Lessons from the Life of Samson, Delilah, Sampson Overview, Beth Shemesh, Israel, Philistines
Samson is one of the most difficult Bible persons to understand. Filmed on location in Israel, where Samson's life took place, this video explains the life of Samson. See all the places where Samson traversed and understand God's lesson for us today from the life of Samson.
DONATE:
TOUR TRIPS TO ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
BOOKS ABOUT ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
Timnah is mentioned 10 times in the Bible. Today, biblical Timnah is called Tel Batash, which is very little visited and undeveloped. It's hard to access as it's located in the midst of farm fields. The life of Samson takes place in the period of the Judges, which is about 1400 BC.
Sites of Interest
1. Tel Beth-Shemesh
2. Sorek Valley
3. Nahal Sorek Stream
4. Zorah - Samson's Tomb
5. Tel Timnah (Tel Batash)
6. Modern Beth-Shemesh
Places of Interest at Timnah, Zorah, Lehi
1. Street
2. Residential home
3. Oil press
4. Observation tent
5. City gate
6. Nahal Sorek Stream
7. Samson’s tomb
8. Samson’s hometown
9. Place God provided water for Samson
Bet Shemesh, Israel - west of Jerusalem. Walk With Me, two friends make their way in BIG market.
Bet Shemesh, Israel - west of Jerusalem. Walk With Me, two friends make their way in BIG market.
Oct. 26, 2022 Bet Shemesh, Israel
Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
Bible Tour Overview of Israel the Holy Land. All the Holy Sites. Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee & Negev
See all the holy sites in Israel, the Holy Land, in 4K and Drone. Amazing, clear footage with a biblical overview of each site. See Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Mount of Beatitudes, Caesarea, Bethlehem, Garden of Gethsemane, Mount of Olives, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Garden Tomb, Sodom and Gomorrah, Red Sea, Mount Sinai, Qumran, En Gedi, Dead Sea, Caesarea Philippi, Kursi, Magdala, Bethsaida, Chorazin, Tiberias, Mount Arbel, Nazareth, Cana, Red Sea crossing, Triumphal Entry, Temple Mount, Beth Shean, Beth Shemesh, Negev, and more.
DONATE:
TOUR TRIPS TO ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
BOOKS ABOUT ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
DIY Destinations - Israel Budget Travel Show | Full Episode
This episode of DIY Destinations featuring Israel, and its FREE and inexpensive, must-see attractions from the North to the South, including Tel Aviv Port, Banana Beach, Old Jaffa and Jaffa Flea Market, Ben Gurion House, Carmel Market, Beit Guvrin National Park, Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights' Quneitra Observation Point for view of Syria, Basilica of the Annunciation and Salesian Church of Jesus the Adolescent in Nazareth. As well as nightlife in Haifa, along with Mount Carmel, Stella Maris Monastery, Bahai Gardens, Carmelit Metro Subway and Grand Canyon Mall. We'll end our journey in Eilat and taken a look of both King City and the free beaches for snorkelling Princess Beach near the Taba Crossing to Egypt.
Our mission is to create a free publicly funded travel series that is delivered through streaming and file sharing sites. Our goal is to take fear out of traveling and inspire our audience to go far and explore the magnificent planet earth inexpensive and safely.
We want all of us to creating connections with new people, experiencing other cultures and gaining a greater understanding of each other by offer a unique perspective of traveling on a budget.
Please like and subscribed on:
Facebook -
Twitter -
Pinterest -
Our website -
Tel Beersheba Overview Tour: Biblical Place Where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob Lived, Negev, Israel
See the amazing events from the Bible that happened in Beersheba and the Negev area.
DONATE:
TOUR TRIPS TO ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
BOOKS ABOUT ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
Location 1. Beersheba is located in the Negev, which is a semi-desert. 2. The tel of Beersheba lies a little east of the modern city, which is the region's largest city and administrative capital. 3. It’s about 45 miles (70 km.) south of Jerusalem and about 30 miles (45 km.) from the Mediterranean Ocean. 4. It’s located between the Beersheba and Hebron Streams (which are dry much of the time). 5. It was located on a significant travel route linking Africa and Egypt with Asia and Europe. The Nabateans, who were centralized in Petra, passed through here on caravans with trade goods. Historical Background 1. Beersheba is the beginning place of God’s master plan for the Nation of Israel. 2. In essence, each person has the same tendencies as the Nation of Israel. Therefore, when God wanted to speak to all mankind, He used Israel as the example (1 Cor. 10:11). 3. The name Negev means “dry land” in Hebrew, but the Bible often uses the term to refer to the southern part of Israel. 4. Because Beersheba is in the Negev, which receives an annual rainfall of 6–8 inches (18 cm.), there was not a lot of population in the area, and most of the people living here were nomadic shepherds. 5. Beersheba was in the territory of the Philistines (Gen. 21:33–34). 6. After a conflict over Abraham’s well, which he had dug in Beersheba, a covenant was made between Abimelech and Abraham to settle the dispute (Gen. 21:25–34). To ratify the covenant, Abraham gave Abimelech seven ewe lambs. Therefore, Beersheba means “well of the oath” or “well of the seven lambs.” 7. When the writers of Scripture wanted to speak of all Israel, they would often use the expression “from Dan (the northern-most city) to Beersheba (the southern-most city).” Places of Interest 1. Four Horned Altar This altar belonged to cult worship or was misused by the Israelites as it doesn’t comply with Scripture. Altars were to be made of “stones on which you have not used an iron tool” (Deut. 27:5). This altar used hand shaped stones. The altar was likely one of those torn down during the religious reforms of King Josiah (2 Kings 23:8). 2. Abraham’s Well – 230 feet deep (70 m.) 3. Outer Gate 4. Inner Gates 5. City Square 6. Governor’s Palace 7. Roman Bath Pools 8. Basement House 9. Four-room House 10. Casement Wall 11. Roman Fortress 12. Observation Tower 13. Storerooms 14. Street with Shops 15. Beersheba Stream 16. Hebron Stream 17. Water Cistern
Moses, the Exodus Route, Red Sea Crossing, Mt. Sinai, Ten Commandments, Egypt, Midian, Saudi Arabia
See the updated version of this video:
The miraculous exodus route the Israelites took from Egypt, the location of the Red Sea Crossing, and the location of Mt. Sinai. This video uses the Bible, along with new evidence and discoveries, to bring this foundational biblical event to life. The miracles surrounding this story, and the new discoveries that have been found in the last 50 years, reveal that the Exodus, Red Sea Crossing, and Mt. Sinai are much greater than most think. See this video to get the most accurate, and biblical analysis of these events. See places like Succoth, Elam, Wilderness of Sin, Nuweiba Port, Marah, Elim, Caves of Jethro, Rephidim, Altar of Jehovah Nissi, Altar of Moses, Altar of Aaron, Elijah's Cave, Mount Jebel al Lawz, and more.
DONATE:
TOUR TRIPS TO ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
BOOKS ABOUT ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
Location
1. For many years it was believed that the Israelites crossed the Suez finger of the Red Sea just southeast of what is now Cairo, Egypt. However, there are no deep bodies of water in these areas but just shallow marshes and lakes. For this reason, the biblical account of this astounding miracle has been attempted to be discredited or erased altogether by liberal scholars.
2. Many recent archeologists and scholars now believe the Israelites crossed the Red Sea at the Aqaba finger of the Red Sea and that Mount Sinai is in Midian, which is part of modern-day Saudi Arabia.
Historical Background
1. God called Abraham and promised him He would make a great nation out of his offspring. Abraham obeyed and left everything to follow God.
2. Abraham birthed Isaac, who birthed Jacob, who birthed 12 sons. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel.
3. Jacob and his 12 sons moved to Egypt according to God’s sovereign plan (about 70–75 total people).
4. The Israelites spent 430 years in Egypt (30 years as free people under Joseph, and 400 years as slaves). During this time, they grew into a nation of around 2.5 to 3 million people.
5. God performed a miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt by performing 10 amazing miracles.
6. The last miracle, known as the Passover, happened when God killed the firstborn of all the Egyptians who did not put the blood of a lamb over the doorposts of their homes.
Places of Interest
1. Egypt
2. Goshen
3. Suez Finger of the Red Sea
4. Traditional Red Sea Crossing Place
5. Sinai Peninsula
6. Aqaba Finger of Red Sea
7. Nuweiba Beach
8. Saudi Arabia Beach
9. Red Sea Crossing
10. Elim
11. Caves of Jethro
12. Rephidim
13. Mount Sinai
Caesarea Maritima Overview: Holy Spirit Given to Gentiles, Apostle Paul Prisoned, Appeals to Caesar
Take a tour and see all the amazing events in the Bible that happened in Caesarea, Israel in 4K.
DONATE:
TOUR TRIPS TO ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
BOOKS ABOUT ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
Herod the Great built Caesarea, the Apostle Paul spent time here, the Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles here, and Herod Agrippa met his death here. See all this and more!
Location
Caesarea is located on the beautiful Mediterranean Sea about 35 miles (56 km.) north of Joppa.
Historical Background
1. Caesarea was built by Herod the Great about 25 to 13 BC as the port city called, “Caesarea Maritime.”
2. It was named after the Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar.
3. King Herod the Great was the one who had all the children 2 years and younger slaughtered in Bethlehem in his attempt to kill Christ. He was a jealous king who feared losing his power and control.
4. King Herod built Caesarea out of nothing and was a great builder. Some of his major building projects included:
• This seaport of Caesarea
• The new platform, and temple in Jerusalem
• Masada
• The Herodian by Bethlehem
5. He was known for his building ventures and no one equaled him in this respect.
6. Caesarea was the largest seaport in the Roman Empire during the time of Herod.
7. Caesarea was the capital of Israel during the time of Christ and during the whole Roman occupation of Israel.
Places of Interest (Please See Maps Above)
1. Crusader Fortress Entrance
2. Crusader Fortress
3. Caesarea Harbor
4. Caesarea Historic Port
5. Governor's Palace
6. Roman Toilet
7. Mosaic Hall
8. Hippodrome
9. Promontory Palace
10. Caesarea Columns
11. Roman Theater
12. Submerged Garden Castle
13. Pontius Pilate Stone
14. Paul Appeals to Caesar
Beth-Shean (Beit Shean, Bet She'an) & Mt. Gilboa: King Saul's Downfall, Roman Decapolis City, Israel
Beth-Shean, also known as Beit Shean or Bet She’an, was a major biblical and secular city for thousands of years. It's the place King Saul's body was hung because he disobeyed God. It’s located in the center of several main crossroads between the Jordan Valley and the Jezreel (Yizreel) Valley.
DONATE:
TOUR TRIPS TO ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
BOOKS ABOUT ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
Location
1. Beth-Shean, also known as Beit Shean or Bet She’an, was a major biblical and secular city for thousands of years.
2. It’s located in the center of several main crossroads between the Jordan Valley and the Jezreel (Yizreel) Valley.
3. It’s about 15 miles (25 km.) south of the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee and about 35 miles (55 km.) east of the Mediterranean Sea.
4. It’s located on the Harod Stream which provides it with much water. This Harod Stream is the same stream that originates at Harod Spring, just west of here about 15 miles and is where Gideon chose 300 men under God’s command to defeat the Midianites and other armies.
5. The main entrance faced the east, as did most other major cities and structures in ancient times. In fact, the word orientation comes from the word “orient,” which means east. Because creation, the beginning civilizations, and the sun rose from the east, to be oriented was to position yourself focused on the east. Today, maps use the north for orientation, but in ancient days, maps used the east for orientation purposes.
Historical Background
1. Beth-Shean was a key city long before the arrival of the Israelites because of its location. In the late Canaanite period (1600–1400 BC) the Egyptians ruled the area and the entire land of Israel.
2. Later, around 1000 BC, the Philistines also ruled the city for a time because they hung the body of King Saul on its walls after defeating the armies of Israel in the Battle of Gilboa.
3. When King David reigned (1008–970 BC), he conquered Beth-Shean, and it became part of Israel’s territories.
4. Later, in 732 BC, the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser III, destroyed Beth-Shean after defeating the northern Kingdom of Israel.
5. In the 4th century BC, Hellenistic (Greek) new settlers established a city-state (polis) in Beth-Shean. During the Hellenistic period, the city was named Nisa Scythopolis.
6. In 63 BC, the city was conquered by the Romans and became one of the cities of the Decapolis – a group of cities with a Hellenistic-Roman cultural character, most of them in Transjordan. Beth-Shean was one of the key cities of the Roman Empire in this area south of Galilee.
7. Beth-Shean was not far from Nazareth, and it’s very likely Jesus worked here with His father as a builder.
8. Undoubtedly Christ ministered here and walked by it on a regular basis.
9. Beth-Shean was destroyed in 749 AD due to an enormous earthquake.
10. The biblical tel of Beth-Shean has around 20 layers of civilizations that have been discovered.
Places of Interest (Please See Maps Above)
1. Entrance
2. Old Testament Beth-Shean
3. Egyptian Governor’s House
4. Tree marking the place where Saul’s body was hanged.
5. Bathhouse – Often a place of prostitution. Therefore, Christians avoided places like these.
6. Theater – Often immoral and indecent acts took place there. Therefore, early Christians avoided them and were persecuted as a result.
7. Cardo (Palladius Street) – Comes from the word, “Cardiac” which means the center street of the city.
8. Sigma - A mosaic depicting Tyche, Goddess of the city.
9. Pillars
10. Shopping stores
11. Nymphaeum – Public Fountain
12. Marketplace (Agora) – Paul would be dragged into places like this (Acts 16:19).
13. Temple – Paul faced the gods of these temples in each Gentile city he ministered in (Acts 14:13).
14. Northern Street
15. Valley Street
16. Silvanus Street
17. Eastern Bathhouse
18. Public Bathrooms
19. Sacred Area
20. City Gate during Greek and Roman times.
Biblical Bethel, Beit El, Israel Overview: Site of Jacob's Dream, Jeroboam's Altar, Tabernacle
Biblical Bethel is the site of amazing things that happened in the Bible.
DONATE:
TOUR TRIPS TO ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
BOOKS ABOUT ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
Location
1. Bethel is in the hill country of the Samaria region about 10 miles (17 km.) north of Jerusalem.
2. Bethel stood at several main crossroads in Israel. It was on the main north-south road that passed through the central hill country from Hebron in the south to Shechem in the north, and it was on the main east-west route leading from Jericho to the Mediterranean Sea.
3. It is one of the highest places in Israel, sitting at an elevation of 2,900 ft. (886 m.). For this reason, it was a place of worship, both to God and false gods.
4. Today, Bethel can be found at Khalom Ya'akov Antiquities Site.
5. It’s located on a high mountain north of the modern-day city of Beit El.
6. It is a recognized site by the government and is fenced and secured.
Historical Background
1. Bethel is mentioned sixty times in the Bible, representing over thirty distinct stories and prophecies, all of them in the Old Testament. Only Jerusalem is mentioned more times in the Bible than Bethel.
2. Bethel means “House of God.”
3. The site of Bethel was previously thought to be in the nearby village of Baytin at Khirbet Beit El (Khirbet means ruins in Hebrew).
4. In 1980, Ze'ev Vilnai, an Israeli geographer and author, researched this Khalom Ya'akov Antiquities Site and determined it to be the biblical Bethel instead of the traditional site at Khirbet Beit El.
5. Khalom Ya'akov Antiquities Site has overwhelming evidence suggesting it to be the biblical Bethel.
6. This site is holy to Christians, Jews, and Muslims as it has artifacts, buildings, tombs, and ruins pertaining to each religion.
Places of Interest
1. Large flat rock where Jacob could have prayed
2. Muslim prayer shrine
3. Crusader chapel
4. 1,000-year-old oak tree, and other ancient trees (trees were never cut at holy sites)
5. Walls & towers of protection – These would have been used during times of war between Judah and Israel after the nation divided.
6. Burial Tombs
7. Ruins of a foundation measuring the exact size of the tabernacle
8. Jeroboam’s Golden Calf Altar
Beit Shean and Scythopolis ISRAEL 2022 — The Ancient Roman City
#israel #israeli #jerusalem #israel
In the land of Israel Archaeologists unearthed this entire Roman city . Top site in Israel, the ancient Beit Shean, Scythopolis, is an incredible historical and archaeological site. From Pharaoh to the Roman emperor, this place is full of fascinating architecture and history.
Israel Tour - Visit Shiloh- Highlights tours of Israel
ISRAEL - Ancient Shiloh
Ancient Shiloh.
After Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, a portable Tabernacle was built to house the Arc of the Covenant, where the stone slabs of the 10 commandments were kept together with a golden jar of Manna and Aaron's Rod.
After wandering 40 years in the desert, the Israelites arrive at the promised land and a more permanent Tabernacle was built at Shiloh, making it the first holy place where all the 12 tribes of Israel gathered to worship.
The Arc stayed at Shiloh for 369 years, it was then taken to Eben-Ezer where the Israelites were at battle with the Philistines (not Arabs), and had already lost some 4000 men. It was hoped that the presence of God would encourage the men and help them succeed at battle.
However, that was not to be and another 30000 Jews were killed. The Arc of the Covenant was lost to the enemy.
The rejoicing Philistines took the Ark to several of their cities, and at each place great misfortune befell them, after seven months they returned the Arc to the Israelites at Beth-Shemesh.
Traveling Hwy. 1 on the bus in Israel from Jerusalem to Bet Shemesh - Ride With Me, Steve Martin
Traveling Hwy. 1 on the bus in Israel from Jerusalem to Bet Shemesh - Ride With Me, Steve Martin
Oct. 26, 2022 Israel
Videos filmed and shared by Steve Martin, Founder, Love For His People Ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
Riding Bet Shemesh to Jerusalem
Train ride from Bet Shemesh to Jerusalem via Sorek Stream. (1.3X faster)
Music:
Asaf Avidan - Love it or Leave it -
Piano Music -
Best Sites at Galilee in one day tour at Israel
04-6794919 mail: sara52@012.net.il
Belvoir Fortress-
April-September: 8 A.M.-5 P.M.
October-March: 8 A.M- 4 P.M.
Last entrance one hour before above closing hour
Length of tour: 1 hour
Entrance fee: Adult: NIS 22; child: NIS 10
Phone: 04-658-1766
----------------------------------------------------
Bet She'an National Park-
opning time- April-September: Sunday-Thursday 8 A.M.-5 P.M.
October-March 8 A.M.-4 P.M.
Friday 8 A.M. -4 P.M.; Saturday 8 A.M.-5 P.M.
Length of tour: 1-4 hours
Entrance fee: NIS 40; child: NIS 24
Phone: 04-6587189
---------------------------------------------------------------
Mount Tabor-
opning time is not clear- it publish:
April-September: Sunday-Thursday 8 A.M.-6 P.M.
October-March 8 A.M.-5 P.M
Length of tour: 1 hours
Entrance fee: free
Phone: 04-6620720
------------------------------------------------------------------
The Wedding Church at Kfar Kanna-
opning time:
Apr-Sep Mon-Sat 8am-noon, 2-5.30pm, Sun 8am-noon;
Oct-Mar Mon-Sat 8am-noon, 2-5pm, Sun 8am-noon
Length of tour: 1 hours
Entrance fee: free
Phone: 04-6517011
------------------------------------------------------------------
Basilica of the Annunciation at Nazareth -
Open Hours:8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tel. 04-6572501
Length of tour: 1 hours
Entrance fee: free
------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you from Arbel Guest House Shavit Famliy-
near the sea of galilee at north of the Holy Land
Surrounded by gardens and fruit trees, Arbel Guest House features an outdoor swimming pool and a sun terrace. The spacious accommodation has a hydromassage bath and free Wi-Fi.
The in-house chef prepares the extensive breakfast and evening meals in front of the diners. Meals are served in the bright dining room which overlooks the garden, and there are also barbecue facilities.
Located 10 minutes' drive from the historic town of Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee, Guest House Arbel offers free parking.
phone: 04-6794919
Music:
Top10 Recommended Hotels in Safed, Israel
Subscribe to the channel
Top10 Recommended Hotels in Safed, Israel: 1. Ruth Rimonim Hotel ****
2. Villa Galilee Boutique Hotel and Spa ****
3. Artist Quarter Guesthouse B&B
4. Artists' Colony Inn Zefat
5. Palacio Domain - Luxurious Boutique Hotel ****
6. Canaan Spa Hotel *****
7. Azamra Inn Tzfat
8. Nofesh Baatika ***
9. The Way Inn - Boutique Hotel
10. Safed Inn **
Houses and flats for rent
Rental cars
Use this link to list your property (hotel, house, room, etc.) on booking and your first 5 bookings will be commission-free.
Address:
1. Artist Colony, Safed, 13110, Israel, Price range $149 - $390
Set on the site of a 700-year-old mamluk khan in the Old City of Safed, Hotel Ruth Rimonim is a unique building overlooking Mount Meron. Its extensive gardens include a swimming pool with stunning views and an olive orchard showing traces of an ancient perfume market.
2. 106 Hagdud Hashlishi Street, Safed, 13100, Israel, Price range $149 - $364
Located on Mount Canaan, Villa Galilee is just a few minutes' drive from the historic city of Safed and Rosh Pinna. This beautiful boutique hotel offers peaceful location, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a kosher French restaurant.
3. 43 Simtah Yud Zayin, Safed, 93223, Israel, Price range $162 - $252
Combining traditional style and modern amenities, Artist Quarter Guesthouse B&B is located in Safed close to numerous art galleries and ancient synagogues. It offers self-catering accommodation with free WiFi and a Kosher breakfast.
4. Simtat Yud Zayin 9, Safed, 13231, Israel, Price range $213 - $275
Set in a fully renovated stone villa, Artists' Colony offers stylish suites with free Wi-Fi. Located in the ancient mountain city of Safed, it features a garden and panoramic terrace.
5. 90 Rehov Yud Bet Street, Safed, 13012, Israel, Price range $274 - $790
Palacio Domain - Luxurious Boutique Hotel is a boutique property in Safed, and is set in a renovated 12th-century building. The hotel is in the heart of Safed's artists neighbourhood.
6. Mount Of Canaan P.O.Box-2109, Safed, 13233 , Israel, Price range $261 - $1363
Set on the summit of Mount Canaan, this luxury spa hotel offers tennis and basketball courts plus a wellness centre with semi-Olympic indoor pool, saunas, hot tub and Hammam.
7. 11 Simtat Yud Zain, Safed, 1321300, Israel, Price range $213 - $244
Featuring free WiFi and air conditioning, Azamra Inn Tzfat is set in Safed, a few steps from Artist Colony.
8. Abbo 55, Safed, 13401, Israel, Price range $120 - $325
Nofesh Baatika is located in Safed. Free WiFi access is available in this holiday home. The accommodation will provide you with air conditioning and a seating area.
9. Simtat Yud Zayin 23, Zefat, 13231, Israel, Price range $188 - $339
Located in the Artists' Colony quarter of Safed, The Way Inn - Boutique Hotel features a sun terrace and views of the Galilee Hills.
10. Corners Of Merom Canaan St. & Hagdud Hashlishi St., Safed, 13100, Israel, Price range $56 - $123
Offering a large garden with hot tub, sauna and BBQ, the family-run Safed Inn is a unique property on top of Mount Canaan, 4.5 km outside the centre of Safed. It also features a shared kitchen and it is completely covered with free Wi-Fi.
Houses and flats for rent
Rental cars
Use this link to list your property (hotel, house, room, etc.) on booking and your first 5 bookings will be commission-free.
Beit She'an - The story of the second most important street of the ancient Roman city - Sylvanus st.
An important and personal request from me (followed by information about the site): unfortunately as a tour guide I have not worked since February 2020. Please subscribe to my site and let me show you the Holy Land through it
On my YouTube site, you can watch more than 18,000 videos about Israel and the Holy Land
I would be happy if you could share the site with your other friends who are interested in the rich and sacred history of the place
The decumanus (Sylvanus street) – the decumanus is a basalt-paved street, leading up from the central monument towards the south-east. On the south-western side the street was bounded by a thick basalt wall, in which small shops with domed roofs were set. At the front of the portico, parallel to the street, was a long ornamental pond (487 m long, and 70 cm deep). In the Byzantine period, at the beginning of the 6th century CE, a new street was laid along the route of the Roman road, at a higher level, and a new hall was built over the pond, its ceiling carried by the columns of the portico. In the Umayyad period the hall fell into disuse, and in its place 18 shops were built, fronted by a portico supported by columns and arches. The columns and buildings collapsed in the 749 earthquake. Part of the facade of the shops has been reconstructed. An inscription found there mentions a Scythopolis lawyer by the name of Sylvanus, who was involved in the building of the hall.
Beit Shean is one of the oldest cities in Israel. Often overlooked by tourists, it’s worth a visit. Like most places in Israel Beit Shean has several names – Scythopolis, Tel Beit Shean, Tel el-Husn, Tel el-Hosn, Beisan, and Nysa. It is located in the Galilee region of northern Israel where the Harod Valley and Jordan Valley meet, just 27km south of the Sea of Galilee and 5km east of the Jordan River, and is one of the country’s largest archaeological sites. The site is visited on our Galilee and Beit Shean Tour which runs twice a week from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
History of Beit Shean
Beit Shean was settled as early as the Chalcolithic era (about 7000 years ago) and has remained continually inhabited since then. The extensive excavation of a large mound in Beit Shean has revealed over 20 layers of remains from ancient civilizations. Canaanite Temples pre-date Egyptian occupation of the region followed by Israelite rule and the Philistines during the Old Testament period. Beit Shean is mentioned in the Bible several times and is best known as the site where King Saul and his sons were hung from the city walls. The city remained a significant metropolis during the reign of King David and King Solomon. The Hellenistic period followed when the city was renamed, Scythopolis after Dionysus’ nurse who was believed to have been buried here.
In the 1st century AD, Beit Shean became a flourishing multi-cultural Roman city and one of 10 cities in the Decapolis regional league. Beit Shean was the Roman provincial capital in the 4th century AD but following an earthquake in 749 AD the city never truly regained its former status. Since then the Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, British, and finally Israelis have each settled in Beit Shean.
Today the main attraction in Beit Shean is the Archaeological National Park where tourists can see the history of Israel through the archaeological remains from each historic period. On the elevated mound are remains of the Canaanite and Egyptian cities and at the foot of the mound are the extensive remains of the Roman city. The excavation and reconstruction offer a clear picture of what the city would have looked like. This former Roman metropolis was home to 30,000 to 40,000 citizens and covered approximately 370 acres.
Visitors to the park can see the ancient wall that surrounded the city, public baths, a Roman temple, stores, artisan workshops, and other well-preserved structures. The central Palladius street runs for 24 meters and is lined by colonnades. Historians established that the street was named after a 4th-century Roman governor after uncovering an inscription. There are rare mosaics and a Roman amphitheater which is still in use today.
Zahi Shaked A tour guide in Israel and his camera zahigo25@walla.com +972-54-6905522 tel סיור עם מורה הדרך ומדריך הטיולים צחי שקד 0546905522
My name is Zahi Shaked
In 2000 I became a registered licensed tourist guide.
My dedication in life is to pass on the ancient history of the Holy Land.
Following upon many years of travel around the world, which was highlighted by a very exciting emotional and soul-searching meeting with the Dalai Lama, I realized that I had a mission. To pass on the history of the Holy Land, its religions, and in particular, the birth and development of Christianity.
Beth Shean Amphitheater, Israel: History of Christian Persecution, Martyrs, Jordan Valley, Jezreel
See a powerful message from the Hippodrome in Beth Shean, Israel, about the persecution and suffering of Christians. Prepare yourself for persecution because the day is coming when suffering and persecution will arise.
DONATE:
TOUR TRIPS TO ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
BOOKS ABOUT ISRAEL BY TODD FINK:
Location
1. Beth-Shean, also known as Beit Shean or Bet She’an, was a major biblical and secular city for thousands of years.
2. It’s located in the center of several main crossroads between the Jordan Valley and the Jezreel (Yizreel) Valley.
3. It’s about 15 miles (25 Km.) south of the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee and about 35 miles (55 Km.) east of the Mediterranean Sea.
4. The amphitheater/hippodrome in Bet-Shean was used by the Romans for pleasure events, games with animals, and gladiator type activities.
5. This arena seems to have served as both an amphitheater and hippodrome as it has openings into the arena from under the grandstands. It was common in Greek and Roman times that a city would have one stadium that could be used for both purposes because of financial and real estate reasons.
6. An amphitheater is different from a theater. An amphitheater has a full circle of seating wherein a theater just has a semi-circle of seating.
7. The amphitheater/hippodrome was also used to persecute Christians during the early church period and later.
8. This amphitheater/hippodrome has underground rooms where wild beasts were released to devour people and other animals.
9. On many occasions, they were released in a game-like event where believers who refused to deny Christ were torn to pieces and eaten alive while the crowd roared in a frenzy.
10. It’s sobering and gives a person chills to just think about it!
Historical Background
1. Beth-Shean was a key city long before the arrival of the Israelites because of its location. In the late Canaanite period (1600–1400 BC) the Egyptians ruled the area and the entire land of Israel.
2. Later, around 1000 BC, the Philistines also ruled the city for a time as they hung the body of King Saul on its walls after defeating the armies of Israel in the Battle of Gilboa.
3. When King David reigned (1008–970 BC), he conquered Beth-Shean, and it became part of Israel’s territories.
4. Later, in 732 BC, the Assyrian king, Tiglath-Pileser III, destroyed Beth-Shean after defeating the northern Kingdom of Israel.
5. In the 4th century BC, Hellenistic (Greek) new settlers established a city-state (polis) in Beth-Shean. During the Hellenistic period, the city was named Nisa Scythopolis.
6. In 63 BC, the city was conquered by the Romans and became one of the cities of the Decapolis – a group of cities with a Hellenistic-Roman cultural character, most of them in Transjordan. Beth-Shean was one of the key cities of the Roman Empire in this area south of Galilee.
Places of Interest (Please See Maps Above)
1. The Arena: Comes from the word “sand.” It’s where the activities were carried out and was in the center.
2. Grandstands where the people were seated. The stadium’s many seats have crumbled over the years, but it’s estimated the seating capacity would have been between 10,000-20,000 people.
3. Entrance openings into the arena from under the grandstands.
4. Rooms under the grandstands where the animals and people would wait before being released into the area.
The lost ruins of Beit Shemesh
It appears some new ruins from ancient Beit Shemesh have lot their battle with a road-widening project that will benefit the residents of the modern city. Here's some drone footage of what was discovered before it was destroyed.
Want to use video footage like this in your own ministry? Visit ibiblestock.org!
Beit She'an -View of the Ancient City from the Place of the Philistines Hanged the Body of King Saul
An important and personal request from me (followed by information about the site): unfortunately as a tour guide I have not worked since February 2020. Please subscribe to my site and let me show you the Holy Land through it
On my YouTube site, you can watch more than 18,000 videos about Israel and the Holy Land
I would be happy if you could share the site with your other friends who are interested in the rich and sacred history of the place
Bet She’an Tel – a steep flight of stairs leads to the top of the Biblical tel. In the tel, the remains of buildings from the period of Egyptian rule were found, and a Crusader fortress. From the top of the mound there is a spectacular view of the surrounding area.
Beit Shean is one of the oldest cities in Israel. Often overlooked by tourists, it’s worth a visit. Like most places in Israel Beit Shean has several names – Scythopolis, Tel Beit Shean, Tel el-Husn, Tel el-Hosn, Beisan, and Nysa. It is located in the Galilee region of northern Israel where the Harod Valley and Jordan Valley meet, just 27km south of the Sea of Galilee and 5km east of the Jordan River, and is one of the country’s largest archaeological sites. The site is visited on our Galilee and Beit Shean Tour which runs twice a week from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
History of Beit Shean
Beit Shean was settled as early as the Chalcolithic era (about 7000 years ago) and has remained continually inhabited since then. The extensive excavation of a large mound in Beit Shean has revealed over 20 layers of remains from ancient civilizations. Canaanite Temples pre-date Egyptian occupation of the region followed by Israelite rule and the Philistines during the Old Testament period. Beit Shean is mentioned in the Bible several times and is best known as the site where King Saul and his sons were hung from the city walls. The city remained a significant metropolis during the reign of King David and King Solomon. The Hellenistic period followed when the city was renamed, Scythopolis after Dionysus’ nurse who was believed to have been buried here.
In the 1st century AD, Beit Shean became a flourishing multi-cultural Roman city and one of 10 cities in the Decapolis regional league. Beit Shean was the Roman provincial capital in the 4th century AD but following an earthquake in 749 AD the city never truly regained its former status. Since then the Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, British, and finally Israelis have each settled in Beit Shean.
Today the main attraction in Beit Shean is the Archaeological National Park where tourists can see the history of Israel through the archaeological remains from each historic period. On the elevated mound are remains of the Canaanite and Egyptian cities and at the foot of the mound are the extensive remains of the Roman city. The excavation and reconstruction offer a clear picture of what the city would have looked like. This former Roman metropolis was home to 30,000 to 40,000 citizens and covered approximately 370 acres.
Visitors to the park can see the ancient wall that surrounded the city, public baths, a Roman temple, stores, artisan workshops, and other well-preserved structures. The central Palladius street runs for 24 meters and is lined by colonnades. Historians established that the street was named after a 4th-century Roman governor after uncovering an inscription. There are rare mosaics and a Roman amphitheater which is still in use today.
Zahi Shaked A tour guide in Israel and his camera zahigo25@walla.com +972-54-6905522 tel סיור עם מורה הדרך ומדריך הטיולים צחי שקד 0546905522
My name is Zahi Shaked
In 2000 I became a registered licensed tourist guide.
My dedication in life is to pass on the ancient history of the Holy Land.
Following upon many years of travel around the world, which was highlighted by a very exciting emotional and soul-searching meeting with the Dalai Lama, I realized that I had a mission. To pass on the history of the Holy Land, its religions, and in particular, the birth and development of Christianity.
In order to fulfill this calling in the best way possible, I studied in depth, visited, and personally experienced each and every important site of the ancient Christians. I studied for and received my first bachelors degree in the ancient history of the Holy Land, and am presently completing my studies for my second degree.(Masters)
Parralel to my studies, and in order to earn a living, I was employed for many years in advertising. What I learned there was how to attract the publics attention, generate and, increase interest, and assimilate information. All this I use as tools to describe, explain and deepen the interest in the sites that we visit.