Singin, Slingin, and Slippin all While Field Trippin

Lets be honest with ourselves for a moment.  What’s the real reason I came to Jerusalem?  Was it to see pretty buildings with big golden domes?  Was it to leave the country and see big pyramidical shaped edifices? Was it to meet many, many pretty girls?  No.  It was so I could get out and throw some rocks around in the mud of the Valley of Elah, just kidding...the girl part was big deal maker as well.  But folks, I can say been there done that to all of the above.  This week’s field trip took us students out to the lower hills of Israel into what is affectionately known as the Shfelah (not Shephelah like it is seen in the Bible maps; primarily because Dr. Chadwick says so and also because it doesn’t fit the song very well).

We started with a trip to Tel Tzafit, also known as Gath, known for it’s large men, you know Goliaths.  Actually, its known for THE Goliath. [Major Sidenote:  While I was thinking about Goliath, my mind returned to the time last summer when myself, Nathan and Bryce took a trip to Huntington Beach.  While there we made a trip all the way up to Valencia to go to Six Flags (even though Disneyland was like 20 minutes away: not bitter at all).  At Sick Flags there is a ride called Goliath, its cool.  Also there is a ride called the scream.  We rode it a lot, got sick and took this picture.  I was really just looking for a reason to repost this picture, and thought this was a good excuse.  Summary: Goliath = Six Flags = Scream picture = Bryce’s awkward pose that he untagged himself in but undoubtedly keeps seeing pop up.  Love ya man!]  Back to Israel.  Gath is way cool with a lot of sweet archaeology.  Our professor is actually one of the head archaeologists that digs there every summer, so we got a very thorough tour.  

The Bell Caves

We then made our way to Mareshah.  This has a major oil making installation under ground which was pretty awesome, and there is also a huge room where they used to keep doves and pigeons for sacrificing and also for food.  I can only imagine how awful that place must have smelled back then.  The highlight of this place was probably what is known as the bell caves.  They are these huge caves that are made from super soft limestone.  They resemble the shape of big bells (thus the name).  Anyways we sang a few songs and absorbed all the cool acoustics of the place and then took pictures.  Always taking pictures.

Can't help but take engagements in the lush
green meadows of Lachish.

Lachish was one of the most beautiful places, it is soooo green in Israel right now.  Only our semester really gets to see it like this because we’re here in the rainy season.  Wow, seriously you would never think that Israel looks like this.  This was the place of a giant fortress that was attacked by Assyrians in 701 BCE.  During that chain of attacks all of the Judeah’s major cities were destroyed except for Jerusalem.  They had huge beacons that they would light to communicate to other cities, to show how this would work Dr. Judd showed the clip from Lord of the Rings: the Return of the Kings in class.  Let’s just say, I really appreciated that.  

The Valley of Elah

Then we went back to the main part of the Valley of Elah where the epic battle between one Mr. David and one Mr. Goliath took place.  Here we had a dramatic reenactment of the scene featuring yours truly as young David.  Following my triumphant victory over Sir Lawrence, we grabbed some slings and practiced throwing projectiles of a somewhat rocky nature.  I didn’t think I was half bad.  I’m sure it would be more difficult when a giant 9 ft (or 7 ft depending on which translation) tall man was charging at you, but with practice I bet you could get pretty good at aiming those things.  

The view from Azekah.

After that we went up on top of a big hill called Azekah where we overlooked the Valley and were treated to an amazing rendition of ‘My Boyfriends Back’ cleverly changed to “Goliath’s Back” by Dr. Chadwick (video will be coming shortly).  I loved this site actually, the sky was somewhat dark and overcast which is my favorite type of weather and the trees driving up covered the road, kind of like an environment you would see in Oregon or Washington.  Beautiful.  

We ended the field trip at Tel Beit Shemesh, which is where Samson grew up and grew out those long luscious locks.  At this point I think we were all pretty exhausted, but it was fun to beat Muhlestein’s class up the hill for the primo spot, even if Bro. Muhlestein is starting us all off with -5 points in his New Testament class for it.  

It was a full day but all is well and good in the Shfelah of Israel.  Please don’t call me Shirley.