In Parashat Bechukotai (Perek 26 Posuk 6) Hashem promises that when Am Yisrael fulfills the mitzvot, “I will provide peace in the Land … and no sword will pass through your Land”. Rashi quotes Midrash Torat Kohanim, which states that not only will there be no war in the Land, but armies will not even pass through the Land.0
The promise as understood by the Midrash corresponds to the geographic reality of the Land, which is the natural land-bridge between the two centers of ancient civilizations, Egypt and Mesopotamia.0
Napolean Bonaparte described Israel as “the guardian of Africa, the gate to Asia.”0
This reality cost the life of King Yoshiyahu as described in Melachim II Perek 23 Pesukim 29-30, and Divrei HaYamim II Perek 35 Pesukim 20-25. Pharoah Necho marched his army through the kingdom of Yehuda in order to battle the Babylonians. Against the advice of Yirmiyahu HaNavi, King Yoshiyahu went to battle Pharoah Necho in order to preserve the sovereignty of his kingdom, and was killed in the battle of Megiddo.0
The Israel National Parks Authority advertises Tel Megiddo as “the crown jewel of Biblical archeology,” and the tel is recognized as a World Heritage Site.0
The excavations at Tel Megiddo uncovered 20 separate levels of settlements, including the biblical periods. Among the remains are the Israelite Gate, stables for horses that were used to pull the chariots and the ancient water system.0
