Bible Scandals Tour in the Shephela

In addition to the Bible recording major historical events and how to worship God, it describes different people and their relationships. Further, it is essential to note that the Bible also speaks on sexuality and bedroom gossip. This uniquely designed private tour will take you on an adventure in the Shephelah (the Judean Foothills) and bring to life a few stories that illustrate the intricate relationships between men and women in the time of the ancient Israelites.

Itinerary of the Day

Morning – The Father of Nation Who Could Not Resist Temptation

Genesis 38 reviews the daily life of Judah, father of the Judean tribe and kingdom. He married his first son to Tamar, but Judah ended up keeping Tamar as a widow in his household after the son passed away. Dissatisfied, Tamar decided to act. She sat on the side of the road at Petach Eynaim and dressed like a prostitute with her head covered; she got Judah’s attention.

Not realizing she was his daughter-in-law, he was eager to be with her. Once they agreed he would deposit his seals as his form of payment, they went on to have a whole night of intimacy. Three months later, Tamar’s pregnancy became known. Judah orders to have her burned, but then she shows him his seals, and he realizes his mistake. Tamar eventually gave birth to twins. Judah and Tamar’s 10th descent was King David. Where did Tamar get Judah’s attention? According to Biblical text, it had to be between Adulam and Timnah. We will track those two sites and suggest a new location for the immoral event that led to the most famous dynasty in ancient times. 

Afternoon – The Red-Headed King Despised by His Queen

Through most of the Book of Samuel, the Bible admits to the superiority of the Philistines over the Israelites. At some point, it even records how they confiscated the Ark of the Israelites! One battle would go on to change it all. Samuel 17 records the Philistines invading the Shephelah at the Elah Valley. King Saul proposed a fight between two single representatives of each side to determine the fate of this war. The Philistines agreed and presented a giant named – Goliath. In despair, King Saul offered his daughter and tax exemptions for anyone willing to stand against the giant. Finally, a red-headed shepherd named David stood up to the challenge and slayed Goliath.

Intimidated by David’s popularity, Saul requests 100 Philistine foreskins as dowry, but David complies. Reluctantly, Saul married his daughter to David. Unfortunately, their relationship was futile. Michal did not bear any children. David eventually fell in love with a married woman who was married to one of his most loyal officers – but that’s another story. Visiting the Battle site of David and Goliath, we will review the story and how it led David to the throne. We will learn about the power of sex, sex, and power, and how, as the book of Ecclesiastics concluded – Nothing is new under the sun.