That the World May Know

Qumran - The SiteThe wilderness community of Qumran served as home for the Essenes, a Jewish sect existing in Jesus' day.Qumran served as a study site for the Essenes, a Jewish sect existing in Jesus' day. Located at the edge of the Judea Wilderne...

They Left Their Nets Behind

They Left Their Nets BehindBefore Jesus' time, few Israelites were fishermen. There was only one Hebrew word for fish, and it covered everything from minnows to whales. In Jesus' time, a small, flourishing fishing industry developed around the Sea...

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Encyclopedia

The Sea of Galilee

Rabbis of ancient times said, "The Lord has created seven seas, but the Sea of Galilee is his delight." Anyone who sees the Sea of Galilee understands this statement: The blue water, set against a green and brown background of surroundin...

The Water Tunnel of Megiddo

At the bottom of the vertical shaft, the workers of Megiddo dug a horizontal tunnel nearly 220 feet long, to the cave where the spring was located.Apparently, one crew began in the cave and another one at the bottom of the shaft. The chisel marks ...

To be a Talmid

Living in CapernaumDuring his ministry, Jesus chose to live in Capernaum, a small town near the Sea of Galilee.During his ministry, Jesus chose to live in Capernaum, a small town near the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum served as a military post for the...

Wadis

In the Middle East, floods in the desert are a frequent occurrence because of the topography of the land. The mountains to the north of the Negev and to the west of the Judea Wilderness get significant amounts of rainfall during the short rainy se...

Watching the Flock

The flocks of contemporary shepherds contain both sheep and goats. Although both were called "small cattle" in Hebrew, clear differences distinguish them. For instance, goats are generally dark and aggressive, while sheep are usually lig...

Water for the Sheep

The availability of water was the most important survival factor in the desert. Several biblical images about searching for water came from the Israelites' experiences of wilderness wandering. One such example is conveyed in Psalm 63:1, where the ...

Water from Rock

In the wilderness, water always comes from rock. The miracle was that it came when and where the Israelites needed it. Even today there are small oases in the desert where fresh, life-giving water bubbles up from solid rock. The Israelites learned...

Water Systems

The Importance of WaterBecause Israel is such an arid country, water has always been important to its inhabitants. Many cities were built only where it was certain fresh water was available. When a city was small, a nearby spring, well, or cistern...

Water systems: The Water Shaft of Hazor

The water system of Hazor dates to approximately the same time as that of Megiddo but is different in one respect. The Israelites sunk a shaft nearly 100 feet through the tel. But instead of building a tunnel to a water source outside the city, th...

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Glossary

Wadis Definition

(Hebrew: nahal) - Mountain canyons that carry water only when it rains; dry riverbeds with occasional flash floods. Wadi Kelt was a significant pass into and through the Judea Mountains between Jericho and Jerusalem.

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