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Israel Diary Belvoir
Hi, this is Mike Clay with Virtual Travels from Israel.
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The Hospitaller Knights purchased the land to build their fortress from a French family named Velos and built Belvoir in 1168 AD. Their fortress is spread out over three acres. Belvoir had such a superb location for defense that it was still standing after the Muslim forces had conquered the Crusaders in Jerusalem, Acco, and Safed.
Belvoir has an 80-foot wide 40-foot deep moat on the southern, northern, and western flanks. A huge tower protects the eastern slope. The eastern side proved to be their weak area when the Muslim forces succeeded in undermining it in 1189 AD. The Crusaders agreed to leave at this point and marched out under safe passage by the Muslim forces.
Jesus spread the news that the Lord loved His creation by dying for us. His death provided for our redemption and His resurrection proved that the power of God was able to meet our need for forgiveness. We face powerful enemies. In Christ we have an all-powerful redeemer. He is never surprised by our troubles. He is never overcome by our defeats. He is able to deal with the problems that each one of His children face. We are not alone and He will not lose the battle.
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The Crusader fortress of Belvoir towers nearly
1,700 feet above the Jordan Valley. Muslim historians described Belvoir as "a nest of
eagles and the dwelling place of the moon." In Hebrew, its name means
star of the Jordan. It is 8 miles south of the Sea of Galilee. 
Belvoir is well preserved. This huge fortress is a stark
reminder of the way that people in prior periods sought to ensure the continued spreading
of the Christian faith. The Crusaders saw themselves as the defenders of the faith. The
truth is that some pretty horrible things were done in the name of Christ during this era.
