Israel Day 2

Today we started out and went into the fertile Sorek Valley.  Here we find the scripture reference of Samson, who was from the Shephelah (Sorek Valley) - Judges 16.

Then we went just a bit south to a place called Azekah, found in 1 Samuel 17 and visited the valley of Elah.  This is the spot where David slew Goliath as the Philistines were attacking the Israelites on their march toward Bethlehem and then Jerusalem!

 It was said that Goliath was 9 feet 9inches tall.  

Next stop of the day was Lachish, site of a BRUTAL battle between the Israelites and the Assyrian King Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:9). God sends his angel of death and wipes out 185,000 Assyrians while they are camped outside laying siege to the Israelites.

Geoff, our brilliant guide.

 Finally, swung by Machpehlah, the resting place of Sarah the wife of Abraham, purchased by Abraham for a LOT of money.  Still there to this day.

What's really strange about this place is that 1/2 of the church is owned by the Israelis and the other half is owned by the Muslims.  So depending on if you are Israeli or Muslim, you enter on opposite sides and can not enter the other. More explanation needed but ask me and I'll tell you. :-)

PLW