Northern Israel

Herod the Great built a large temple to honor Caesar Augustus at Caesaria Philippi. There was also a smaller temple to the god Pan whom ancient people thought had been born in the cave at the site. Animal and human sacrifice, along with pagan rituals had taken place in the past so few Jews would have gone there. Jesus may have brought his deciples here to escape the crowds.

A pagan statue probably to the god Pan would have been set up in this niche on the cliff wall.

Jesus chose His visit to this area with pagan temples to other gods, to ask His disciples "Who do men say that I Am?" Peter answered, "Thou art the Christ the Son of the Living God." Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in Heaven."

The cave in the background at Caesaria Philippi was known as the "Gate of Hell." Jesus said "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it."

The gates of the city of Dan in northern Israel. After the death of Solomon, the kingdom of Israel broke in two. The Southern kingdom of Judah separated from the Northern kingdom.

The walls of the city of Dan. Jeroboam the king of the North led the people away God. "So the king made two golden calves, and he set one in Bethel and he put the other in Dan." And Jeroboam said "Behold your gods O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt." 1 Kings 12:28-29.

Remains of the great alter in Dan, out lined in metal. A golden calve would have been placed in the center of the alter. This was the beginning of the end of the Northern kingdom.

An older city of Dan has been found, dating back 4,000 years to the time of Abraham. This is the oldest known arch gate in the world. The gate has been sealed and covered to protect it from the weather.

Reconstruction of the 4,000-year-old gate at Dan. Genesis 14:14, "And when Abram heard that his relative (Lot) had been taken captive, he led out his trained men, born in his house, 318 men, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. Abraham probably entered this gate, and as a wealthy man he would have been welcomed inside the city.

Looking across the border of Israel into Lebanon at a village in the distance. Lebanon is controlled by the terrorist state of Iran and Russia.

Our group resting at the city of Dan as our guide Stan discusses the city.

The Dan spring which feeds into the Jordan river.

The Canaanite gate at Megiddo was built before Israel conquered the land. This gate has two chambers. Historian's state that at least 34 battles took place in this area in ancient times. Ancient empires fought to control this land and have dominion over the trade routes between 3 continents leading to wealth and power.

Remains of the Canaanite city at Megiddo. Megiddo is mentioned a dozen times in the Hebrew Bible and many ancient text.

A large Canaanite altar at Megiddo. The Bible states that the sacrifice of animals and even children occurred during Canaanite worship. Megiddo was a royal city during the Israelite period and king Ahab and Jezebel probably worshiped Baal here.

Looking from Megiddo, to the city of Nazareth in the distance, where Jesus grew up and began His ministry.

The ruins of Megiddo with the plains of Armageddon in the distance. The Scriptures state that the nations of the earth will gather there for one final battle.

The Israelite gate at Megiddo. "Now this is the account of the forced labor which king Solomon levied to build the house of the LORD, his own house, the Millo, the wall of Jerusalem, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. 1 Kings 9:15

The Israelite gate looking towards Nazareth. After Solomons death several Israelite kings had a palace there possibly, Ahab and Jeroboam II. The Assyrian King Shalmaneser III recorded he faced an alliance of a dozen kings, including Ahab in the Battle of Qarqar in 853 B.C. Ahab's force at the battle was estimated at 2,000 chariots and 10,000 men.

One of our number mounts a chariot at Megiddo.

Our group inspects the horse stables at Megiddo.

The traditional site where the prophet Elijah called down fire from heaven. "How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God follow Him. If Baal is god follow him." 1 Kings 18:21, This site on Mount Carmel was chosen because it was near the stream mentioned in the story.

Looking down from Mount Carmel at an Arab town below.

Looking from Mount Carmel towards an Israeli Air base. This airfield defends against attacks coming from Lebanon.

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