Chelsea Gentry In February of 2019 my husband Colton and I spent ten days in Israel and saw dozens of historic and Biblical sites. These ten days were by far our favorite vacation. Below are my picks for The 7 Places in Israel You Need to See. If you are worried about spending the money on an overseas vacation, I promise the Holy Land worth every penny.
Fun fact: It rained 80% of our trip… still worth every second and dollar spent.
1. The Sea of Galilee
The leaders of our tour organized a worship service on a boat in the middle of the lake. Even though I get sea sick it was worth the nausea, believe me. Jesus called Peter to follow Him on the shore of the Sea in Matthew 4. He walked on that very water in Matthew 14.
Fun Fact: While on the Sea of Galilee, you can see “the other side” mentioned in several passages in scripture. It is in fact a specific area, and not just the opposite side of the lake.
“While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
-Matthew 4:18-19
2. Peter’s House
Of all the places in Israel, Peter’s House was my favorite stop. In the ruins of the town of Capernaum is the synagogue where Jesus preached on multiple occasions. We stood on the very floor Jesus once preached. Capernaum also contains the ruins of “Peter’s House,” known as one of the first Christian churches.
Scholars believe it to be the home of Peter based on archaeological findings and studying scripture. On the interior of the home there is graffiti on the wall that translates “Christ have mercy” and “Lord Jesus help your servant.”
“As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon (Peter) and Andrew, with James and John.” – Mark 1:29
Fun Fact: A sanctuary stands over the ruins of Peter’s House, but you can go inside and look down through a window to see the interior from above. It’s a beautiful place for prayer.
3. Springs of Gideon
You may recall the story of Gideon and the 300 men in Judges 7. The story of Gideon shows God’s ability to easily overcome insurmountable odds. If you haven’t read this particular passage in scripture, I encourage you to take a look.
Fun fact: Surprisingly enough, this historic Biblical location is in the middle of a park. Kids were playing on swings nearby as our tour guide recounted the story of Gideon.
Fun Fact #2: The water in the spring is so clean you can drink it!
“And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Take them down to the water, and I will test them for you there, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ shall go with you, and anyone of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ shall not go.” So he brought the people down to the water.”
– Judges 7:4-5
4. City of David
The ruins of the City of David brought the stories of the Bible to life for me. Particularly the story of Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11. I have always wondered how David was able to see Bathsheba from his palace, but after walking through the ruins of the city the concept became much more realistic. Rooftops in the area are flat, and it is easy to see families in their homes down the hill. Many places in Israel help Bible stories come to life, but this one painted a vivid picture.
Fun Fact: David came to Jerusalem from Bethlehem to build the temple. The City of David was build in a great position for battle, as it sits higher than surrounding hills and surrounded by a deep valley. It was a smart political and tactical move by David.
“Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David..” – Luke 2:4
5. Ein Gedi
At first glance, this area was a desolate wasteland. However, a short 20 minute hike through the winding trails revealed an oasis full of caves, ravines and a waterfall. Ein Gedi is where David and his men once hid from King Saul. Here David had the opportunity to take Saul’s life and be king. Instead he showed true character and spared the life of his enemy.
Fun Fact: David and his men likely hid from Saul here because of the abundant water supply.
“..’The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put forth my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord‘s anointed.’ So David persuaded his men with these words, and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave, and went upon his way.“ – 1 Samuel 24:6-7
6. Saint-Peter-in-Gallicantu Church
The stunning historical landmark was built in the slopes of Mount Zion in 1931. Jesus would have been brought to jail in the palace of high priest Caiaphas after his arrest. The palace stood in the same location as Saint-Peter-in-Gallicantu Church. Jesus would have awaited his crucifixion in this pit (pictured above).
Jesus knew, sitting there in the bottom of a pit, exactly what He must go through in order to fulfill what he came to earth to accomplish. He knew what was to come, but He did it anyway. He did it to save us. I’m so very grateful.
“So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound him. First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, but Peter stood outside at the door.” – John 18:12-16
7. Garden Tomb
I couldn’t write a top seven list without including the Garden Tomb. Not only are the grounds breathtaking, but the people working there are so kind and passionate about Biblical history. Walking into the tomb was indescribable. The tomb is arguably the place where Jesus was buried and three days later rose again. Of all the places in Israel, this one a must-see. No other site can compare.
Fun Fact: The gardens in scripture most likely referred to a vineyard rather than a vegetable or flower garden. There is evidence the land was a vineyard, which is one reason why people believe this is the location of the garden tomb.
“Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. “ – John 19:41-42
I hope these 7 Places in Israel You Need to See have helped in planning your next adventure. Check out http://www.land-of-the-bible.com/ for more information about the Holy Land! For more travel tips, be sure to read the additional content below:
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Safe Travels,
