Page 62 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies - Textbook w videos short

Study Section 9: Southern Israel - continued

9.1 Connect.

Today we will continue to move north and will arrive in Jerusalem. It is an amazing city, built
on Mt. Moriah, the exact place where Isaac was offered as a sacrifice. In fact, the temple,
where daily sacrifices were offered, probably was built on the exact spot. Jesus was offered up
as a Passover lamb on Calvary, a few hundred feet away. And He will return to reign as King of
Kings and Lord of Lords, sitting on a throne in the Temple on the exact same spot as where
Isaac was offered. It all comes together when you see it. Today, let’s journey from the other cities
south of Jerusalem….

9.2 Objectives:

1. The student should be able to identify what happened in each of the cities we study.

2. The student should be able to trace the history of Jerusalem from its first settlement to
today.

3. The student should be able to identify why Jericho was such an important city during Christ’s day.

9.3 Southern Israel - continued

Lachish
It took two days for Joshua to take
control of this city which shows its
military strength (Josh. 10:31-32).
Under King Rehoboam, it became
one of the strongest fortresses of Judah ( 2
Chr. 10:9). It was assaulted and probably
taken by Sennacherib, king of Assyria. He
used this city as his base camp when
moving north to siege Jerusalem. The town
is on a hilly ground, some parts higher than
others. The area is covered with vines of
grapes and fig trees and palms. The Jews
re-occupied Lachish upon their return to
Israel from Babylon (Neh. 11:30)

Hebron
Hebron is one of the most ancient cities in the world still existing. The vicinity was long the favorite
camping-ground of the patriarchs. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob dwelt here and it was here that Abraham
bought a burial tomb – the Cave of Machpelah. It also became a city of refuge for those who
inadvertently committed a crime. Hebron was the city that David occupied after his city of Ziklag was

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