The Golan Heights
The Golan Heights is situated in northern Israel on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee. The Golan Heights is a natural defensible border with Syria and Jordan. The Golan Heights is separated by the Sea of Galilee, the ancient Yarmuk river, and Mt. Hermon on the northern side with Lebanon.
The Golan Heights was annexed in 1981 by Israel after Syria lost the war with Israel during the Six-Day War. That means that since 1967 and finally in 1974 during the Yom Kippur war, the Golan Heights was finally under the control of Israel. During both wars Syria was unable to retain the Golan Heights. Both wars required Israel to defend themselves.
The Golan Heights has been in the news recently with President Trump signing an order recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli Territory. What makes the Golan Heights so important for those of us who believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
The place of the Transfiguration is in the Golan Heights potentially at Mt. Hermon. The region of Cesarea Phillipi is where Peter and Jesus are with the disciples. The feeding of the 5,000 takes place on the Golan Heights. Jesus withdrew there regularly to pray. Tel Dan the ancient Biblical city, with an intact mud-brick city gate dating back to the time of Ham's descendants (Noah's son).
What is at stake if the Golan Heights is in the hands of Syria. The Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Korazim, Bethsaida, Magdala, The Jordan River, The Mt. of Beatitudes, and Tiberius are all in harm's way. The civil war in Syria brought much damage to many Biblical archaeological sites all the way into Iraq in the ancient city of Nineveh.
"13 When Yeshua came into the territory around Caesarea Philippi, he asked his talmidim, “Who are people saying the Son of Man is?” 14 They said, “Well, some say Yochanan the Immerser, others Eliyahu, still others Yirmeyahu or one of the prophets.” 15 “But you,” he said to them, “who do you say I am?” 16 Shim‘on Kefa answered, “You are the Mashiach, the Son of the living God.” - Matthew 16:13-16 - CJB
Knowing these facts brings the Bible to life for you. When you are in a discussion with the someone about the importance of the Golan Heights, you can share with them what is at stake. The safety of the people in the region, the reality of the most important places of the Bible to both Christians and Hebrews. The plan of God past, present, and future.
One final thought. After the ressurection of Jesus, He tells his disciples to go back to the Galilee. In this region Jesus gives the command to go and make disciples of all the nations. "7 Then go quickly and tell the talmidim, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and now he is going to the Galil ahead of you. You will see him there.’ Now I have told you.” - Matthew 28:7
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