JERUSALEM

Regional Unit I: Jerusalem

I.A. Joshua defeats the kings of Jerusalem, Hebron, Jarmuth, Lachish and Debir. Josh 10:1-39
I.B. David captures Jebus (Jerusalem), making it his capital. 2 Sam. 5:6-16; 1 Chron. 11:4-7
I.C. Solomon’s building projects in Jerusalem: 1 Kgs. 6-9.
I.D. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, captures Jerusalem: 2 Kgs. 24-25; 2 Chron. 36:15-21;
Jer. 39:9-14;
I.E.Rebuilding the temple of Zerubbabel after the Babylonian captivity: Ezra 3:8-13; 4:23-24;
5:15; 6:15-18; Haggai.
I.F. Jesus brought to Jerusalem as a baby & youth: Luke 2:22-50
I.G. Jesus ‘in the temple courts, sitting with the teachers, listening to them and asking questions’:
Luke 2:41-50.
I.H. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: betrayal and arrest: Matt. 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-49;
Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-13.
I.I. Jesus is crucified: to ‘save his people from their sins’: Matt. 27:32-56; Mark 15:21-41; Luke
23:26-46; John 19:16-37.
I.J. Jesus is buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea: Matt 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke
23:50-56; John 19:41-42.
I.K. Jesus is resurrected and seen by Mary Magdalene: Matt. 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-
12; John 20:1-18.
I.L. Peter and John discover the empty tomb: John 20:4.

Regional Unit F1: Eastern Samaria .

F1.A. Way of the Patriarchs. Gen. 12:1-9; 13:3-4; 28:10-22; 35:1-20;
F1.B. Kingdom of Abimelech: Judg. 8:30-9:57
F1.C. Division of the kingdom; King Rehoboam: 1 Kgs. 11:26-12:24
F1.D. Tirzah; new capital: 1 Kgs. 16:1-23
F1.E. Jesus of Nazareth in Samaria: Jn. 4:1-43; Lk. 9:51-62

Regional Unit F2: Southern Samaria

F2.A. Conquest of Canaan; Joshua and the battle of Ai: Joshua 7-8;
F2.B. The Tabernacle in Shiloh Josh. 18:1-3; Judg. 18:31; 1 Sam. 1-4
F2.C Jonathan and the Battle of Michmash (Philistine Penetration) 1 Sam 13-14;
F2.C. Israel- Judah border disputes; conflict in Benjamin: 1 Kgs. 15:1-8, 16-22; 2 Chr. 13

Regional Unit J1: Judean Hill Country

J1.A. Joshua and Caleb: Num. 13; Deut. 1:22-39;
J1.B. Conquest of Jerusalem; David defends the Hill Country: 2 Sam. 5:5-25; 1 Chron. 11:4-9;
14:1-16;
J1.C. Defense of Judah; Rehoboam’s fortifications and the Pharaoh Shishak’s campaign: 2
Chron. 11:5-12:12
Regional Unit J2: Judean Shephelah
J2.A The battle of Gibeon and Southern Cities (Diagonal chalk Pass): Josh. 10:1-43.
J2.B Tribe of Dan moves north: Judg. 1:34-35; 17-18; Josh. 19:47;
J2.C. Battle between David and Goliath in the Elah Valley: 1 Sam. 17;
J2.D Asa and Zerah the Cushite near Mareshah 2 Chron. 14:8-15
J2.E Sennacherib lays siege to Lachish 2 Ki. 18:13-19:37
J2.F Babylonian campaign against Judah; Nebuchadnezzar: 2 Kgs. 24:17-25:21; 2
Chron. 36:11-21; Jer. 21; 24; 27-34; 37:1-39; 51:59-52:30;

Regional Unit H2: Judean Wilderness

H2.A. Attack from En-gedi; Moab and Ammon: 2 Chron. 20;
H2.B. Preparing a way in the Wilderness Isa. 35:1-10; 40:1-11; Matt. 3:1-12
H2.C Jesus in the Wilderness Matt. 4:1-11
H2.C Parable of the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37.

Judean Shephelah

The Shepelah is a range of foothills bridging the Coastal Plains (K), to the Judean Hill Country
(J1 see J2-2, 10, 12). The northern section recieves 24” of annual rain fall while only 12”
quenches the arid southern tip agacent to the Negev in the BeerSheva section. Three valleys and
two passes provide five stretegic access points east and west for travel, trade or even military
campaigns. The first is the Aijalon valley guarded by the ancient city Gezer (J2-2). This is the
only direct route from the coastal plains to Jerusalem east to west. In this valley Joshua fought
the Battle of Gibeon and God caused the sun to stand still, the only time scripture says God
listened to man (Joshua 10:1-15). Just to the north of the Aijalon is the city of Modiin, home of
the Maccabean heroes (1 Macc. 1-2, see J2-4, 5). The second access point is the valley of Sorek
(J2-7). This channel enters the Judean Hill Country and “Way of the Patriarchs” near
Bethlehem, 5 miles south of Jerusalem. It was the birthplace of Sampson and the home of
Delilah the Philistine of Timnah ( Judges 13:1-14:1). Next is the Elah valley (J2-1, 6, 8, 9).
Here the mighty story of David and Goliath was wrought as Philistiens gathered between Succoh
and Azekah and the Israelites drew their battle line in the Valley of Elah while Davud and
Goliath met in the middle (1 Sam. 17). Elah meets the path of Sorek and merges just before
Bethlehem (1 Sam. 17:12). The concern of Jesse, David’s father, shows the vulnerability and
importance of Israel defending the Shephelah against the Philistines. It was the only buffer
between their homes, their enemies and their destruction (1 Sam. 17:1). Four is an access point
throuh the Wadi (Nahal) N. Guvrim (J2-13). The city Bet-Buvrin was a i city in key city in the
Shephelah durring the second temple period. Between the testaments the Edomite (Iddumeans)
moved in and occupied cities in this region. They renamed Bet Guvriim Betogabris. Near by is
the city Marshah where Herod the Great, half Jew and half Iddumean spent his child hood. In 68
AD the Romans conquored and renamed Betogabris to Eleutheropolis “city of the free” (War
4.8.1). The last access point of the Shephelah is near the city Lachish (J2-11). Standing 30 miles
southwest of Jerusalem made this city of key importance for military purposes. Egyptians,
Assyrians and even Babylonians all record confrontation and occupation of this guard city.
Joshua killes the Canaanite king from here (Josh. 10:1-32). Rehoboam fortifies it (2 Chron.
11:15-12). King Amaziah meets his death here (2 Kgs. 14:17-20). Assyria assaults it in 701 BC
and is recorded on the walls of Nineveh. Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon sieges Lachish in 587 BC
(Jer. 34:7). The famoush “Lachish Letters” were found from this assault where the defending
Israelites wrote “And let (my lord) know that we are watching for the signals of Lachis,
according to all the indication which my lorxd hath given, for we cannot see Azekah” (ANET,
213).

I. Topographical Description: The Shephelah of Judah was a buffer zone between the
highlands occupied by Judah and the low lands by the Philistiens. The region consists of rolling
hill with four valley’s and one pass to the remote interior of Judah. The Shephelah is the battle
zone where Israel and the Philistien’s played “King of the Hill”. The life of Sampson personifies
this dilema. He is a man living his life on the edge. Called to be a levite of holiness, he flirts
with impurity. In the end he looses his sight, is placed in bondage and becomes a grinder in the
prison of his vices. Delilah and the Philistiens litterally lived miles away. Davids father
expresses concern for how the battle goes because the Philistiens in the Elah placed them one
step away from taking the high ground of the Judean hill country. The shephelah is a military
buffer between the people of God and the enemies who wish to destroy them.

II. Five main valley systems

A. Aijalon Valley
1. Events:
a. The battle of Gibeon and Southern Cities (Diagonal chalk Pass): Josh. 10:1-43.
b. Tribe of Dan moves north: Judg. 1:34-35; 17-18; Josh. 19:47;

3. Cities
a. Modiin
i. Home of the Judas Maccabean and the beginning of the Maccabean Revold 1
Macc. 1-3

b. Gezer
i. 1468 BC Annals of Tutmoses III on a Karnak Temple Inscription
ii. 1207 BC Pharaoh Merneptah mentions it conqored by him on his “Victory
Stele”
iii. Josh. 10:33; 12:12 Joshua allots it to the tribes of Israel but it remains in
Canaanite hands
iv. I Kgs. 9:15-17 Solomon fortifies the city for his defensive use
v. 733 BC Destroyed by Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria
vi. I Macc 9:52 Battle between Hasmoneans and Seleucids

c. Aijalon
i. Josh. 19:42 Levitical City
ii. 2 Chron. 11:5-10 Rehaboam Fortifies the city
iii. 2 Chron. 28:16-18 Philistiens destroy it in the 8th century.
B. Sorek Valley
1. Events
i. Judges 12-13 Home of Sampson and Delilah
ii. Tribe of Dan moves north: Judg. 1:34-35; 17-18; Josh. 19:47;

2. Cities
i. Zorah
 Josh:19:41 City of Dannites
 Judg. 17-18 Sampson of Zorah
ii. Beth-Shemesh
 Josh. 21:16 Levitical city
 1 Kgs. 4:9 Solomons Administrative district
 2 Chron. 28:18 Philistines capture the city in Ahaz’s reign
iii. Timnah
 Judg. 14: Sampson kills a lion near here
 Judg. 16:4 Falls in Love with Delilah from Timnah
 I Sam. 5-6 Ark Passes by Timnah when returning to Israel from the Philitines.

C. Elah Valley
1. Events
i. 1 Sam. 17 David and Goliath

2. Cities
i. Azekah
 1 Sam. 17:1–2 Israel camps between Succoh and Azekah David and Goliath
 2 Chron. 11:9 Fortified by Solomon’s Son Rehaboam
 Jer. 34:7 One of the last cities with Lachish to fall to Nebechadnezar
ii. Succoh
 1 Sam. 17:1 Where the Philistiens camped
 2 Chron. 11:7 Fortified by Solomon’s Son Rehaboam
 2 Chron. 28:18 Temporarily taken from Judah by the Philistiens durring Ahaz’s
reign
iii. Adullam
 1 Sam. 22:1-2 David Hides from Saul
 2 Chron. 11:7 Rehaboam fortifies the city before Egyptian Pharaoh Shishak
invades

D. Guvriim Valley
1. Events
i. Asa and Zerah the Cushite near Mareshah 2 Chron. 14:8-15
ii. Romans take Betogavris and rename it Eleutheropolis “City of the Free” (War
4.8.1)
 2. Cities
i. Betogabris / Eleutheropolis (City of the Free)
ii. Marishah / Marisa
 Home of Herod the Great
 Location of Bell Caves

E. Lachish Pass
1. Events
iii. Sennacherib lays siege to Lachish 2 Ki. 18:13-19:37
iv. Babylonian campaign against Judah; Nebuchadnezzar: 2 Kgs. 24:17-25:21; 2
Chron. 36:11-21; Jer. 21; 24; 27-34; 37:1-39; 51:59-52:30;

2. Cities
i. Lachish
 Josh 10:22-27 Canaanite King executed by Joshua
 2 Chron. 11:9 Fortified by Rehaboam
 2 Kgs. 14:19; 2 Chr. 25:27 King Amaziah flees to the city and is killed
 2 Kgs. 18:14, 17 = 2 Chr. 32:9; cf. 2 Kgs. 19:8 Assyria lays seige to the city
durring Hezekiah’s reign (Isa. 36:2; 37:8; cf. Mic. 1:13)
 Jer. 34:7 One of the last cities to fall durring Nebechadnezars assault against
Judah
 Lachish Letters “And let (my lord) know that we are watching for the signals of
Lachis, according to all the indication which my lorxd hath given, for we cannot
see Azekah” (ANET, 213).

Judean Hill Country:

The Judean Hill Country is a rift of mountains running 50 miles long, 15 miles wide with a chief
elevation of 3,280 ft. Storms moving off the ocean get caught in the mountain range dumping
16-32 inches or rain. At the top of the rift it produces a phenomina known as the “Water Shed
Line”. The result is 2-8 inches of rain east of the hill country which produces the Judean
wilderness (See H2). The region was alloted to Judah along with the Shephelah and Wilderness
to its east and west (see regions J2 & H2 & Josh. 15). It’s folding rift of mountains with steep
slopes and narrow vallies to the eastern and western approaches make it a natural fortification
with few options for ascent (See Ascents to Jerusalem). Running on the top of this range is a
narrow pass for local travel known as the “way of the Patriarchs”. This “Way” or “Road” was
also known as the “Internal Ridge Route”. It ran 25 miles north through Jerusalem, the Central
Benjamin Plateau, Bethel, Shiloh and Shechem (See F1 & F2), and 25 miles south through
Bethlehm (J1-1,11), Hebron (J1-12) and Beer-Shebah in the Negev (L2). Running west is the
Sorek valley towards the Judean Shephelah (J1-8) and the Valley of Rephaim north to south
along the edge of the Internal Ridge Route (J1-5). Her the Philistiens “Spread out in the valley
of Rephaim” in reach of the Jerusalem. David meets the challenge and dives them back “from
Gibeon to Gezer” (2 Sam. 5:18–25).

In this region the city of Bethlehem sits 5 miles south of Jerusalem (J1-1,11). In this city rests
the field where Ruth and Boaz meet (Ruth 3). These are the same fields where David wrote his
psalms, deafeated a lion and a bear while tending the flocks of his father (1 Sam. 17:34-36).
Above all, it is the setting of the Nativity where Christ was born, Shephards heard a choir of
angels and Herod commissioned the killing of children (Lk. 2:1-20).

Siting on the edge of the wilderness is Herodium 7 miles south of Jerusalem (J1-2). This is a
fortress Herod the great build marking his flight for life from the Parthian and Jewish threat
before becoming king of the Jews by Caeser. Josephus declares this as the burial site of Herod
the great (War 1.13.8). Recent archeological escavations seem to support this.
Further south sits Hebron in an elevated plain (J1-12). The city was the center of burial for the
patriarchs (Gen. 23; 25:7–11; 47:28–31; 49:29–31; 50:13) and the first realm of reign for king
David (2 Sam. 2:1–4, 10–11; 5:1–5).

Israel was able to secure most of the hill country. The lowlands such as the coastal plains, were
controled by philistiens and canaanites beyond the time of Joshua (Jdg. 1). Since the agricultural
plains of the low lands were not in Israelite control, they perfected a technique of agriculture
known as terrace faming (F1-5 & Isa. 7:25). Some scholars have estimated that over 50 percent
of the Judean Hill country contains terraces from antiquity. This enabled Judah to produce crops
such as Figs, Almonds, Grapes, and Olives. These familiar crops became the metaphores of the
prophets. Isaiah likens his people to grapes in a terrace. Although God tended to them with
diligence and care, they still became worthless sour grapes (Isa. 5). Jeremiah is given a vision
from God that as sure as the almond shall bud, Judgment will come (Jer. 1:11).

I. Events:
1. Joshua and Caleb: Num. 13; Deut. 1:22-39;
2. Conquest of Jerusalem; David defends the Hill Country: 2 Sam. 5:5-25; 1 Chron. 11:4-9;
14:1-16;
3. Defense of Judah; Rehoboam’s fortifications and the Pharaoh Shishak’s campaign: 2
Chron. 11:5-12:12

II. Agriculture of Judean Hill Country

1. Vines
i. Isa. 5:1-7; Hos. 9:10, Psa 80:7-19, Jn. 15:1-8, Jer. 6:9
ii. “Vine and fig tree’ which often occur together as a picture of peace or destruction:
cf. Isa. 36:16, Mic 4:4, Zech. 3:10 with Hos. 2:12 and Jer. 8:13
2. Grains
i. Deut 8:8, Ruth, Psa 1:4, Jer. 4:11; 5:24
ii. “Grain, new wine and oil” often occur together as picture of
i. The Agricultural year
ii. Elements accompanying sacrifice Deut. 14:23, 18:4, Hos. 2:8; 2:22, Joel
2:19
3. Herding
i. Ezk 34:11-31 1 Sam. 16:11; cf. ch. 25, Ps 23; 80:1-2 Jn: 10:1-13;

4. Olives
i. Deut. 24:20; Judg. 9:8, Psa 52:8, 128:3, Isa. 17:5-6, Jer. 11:16, Rom.
11:17, 24
 5. Figs
i. Jer. 24, Nah. 3:12, Hab. 3:17, Mark 11:12-14, 20-21
6. Almonds
i. Jer. 1:11-12

III. Cities:

1. Rephaim Valley
i. Josh. 15:8; 18:16 Boundary between Judah and Benjamin
ii. 2 Sam. 5:18-25 Philistiens infiltrated to this valley after Saul’s Death and at the
beginning of David’s reign.
iii.
2. Bethlehem
i. Ruth 1-4 Field of Boaz and great grandparents of king David
ii. Micah 5:2; see Matt. 2:4–6; John 7:42 Birth Place of the Messiah
iii. Luke 2:8-19 Shephards field where Angels announce the birth of Christ
iv. Luke 2:8–12 Birthplace of Christ
v. Matt. 2:16-18 Herod murders children to kill the “King of the Jews”
vi. Church of the Nativity: One of only a few churches spared destruction by the
Persian Conqueror Hakeem because he saw the three wise men from Persia on the
wall and spared it since it represented his culture
vii. Jail for Jerome for writing the Latain Vulgate

3. Herodium
i. War 1.13.8ff Herod built to comemorate his flight from the Jews and Parthians.
ii. War 1.13.9 Burial location of Herod the Great

4. Tekoa
i. 2 Chron. 11:6 Fortified by Rehaboam, son of Solomon
ii. 2 Sam 14:2 Joab sought a wise woman from Tekoa to reconcile David and
Absolom
iii. 2 Sam 23:26 Home for one of Davids mighty men
iv. Amos 1:1 Home for Amos the Prophet
v. 2 Chron. 20:20 Rally point for Jehosephat when the Moabites and
Ammonites were invading from En-Gedi via Tekoa
vi. Known for its wise men
vii. Neh. 3:5, 27 Men of Tekoa aid in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem
viii. 1 Macc. 9:33 launching point associated with Judas Maccabean in his
revolt.

5. Hebron
i. Gen. 23; 25:7–11; 47:28–31; 49:29–31; 50:13 Burial site of the Patriarchs at the
cave of Machpelah.
ii. 2 Sam. 2:1–4, 10–11; 5:1–5 1st Capitol of David’s reign as king before taking
Jerusalem and gaining acceptance for reigning over all of Israel.
Judean Wilderness

The Judean wilderness is east of the Judean hill country, west of the Dead Sea and completely in
the shadow of the water shed line. Its combination of erosive chalky soil and scarce rainfall
makes this region difficult for travel and cultivation. This reality has kept human settlement
limited in the region (H2-9, 10). In the face of these reailities the rainy seasons produce grass
and flowers (H2-1,2,14). This is short lived and supports the truth that “The grass withers and
the flower fades but the word of the Lord stands firm forever” (Isa. 40:8). The wilderness
location to Jerusalem visually and contrast of topography gave the prophets rich metephores.
Isaiah compares Israel’s spiritual condition to the difficulty of the land. Despite the desolation
he claims “the wilderness will blossom, it will burst and bloom ” (Isa. 35:1-2). Viewing the
photographs such statements seem like a mockery. In the New Testament John the Baptist’s one
that “Prepares the way of the Lord in the wilderness” (Lk. 3:4). His ministry is compared to a
road construction project bridging a desolate people with their God and providing him access to
them.

In this region David shepherded his father’s flock and gained lessons on how to shepherd Gods
people (See H2-13,14 cf. 1 Sam. 17:20,34-37; Psalm 23) David fled from Saul and used his
knowledge of the difficult terrain to evade Saul from capturing and killing him (H2-27 cf. 1 Sam.
24:23-29) In this wilderness Christ was tempted by the Devil to turn the stones into bread (H2-
12 cf. Matt. 4:3-4) This region is also the setting for Jesus’ parable “The Good Samaritain” (Lk.
10:25-37). In fact, the Jericho road is one of the only true direct access roads through the
wilderness and was guarded by Jericho at its base (H2-8-9). Herod the great saw the value of
this region militarily. After fleeing from the Parthians he is almost overtaken near Bethlehem
but escapes and sails from Alexandrea to gain Caesars support. When he returns from Rome as
“King of the Jews” he establishes several fortresses for future strongholds such as Herodium,
Doq, Masada and Mecherues (JW 1.13.8 see, H2-11). After the time of the Apostles, the early
church would begin a movement of Ascetic monasticism. People sought God in the solitude of
the wilderness. Believers from this era are known to us as the “Desert Father’s”. Some
remained in isolation living on starvation diets in caves while others constructed monasteries like
this one by Saint Gregory the Great and another from the region (See H2-8, 9).

I. Events
A. Attack from En-gedi; Moab and Ammon: 2 Chron. 20;
B. Preparing a way in the Wilderness Isa. 35:1-10; 40:1-11; Matt. 3:1-12
C. Jesus in the Wilderness Matt. 4:1-11
D. Parable of the Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37.

II. Environment

A. Shepherding
B. Water
C. Ruggad Turrain

III. Locations
 A. Jericho Road
a.
B. Doq Fortress
a. Fort build by Ptolemy in 165 BC
b. Where Ptolemy murdered Simon Maccabeus and his two sons 1 Macc. 16:11–15
c. Josephus Calls it fort Dagon Ant.; 13.8.1 [230]; &BJ; 1.22.3 [56]
C. Mt. of Temptation
a. Matt. 4:1-ff
D. Wadi Suweinit From Jericho to Aijalon
a. “Not only did Israel by it first come up from the Jordan on to the tableland,
and by it sweep down towards the sea, but it was in all ages a regular route
for trade” (Smith, 172–173).
E. Deasert Father Sanctuaries
F. Bedouin Living

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is located on the top of a central mountain range 2,500 ft. high (cf. J2-12-13 looking at
the range from west towards the east). The ridge runs north through Samaria towards Jezreel (I-
3) and south through Bethlehem and Hebron towards Beer-Sheva (I-5) Jerusalem lies on the edge
of the water shed line (I-10). Storms off the Medeteranian sea fall to Jerusalem but only give up
to 2”-8” of rain a year east of the city (I-10). This phenomina produces the Judean Wilderness, a
location void of civilization to this day.

Historical geographist, George Adam Smith said, “There are none of the natural conditions of a
great city.” His statement would be true if one makes the mistake of equating this capitols
importance merely by its physical aspects. In the Talmud it reads ““Ten measures of beauty
descended to this world. Nine were given to Jerusalem and one to the rest of the world.” To the
Jew, Christian, and Muslim, this city is the central to their religion far beyond its physical
features (I-2, 3, 6, 7, 8).
The history of the city begins prior to Israelite conquest when it was know as Jebus of the
Jebusites (Judg. 19:10-11). This is the city where Abraham paid tithe to to God through
Melchizedek the “king of Salem, which means, the king of peace” (Gen. 14:18-20). God told the
Israelites he would show them the place where “the LORD your God will choose, to make his
name dwell there” (Deut. 12:5, 11, 21; 14:23, 24,). This argument and this city was the debate
Jesus had with the women at the well in Samaria (Jn. 4:20-21). In the time of Abraham, the city
of Jebus was only the small finger like extention of Mt Ophal south of the temple mount (See I-3
and the #1 on the picture) To the north, is Mt. Moriah, the location where Abraham showed
humanity that in order to receive the ultimate blessing and promise, one should be willing to
make the ultimate sacrifice (Gen. 22). David would capture Jebus and quickly seek to purchase
the threshing floor on the northern end of the city (2 Sam. 24:18-25). This city and threshing
floor strategic and significant for two reasons. First, because the threshing floor rested on Mt.
Moriah, where the temple would be built by Solomon and rebuilt by Ezra/Nehemiah. Second,
because David selected a city unconquered from Joshua’s time in the tribal territory of the
Benjeminites. He was attempting to unite the tribes by selecting a neutral location outside of his
native region of Judah. The city would be free of tribal prejudice and his by right of conquests (I
Sam. 5:6-11). With the capitol of Israel centralized by David pilgrim feasts were instituted.
Each year all males were required to journey to Jerusalem for Pentecost, Passover and the feast
of Booths (Deut. 16:16). The centrality of Jewish faith centered in Jerusalem remained through
the time of Christ and continues to this day for Jews at the wailing wall. Here, in the city of the
great King Jesus inspired the people, confronted the opposition and redeemed humanity through
the Cross and ressurection (Matt. 27:32-56; Mark 15:21-41; Luke 23:26-46; John 19:16-37.
Matt. 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18).

Eastern Samaria:

Eastern Samaria is one of three divisions for this region (Eastern F1, Western E2, and Southern
Samaria F2). Although it appears to be mountainous, it’s better described as steep hills with
narrow passes opening a few valleys. Wadi Farah (F1-3, 7, 8) cuts east to west and across
Samaria. One can reach Adam and the Jordan rift valley (F1-8) or Western Samaria and the
coastal highway fairly easy. This blessing for travel was a military curse. Groups like the
Philistiens and Assyrians exploited the vulnerability to their advantage (cross reference fome
events in Vol 2 here). Abraham most likely walked this way as he “Traveled through the land”
(Gen. 12:6). Jacob seperated from Esau here with a limp after wresteling with God and
reconciling with his brother (Gen. 33). The city Tirzah (F1-3), sits at the crest of wadi Farah.
This cities stretegic location made it the choice of Israels capital for 40 years (1 Kgs. 16:1-23).

Running north to south is the famous “Way of the Patriarchs”, dictated by Wadi Beidan in this
section (F1-1). The channel runs from Tirza to Tel Balata or ancient Shechem (F1-2), at the
base of Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerezim (F1-5). The city of Shechem sits between the two mountains
and has history dating back to the Canaanites (MBII Age 1850-1550 BC). The twin peeks of
Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerezim are the location where Joshua and the Israelites shouted the blessings
and curses of the law (Josh. 8:30-35; Deut.27:1-8). The event was a natural harmonic synphony
of obedience and loyalty to God, the land and one another. Jesus would stand between these
mountains with the historic echo of this event as he touched the life of a Samaritain woman. The
history of this mountain finds its roots in the Assyrian policy of deprotation. Samaria and Mt
Gerezim became the home of the “Samaritains” as a result of Assyrian deportation of locals and
foreign importation (II Ki. 17:21-24). These people became the voice of opposition for all
returning exiles who’s goal was to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 4:1-10,17 Neh. 2:19-20
Josephus, Ant. XI 304-312, Jn. 4:1-32).

SOUTHERN SAMARIA

The Internal ridge route runs straight through the region of Eastern and Southern Samaria
continuing through Judea . This road is known as the “Way of the Patriarchs” since it was
traversed by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and even Jesus in the New Testament times.
Although this road was elevated and accomidating for travel, it tends to be narrow. Most
journeying through the Holy Land would prefer broad open roads like the “Coastoal Highway”
or the “Kings Highway” on the Transjordan, especially if journeying with vast armies. This is
why the region became known as the “remote interior of Ephraim” (Judges 19:1).

On the northern edge of this area is the Shiloh valley system running east to west (F2-13). In
this section Shiloh (F1-11), and Ai (F2-18), are located. The Shiloh system continues east to
Jericho where Joshua exploited it durring the conquest (Joshua 7-8). The city of Shiloh was the
center of worship and first resting place for the Ark after the time of Joshua (Josh. 18:1-3; Judg.
18:31; 1 Sam. 1-4). Further south along this road is Bethel (F2-19). Here Lot and Abraham
separated since “the land could not support them, while they stayed together” (Gen:13:6-12).
Bethel means “house of El” or “house of God”. As Jacob rested from his flight from Esau he
dreams of a ladder with “angels of God ascending and descending on it” (Gen. 28:12). The
epiphany for Jacob at Bethel was that you can be in the “house of God” and totally miss the
“God of the house”. He admits this truth by saying “Surely the Lord is in this place and I knew it
not” (Gen. 28:16). Jacob returns to this place and “God appeared to him and blessed him” years
later (Gen. 35:9). The tragedy to this story surfaces when Jeroboam splits Israel in two and sets
up a Golden calf in the same place where God made a covenant with Jacob (1 Kgs. 23:25-33; Jer.
48:13; Hosea 10:15; Amos 3:14, 5:5).

After Bethel comes the city of Michmash and the Wadi Suweinit (F2-24 & F2-6). This route
descends down the western side of Samaria across the Beth-horon route (F2-25, 26). Explorer
George Adam Smith said, “line up Wadi es-Suweinit, across the plateau south of Bethel and
down the Aijalon [the valley below Beth-horon]. This was a real pass across the range (Smith
172).
Michmash was where the Philistiens penetrated this “remote interior” (1 Sam. 13-14). Jonathan
and his armor bearer scaled the cliff between Geba (F2-5), and Michmash (F2-24), to bring
victory and encouragement to the Israelites.

The last section of Southern samaria opens up into a 5 miles wide space called the “Central
Benjamin Platau” (F2-9). Citeis such as Gibeon (F2-7,8,9), Gibeah (F2-4), Mizpah(F2-3) and
Ramah(F2-2) mark the boundaries of this open plain. To the immediate south is Jerusalem.
Understanding the stretegic position of this Plateau on the Internal Ridge route was the reason
why Joshua’s entire campign rested on gaining a foot hold here. The Gideonites and surrounding
nations knew this too. That is the reason they attempted to enter a covenant of peace with Joshua
deceptively and why the nations gathered against the Gibeonites when they succeeded in their
covenant goals (Joshua 9-10).