By Dr. Randall Smith
Courtesy of Christian Travel Study Programs, Ltd.
Located at the foot of Mt Hermon and the Golan Heights, in the northeastern corner of the Huleh Valley, the Tel Dan Nature Reserve encompasses both a fabulous landscape and the ruins (and partially restored remains) of an ancient Israelite city. Both the city and the rushing river that flows through the Nature Reserve are named for the Israelite tribe of Dan.
Although allotted territory further south, the Danites weren?t able to hold on to that land. They moved north, conquered the Canaanite town of Laish, and settled down next to the stream. Dan became synonymous with the northern border of Israel, such that the phrase “from Dan to Beersheva” came to symbolize all Israel. Later, when the kingdom was divided, the phrase “from Dan to Bethel” showed the markings of the border of the Northern Kingdom.
Archeological excavations have revealed numerous findings, the most impressive being a full standing gate of the Canaanite city contemporary to Abraham buried and preserved by later inhabitants. With the expansion of the city, another gate was built and has now been restored by archeologists. Adjacent to this entrance is a bench, perhaps of the type mentioned in Biblical references as the “Seat of the Elders”.
Also among the findings is a pagan altar that may have been the shrine on which King Jeroboam of Israel sacrificed one of his golden calves.
“So Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel. However, he did not turn away from the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, which he had caused Israel to commit–the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan” [2 Kings 10:28-29].
© Christian Travel Study Programs, Ltd.
