A Guided Journey Through the Holy Land: A Historical, Biblical, Archeological, and Spiritual Adventure

By Michael Jiles

With expert guidance, readers will delve into the Bible and other sacred texts to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual significance of the Holy Land, while also exploring the many archaeological sites that dot the landscape, including ancient cities, tombs, and religious monuments. Along the way, readers will encounter a diverse array of cultures and religions, from the ancient Israelites to the early Christians and beyond.
Filled with stunning photographs, maps, and illustrations, "A Guided Journey Through the Holy Land" is an immersive and unforgettable adventure that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for this remarkable region and its enduring impact on the world. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply an armchair traveler looking for a thrilling journey, this book is sure to captivate and inspire.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798350903966

Book preview

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© 2023 Dr. Michael Jiles

Photography and Graphics by Rob Latham

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

ISBN 979-8-35090-395-9 eBook 979-8-35090-396-6

Dedication

I feel an overwhelming passion and devotion as I dedicate this to the most important entities in my life: the Lord Jesus Christ, my beloved wife Holly, my cherished children, my grandchildren, and the church I serve. With a heart full of love and gratitude, I express my dedication to these remarkable individuals who bring immense joy and purpose to my life. The Lord Jesus Christ has been my guiding light and has given me the strength to face life’s challenges with faith and courage. My wife, Holly, is my rock, my partner in life, and my best friend who has always been by my side through thick and thin. Lastly, my children and grandchildren are a tremendous blessing, bringing joy, love, and laughter into my world. It is with immense pleasure and pride that I dedicate this to them.

About the Author

Dr. Michael B. Jiles is a man who has dedicated his life to the study and exploration of the Bible. His passion for biblical studies started early in his life, and he has pursued it with unrelenting vigor ever since. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Southwest Baptist University and earned his Master’s in Religious Education from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He then received his Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from Newburg Theological Seminary and a second Doctorate in Ministry from Gateway Seminary.

Dr. Jiles has been fortunate enough to explore many parts of the world in his quest to uncover the hidden treasures of scripture. He has traveled to Israel, Jordon, Greece, Saudi Arabia, and Europe to better understand the historical and cultural contexts that shaped the Bible.

When he’s not exploring the mysteries of the Bible, Dr. Jiles enjoys various adventure activities, including mountain climbing and ice climbing. His fearless spirit is matched only by his unwavering commitment to his faith and family. He has a beautiful wife, Holly, and two sons, who have both married wonderful daughters-in-law. He is also a proud grandfather to two precious grandchildren.

Dr. Jiles’ unique combination of academic prowess and adventurous spirit brings a new light to the world of biblical studies. He brings a fresh perspective to the study of scripture, and his insights have helped many to gain a deeper understanding of the Bible’s message. His greatest joys in life are his relationship with Jesus and his remarkable family, and he hopes to continue exploring the mysteries of the Bible for many years to come.

The Second Temple Model on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

Contents

About the Author

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Chapter 2: The Tower of David

Chapter 3:The Temple Mount

Chapter 4: Zedekiah’s Cave / Solomon’s Quarries

Chapter 5: Garden Tomb / Golgotha

Chapter 6: Garden of Gethsemane

Chapter 7: City of David

Chapter 8: Via Dolorosa

Chapter 9: The Game of the King

Chapter 10: Pool of Bethesda

Chapter 11: The Upper Room

Chapter 12: King David’s Tomb

Chapter 13: The Mount of Olives

Chapter 14: Mount Moriah

Chapter 15: Mount Zion

Chapter 16:The Dead Sea

Chapter 17: Masada

Chapter 18: Jericho

Chapter 19: The Jordan River

Chapter 20: Sea of Galilee / Lake Kinneret

Chapter 21: Capernaum

Chapter 22: Tabgha / Feeding of the 5000

Chapter 23: Mount of Beatitudes

Chapter 24: Kursi National Park

Chapter 25: Caesarea Philippi

Chapter 26: Golan Heights

Chapter 27: Nazareth

Chapter 28: Mount of Transfiguration / Mt. Tabor

Chapter 29: Megiddo/Battle of Armageddon

Chapter 30: Mount Carmel

Chapter 31:Caesarea

Chapter 32:Joppa/Jaffa/Tafo

Chapter 33: Valley of Elah / David and Goliath

Chapter 34: Shepherd’s Field

Chapter 35: Bethlehem

Chapter 36: Shiloh

Chapter 37: Bethany

Chapter 38: Petra

Conclusion

Maps

Introduction

Where To Begin!

The Holy Land is one of the most fascinating places on earth, with a rich and complex history that spans thousands of years. From the ancient civilizations of the Canaanites, Philistines, and Israelites to the birthplace of three major world religions, the Holy Land is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders and historical landmarks.

At the heart of this land lies the city of Jerusalem, which has been a center of religious and political importance for millennia. But the Holy Land encompasses much more than just this one city. From the coastal plains to the Jordan Valley, from Galilee to the Negev, the Holy Land is a diverse and complex region with many archaeological sites waiting to be explored.

To help visitors navigate this fascinating region, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem has created a model map that provides an overview of the important archaeological sites throughout Jerusalem. In addition, this model map serves as a guide to the many historical landmarks found throughout this city.

In this book, we will take you on a journey through the Holy Land, beginning with the model map from the Israel Museum and exploring the many archaeological sites and historical landmarks in the old city of Jerusalem.

From the early days of human civilization to the modern day, we will explore the rich history of this fascinating land and the many cultures and societies that have called it home. Join us on this guided journey through the Holy Land and discover the wonders of this ancient and complex region.

We begin our expedition with the Israel Museum (Hebrew: מוזיאון ישראל‎, Muze’on Yisrael). This museum was established in 1965 as Israel’s national museum. The location of the museum is situated on a hill in the Givat Ram neighborhood of Jerusalem.

If time permits, you might visit the Bible Lands Museum next door at the end of your tour.

The Beginning

Once you have purchased your ticket, you will turn right into the courtyard. As you continue your walk, you will embark upon the Holy City. The Holy land Model of Jerusalem is a 1:50 scale model of Jerusalem in the late Second Temple Period.

As you look down on the Temple Mount, you are standing on the Mount of Olives. You will first be mesmerized at the sheer magnitude of the model city but refocus for a minute and imagine you are looking from the same vantage point as Jesus did around 30 A.D. or earlier when he sought solitude in this grove of olive trees.

Now that the shock starts to wear off, you will gaze down into the Kidron valley, and your eyes will rise to see Herod’s Temple, constructed from around 20 BCE.

The Temple Model viewed from the south, showing the Pool of Siloam at the bottom, and the stepped walkway leading up to the Temple Mount.

You will now allow your eyes to drift to the south of the Temple until you find a large pool of water. The Bible refers to the collection as the Pool of Siloam, which Jesus sent the man after he healed him of his blindness.

John 9:7 – So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. New Living Translation He told him, Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam (Siloam means Sent or Sent One).

The next significant part of your orientation is locating all the gates surrounding the Temple Mount.

The Old City of Jerusalem is full of history and archaeology that can transport you back in time. To navigate properly, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the different gates surrounding the city. Each gate has its own unique story to tell and is worth exploring.

The East Gate, mentioned in Ezekiel 44:1-3, is located on the eastern side of the Old City. It was through this gate that Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, as described in Matthew 21:1-11.

Ezekiel 44

Then the man brought me back to the sanctuary’s outer gate facing east, and it was shut. 2 The LORD said, This gate is to remain shut. It must not be opened; no one may enter through it. It is to remain shut because the LORD, the God of Israel, has entered through it. 3 The prince himself is the only one who may sit inside the gateway to eat in the presence of the LORD. He is to enter by way of the portico of the gateway and go out the same way.

As I read this incredible story of prophecy and fulfillment, my heart swells with awe and wonder at the mysterious ways of the divine. In 1517, the Turks unknowingly sealed the eastern gate to prevent the fulfillment of the prophecy that the Messiah would enter through it. Little did they know that they were fulfilling the very prophecy in chapter 44, which decreed that the gate would remain shut until the coming of the Prince of Peace.

The East Gate as seen from the Kidron Valley.

As I contemplate the centuries passed, my emotions are stirred, with Arab tanks pointed toward the eastern gate during the 1967 war, poised to attack. Yet, for unknown reasons, the order to fire was never given, and the Jews recaptured the city. The gate remains sealed to this day, a testament to the power and sovereignty of the divine plan.

Matthew 21: 1-11

21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’

6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!

10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, Who is this?

11 The crowds answered, This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.

The passage in Matthew 21:1-11 is significant as it portrays a moment of great emotion and anticipation as Jesus enters Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of the arrival of the King of Zion. The people are excited and joyful as they witness Jesus riding on a donkey, acknowledging him as their King and Savior. The atmosphere is energized as the crowd spreads their cloaks on the road and waves palm branches, shouting, Hosanna to the Son of David! and Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!

The emotions of the people in this passage are overwhelmingly positive and hopeful as they welcome Jesus with open arms and celebrate his arrival. The passage evokes feelings of awe, reverence, and gratitude toward Jesus, and the significance of his appearance is not lost on the people. The anticipation and joy are palpable as the crowd recognizes Jesus as fulfilling the prophecy and the promised Messiah. However, the public didn’t realize they would call for his death by crucifixion only a few days later.

In summary, the passage in Matthew 21:1-11 is emotionally significant as it portrays a moment of great anticipation, joy, and celebration as Jesus enters Jerusalem as the King of Zion, fulfilling the prophecy and bringing hope and salvation to his people.

The Lions Gate (also known as Stephen’s Gate) is located near the Kidron Valley on the city’s eastern side. According to oral tradition, Stephen was stoned to death near this gate, as described in Acts 7:54-60. The gate features two leopards, not lions, guarding its entrance.

The passage in Acts 7:54-60 is a poignant and emotionally charged account of the martyrdom of Stephen. As Stephen boldly proclaims the truth of God’s Word to the Sanhedrin, they become furious and enraged, gnashing their teeth at him. Yet, despite their anger, Stephen remains steadfast in his faith and full of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 7: 54-60

54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 Look, he said, I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.

57 At this, they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried, Lord, do not hold this sin against them. When he said this, he fell asleep.

The importance of this passage lies in the bravery and unwavering faith of Stephen, who, in the face of violent persecution, remains focused on God and the promise of eternal life. His vision of heaven opening and seeing Jesus standing at the right hand of God fills him with a sense of awe and comfort, despite the impending danger.

The emotions of the Sanhedrin are in stark contrast to Stephen’s, as they are filled with anger and hatred towards him and ultimately carry out the brutal act of stoning him to death. Yet, even in his final moments, Stephen’s faith does not waver, and he offers forgiveness to his attackers, echoing the words of Jesus on the cross.

The importance of this passage lies in the power of faith and forgiveness in the face of persecution and violence. Stephen’s unwavering dedication and courage inspire us to remain steadfast in our beliefs, even in the face of adversity, and to offer forgiveness and love to those who persecute us.

The passage is a powerful reminder of the strength of faith and the transformative power of forgiveness.

Herod’s gate (the Flowers Gate) is located on the north wall near the east corner. This gate was not built during the reign of Herod the Great but is named after Herod Antipas, who placed his home near this gate.

The gate is also known as the Flowers Gate because of the cemetery just outside. No one wanted to live by the graveyard, so it was renamed Flowers Gate. Herod’s Gate (Flowers Gate) leads into the Muslim quarter. As per tradition, Jesus passed through this gate to reach Herod’s palace, which was not surrounded by a wall during the reign of Herod the Great.

The Damascus Gate is located in the center of the north wall and is the busiest gate in the Old City. This gate is located in the Muslim section of the city and is the gateway to the Garden Tomb. Therefore, it has a different feel from the Jaffa Gate, located in the city’s Christian section.

The New Gate, constructed in 1887, is located on the city’s northwest corner. It was built in response to Christian protests against the Turkish sultan’s refusal to allow them a direct entry point to their city section.

The Jaffa Gate, located in the center of the western city wall, was enlarged in 1898 to allow the German emperor Wilhelm II to enter the city with a triumphal entrance. This gate faces Hebron, where Abraham is buried, and is also known as Bab el-Khalil, or Gate of the Friend, because the Qur’an refers to Abraham as God’s friend (Surah 4.125), as does Isaiah 41:8.

Zion Gate, located near the west corner of the southern wall, connects to the Jewish section of the city and leads to the place of the Upper Room and King David’s Tomb. This gate still bears scars from battles fought in 1948.

The Tanners Gate, located in the Old City, dates back to medieval times but was reopened in the 1990s to alleviate congestion from pedestrians coming from the Dung Gate in their attempt to access the Wailing Wall.

The Dung Gate, located near the city’s southeast corner, was built in the 16th century and is still a primary passage for vehicles going in and out of the town. It is named after the refuse taken out of the city through this gate in Nehemiah 2:13.

Nehemiah 2:13

13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.

Exploring the Old City of Jerusalem and its gates is a journey through history!

The Jaffa Gate leading into Old City Jerusalem.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter of the Old City, Jerusalem.

Chapter 1:

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Historical Background

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also known as the Church of the Resurrection, is a holy site for Christians in the Old City of Jerusalem. It is believed to be where Jesus Christ was crucified, buried, and resurrected. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre’s history is long and complex, spanning centuries of religious and political turmoil.

The origins of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre can be traced back to the Roman Empire. In 326 AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine ordered the construction of a church on the site where Jesus was believed to have been buried. The architect, Kallikrates, designed the Church, which was completed in three years. The Church was consecrated on September 13, 335, and became a popular pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide.

Over the years, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has undergone numerous renovations and reconstructions. In 614 AD, the Persians destroyed the Church, and in 1009 AD, it was destroyed by the Fatimid Caliphate. Then, in 1048 AD, the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX rebuilt the Church. Still, it was destroyed again in 1099 AD during the First Crusade.

In 1149 AD, the Crusaders rebuilt the Church, which was divided into several sections controlled by different Christian denominations. As a result, the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches all have a presence within the Church, and each denomination controls different parts of the building.

In the 16th century, an earthquake damaged the Church; in the 18th century, it was destroyed by fire. The Church was restored and renovated numerous times over the years, with the most recent restoration taking place in the 20th century.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been the site of numerous significant events in Christian history. In 1099 AD, the Church was the site of the coronation of Godfrey of Bouillon as the first Christian ruler of Jerusalem. In 1187 AD, the Church was captured by Saladin, but it was later recaptured by the Crusaders. Finally, in 1852 AD, the Church was the site of a violent conflict between Greek and Armenian Orthodox churches.

Today, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites for Christians worldwide. It is a symbol of the rich history of Christianity and the enduring faith of millions of people. Despite its turbulent past, the Church continues to stand as a testament to the power of faith and the enduring legacy of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Background

The Biblical background of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is both awe-inspiring and heart-wrenching. According to the New Testament, Jesus was crucified outside Jerusalem’s walls at Golgotha, which means the place of the skull in Aramaic.