Bible In Hand

Breathe life into the stories of Old as you travel the length and breadth of the Land of Israel with the Bible as your guide-book. Step back in time and encounter the righteous and the villains, the leaders and the simple folk, the prophets and the kings in their natural habitat.

Gain new insights into well-known narratives as you consider the topography of the land, the latest archeological findings, and the psychology of the protagonists. A careful reading of the commentators will stimulate a deeper understanding of the dramatic events that shaped the history of the region.

While the actual tour depends on the amount of time you have handy, some of the themes and topics covered and places visited, may include the following:

  • In the Footsteps of the Patriarchs – Trace the journeys of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob through the length and breadth of the Land of Israel. Visit Be’er Sheva, Hevron, Bet El and Shechem, and lookout over the devastation of Sodom & Gemorah. Reflect on the story of the Binding of Isaac, the Expulsion of Ishmael into the Wilderness, Jacob’s deceit of Isaac and Joseph’s sale by his brothers.
  • From Shepherds to Farmers – Accompany the spies on their foray into the Land and cross over the Jordan River together with Joshua and the Children of Israel. Set siege to the city of Jericho and witness its massive fortifications come tumbling down at the blow of the shofar. Follow the campaign of Joshua and the tribes across the country from the debacle at Ai to the miraculous victory in the Valley of Ayalon where the sun and moon stood still. Map out the inheritance of each tribe and ponder on the difficulties experienced by the Israelites in conquering, settling and farming the land, fighting always against the pagan Canaanite culture.
  • The Days of the Judges – Follow the tumultuous period of the Judges where men and women of renown rose to greatness to lead the Children of Israel in battle against their bitter and implacable foes. Visit Mt Tavor, scene of the miraculous rout of Sisera and his army by Devora and Barak, aided by Yael wielder of the tent-peg. Gaze into the Pools of Harod, where Gideon tested his men before bamboozling the Midianites with the ancient form of psychological warfare. Feel the burning rage of the blinded Samson, praying for a final revenge against the Philistines and learn of the horrific consequences when “each man does what is right in his own eyes…”You will be introduced to Captain Orde Wingate, the brilliant British officer and strategist who used the battle tactics of the Judges with incredible success against a more modern foe.
  • David & Saul – Chronicle Saul’s rise to glory and fall from favor and chart the trial-by-fire of the shepherd boy, David in Bethlehem, anointed in obscurity. Mark the most famous battle in history in the Valley of Elah where David slew the giant Goliath with a pebble from a slingshot, and run away with the young contender to the throne as King Saul chases him to the Wilderness of Ein Gedi. Experience the King’s torment at his perceived betrayal by his own son, Jonathan and look out over the mountains of Gilboa where King Saul met a hero’s death. Examine the similarities and the differences between the two kings and gain a glimpse into the recesses of David’s soul by reading from the Book of Psalms.

  • Divided Monarchy – Flash back to the reign of Solomon, wisest of all kings who built the First Temple and ruled over a mighty empire. Trace the bitter dispute that led to the split of the Kingdom and follow the fortunes of the House of Judah and the House of Israel. Accompany the prophets Elijah and Elisha, Isaiah and Jeremiah whose words ring out from the Walls of Jerusalem, the Carmel Mountains and the Judean Desert warning, exhorting and always seeking justice and righteousness.
  • Destruction of the Land & Return to Zion – Visit the ancient city of Shomron (Sebastia) capital city of the Kingdom of Israel, captured by the Assyrians. Climb Tel Lachish destroyed by Sennacherib and immortalized in an impressive steel and series of wall carvings in his palace in Ninveh (modern day Iraq). Endure the Babylonian Siege together with King Zedekiah and the prophet Jeremiah and walk amid the devastation wrought by Nevuzradan in Jerusalem. You are the invited to return to the Promised Land with Zerubavel and Joshua the High Priest, Ezra the scribe and Nehemiah as they set out to establish the Second Commonwealth.

Not sure what Israel has to offer? Check out our sections on Explore Israel, Sample Itineraries or try and Create Your Own Itinerary.

Why not Contact Us now for more information or to arrange your specialized tour to Israel?