi. This is told to us in Matthew 16:13, when Jesus discusses who they believe He is. Peter responds by saying that "Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God." Then, six days later (Matthew 17:1), Jesus took Peter, James, and John onto a "high mountain". While it would have been possible to travel from Caesarea Philippi to Mount Tabor (a distance of about 70 miles) in six days, it seems more logical that the "high mountain" that was mentioned in Matthew is referring to Mount Hermon, especially since they were already in the area. I agree with this assessment.

Walking Like Jesus (On the Sea of Galilee)

NOTE: This is the fifth in a series of posts about Walking Like Jesus. The previous posts were about the southern steps of the Temple Mount, the shore of the Sea of Galilee, a Roman road to Capernaum, and the hills of Samaria.

Matthew tells us...

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” - Matthew 14:22-33

The picture at the top of this post is of the sun rising over the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus walked here.

I know what you are thinking. You are thinking, "Barry is going to tell me to go walk on water!" No, not really. But, I do want us to consider what lesson we can learn from what Jesus did here. The lesson we can learn is this: We need to try the impossible.

Satan has many weapons in his arsenal. One of his most powerful lessons is doubt. How often have you said, "I can't do that!"

As soldiers of the cross, we should be willing to do whatever we needed to do to tell others about Jesus.

Perhaps you do not think that you could ever teach a Bible class. Give it a try!

Perhaps you do not think that you lead a prayer in public. Give it a try!

Perhaps you do not think that you would know what to say to someone who is struggling. Give it a try!

You may think that those things are impossible. But, you never know, you might find out that they are really possible. And, not only that, you might actually find that you are good at them. Consequently, people will learn more about Jesus.

Do you want to walk like Jesus? Then do the impossible and try to walk on the Sea of Galilee. In doing so, you might find that the things you thought were impossible are actually possible.

Walking Like Jesus (Along the Shore of the Sea of Galilee)

(NOTE: This is the second in a series of posts on "Walking like Jesus". In the first post, I discussed the Southern Steps of the Temple Mount.)

Matthew tells us:

While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. - Matthew 4:18-22

The picture at the top of the post is of the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus walked here.

What lesson can we learn from Jesus at this location? We can learn that we should look for potential in others.

Fishing is a noble profession. Every time I pick up some fish from the meat market, I am glad that there are professional fisherman in this world.

As Jesus walked along the shore of the Sea of Galilee and saw these four men, he recognized the potential in them. Even though they had a wonderful profession, there was even more that they could do.

It is not enough, however, to just recognize the potential. Jesus also had to reach out to them and encourage them to do the work that He had for them to do.

How do you look at others? When you look at others, do you look for potential in them? I believe that everyone has the potential to help spread God's Word. Maybe everyone is not a public speaker. That is okay. There are plenty of other jobs that need to be done. Maybe we need to be looking for people that can say a comforting word to someone who needs it. So, look for potential in others to help spread God's Word. Then, just like Jesus did, ask them to get involved.

If you do this, you will be walking like Jesus.

The Sea of Galilee

For many years, I read the words "Sea of Galilee" without thinking about it very much. It was just a name of a body of water. That changed when I finally saw this "sea". In reality, it is not a sea at all (at least the way that we think about it). It is really just a small lake. For instance, "Lake" Okeechobee in Florida is about 730 square miles in size. The "Sea" of Galilee is only 64 square miles in size. The Sea of Galilee is less than 10% of the size of Lake Okeechobee, yet one is called a sea and the other is called a lake.

So, why is it called a sea? To answer this question, you need to think about the body of water in antiquity and consider other bodies of water in the area. The other two main bodies of water in this area are the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea.

In the Bible, the Mediterranean Sea is called "the great sea" (Numbers 34:6-7, Joshua 1:4, Joshua 9:1, Joshua 23:4, Ezekiel 47:10, Ezekiel 48:28, etc). The Dead Sea is called by a variety of names in the Bible. It is called the Salt Sea (Genesis 14:3, Numbers 34:3, Joshua 3:16, etc), the Sea of Arabah (Deuteronomy 3:17, Joshua 12:3, etc), and the Eastern Sea (Zechariah 14:8).

Incidentally, the Sea of Galilee is also known by a few names. It is called the Sea of Tiberias (John 6:1, 21:1) and the Lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1).

Did you notice anything interesting about all of these names? They are not necessarily names as they are descriptions. Think about the names again. The Salt Sea. The Great Sea. Do you see it? They are really descriptions of the bodies of water.

With that in mind look back at the name "Sea of Galilee". The Galilee is an area of land in northern Israel punctuated by wide flat valleys and numerous hills and mountains. Over any given year, it receives a lot of rain and the rich soil is very good for agriculture. There is also a body of water in the Galilee. This body of water is about 8 miles wide and 12 miles long and is the largest body of water within the Galilee. During Biblical times, the people described this body of water as a sea. It is the "sea" in Galilee, or the Sea of Galilee.

This helps explain why this relatively small lake is called a sea. Think about it.

All The Way Across The Land

This morning our group was met with a beautiful sunrise from the coastal city of Netanya. After breakfast, we drove up the coast to visit the ancient city of Caesarea. It is interesting to note that The apostle Peter took a very similar path to this while he was on his way to speak with Cornelius about the Gospel. Leaving the Coastal Plain, we drove up into the Carmel Mountain Range to visit the traditional site of Elijah"s contest against the prophets of Baal. By standing there on that ridge, you can visualize Elijah leading the prophets of Baal down to the Kishon Brook go their demise.

The view across the Jezreel Valley from amazing from Meggido. Standing on the summit of the city, you can easily learn why this city has been so important through the centuries.

Our final stop of the day was at Nazareth village. This replica city shows what life would have been like in the first century.

Our group has arrive in Tiberias on the edge of the Sea of Galilee. It was a great day. Looking forward to our adventures tomorrow.

One Year Ago - Up To Jerusalem

NOTE: I am continuing my series of retrospective posts on the our tour one year ago. I invite you to start at the beginning and read through all of them.

A year ago today, we went "up to Jerusalem". I have read that phrase a hundred times in the Scriptures. But until you actually go up those mountains and find Jerusalem on the ridge, you don't quite understand it.

We left our hotel in Tiberias and traveled south, stopping on Beit-shan. The excavations at this city are amazing and from the top of the tel, you can see the strategic importance of this city. Any traffic traveling east-to-west through the Harod Valley or north-to-south through the Jordan Rift Valley could be closely monitored by this city.

We followed this stop with visits to the Spring of Harod (where Gideon gathered his army of 300 men), Jezreel (where Ahab and Jezebel had a palace) and Samaria (which was one of the capitals of the Northern Kingdom of Israel).

Traveling through this area allows you to see multiple examples of terraced farming, which demonstrates how the early inhabitants of the land adopted this hilly countryside into useable farmland.

Our journey for today ended at one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Jerusalem.

Tomorrow: From the heights of Jerusalem, to the lowest place on earth.

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Have you been enjoying these posts on last year's tour? Are you interested in traveling with me this year? Then, I would love to have you join me. Our 12-day tour is scheduled for October 12-23. We will stay one night on the Mediterranean Sea, three nights on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and five nights in beautiful Jerusalem. During the day, we will visit dozens of sites that will enhance your understanding of the land and of the Biblical stories that take place in them. Reservations are coming in, but we still have some availability! This is a first-class tour with many extras thrown in that many Israel tours overlook. If you are interested, I encourage you to read the itinerary and contact me personally for more details.

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One Year Ago - The Sea of Galilee

NOTE: I am continuing my series of retrospective posts on the our tour one year ago. I invite you to start at the beginning and read through all of them.

Admittedly, I have not seen every place in the entire world. But, the Sea of Galilee has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. And when you combine that beauty with all of the Biblical history that took place in and around this lake, this quickly becomes one of the favorite spots on the tour.

Our day started off with a boat ride across the beautiful lake. From this vantage point, it is easy to visualize the paths that Jesus and His disciples took during the first century. Our boat ride ended with a visit to the museum at Nof Ginnosar, where we could see the remains of a boat from the first century.

During the day, we visited the cities of Capernaum, Magdala and Chorazin. We also visited a number of traditional sites such as the Church of the Beatitudes and the Church of the Primacy.

Our day ended with nearly the entire group sitting on the back porch of our hotel enjoying the last rays of the sun reflect off of the surface of the lake. (Sigh.)

Tomorrow: We go up to Jerusalem.

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Have you been enjoying these posts on last year's tour? Are you interested in traveling with me this year? Then, I would love to have you join me. Our 12-day tour is scheduled for October 12-23. We will stay one night on the Mediterranean Sea, three nights on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and five nights in beautiful Jerusalem. During the day, we will visit dozens of sites that will enhance your understanding of the land and of the Biblical stories that take place in them. Reservations are coming in, but we still have some availability! This is a first-class tour with many extras thrown in that many Israel tours overlook. If you are interested, I encourage you to read the itinerary and contact me personally for more details.

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One Year Ago - From Sea to Sea

NOTE: I am continuing my series of retrospective posts on the our tour from one year ago. I invite you to start at the beginning and read through all of them. After getting a good night's rest and leaving Netanya, we arrived at Caesarea Maritima. Simply referred to as Caesarea in the New Testament, this city played a prominent role in the book of Acts. The Gospel was first shared with the Gentiles in Caesarea. And Paul passed through this city many times as he traveled.

Rising up from the coast, we arrived at the top of the Mount Carmel ridge. This location offered us our first view of the Jezreel Valley. From this location, we considered the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Ba'al.

Our next stop was at Megiddo. This ancient city has been destroyed and rebuilt more than 20 times. Its location overlooking the Jezreel Valley made it strategically important and explains why it was conquered so many times.

At Nazareth, we visited a reconstructed first century village. This stop allows you to get a good feel for life during the time of Jesus.

Our day ended with our arrival at the Sea of Galilee. Watching the changing colors across the sea as the sun set was a great way to end our day.

Tomorrow: Exploring Northern Galilee and the Hula Valley.

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Have you been enjoying these posts on last year's tour? Are you interested in traveling with me this year? Then, I would love to have you join me. Our 12-day tour is scheduled for October 12-23. We will stay one night on the Mediterranean Sea, three nights on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and five nights in beautiful Jerusalem. During the day, we will visit dozens of sites that will enhance your understanding of the land and of the Biblical stories that take place in them. Reservations are coming in, but we still have some availability! This is a first-class tour with many extras thrown in that many Israel tours overlook. If you are interested, I encourage you to read the itinerary and contact me personally for more details.

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Gennesaret

In contrast to yesterday's picture of the Judean Wilderness, the northern area of Israel is covered in lush vegetation as evidenced by this picture of the Gennesaret. The Gospels tell us that Jesus and His disciples traveled across the Sea of Galilee and landed in this region. Once Jesus was recognized, all of the people in the villages came to him to bring Him their sick to be healed.

Seaside Village of Capernaum

Peter, Andrew, James and John were fishermen before they became apostles of Jesus. Much of their fishing activity that is recorded for us took place around the town of Capernaum. The picture is taken from the Sea of Galilee looking north toward the ruins of that city.

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Are you interested in traveling to Israel? Join me this October for a 12-day Bible Study tour of this beautiful land. See the Israel Tour Page for an itinerary and pricing details.

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Hippos

On the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, the city of Hippos was one of the cities of the Decapolis. The city was heavily populated for nearly ten centuries. It was abandoned in the 8th century after an earthquake destroyed the city in 749AD.

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Are you interested in traveling to Israel? Join me this October for a 12-day Bible Study tour of this beautiful land. See the Israel Tour Page for an itinerary and pricing details.

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Galilee Sunrise

The sunrise over the Sea of Galilee would often signal the end of a night’s work for ancient fishermen.  The beauty of the breaking dawn may have been lost on a weary team of boats who had caught nothing all night.  It was to just such a group that Christ told to cast their nets on the other side (Luke 5:3-5).

Capernaum

On the northwestern coast of the Sea of Galilee lays the village of Capernaum.  This port city would have seen much trade during the first century, and many ancient stone anchors can still be found along the shoreline.  Archaeological finds here (behind the trees here) include a monumental limestone synagogue built atop its first century predecessor and the remains of a 5th-century octagonal church built over the traditional site of Peter’s house.

The Senir River

Some of the snow that falls on Mount Hermon eventually melts and emerges through a spring in Banias (ancient Caesarea Philippi). The water from that spring forms the stream Nahal Senir (pictured) and travels several miles before joining the Jordan River. The water from the Jordan River will then flow about 50 miles before entering the Sea of Galilee.

On The Sea

When you visit the Sea of Galilee, you are immediately struck at what a beautiful place it is. It is not surprising why the early disciples chose this location as a place to live. This picture was taken on a boat looking south to the area where the lake empties into the Jordan River.