Page 10 - Holyland Magazine - 2025 Edition
P. 10
THE GOLAN HEIGHTS
UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE IN AN UNFORGETTABLE WAY
A key to understanding Yeshua's ministry
Omer Eshel l Photos: Omer Eshel
Caesarea Philippi dedicated to the Greek god Pan, the god of
the wild, shepherds, and fear (which is where
we get the word “panic”). The people of that
time believed this place was literally a portal
to the underworld—Hades itself.
And yet, it was right here that Yeshua turned
to His disciples and asked, “But what about
you? Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:13-
20). When Peter responded, “You are the
Messiah, the Son of the living God,” Yeshua
declared that upon this confession, He
would build His community of believers, and
even the Gates of Hell—the very forces of
darkness—would not be able to overcome
it. Standing in a place that symbolized fear
and false gods, Yeshua proclaimed the
unstoppable power of His Kingdom.
Nimrod Fortress – The Road to Damascus
and Paul’s Revelation
Perched high above the Golan, Nimrod
Fortress stands as a silent witness to history.
Today, most of the visible ruins date back to
the 13th century AD, but on its upper levels,
archaeologists have found the remains of
a much older Hellenistic fort. This suggests
that even in the time of Paul, a fortress stood
here, overseeing the road to Damascus.
T he Golan Heights is not moments in the New Testament happened That road—the very path Paul was traveling
just one of Israel’s most right here. Exploring these sites isn’t just when he encountered Yeshua—ran
breathtaking landscapes— about history—it’s about deepening our right past this stronghold. "As he neared
it’s a land that holds deep connection to the story of faith. Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light
spiritual significance. When from heaven flashed around him. He fell to
we walk through its hills, valleys, and Banias – Where the Gates of Hell Shall Not the ground and heard a voice say to him,
ancient cities, we’re retracing the Prevail 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'" (Acts
steps of Yeshua and His disciples. The Banias, known in Yeshua’s time as Caesarea 9:3-4). The man who once hunted believers
Golan was part of Galilee in His time, Philippi, was a stronghold of pagan worship. became the greatestadvocate for spreading
and some of the most important This was no ordinary location—it was a site the Gospel. That transformation, happening
along this very road, changed the course
of history. It’s incredible to stand here and
imagine that moment unfolding, a powerful
reminder that no one is beyond the reach of
Yeshua’s grace.
10 l HOLY LAND
