4. Crossing the mountains we descend to the =Jordan valley=, lower than the sea level and from five to twenty miles wide. Through this runs the river Jordan, passing through two lakes--Lake Merom and the Sea of Galilee--and emptying into the Dead Sea.
5. Beyond the valley rises the =eastern table-land=, with higher mountains, but more level summits, and broken by fewer valleys. The mountains gradually decline to the great Syrian Desert on the east.
IV. =It was a Land of Five Provinces.= In the time of Christ there were five political divisions in Palestine; three on the west side of Jordan and two on the east.
[Illustration: PALESTINE In the time of CHRIST]
1. On the north, west of the Jordan, was the province of =Galilee=, situated between the river Jordan, the Sea of Galilee, the land of Phoenicia and Mount Carmel. It was inhabited by a brave, simple-hearted people, mainly Jews, but with many Gentiles among them. Hence its name (Isa. 9. 1, 2; Matt. 4. 15, 16); and the contempt in which it was held at Jerusalem. (John 7. 41, 52.) It was the home of Jesus during most of his life and ministry.
2. The central region was =Samaria=. See its location. (John 4. 3, 4.) It was, strictly speaking, not a province but a district around the cities of Shechem and Samaria, not extending either to the sea or river, and of uncertain limits, inhabited by a composite people, partly Israelite, partly heathen, in their origin. Note the claim of its people (John 4. 12) and their expectation. (John 4. 25.) Observe how they were regarded by the Jews. (John 4. 9; 8. 48.) Notice that Christ paid no regard to this caste prejudice. (John 4. 10.)
3. The southernmost province of Palestine was =Judea=. As the largest, and the special home of the Jewish people, it often gave its name to the whole land, as in Mark 1. 5; Luke 7. 17; Acts 10. 37. Generally, however, it is distinguished as the name of the province, as in Luke 2. 4; Matt. 2. 22; John 4. 3. Jesus made several visits to this district, especially to its city, but only for limited periods, as its people were more bigoted than the Galileans and bitterly opposed to him.
4. On the east of the Jordan and the Dead Sea was the province of =Peræa=, a word meaning "beyond." It is not mentioned by that name in the New Testament. Notice what it is called in Matt. 19. 1; Mark 10. 1. We read of a visit paid by Jesus to this region near the close of his ministry.