In northern Israel, near the Lebanon border, is Tel Dan, kibbutz Dan and the Dan Nature Reserve. It is the same physical location where the descendants of Jacob's son, Dan, settled up north 3400 years ago. Biblically, there are several references stating "from Dan to Beersheba". This statement represents the same as saying "from the north to the south (Beersheba)". And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel had been established as a prophet of the LORD. 1st Samuel 3:20. Below is the fast moving Dan River, which is one of the tributaries of the Jordan River.
It was raining the day I was there. Springtime is a beautiful time of the year to visit the Dan Nature Reserve. Biblically, the Tribe of Dan was the first to go into idolotry once the Israelites came into the Land. Then the children of Dan set up for themselves the carved image; ... So they set up for themselves Micah’s carved image which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shilo. Judges 18:30-31.
Coming down from Mt Hermon, the Dan River is the largest tributary to the Jordan which flows into the Sea of Galilee. The two other tributaries are the Banias and the Snir.
While driving up north, you could see the rain moving in over the Sea of Galilee.
I stayed at Kibbutz Ein Gev which is on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee just below the Golan Heights. Kibbutz Ein Gev does not lack for colorful flowers and bushes.
Between 1948 and 1967, Kibbutz Ein Gev was frequently under mortar attack from Syria, who had control of the Golan Heights. It makes no sense for politicians to act like Israel should return the Golan. Biblically, the Golan is Bashan, where the half tribe of Manasseh lived. There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph: ..therefore he was given Gilead and Bashan. Judges 17:1.
Multi-colors.
Several of us had the opportunity to sail on the Sea of Galilee from northern, western shore by Kibbutz Ginnosar to Capernaum, which is on the northern shore. It would be a typical boat ride like the Lord Jesus would have made when they would sail to "the other side". Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side of the lake." Luke 8:22. Below is the largest boat in the fleet appropriately named "Noah".
'The raising of Israeli Flag as we set sail.
Mount Arbel. The valley below to the right of Mt Arbel would lead to Nazareth.
Close-up of Mt Arbel which offers amazing photos of the Galilee from the top of the mountain. If the Lord Jesus wanted to get away from the crowds, Mt Arbel would be an excellent choice. Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone. John 6:15.
Another boat on the Galilee.
Just like the fisherman of the Lord Jesus's day, Galilee fishermen still use nets.
After catching no fish on the one side of the boat, the next request was obviously to throw the nets to the other side. And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. John 21:6. However, since it was not the creator of the universe making the statement, there were not any fish on the other side of the boat either.
During the trip, there was a little time for dancing on the Sea of Galilee. Since my feet never moved for dancing in junior high, there was no reason to think they were going to move today.
Zoom in on the photo below and you will see the Church of the Beatitudes. It is a traditional site where the Jesus may have taught His disciples the Sermon on the Mount. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:3-4.
Below is Capernaum which sits right on the shore of the Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea ... Matthew 4:13.
Close-up of the Greek Orthodox Church close to Capernaum.
The Church at Capernaum.
The shore line of Capernaum. A similar place where the Lord Jesus may have taught. And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. Matthew 13:2.
The Golan Heights in the background of the Sea of Galilee.
As we docked in Capernaum.
It was a beautiful day to spend a some time on the Sea of Galilee where so much of the ministry of the Lord Jesus took place. Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age ... Luke 3:23.
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