Throughout the land bands of pilgrims were making their way toward Jerusalem. The shepherds from their flocks, the herdsmen from the mountains, fishers from the Sea of Galilee, the husbandmen from their fields, and sons of the prophets from the sacred schools--all turned their steps toward the place where God's presence was revealed. They journeyed by short stages, for many went on foot. The caravans were constantly receiving accessions, and often became very large before reaching the Holy City.

Overalt i landet var skarer af pilgrimme på vej til Jerusalem. Hyrderne, der plejede at vogte deres hjorde, vogterne fra bjergene, fiskerne fra Galilæas sø, landmændene, som plejede at arbejde på markerne, og profetsønnerne fra de hellige skoler - alle gik i retning af det sted, hvor Gud åbenbarede sin nærværelse. De opdelte rejsen i korte etaper, for mange gik til fods. Der sluttede sig stadig flere til karavanerne, som ofte blev meget store, inden de nåede den hellige by.