Benit Jenn Waterfall

Benit Jenn Waterfall

‎After leaving Mejdel es-Shems, an illustration of which place has already been given, passing along the Jerusalem road to Damascus over a succession of high ridges running off from the central Hermon range of mountains, and then along a lofty table-land, descending a hill of white limestone, we come to the village on the side of the mountain called Beit Jenn. The meaning of the word is “The Garden House,” or “The House of Paradise.” The place was once densely populated. This is evident from the many rock tombs which we find here. No doubt the original town was one of considerable importance, but its exact site and leading features have not yet been identified.
The picture above presents a charming waterfall caused by the descent of the stream Jennâni plunging over precipitous rocks. It comes in delicate streamlets, and now in rushing torrents among moss-covered rocks, among which shrubs and grasses grow. The contrast is very fine between the dark rocks, snow-white waters and verdant growths. This Jennâni is one of the main tributaries to the ancient river Pharpar, referred to in 2 Kings 5:12. The picture was taken by our artist at noon on Saturday, the 12th day of May, 1894.
We are now approaching the plain of Damascus. From rugged mountains we come to the vast expanse of fertile country, rich and beautiful, the product of the famous rivers from which the life and prosperity of Damascus sprang. We are drawing nearer to that “pearl of the East,” the glorious city embowered in trees where the ceaseless music of flowing waters salutes the ear, and soon we shall see its towering minarets.