From Nazareth, six miles north is the former town of Sepphoris. It was to be one of the crown jewel cities of Herod Antipas in the first century. Apparently it achieved that status, then died a slow death over the centuries. Today, it is an archaeological site that they are still excavating from the dirt. It sits on a nice little hill with great views. The last pic above was taken from inside the theater that is still partially standing. Not a bad place for ancient concerts, I would think.
Now, HERE is an interesting point.
Herod began building this right around the time of Jesus birth. It was reported he sought 18,000 craftsman and artisans to assist in the construction of this town. Joseph is referred to as a “craftsman” in the bible (not specifically as a carpenter), if translated correctly. He could have been any type of skilled craftsman: stonecutter, mason, carpenter, construction laborer. Many scholars hypothesize that Nazareth would have been an appealing place for a young man seeking employment in those days. Work in Sepphoris, just across the way from Nazareth, would have provided a welcome opportunity. There is a possibility (for no one can ever know for sure) that Joseph worked at this site over the years, and maybe even Jesus as well, following in his footsteps.
Also, to think that this grand city that Herod had planned which was to be his “shining jewel of Galilee” has deteriorated to an antiquated pile of rubble all these years later, while tiny little Nazareth has grown and developed and thrived. (In the picture below, the rest of my group walks through the remains of Sepphoris, what junky remains there are of it, Herod's "gleaming planned city", while that is modern-day Nazareth sitting brightly in the upper background a few miles away on the side of its hill. I thought the contrast made for a really, nice picture. One of my favoirtes so far, for that reason.)
Now, HERE is an interesting point.
Herod began building this right around the time of Jesus birth. It was reported he sought 18,000 craftsman and artisans to assist in the construction of this town. Joseph is referred to as a “craftsman” in the bible (not specifically as a carpenter), if translated correctly. He could have been any type of skilled craftsman: stonecutter, mason, carpenter, construction laborer. Many scholars hypothesize that Nazareth would have been an appealing place for a young man seeking employment in those days. Work in Sepphoris, just across the way from Nazareth, would have provided a welcome opportunity. There is a possibility (for no one can ever know for sure) that Joseph worked at this site over the years, and maybe even Jesus as well, following in his footsteps.
Also, to think that this grand city that Herod had planned which was to be his “shining jewel of Galilee” has deteriorated to an antiquated pile of rubble all these years later, while tiny little Nazareth has grown and developed and thrived. (In the picture below, the rest of my group walks through the remains of Sepphoris, what junky remains there are of it, Herod's "gleaming planned city", while that is modern-day Nazareth sitting brightly in the upper background a few miles away on the side of its hill. I thought the contrast made for a really, nice picture. One of my favoirtes so far, for that reason.)
What is important to man, often must seem like folly in the eyes of God, more times than we like to admit. Don't you think?
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