The journey to the Holy Land is like a trip back in history, Now as I read the scriptures, I can visualize the geography better. Israel is towards the west of the Jordan River, Jordan is east of the river and in Old Testament times, it was the land of Ammon, Moab and Edom. These three countries were the traditional enemies of Israel. Surprisingly, the Ammonites and Moabites were related to the Israelites through Lot. They were children of Lot with his daughters!(Genesis 19: 37-38) and the Israelites were commanded to avoid conflict with them. However they remained antagonistic towards Israel in Biblical times and often teamed with other countries to destabalize ancient Israel. Interestingly, Amman, the present capital of Jordan is sited on the old capital of Ammon!
In the chapter on Ruth, it was stated that a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and 2 sons, went to live in Moab. His name was Elimelech and his wife's name was Naomi. The sons met and fell in love with Moabite women. One of the woman was Ruth. When Naomi returned to Judah after the death of her husband and 2 sons, Ruth followed her. I am always fascinated by the romantic story of Ruth and Boaz. Today in Bethlehem, you can see Boaz's field (also known as Ruth's field). It is next to the Shepherd's Field. Ruth and Boaz had a son, Obed, who was the grandfather of King David. Jesus genealogy can be traced to King David ! Isn't it fascinating that Jesus was also born in Bethlehem - his ancestral land? It was not coincidence that King Herod had decided on taking a census and insisted that everyone must return to his ancestral land to be counted. Thus Joseph and Mary had to travel all the way from Nazareth to Bethlehem for this purpose? Wow! I am just amazed how the events, though hundred of years apart, all tie in together.
(L) Standing outside one of the caves where shepherds used to take shelter at night. (R) Archaeological excavations show evidence of 1st century settlements.
Inside the cave and on the right is the nativity scene
Inside the church are beautiful murals depicting the announcement of Christ's birth
(Above) Boaz's Field in the distance and on the right is the Shepherd's Field
Another country that is closely linked to the Israelites is Edom. Edomites are the descendants of Esau (remember the story of Jacob and Esau?). Interestingly, Edom's soil is red (Esau means red and ironically Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of red soup) The Edomites were adversary to Israel despite the fact that they were actually cousins and were hostile to Israel. The Edomites constantly sought to destroy the Israelites. In fact, it was King Herod, and Edomite who ordered the killing of Jewish babies at the time of Jesus' birth. The Bible predicted the destruction of the Edomites for their complicity in the captivity of Judah They egged the Babylonians when Babylon attacked Israel. The Edomites encouraged the Babylonians to destroy the city : "Raze it! Raze it! Dash their little children against the stones and wipe out the Jews!" they were calling (Ezekial 35: 15 & Isaiah 34: 5-17). Today, Petra, the site in ancient Edom now stands desolate and is just a tourist spot. Ancient Edom is situated south of Judea and the Dead Sea, somewhere around the Sinai Peninsula. By the way, Esau married an Ishmaelite (descent of Ishmael, Hagar's son) - modern day Egyptian. Coincidence? I doubt.
What a fascinating connection between the old and new testament.
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