Israel and Jordon Tour: Day 11

Today was an extremely busy day, leaving the hotel and visiting four museums and a number of historical sites. We started at the City of David Museum which features excavations on what is believed to be the original point at which David established the city below the Temple Mount. Saw a dramatisation of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70 & the ruins of a family home from that time. From there to Hezekiah's Tunnel, a 533 metre tunnel carved out of the solid rock from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam in the seventh century BC. Three of our intrepid group walked through the water (sometimes thigh deep) for the full length of the tunnel - Phil Mercer, Phil Barton and Paul a Pastor from Orange, NSW. At the Pool of Siloam, Anita Barnett read the passage where Jesus heals the blind man.

On then to the Wailing Wall, and a museum featuring the remains of a Burnt House following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans and another with excavations of an Herodian Mansion.

Then entered the Temple Mount which today features the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aska mosque - encountered a few stone throwing Muslim boys.

Finished our touring for the day at the Davidson Museum ( established with help from William Davidson - same name as Bob's great grandfather) where there is a comprehensive history of Israel and extensive excavations of the original city of Jerusalem. Also walked the steps leading up to the Temple which were probably the steps that Jesus walked when entering the Temple. (Bob's camera battery gave up here, but Phil has photos.)

Ended the day with a communion service at the hotel. Paul Barnett gave the message and Phil Mercer conducted the communion.

P.S. several of us have enjoyed coffee at The American Colony Hotel. The original Colony was established by Horatio Spafford, the author of the hymn "Peace like a river - It is well with my soul". Phil has preached on the story of this man who lost four daughters at sea. The original manuscript of the hymn is on display and I'm sure you could find the full story on the Internet. It's worth reading if you have never read the full account of what Spafford achieved in Jerusalem after the loss of his four girls.