Going up to Jerusalem via Bet Shemesh

The Bible always speaks of people going “up to Jerusalem.” Perched on the ridge of the Judean Mountains, Jerusalem is surrounded by hills. No matter which direction one approached, coming to Jerusalem always required a climb. This video approaches from the west, following the road that leads from the Sorek Valley and Bet Shemesh. As far as we know, Jesus never approached Jerusalem from the west. He based his ministry in the Galilee, so his visits to Jerusalem would have almost always come via Jericho. However, this video provides an excellent illustration of why people instinctively used the language of travelers going “up” to Jerusalem. When Paul traveled to Jerusalem, he would have approached from the west, but probably from the Aijalon (Ayalon) Valley, five miles (9 km) north of the Sorek.