Masada is a magnificent fortress built atop a 1300′ mesa on the eastern edge of the Judean Desert, not far from the Dead Sea (which is 1400′ below sea level). This is an incredibly desolate area, yet Herod built yet another palace here. More importantly though, this is a very key place in Jewish history.

Perhaps you recall my Temple Mount post when I explained the Roman destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD. Prior to that, a group of Jewish rebels fled Jerusalem and overcame the Roman garrison at Masada in about 66 AD, and others joined them after the Roman destruction. Thus, Masada became the place of a heroic, but unsuccessful last stand by the Jews. Perhaps this shot gives you an idea of the site.

 

Fortunately, Masada was highly fortified, and very well-stocked with supplies and water. Unfortunately, the Romans were determined to conquer the fortress and squash any impending revolt. Thus they set up camps at the foot of Masada and built a wall all the way around the base. This is a picture of the remains of one of those Roman camps, taken from atop Masada.

 

Ultimately, in 73 AD, the Romans built a siege ramp and invaded the fortress, intending to kill every Jewish person. When they breached the fortress, however, the Jewish rebels were dead, having committed mass suicide rather than go into Roman captivity. Jews were (for the most part) totally driven from their land at that point, and though God promised Abraham that land, they would have no homeland again until 1948.

Today, every Israeli young person begins military service at age 18 (males for 3 years, females for 2 years). As a part of their training, they are taken all over the country and reminded of their history and the miracle of statehood. At the end of basic training, they are brought to Masada to see and understand exactly what they are fighting for…their very existence. Here are the grandstands at the base of Masada where the mantra of “Never again!” is ingrained into every soldier’s mind.

 

We’ve scratched only the surface, but hopefully it helps explain the significance of this place.

Shalom!