There is much to see in Samaria and much happened that is recorded in Scripture. Our first stop was Jacob's Well which now sits in the basement of a church.
"So He [Jesus] came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; and Jacob's well was there. So, Jesus being wearied from his journey, was sitting thus by the well..." (John 4:5 and 6)
We all know where this story goes; how Jesus met the Samaritan woman there and tells her that He is the living water that quenches eternal thirst.
This shot was taken atop Mt. Gerizim with Mt. Ebal across the way. The town in the valley below is where Jacob's well is located and only three blocks away is the location of ancient Shechem. Shechem is mentioned throughout Biblical history in the time of the Patriarchs. It is where God promised Abraham the land for his descendants and afterward Abraham built an altar. (Gen. 12:6 and 7) Another instance is when Jacob came here (to Shechem), bought a piece of land and built an altar. (Gen. 33:18-20) Also, Joseph and his brothers hung out with their sheep in this area. (Gen. 37:12 and 13)
It was a bit windy up here (notice the hats tied tight). If you've done any reading in Deuteronomy lately, you will recall what happened on these two mountains, Gerizim and Ebal. This is where the Blessings and Cursings of chapters 27 and 28 took place back and forth between the mountains. When you see this with your own eyes, it makes sense how Moses made this work for the Levitical priests and the people of Israel. Now go read the story.
Love the hats! You all look like archeologists.
ReplyDelete