Volume 2

350
Life of Jesus Christ
Isaac, Jesus spoke of the true Isaac, but His hearers did
not understand Him. In all these places, He alluded very
significantly to the Messiah, though without saying in express
terms that it was Himself.
1. Deul. 26-30. Is. 60.
18. JESUS IN ABILA AND GADARA
Jesus with the disciples and accompanied by the
Levites went three hours to the northwest toward a deep
dale through which the brook Karith flowed to the
Hieromax. In this dale lay the beautiful city of Abila
built around the source of the brook Karith. The Levites
accompanied Him to a mountain that stood halfway on
the road, and then went back to Betharam. It was three
o'clock in the afternoon when the Levites of Abila,
among whom were several Rechabites, received Jesus
outside the city. Three of the disciples from Galilee were
with the Levites awaiting His arrival. They conducted
Him at once into the city and to a very lovely fountain,
the source of the brook Karith. The beautiful little
edifice, supported by columns that had been built over
the source, formed the central point, to which ran colonnades
connecting it with the synagogue and other public
buildings. The city was built on both sides of the gently
rising height. The streets ran from these central buildings
in the form of a star so that from everyone of them the
fountain could be seen. It was at this fountain that the
Levites washed the feet of Jesus and the disciples, and
offered thenl (he customary refreshments. In the neighboring
gardens and on the buildings around were men
and maidens busily preparing for the Feast of Tabernacles.
From here Jesus accompanied the Levites northward
about half an hour outside the city into the valley to