The land of Israel bears witness to the events described in the Holy Scriptures—here, the Bible truly comes to life. The tradition of pilgrimage to Jerusalem dates back to Old Testament times. During the three major festivals—Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), Passover, and Pentecost—the people of Israel were commanded to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem. As it is written in the Book of Deuteronomy:
“Since the day I brought my people out of Egypt, I have not chosen a city in any tribe of Israel to have a house built where my Name might be… but I have chosen Jerusalem for my Name to be there.” (2 Chronicles 6:5–6)
Protestant Tours to Israel >
In Jerusalem, the events of the Bible become tangible for Protestants, as visitors can walk through places frequently mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. Here are some of them:
“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7; Mark 11:17)
The Foundation Stone beneath the Golden Dome. The dwelling place of the Divine Presence (Shekhinah) in the times when the Holy of Holies of Solomon’s Temple stood above it. A place where Creator and creation—God and man—meet.
The Western Wall is a surviving fragment of the Temple Mount’s retaining wall—the only remnant of the Temple that has endured to this day.
The Roman Cardo street, the Ophel Archaeological Park, and the Hulda Steps are silent witnesses to the life of Jerusalem in the time of Jesus Christ.
“…Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?” (Mark 14:14)
The Upper Room of the Last Supper, where Jesus shared His final Passover meal with His disciples, and where, fifty days later, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles.
“And David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David.” (1 Kings 2:10)
Visit the synagogue on Mount Zion, where the Tomb of King David is located—the warrior, poet, founder of Jerusalem, and author of the Psalms.
“They came to a place called Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’” (Mark 14:32)
The Garden of Gethsemane is the place of Jesus’ prayer, betrayal, and arrest. Today, it is marked by the famous Church of All Nations.
“Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy; My house shall be built in it…” (Zechariah 1:16)
The Mount of Olives offers a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Temple Mount. It is also associated with the tombs of the prophets Haggai and Malachi, as well as numerous prophecies about Jerusalem found in both the Old and New Testaments.
“He is not here; He has risen.” (Matthew 28:6)
Garden Tomb — a site identified by the English general and Protestant Charles Gordon as the place of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ.
“I will give them within My house and My walls a memorial and a name that shall not be cut off…” (Isaiah 56:5)
A visit to Yad Vashem, the memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust.
