The Galilee

Our first hotel is the Gai Beach on the shores of the Sea of Galilee in Tiberius.

As I looked out upon the Sea of Galilee from our hotel room, I couldn't help but think upon all the wonderful Bible stories I had taught children for years that had taken place right here in this area. Along these shores multitudes were healed (Luke 9:1-6), multitudes were fed (Luke 9:10-17) and multitudes were taught (Luke9:23-27; 37-62). On the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James and John to leave their fishing business, follow Him and become fishers of men (Luke 5:1-11).

The Sea of Galilee is actually a relatively small body of fresh water called a sea because of what the normally placid lake can become given the right conditions. It was explained to us that with the configuration of high mountains on either side, the tunneling wind whistles down from the north across the surface of the water and along with the crosswinds from the Mediterranean blowing past the Horns of Hattin on the west the waters become a churning sea. (Twelve foot waves not unheard of!) The incident in Mark 6:45-52, where a sudden and violent storm arose and just as quickly was calmed at the Master's command, is a classic example of this very phenomenon.
In the King James Version of the Bible the Sea of Galilee is known as "Chinnereth" (Numbers34:11; Joshua 12:3). The modern spelling is "Kinneret," which is taken from the Hebrew word Kinnor, meaning "lute" or "harp". The sea is roughly harp-shaped. In the New Testament it is sometimes called "Gennesaret" (Luke 5:1).

Even when we ate we always had a view of the Sea of Galilee.

Another view of the surrounding area.

The view out the front of the hotel - a glimpse of a Jewish cemetery.

"Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people." Matthew 4:23