| City/Places |
Photos |
Scripture
Reference/Comments |
| En-Gedi |
 |
En-Gedi was an oasis in the middle of the desert with
wildlife and beautiful waterfalls. The mountain goats were called Ibex and
their skins were used for the dead sea scrolls. En-Gedi was the place that
David retreated to when he was hiding from King Saul.
"Thou art my hiding place; Thou dost preserve me from
trouble; Thou dost surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7
|
| Masada |
 
 |
Masada is not actually mentioned in the Bible. Herod built
this city on the mountains' plateau as a place of protection. It is most
known, however, for the final resting place of about a thousand Jewish
zealots and their families. We rode a cable car to the top of Masada. There,
we saw the ruins of this fascinating place equipped with a water supply,
suana, and even a nesting room for the local pigeons (food supply). When
Rome tried to attack the Zealots, it took them years to finally climb the
large ramp to the top. In the meantime, the zealots decided it would be
better to take their own lives than to surrender to the Romans. They cast
lots to determine who would be the one to kill the others and fall on his
own sword. By the time the Romans broke through to the top of Masada, all
that they found were the remains of thousands of dead Jewish zealots, with
the exception of two women and five children that were hiding. These
survivors told the story to Josephus Flavius, the Commander of Galilee and
he recorded it. To this day, Israeli soldiers take an oath at the top of
Masada to defend Israel. |
| Qumran - Dead Sea Scrolls |
 |
Qumran is an area with many caves and where the dead sea
scrolls were found. I young boy was searching for his lost animal and threw
a rock into a cave. He heard something break and went to check it out. What
he found inside the pottery jar would confirm the validity of the
scriptures. |
| Camels |
 |
This poor camel was in the parking lot at the Dead Sea gift
shop area. He was selling rides for $3 and several of us rode it. |
| Dead Sea |
 |
At first glance, the Dead Sea appears to be a normal beach
atmosphere with umbrellas, showers and a snack shop. But, it was anything
but normal. The water is composed of at least 25% salt, making it impossible
to sink. You can actually see the salt evaporating on the last two pictures
on this page. At the bottom of the sea is a black tar-like substance, called
"bitumen". This substance is marketed to beauty and skin companies and sold
in this area. Switzerland has even built an exclusive spa on the Jordan side
of the Dead Sea. The water was very cold that day so I didn't stay in very
long.
This is the believed location of Sodom and Gomorrah. The ruins of Sodom
and Gomorrah have been discovered southeast of the Dead Sea. |
