Sadly, we said goodbye to the Galilee area. What makes that place so special is that everywhere you turn you find a place where Jesus ministered. In fact, scholars say Jesus spent 75-80% of His time in a very small area around the Galilee. There is evidence of His life and miracles everywhere!
But it’s time for different adventures! As we traveled south along the Jordan River Valley we quickly noticed a change of landscape. The Galilee is lush and fertile, while the landscape grows more desert-like and more barren as you travel south. It is also the longest drive of the tour, so some made use of the time to nap.
As we approached the Dead Sea area, the landscape became very barren. Also, the Dead Sea is just that…dead! Nothing grows there. Why? Because the Dead Sea has no outlet. Thus, all the minerals collect there and the water is not conducive to life. Ironically, though, the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea have healing properties. Many people come to the Dead Sea to get relief from skin issues, breathing issues, and other ailments. Skincare products are big business around the Dead Sea.
(Note: click on the pictures to get the full version.)
Eventually, we reached the desert oasis of Ein Gedi. Amidst the barren desert stands a true oasis with refreshing waterfalls and peaceful coves. Ibex and hyraxes are abundant and entertaining, and beautiful waterfalls are hidden deep in the oasis. We were to spend time there, but alas, blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken! As our bus made a turn toward the entrance, we were met by large road blocks. The national park was closed due to damage from a flash flood last week and the threat of one today.
We would have discussed the Biblical account of David hiding from Saul, yet having a prime opportunity to do away with him. 1 Samuel 24 recounts the details of Saul finding out David is in the wilderness of Ein Gedi, so he and his 3,000 soldiers pursue him there. The first 7 verses are somewhat comical, yet reveal the integrity of David. Arriving at a cave in the Ein Gedi wilderness, Saul went in “to attend to his needs” in the very cave in which David was hiding! David’s men told him to kill Saul, but David simply cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. Yet, it troubled David and he proclaimed, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.” David would not allow his men to come against the Lord’s anointed, despite Saul’s multiple attempts to kill David. David was to become king, so his refusal to mess with God’s anointed was wise!
Sorry, no current pictures, but here are a few from previous tours. At least you will see what we missed!
Missing Ein Gedi threw our entire day in a tumble, as there are very few lunch places around the Dead Sea and we were scheduled to eat lunch at Ein Gedi. However, we opted to continue traveling further south to Masada, the mighty fortress of King Herod, which the Jews took over as a place of refuge from the advancing Roman army in 73AD (after the destruction of Jerusalem). Unfortunately, not even a mighty fortress was enough to protect them, as the Romans camped at the foot of the monstrous plateu and eventually built a seige ramp to penetrate the walls of the fortress. When they entered, they found all Jews dead, having committed suicide rather than go into bondage of the hyper-oppressive Roman cohort. What we find today is amazing architecture by King Herod. The cliff-top fortress has a water system, storage for enough food for years, a lower level terrace that would have been much cooler than the palace up top, and evidence of the Roman encampments and the seige ramp. In modern times, certain units of the IDF come here for their swearing in. Their motto: Never again!
Dead Sea in the backgrouns.
(I’ve done it. It is steep!)
Notice how calm it is today!
(He had 2 palaces on Masada.)
Following our exploration of Masada, our revised tour took us to Kalya Beach on the Dead Sea. It is not your typical beach, nor is it your typical dip in the sea. As noted earlier, the Dead Sea contains so much mineral mass that it is literally impossible to sink. On the other hand, if the water is swallowed it could be deadly, and water in the eyes causes considerable discomfort. Yet, a few in our group decided to brave the elements (as millions have done through the years), and got in to test the “you can’t sink” theory, and to “mud up!” In case you’re wondering, they found it to be true: it is impossible to sink!
BTW – at 440 meters (about a quarter mile) below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth!
We entered Jerusalem, the Holy City, after dark. We will spend our last few days of the tour here. Much lies ahead, and there will be moments of deep contemplation. If you are following family or friends, will you pray for them? A trip to Israel is not without moments of God’s special touch. We’ve experienced some of those already, but there is more to come! Ask the Lord to open hearts and minds to receive the special blessings God has for us. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey!
Shabbat shalom!
