Glimpses of Israel - Lake Kinneret
LAKE KINNERET—THE SEA OF GALILEE
The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Kinneret, is nestled in the Jordan Valley, between the Golan Heights and the hill country of Galilee. The Kinneret is fed by the River Jordan, and the melting snows of Mt Hermon, in the north. Whilst the Kinneret is Israel's main fresh water source it is supported by underground coastal and mountain aquifers.
In December 2002, Israel was facing its worst water crisis, with the water level almost 1.5m (4.9ft) lower than the accepted "red line" – the danger level. Weather forecasters predicted a lower than average rainfall for January and February (the remainder of the winter season). Adding to the anxiety was the construction, in Lebanon, of a pumping station, by the Hezbollah terrorist organization which threatened Israel's immediate future survival. The situation did not look good!
But the God of Israel had other plans. With staggering record falls in January and February, the water crisis was not only averted but Israel's Water Commission began pumping water from the Kinneret into the almost empty aquifers. In the Land where miracles are a daily occurrence, the LORD continues to display His goodness toward His people, Israel. This is because they have returned home, exactly as foretold.
During the days of Joshua, the LORD instructed His people, Israel, to take possession of the Land surrounding the Kinneret, including the land they captured from the kings on "the other side of the Jordan . . . . ", as well as " . . . all the eastern Jordan plain" (Joshua 12:1). Over the centuries, the region's growth and prosperity fluctuated, depending on the presence of the Jewish community.
During the days of the Messiah, the region was densely populated with the devout and orthodox. The Messiah taught thousands as they came from surrounding towns and major centres to gather on the shores of the Kinneret to hear Him and see the miracles He performed. A restored 1st century boat is on display at Nof Ginossar, which was uncovered by the receding Kinneret caused by the drought in 1986.
Today, thousands of tourists visit towns and sites located on the shores of the Kinneret which include Capernaum, Tiberias, Nof Ginossar, and Migdal.
