Just before the train to Jerusalem enters the canyon between the mountains, you see some vineyards.
At least I think those are grapevines.
Hard to get a clear picture from a speeding train with dirty windows.
You can enlarge the photos and take a closer look.
The train travels through the Valley of Soreq, and the Hebrew word soreq is the grapevine itself in Genesis 49:11, Isaiah 5:2, and Jeremiah 2:21. (See more about that in the Comments.)
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(Linking G for grapes to ABC Wednesday.)
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Remember that "Soreq" is a specialty type of vine in antiquity. The hills on both sides of the Soreq were likely covered in vineyards throughout the Iron Age, especially between Timnah/Tel Batash (between Kib. Zorah and Tal Shahar) and Bethshemesh.
ReplyDeleteI would like to look tchem in the spring
ReplyDeleteDr. Maltsberger, shalom! Thanks for reminding me that the Hebrew word soreq probably meant "a type of special, choice grapevine." It is so nice to think of the area planted with vineyards thousands of years ago, and today too. Indeed, my photos are from just east of Beit Shemesh.
ReplyDeleteDear readers, here is a map of the train's route as in Ancient Philistia:
http://www.bible-history.com/geography/maps/map_philistine_valley_sorek.html
and
here is more about Nahal Soreq:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahal_Sorek
Dr M, wish I could join your Biblical Turkey 2016 tour. Have a good one!
They certainly look like rows of vines.
ReplyDeleteNot just grape vines then Dina, an ancient vineyard how exciting.
ReplyDeleteIt is like looking back in time. Thank you Dina for the nice photos.
ReplyDeleteSyrah is a world-famous type of grape, but I do not know if it is related to Soreq...
ReplyDeleteThanks, VP. I'll have to go read about that Syrah name.
ReplyDeleteJerusalem, for a long time already, on top of my list of wishes of places i want to visit, due to my faith too ofcourse
ReplyDeleteI somewhat envy you for living there ;-)
Have a nice ABC-Day // - week
♫ M e l ☺ d y ♫ (abc-w-team)
These photos are much like those of the Similkameen, where vineyards really abound. Interesting history.
ReplyDeleteNice photos on your way!!
ReplyDeleteAnn
A question on JEOPARDY this week: the third holiest city for Muslims. What is Jerusalem?
ReplyDeleteROG, ABCW
You've been really traveling! I'm sorry I haven't visited. I've been so preoccupied.
ReplyDelete