02.15. Small river, deep valley

Small river, deep valley

If Dan marked Israel’s far north in former times, Caesarea Philippi was its northernmost town in the time of Jesus. Nearby was Mount Hermon, the probable location of Jesus’ transfiguration.¹ In this region lies the source of the Jordan River, which flows south through the Sea of Galilee and ends in the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea (or Lake) of Chinnereth, Gennesaret, or Tiberias, is about 200 metres below sea level. The Jordan River, after flowing out of the lake, continues to drop as it winds its way south through a deep valley. At the point where it enters the Dead Sea, it is 400 metres below sea level. Although much of the valley near the Sea of Galilee is good for farming, it gradually becomes less fertile towards the south, till it is almost useless at the point where the Jordan enters the Dead Sea. This southern region is probably the place where John preached and where Jesus entered his time of temptation in the wilderness.² In biblical times the Jordan, though only a small river, was a good barrier against invasion. Thick jungle grew along its edge, from where steep banks rose up to the floor of the main valley. The river could be crossed only at places where natural fords existed. One of these was near the valley town of Jericho, from where a road climbed steeply to Jerusalem and the central mountains.³ Along this road, near Jerusalem, were the villages of Bethany and Bethphage.⁴ The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, contains such large amounts of salt and other chemicals that no fish can live in it. No vegetation grows around its shores, except at places where fresh water streams enter on the eastern side or freshwater springs exist on the western side. It is believed that Sodom and Gomorrah were located near the southern end of the Dead Sea.⁵ The sea now covers whatever may have remained of the ancient cities.

1. Matthew 16:13; Matthew 17:1-2

2. Mark 1:4-13 3. Joshua 2:1; Joshua 2:7; Judges 3:28; Judges 7:24; Judges 12:5; Jeremiah 12:5; Jeremiah 49:19; Luke 10:30 4. Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 11:1-11; John 11:1; John 12:1 5. Genesis 19:24-28

Salty shores of the Dead Sea