DAY 8 – SUNDAY – OCTOBER 13
We spent the entire day around the Dead Sea area. Awakening to another sunny day, we left the hotel at 7:35 and drove east. Literally descending 4,000 feet in a matter of 18 miles, we drove through the Judean Wilderness to the northern tip of the Dead Sea. Following the western shoreline of this body of salt water (33% salt and minerals), our first stop was Engedi. This was where God intervened on behalf of Jehosophat and the Judeans (2 Chr. 20) and where David hid from Saul (1 Samuel 24). We walked back to the 2nd water falls and enjoyed the refreshing water. We also saw many Ibex as well as a few coneys (as mentioned in Ps. 104).
From Engedi we drove further south about 20 minutes to Masada, the “fortress” (metzada in Hebrew, see Psalm 18:1-2). Taking the cable car up 1,000 feet, we visited a few significant ruins on top – the cistern, Roman ramp, dwelling places, storehouses, and the bathhouse. Shlomo told the dramatic and heroic story of how 967 Jews found protection against the Romans here after Jerusalem had fallen in 70 AD. After touring on top, some hiked down the Snake Path while others took the cable car down.
Driving now north along the Dead Sea, our next stop was Qumran the home of the Dead Sea Scrolls. After lunch here and an optional hike to one of the caves, we learned the story of the scrolls. The preservation of God’s Word is indeed a miraculous story in and of itself.
We ended the day by driving to the nearby shores of the Dead Sea for a “float” in this very salty and mineralized water. Everyone had a great experience. From here we drove back to our hotel in Jerusalem for dinner. A few joined together for an optional walk to the Western Wall. This historic holy place for the Jews is quite impressive to see at night.
DAY 9 – MONDAY – OCTOBER 14
We plan to visit the Western Wall, Jewish Quarter, the Temple Institute, Israel Museum, and Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and Memorial.