DEAD SEA AREA

Ein-Gedi -- "Spring of the Goat." An oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Because of its warm climate and abundant supply of water, the site developed a reputation for its fragrant plants and date palm groves. Where King David hid from Saul, and where God defeated the enemies of the Israelites by praise and worship led by King Jehoshaphat. (1 Sam 23:29; 24 Song of Songs 1:14)

Genesis Land/Dinner in Abraham's Tent -- Enjoy a trip back in time at this site on the way from Jericho to Jerusalem; a reliving of life in the time of the Patriarchs, complete with costume, dramatic presentation, and authentic food.

Masada -- "The stronghold" The spectacular mountaintop fortress on the western shore of the Dead Sea built by Herod and famous as the last stronghold of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans. In modern Israel, when cadets graduate from the Military Academy, they swear a proud oath, "Masada shall not fall again." Some OT scholars identify Masada with the stronghold of David, where he fled from Saul. (1 Sam 22:3-5; 24:22 1 Chr 12:1-16)

Dead Sea -- The lowest place on the surface of earth (4429 meters below sea level, 45 miles long, 11 wide) and one of the world's richest sources of minerals; a very "salty" sea in which one can not swim but only float; called the "Salt Sea" (Num 34:3, 12), "The Sea" Ezek. 47:8), and "The Eastern Sea" (Joel 2:20) in the Bible. During Jesus' time, it was also called "Lake Asphaltitus." Sodom, Gomorra, and "the cities of the plain" were located in and around the southern portion of the Dead Sea. Other Biblical references include: Gen 14:3; Gen 18-19 Jer 17:6 Today, the Dead Sea is famous for its rich mineral content, and its waters are renown for their healing properties, especially for skin problems.

Qumran -- Located near the NW shore of the Dead Sea, the site of a small settlement that existed during NT times; famous for the discovery of the so-called "Dead Sea Scrolls" in 1947. Most scholars believe that Qumran was inhabited by the Jewish sect of the Essenes, a radical monastic sect who lived in austerity. They left behind the oldest existing copies of many parts of Scripture. The Essenes most likely perished along with the anti-Roman zealots at Masada in 73 CE.

Wadi Qelt -- The magnificent ravine, with a Roman period water-aqueduct, where Elijah the prophet was fed by the raven. A favorite site among locals for hiking.