Friday evening we stayed in Beersheba. Friday night and Saturday (the Jewish Sabbath) is a time when many Jewish families stay in a hotel. I think we were the only Goyim (non-Jews) in the hotel. Beersheba does not attract many tour groups for overnight stays.
We made a side trip into the Shephelah with brief stops here and there. Near the Valley of Elah, on the east side of Azekah we saw a few almond trees in full blossom.
Almond tree in bloom near Azekah. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
Jacob ordered his sons to take some of the best products of the land of Canaan, including almonds, to the man in Egypt (Joseph).
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry down to the man as a present, a little balm and a little honey, aromatic gum and myrrh, pistachio nuts and almonds. (Genesis 43:11 NAU)
The blooms of the almond are beautiful.
Almond blossoms near Azekah. Photo by Ferrell Jenkins.
The lampstand for the tabernacle was to have cups shaped like almond flowers.
On the lampstand there were four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms, (Exodus 37:20 NET)
The LORD demonstrated his choice of Aaron as high priest in this way:
On the next day Moses went into the tent of the testimony– and the staff of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted, and brought forth buds, and produced blossoms, and yielded almonds! (Numbers 17:8 NET)
Ferrell's Travel Blog 
You must be logged in to post a comment.