Benjamin

...and here's another posting from another field trip this weekend. Today actually. Yeah, we don't get much in the way of a break here. The week is generally more relaxed than the weekend, though. Anyway, we went all over the territory of Benjamin today and talked about how important it is in the Bible. I think that something like 60% of all events in the Bible occur in Benjamin (partly because Jerusalem is in Benjamin). So, here are my thoughts from the trip today.

Sunday, September 21, 2008
Benjamin

We started the day looking out over the Judean Wilderness again, specifically at Nahal Og, which drains the east side of the Mount of Olives. While still pretty barren, this area seemed to have a little more plant life than the wilderness we saw yesterday. We also saw a couple lizards and a locust. We didn’t eat any of them, but I suppose it’s nice to know of that option, in case I’m ever lost in the Wilderness. Of course, even then, the wilderness we’ve seen is rather small, comparatively. One could easily cross it in a day, assuming, of course, that nothing untoward happened. Also, I’ve yet to see a place where there is no cell phone service. That’s just crazy. 

From there we headed down (way below sea level) to Jericho, specifically the Old Testament Site. We discussed some of the history of the site (Joshua, Hiel, etc.) and also the history of the excavations there. We then discussed the problem of having a Biblical account that is apparently not at all supported by the archaeological evidence. It is a problem, though not a devastating one. Problems like that make me wish I could find a solution, though.

I think the thing that struck me the most is the fact that after Joshua destroyed Jericho he cursed it, and as a result of that, Jews have not tried to settle there. Therefore, there is relative peace in Jericho. That is terribly ironic, and rather sad.

As a side note, I have to say that one of my favorite parts of field studies is getting to climb around and explore a little. It was really fun to be able to go down and climb on the tower in Jerusalem – the oldest (known) man-made structure with stone. There were other places throughout the day where I got to climb or explore a little, and that was always fun.

Before lunch we stopped at Mitzpah Danny from which we could see Geba, Michmash, and sort of Ai. We talked more about Joshua’s campaign and also looked at a Philistine attack. Warfare in the Bible (or really anywhere) is something I’ve never given a whole lot of thought to. The closest I’ve come is playing capture the flag or paintball. Looking over the land from the high points as we do gives a whole new perspective on how these campaigns work. It’s still an incomplete perspective, but it is at least improving.

We (finally!) ate lunch at Nebi Samwil where we could also overlook the Benjamin plateau. We could see Gibeon, Mizpah, Gibeah, and Ramah. The land, while still hilly, is noticeably flatter than most of the areas we’ve been in the past few weeks. We could see the beginning of the Beth-Horn Ridge Route. We could also see Jerusalem. It’s becoming ever clearer that whoever controls the Benjamin Plateau effectively controls Jerusalem and most of the hill country.

We traveled down the Beth-Horn Ridge Route to Gezer. As we traveled we could see the land change dramatically. It grew much flatter and much greener. The rock was still Senonian, but mixed in with the rendzina soil was some alluvial terra rosa, making a great combination soil. At Gezer itself we saw the remains of a Solomonic Gate and wall. We also saw standing stones of unknown use or meaning. At least we got to climb on them. 

From Gezer we could see the Mediterranean Sea and (I think) part of the Gaza Strip. We also saw some jets fly nearby. It was a reminder (one of many today) that this land is not at peace. Shalom is still only a wish. On the way home I was talking to a fellow student and he said something about wanting to change the world. As Christians, I really think that it’s a part of our telos to work to change the world. As the only people who truly have shalom with God, it is our job to spread that peace and completeness to others – at least to individuals, but if possible, in the will of God, to entire countries and communities. As servants of the Prince of Peace, what else can we do?