Monthly Archives: July 2007

Hezekiah’s Tunnel

In Istanbul we visited the Palestine Room at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. There we saw the stone inscription, sometimes called the Siloam Inscription, which was taken from Hezekiah’s tunnel in Jerusalem during the Ottoman period. Recently I posted an article about Hezekiah’s Tunnel at BiblicalStudies.info, along with several photographs of the tunnel. This tunnel, built by the King of Judah about 710 B.C., is mentioned in 2 Kings 20:20.

The photo below shows the inscription in its case in Istanbul. There is some recent talk indicating that this inscription might be returned to Jerusalem.

Hezekiah’s Tunnel (Siloam) Inscription

Comments by tour members

At the close of the Ancient Crossroads tour, I asked any of our tour members who wished to write a brief comment about the tour. As I was catching up and cleaning my desk today I ran across these comments. There may have been others that I have misplaced. We are blessed with some really fine people and good Bible students and teachers who travel with us.

“We feel so blessed to have been a part of the tour these two weeks. To have traveled in the footsteps of Paul provides an insight into Scripture never before realized. Thanks so much Ferrell.” (Mike and Peg, Alabama).

“The houses, churches, and shops carved from the formation of tufa were so unique and unusual and the balloon ride over the area [of Cappadocia] was a real highlight. Discovery of the Roman road was great! Walking along and reflecting that Paul and others probably walked that way was very moving. And speaking of moving — to be where they were first called Christians — Antioch!” (Dave and Marge, California).

“Seeing the areas where the apostle Paul lived and preached extremely rewarding. We feel confident our travels will now heighten our appreciation for Paul and his work. Great trip.” (Larry and Joan, Kentucky).

“Wonderful trip to a fascinating country. Visiting the sites where Paul and others spread the gospel makes a unique connection to the first century Christians. The most memorable [unanticipated] stop was the native [nomad] girl caring for the camels. But also the Roman road. Fantastic! And the friendly and hospitable people of Turkey. Thanks Ferrell and Elizabeth for all your efforts to help us grow.” (Doug and Linda, California).

“We appreciate so much the attention that was given to relating the places we have visited to the biblical text. And the special effort that you make to show us the people and places, such as the Roman road, added to our understanding of first century life.” (Olen and Jane, Alabama).

“This has been our fourth trip to the lands of the Bible (Israel, Steps of Paul and John, Egypt, and now the Ancient Crossroads). Each trip has been different and extremely helpful in better understanding God’s revealed word. This trip has made us more acutely aware of the hardships that Paul and his brethren faced as they endeavored to carry out God’s instruction to preach the gospel in Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the world. Somehow it makes our burdens a little lighter!” (Jackie and Donna Jo, Alabama).

“I cannot describe what a blessing it was to listen to brother Jenkins as we traveled through Turkey. Ferrell is a man of incredible ability and his knowledge of life in Bible times would be hard to beat! He is truly a “scholar and a gentleman.” I consider it a great honor to count him as my friend.” (David, Illinois).

Padfield’s photos of Tarsus

David Padfield has begun to post photos of the Ancient Crossroads tour suitable for use in PowerPoint presentations. His first photos are of Tarsus. See the photos here. David is a good photographer. He has no explanation with his photos. Perhaps you can find some helpful information in this blog.

Looking for the Turkey travel blogs?

If you have come to this site looking for the blogs (and photos) of the Ancient Crossroads Tour of Biblical and Historical Turkey you might like to start at the beginning. You can use the calendar (or the Archives) to the right and go back to May 23 for the first blog. Or, you can just read backward to that point. It works either way.

Psychological Study of Herod the Great

A historian from Tel Aviv University (Kasher) and a psychiatrist from Ben-Gurion Uniersity of the Negev (Witztum) have written King Herod: A Persecuted Persecutor: A Case Study in Psychohistory and Psychobiography. This book sells for $193, so I suspect that most of us will be satisfied to read a good review. Magen Broshi, a well-known Israeli archaeologist, has a review in Haaretz. Don’t expect this review to stay online very long. I suggest you go immediately and copy this good review.

With the recent interest in Herod due to the discovery of his tomb at the Herodium, this book is timely. If you had thought Herod was cruel, just wait till you read this.

I copy (print) article like the one mentioned above in Adobe PDF, and then save them in the appropriate folder on my computer (the new filing cabinet!).

HT: Paleojudaica.