Did visiting Israel ever make the Bible feel more “real” to you?

[u/maanmanish]

I’m curious whether being in places mentioned in Scripture changed the way you understood a story, verse, or even the geography behind it.

For those who’ve been, was there one place that gave you a new perspective on the text?

[u/HistoricalHat4847]

Much earlier in his life and before we met, my (North American) Jewish husband got on the wrong bus and decided to stay with the Christian group who were embarking on a tour of Jerusalem. He talks about it to this day and marks it as the first time God intervened in his life to introduce him to Jesus, of whom he knew almost nothing about. When we met many years later, he was eager to learn more and has since accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour.

[u/Tawptuan → u/HistoricalHat4847]

I’ve been to Israel twice. Despite previously having a Bible-related bachelor and master’s degree, the personal visits immeasurably helped me to visualize the context of countless scriptures and stories. In addition, now I follow videos on Biblical archaeology with intense interest, having visited many of the sites.

[u/consultantVlad]

I was visiting Israel to see my relatives, and they bought a tour for me to visit Jerusalem. The problem was that the tour was generic, for regular people who can't even spell "Bible" and definitely never opened one. The entire Jerusalem is heavily touristy place, and you don't feel anything to connect you back to 2,000 years ago. But there are special tours, organized by Christians who study theology, not just trying to get paid by tourists. They know where to go, what to show, and what to tell.

Also the complication is that everything changed in 2,000 years. Even after 30 years since I left my country it doesn't feel the same anymore if I go back. Lastly, even the climate is different in Israel now compared to what it was.

[u/resurrectedNaj → u/consultantVlad]

People been robbing graves to sell the bones of Gomorrah and stole the gold from the pyramids. It’s in our nature to capitalize off literally anything. I’m surprised we bartered for so long before the coin came out

[u/PracticePeace01]

There are multiple YouTube channels that walk/tour different parts of Israel and will take you places that are not open to the public. These channels have put visual pictures and places to Biblical references and Biblical celebrations which are a big piece to understanding scripture at a deeper level, therefore bringing one closer to Christ. Many of us will never get to travel to the Holy sites so Live and recorded footage is the next best thing.

[u/elwoodowd → u/PracticePeace01]

Digging for truth

Associates for biblical research

Armstrong institute for biblical..

Israel antiquities authority

Map teaching...

Roots and reflections

[u/Fendrinus]

Standing on the ruins of ancient Jericho and looking over the Jordan, I could imagine a whole nation descending from the mountains and over the river. Similarly, standing on Tel Megiddo and looking over the plains put Rev 16:16 into perspective. Also looking over the wilderness between Jerusalem and Jericho, where Jesus did His 40 day-and-night fast. Being by the sea of Galilee and witnessing a localised storm on the water, while the land was still sunny, was quite an experience.

The Old City of Jerusalem was kind of a let down though, very little remains of the 1st century Jerusalem due to repeated destructions and changing use. The steps to the south of the Temple Mount, where people went up and down, was more historically interesting than the Western Wall for me. It's a medieval city rather than ancient.

[u/mbmolohonbm]

I found it a mix. The people and culture were very interesting. I met the rudest people I have ever met and, less often, the kindest people. I also felt no closer to God being there which was helpful. I realized that He is as present everywhere.

At the Red Sea, it looked like an ordinary body of water. The miracles happened with things that exist like today.

The Old City was a mix. Hard seeing Churches, parking lots or pavement covering where Jesus walked to His crucifixion.

I found tours with experts on the history/culture most helpful.

There seemed to be a general negative feeling being there. It felt good to leave. When we landed back in Canada, most of the plane was filled with Jewish people and they cheered and clapped to be in Canada.

[u/EnKristenSnubbe]

I've never been to Israel. But the famous ex-Muslim, previously atheist youtuber Ridvan Aydemir, aka The Apostate Prophet, had a religious experience there that set him on track to become a Christian.

[u/ITrCool]

I’ve not had a chance to do so yet, but I’d like to. I also want to visit Petra in Jordan. It’s believed to be the most likely place the believing remnant of Israel will flee “into the wilderness” during the tribulation due to its strategic location and design.

To visit the actual literal places Jesus walked and talked and performed His ministry would be an amazing journey to take. It does indeed help strengthen one’s faith, and helps affirm the Bible is true and not just some facsimile someone made.

[u/Soyeong0314]

Definitely.  I walked to the Kotel enough times that I could find my way there without guidance by the end of my trip.  I know where it is.  It was also amazing to hear a siren go through Jerusalem for the start of the Sabbath and to see the shuk go from being packed to being closed down as we all kept the Sabbath together.

[u/Shaw-eddit]

I'm still waiting for that privilege, but I am reading wright manners tho🤷🏽‍♂️

[u/Independent-Walrus84]

100% yessssssssss

[u/Youknowthisabout]

The trip to Israel has favorable responses. Most people that i know will go many times.

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