February 10, 2000. In the Old Testament, the tribe of Benjamin was a tiny sliver of land strategically positioned between its “bigger brothers,” Judah and Ephraim. Despite its size, however, it proved to be one of the most coveted regions in all of Israel. Within its borders were the main east-west route in Isreal, the pivotal city of Jerusalem, and the highly traveled north-south highway along the “Benjamin Plateau.” Its rich biblical history demanded a field trip all to itself.

I’ve overlooked the rolling hills of Gettysburg, envisioning the bloody confrontation between Union and Confederate troops. I’ve stood on the shores of Leyte in the Philippines, imagining American soldiers dodging a barrage of bullets to advance and overtake a Japanese pillbox. But never have I been in a place of such rich military history as the Beth-horon Ridge Route just north of the Benjamin border.

Situated between two treacherous valleys, this small ridge has been the main western access to central Palestine since antiquity. It was here that Joshua drove out the Amorites in Joshua 10, where the Philistines persistently crept into the heart of Israel, where Pharoah Shishak of Egypt intruded to threaten king Rehoboam, and where the Greeks and Romans gained a foothold to assault the northern gate of Jerusalem. More recently, the British utilized this ridge in 1917, and the Israelis penetrated the West Bank via this route in 1967. This was the first main stop of our Benjamin field trip on Thursday, February 10. Here, we studied the tactics of Joshua, saw the remains of an ancient Roman road, and noticed some trenches still remaining from the Israeli Six-Day War.

From there, we traveled a few miles east to the town of Nebi Samwil, an impressive vista where Solomon probably asked the Lord for wisdom. From this plateau, we could see for miles in all directions: the Beth-Horon Ridge Route to the northwest, Jerusalem to the southeast, and the “Road of the Patriarchs” to the east, along the north-south ridge of the Central Benjamin Plateau (CBP).

From south to north (right to left), I could clearly see the Mount of Olives, Gibeah (King Saul’s capital), Ramah (Samuel’s birthplace), Mizpah (the Babylonians’ center of administration), and Bethel (I can’t begin to list all the biblical events that occurred here; just look this city up in a concordance!). I never would have imagined that all of these towns were in such close proximity! Within my view, an unprecedented amount of Scripture was actually lived out!

We then drove just a couple miles to see the Pool of Gibeon mentioned in 2 Samuel 2. Entering a small opening with flashlights in hand, we gradually descended down a stepped tunnel for several hundred feet.

Small fragments of Israelite potsherds were still scattered about the ground. And sure enough – once we reached the bottom, we came to a cistern room, where water collected from the Pool deeper back in the bedrock. I know it’s hard to understand this description, but believe me, it was exhilarating! Adjacent to the cave opening was a tower also dating to the Israelite period.

Our next stop was “The Pass,” between the biblical cities of Michmash and Geba. Roads in the Judean Hill Country tend to ride along the ridges, avoiding the steep and often treacherous river valleys. However, “The Pass” is a unique area because it actually crosses over the river bed (“wadi” in Arabic) instead of avoiding it. It is a “shortcut,” as it were, that dates back to biblical times.

Here, at “The Pass,” Joshua probably journeyed on his night expedition from Gilgal to Gibeon (Josh. 10), Jonathon launched a surprise attack on the Philistine camp, and Jesus most likely traveled on His way from Jerusalem to Ephraim (Jn. 11:54). Subsequently, we headed east into the Judean Wilderness on our way to Jericho.

When I first saw modern Jerusalem a couple weeks ago, I was surprised by the density of its population. On Thursday, I was equally shocked when I saw the desolation of the Judean wilderness! What a barren wasteland! Literally, not one building could be seen for miles around. The scattered Bedouin tents and occasional flock of sheep indicate that this region has hardly changed since the days of Abraham.

The famous city of Jericho was our next destination. It’s quite a tourist trap, complete with camel rides, cable cars, souvenir shops, restaurants, and a vegetable market. Nevertheless, the site of ancient Jericho is still intact. It has been the location of much archeological study over the years, and we spent a good hour walking around the tel and admiring its different features.

I must confess, my Sunday School perceptions of Jericho were immediately shattered. This was no vast metropolis with 100-foot high walls! It was a small town covering several acres of land. After all, the Israelite army had to march around it 7 times in one day! Still, it was a formidable barrier to the Judean Hill Country. Undoubtedly, its walls and gates would have been well-fortified, for it was the critical city that guarded the eastern approach to the heartland (much like the Beth-horon Ridge on the West). Suffice it to say Joshua knew what he was doing when he commenced his conquest of Canaan. He was a cunning general, well-educated in military strategy! And the destruction of Jericho was a big first step on the road to victory.

Heading back toward Yad HaShmona by late afternoon, we made one final stop along the “Ascent of Adummim.” This route, mentioned in the account of the “Good Samaritan,” connects the cities of Jericho and Jerusalem, and runs along the southern edge of the Wadi Qilt. We climbed out of the bus one last time, and after hiking over a small hill, found ourselves at the very brink of the river valley.

Before my eyes was an abysmal cavern, enclosed by sharp, craggy cliffs on both sides. It stretched east to west as far as the eye could see, and far below us ran the river bed itself. I can hardly begin to express the magnitude of the site! Always keep in mind: those blue lines on your Bible map are NOT gently winding streams; they can be immense gorges that plunge deep into the earth! In response to all we had seen on our field trip, we sang praises to the Lord the rest of the way home.

And just as we reached the crest of the Judean hills and caught our first glimpse of the coastland further West, God offered us a spectacular sunset. What a beautiful, awe-inspiring conclusion to our day! Grateful for all He has done, Stephen

25 years ago, I had the privilege of traveling to Israel for a semester through the Master’s College IBEX program. To celebrate the 25th anniversary, I’m sharing highlights from my journal, emails, and photos. Feel free to share your own IBEX memories here as well!