By Dr. Randall Smith
Courtesy of Christian Travel Study Programs, Ltd.
Bethsaida derives its name from the plentiful wildlife and fish that provided sustenance for the Biblical village that existed here. Peter, Phillip and Andrew grew up in the village, which is located near the mouth of the Jordan River.
Jesus performed many miracles in and around Bethsaida, including restoration of a blind man?s sight. (Mark 8:22-24}. Nevertheless, when the residents denied him, Jesus cursed Bethsaida bitterly:
“Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the Day of Judgment than for you” [Matthew 11:21-22;Luke 10:13-14].
Recent excavations by Dr. Rami Arav at a site near the mouth of the entry of the Jordan River to the Sea of Galilee have been tentatively identified with the sire of the village.
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