ISRAEL: TWO OLD TESTAMENT SITES--THE VALLEY OF ELAH AND MOUNT CARMEL

For most Christians, the draw of Israel is the New Testaments sites, but there are many wonderful Old Testament sites as well that are worth visiting. The bonus is that some of them have not been over-decorated with shrines and chapels and hanging crystal lanterns and crosses. They just are.

1. VALLEY OF ELAH

One of our excursions was to the Valley of Elah about 45 miles southwest of Jerusalem. It was the site of one of the most famous battles in history, the confrontation between the young Israelite shepherd David and the Philistine behemoth Goliath in about 1010 BC. 

 We prepared for the experience with special ceremonial foods, and we did indeed watch for (and see) many cyclists:

We saw interesting ruins along the way that date way, way back--at least to 2005.

The approach to the valley is covered with vineyards, and apparently this area has become an important piece in Israel's wine-making business:

 We got off the bus and walked across what looked like fertile farmland . . .