-
Lesson OneKing David’s Palace, Hezekiah’s Tunnel, and The Tower of David3 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson TwoModern-Day Jerusalem: The Temple Mount and Old City Markets3 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson ThreeJerusalem: Before and After Babylonian Conquest3 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson FourThe Land God Promised Abraham3 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson FiveWhere Jesus Was Born—Bethlehem3 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson SixMount Tabor, Deborah, and the Jezreel Valley3 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson SevenThe Epic Battle at Gideon’s Spring3 Activities1 Assessment
-
Lesson EightThe Important Role of Megiddo in the End Times3 Activities1 Assessment
-
Course Wrap-UpCourse Completion1 Activity1 Assessment
Participants 104
Discussion Questions
-
Jerusalem stands at the center of the land of Israel. Why was this important in biblical times?
-
It is a city chosen by God to make it His home. As I type, a movie came to my mind “His land”, the song sang by Cliff Richard –
Yes it is his land, all of it his
He stepped it off and marked it there, …stepped it off and marked it there
To be his ugly thoroughfare, …to be his ugly thoroughfare
And he blessed it with his hand, …yes it’s a great land, all of it is
And as it blooms before our eyes, …as it blooms before our eyes
Just like an eden paradise, …like an eden paradise
The world will understand, …world will understand…this is his land
Slowly from hiding but surely they come
Back to the homeland their fathers will front
Israel their citadel, israel their home
Now they are here at last never to roam
Here they will stay and bring life to the land
It’s a new day and with boldness they walk, tall and so straight
See them stand
Yes it is his land, all of it his
He stepped it off and marked it there…stepped it off and marked it there
To be his ugly thoroughfare, …to be his ugly thoroughfare
And then he blessed it with his land, …yes it’s a great land, all of it is
And as blooms before our eyes, …as it blooms before our eyes
Like an eden paradise, …like an eden paradise
The world will understand, …world will understand…this is his land
Rich fertile valleys of russet and gold, carpets of green over mountains
Unfold
Harvest of plenty so joyous and bright, her fields her treasures
Magnificent sight
This is the israel promised of old, this is the miracle happening now
As ages in prophets fortold
Yes it is his land…… -
Because it was chosen by God for His people.
-
Jerusalem was 32 miles from the Mediterranean and around 14 miles from the Dead Sea, this enabled quicker access from all parts of Israel to Jerusalem. This was particularly important because as Israel had one God it had one temple, where God dwelt and to which all people were to called to come and worship the one true God.
-
David has ruled from Hebron (South of Jebus) for seven years, and Saul before him from Gibeah (North of Jebus). Any nation looks to it’s leadership and capitol for it’s defense, direction, inspiration, etc. So David needed a place to rule from. David said, “Whoever attacks the Jebusites first shall be chief and commander.” And Joab son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. The new Hebrew city becomes Jerusalem, the city of David. It sits at the center of israel, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea, nestled in the mountains. This city was in a location that was very defendable. A place that could be fortified, which in ancient times was critical. Also, the Lord chose it (Ps 132:13-14)
1. There was water from springs which is a precious resource in the desert.
2. The deep valleys made the city a natural fortress.
3. Centrally located, accessible to all. -
For defensive purposes
-
What do you think Joab experienced as he fought in the water tunnels to take the city of Jerusalem?
-
Fear in going into the unknown and unexplored and of encountering an enemy ambush.
Anticipation over the possibility of success. Capturing the enemy unaware and mounting a surprise attack.
-
Maybe Joab was apprehensive but needed the courage from God
-
As Joab fought in the water tunnels, I think he must have experienced some apprehension about fighting in such an enclosed space. The only light would have come from a torch or a lamp which create both heat and smoke. Joab had no way of knowing what lay around the next curve or bend in the path. He had to have a good deal of courage and faith.