Page 110 - Advanced Bible Geography ebook

of Christian holy places. Some researchers identify Kafr Cana with
the Kana mentioned in the ancient Egyptian Amarna letters (from
about 4,000 years ago).

One way or the other, in the Roman-Byzantine period (1,000-2,000
years ago), there was a large Jewish community here, but
apparently by the Mameluke period (about 800 years ago) most of
the residents of Kafr Cana were Christian, although there was still
a Jewish community here, too. Today most of the residents of Kafr
Cana are Muslim.

In the center of the village are a few remains of ancient buildings
and burial caves. The villagers have built new houses to the
southeast and northeast of the ancient village. The most important
site in the village is the Catholic Church, built in 1879, on the
traditional site of the miracle of the wine. Beside this built in 1886,
which houses two stone jars that Greek Orthodox followers
believe are the jars in which Jesus performed the miracle of the
wine.

There is also a church named after St. Bartholomew, built, according to tradition, on the site of the
home of Nathaniel of Cana (St. Bartholomew), one of Jesus’ disciples.
Some 200,000 tourists visit Kafr Cana annually. Inspired by the miracle of the wine, a tradition has
developed of holding weddings here, as well as renewing wedding vows to strengthen a marriage, and
visitors customarily buy wine here. The street of the churches, in the center of the village, has been
renovated and a promenade has been built, connecting the religious centers. Small plazas have been
built along the promenade with rest spots, and the facades and courtyards of the buildings have been
attractively refinished. Infrastructure has been laid alongside the promenade for commercial and hotel
facilities, so that visitors will be able to combine the comforts of modern tourism with their religious
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experience.

Another site for Cana is located about nine miles due north of Nazareth. Whichever is correct,
perhaps it is best to simply say that Jesus performed his very first miracle for a nameless couple in a
place so small it has disappeared from history. And if Jesus cared that much about a couple who didn’t
even know (at the time) they had a problem, he certainly cares for all our needs!

Mount Tabor
Mount Tabor is the site of the battle between the Israelite
army under the leadership of Barak and the army of the
Canaanite king of Hazor, Jabin, commanded by Sisera (Judges
4). The Israelites descended from the mountain and
vanquished Sisera and the Canaanites.

By tradition, Mount Tabor is also said to be the place where
Jesus took Peter, James, and John to view his transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8). By the geographic
description given us in the Bible, however, Jesus and the disciples were in the northernmost reaches of
Israel (Caesarea Philippi), at the base of Mt. Hermon. Most likely, the transfiguration happened on the

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