The Land of The Bible

Step into the story of Scripture with The Land of the Bible, a dynamic 10-day short-term course that brings the biblical narrative to life through academic rigor and immersive field experiences in the heart of the Holy Land. Blending preparatory map work and video lectures with on-site exploration, the course examines how physical features—such as geology, topography, water sources, and weather patterns—shaped patterns of settlement, agriculture, travel, and conflict in both Old and New Testament periods. From the hills of Judea to the shores of Galilee, and across key regions like the Shephelah, Negev, and Jerusalem, participants will discover how the land’s geography serves as a powerful lens for interpreting biblical texts. The course fosters both academic insight and spiritual reflection, laying a foundation for lifelong engagement with the biblical story.

Course Dates

April 9 - 18, 2026

Course Cost

JUC Campus Dormitory (multiple occupancy)	$2,990
Hotel (double occupancy)	$3,495
Hotel (single occupancy)	$4,395

There is a $250 registration fee due at the time of registration and the remaining balance is due by the final payment deadline: January 10, 2026.

Sample Itinerary*

Day 1, Thursday, April 9

Arrival
Orientation walks in Jerusalem

Day 2, Friday, April 10

Exploration of the Judean Hill Country and Shephelah
Sataf, Beth Shemesh, Maresha, Azekah, Lachish

Day 3, Saturday, April 11

Journey through the Negev and visit to the Dead Sea
Arad, Masada, Ein Boqeq (Dead Sea), Ein Gedi, Qumran

Day 4, Sunday, April 12

Travel north toward Galilee
Jordan River, Beth Sean, Ein Harod or Jezreel, Nazareth Ridge

Day 5, Monday, April 13

Sea of Galilee and surrounding region
Capernaum, Magdala, Bania/Caesarea Phillipi, Dan

Day 6, Tuesday, April 14

Study of the Coastal Plain
Arbel Megiddo, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea Maritima

Day 7, Wednesday, April 15

Focus on Old and New Testament Jerusalem

Day 8, Thursday, April 16

Survey of Jerusalem's historical approaches
Mt. Scopus, Mt. of Olives ( 7 arches, and Church of all Nations), Herodium Bethlehem

Day 9, Friday, April 17

Exploration of the Benjamin and Ephraim tribal regions
Nebi Samuel, Shiloh, Jericho, Wadi Qelt

Day 10, Saturday, April 18

Depature

*Subject to change.

Course Instructor

Dr. John (Jack) Beck: Dr. Beck is a longtime faculty member at Jerusalem University College, where he has been teaching for over 20 years. With a PhD in Hebrew Bible from Trinity International University, Jack has taught Hebrew and Old Testament at colleges and universities across the U.S. He is a prolific author focused on the historical geography of the Bible and a regular contributor to Our Daily Bread, where his devotionals have reached and encouraged readers around the world. Jack has led numerous short-term study trips through JUC for partner universities, seminaries, and churches. Known for his academic rigor and pastoral heart, Jack brings the biblical text to life by helping others understand its historical and geographical context.