Lecture 2--LOCATION OF ISRAEL

LECTURE 2 Geography

LOCATION OF ISRAEL:

1. Israel was located in a “land bridge” between Egypt and Babylonia (Mesopotamia)
2. Israel was also in the middle of all conflicts - and also today.....

AREAS OF INTEREST:

1. Mediterranean Sea or GREAT SEA
2. Israel was located in Palestine (Land of the Philistines)
3. Palestine was also called CANAAN
4. Israel is one of other nations in Palestine

THERE ARE FOUR MAJOR AREAS OF PALESTINE:

1. Maritime Plain - Coastal Area
2. Hill Country - along the Jordan River
3. Jordan Valley - Jordan Rift
4. TransJordan

The MARITIME PLAIN: (Coastal Plain) hardly any Jewish population in Biblical Times. It was very fertile, but dangerous. The Egyptians and Northern Empires most often fought on the Maritime Plain. Mostly because it was a flat land area, perfect for fighting. Great for Military use.

It was bad for shipping because of no natural harbors - therefore, reason for no population increase.

HILL COUNTRY: Most Jews lived here - along with Israel’s population. They built homes and cities in the hills for defense. Elevation: 2,000 - 4,000 ft above sea level. Jerusalem located in the highest part. North/South had no significance. All travel “UP” to Jerusalem - just as they go down to Jericho. Up and Down relates to elevation not direction. Their farming was done by terracing.

JORDAN VALLEY: This is the most distinctive aspect of Palestine

A. Sea of Chinnereth (Sea of Galilee)
B. Euphrates - “Great River in Mesopotamia”
C. Jordan River
D. Dead Sea (Salt Sea) with a high mineral content
E. Arabah barren wasteland

TRANSJORDAN:

A. Bashan - good pasture land - cattle breeding
B. Gilead
C. Moab, Edom, Ammon

The Climate in Israel has 2 seasons:

1. Wet season- begins November through April = vegetation flourishes
2. Dry season- May through October = No rain, the Arabian Desert pulls all moisture from soil

The Latitude of Israel is about the same as Georgia