Southwards lay the plain, and the yellowish mounds which marked the beginning of the desert.

And towards the west the snow peaks of Lebanon were visible above the dark forest and the lighter green of the slopes.

A perfect sunny peacefulness lay over everything.
The flat rocks of the gentler slopes were crowded with people, many of whom had never seen this district.

And they still came from every village and farm.

Instead of going as usual to the synagogue, they hastened to this mountain height.