DAY 8 – TUESDAY, JANUARY 17
The ruins of Qumran
Today we were greeted to another sunny day, with temps in the 70s. It would be an entire day along the Dead Sea and within the Judean Desert. Leaving shortly after 7:30 we first visited Qumran. This was where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947. We began by driving to Cave 1 (where the famous Isaiah Scroll as found) and Cave 11 (where the Temple Scroll was found). A few went to Cave 1 while others saw Cave 11. Then we entered the archaeological site where we saw mikvot (ritual baths), cisterns, scriptorium, and Cave 4. We celebrated the preservation and holiness of the biblical text. We read from 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Psalm 19, and “Psalm 151” (one of the few “extra” psalms found here).
Next we enjoyed a float in the Dead Sea. It is remarkable that it is impossible to sink! Although the water was a bit cool, it was a great sensation to float effortlessly.
Engedi and the Wadi David
After showering up, we continued driving south along the western coastline of the Dead Sea. About half way down we stopped at Engedi. Here we walked back to a few of the water falls. We read from 1 Samuel 23 (about David hiding in a cave), 2 Chronicles 20 (Jehosaphat and the “Ascent of Ziz”) and Song of Solomon (the “henna blossoms of Engedi). We also saw a few ibex and coneys (Psalm 104).
Our last stop was Masada, the “fortress: (“metzada” in Hebrew). First built as a palace/fortress by Herod the Great, the site was later used by Jews following the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. The site was used as an escape area of refuge against the Romans. After nearly three years, the Jewish community (967 of them) killed themselves (all except five). Taking the cable car to the top, we saw cisterns, palaces, the casemate wall, and storage rooms. The story of Masada is gripping! We walked down the Roman ramp where David picked us up on the western side.
Masada and the Roman Ramp on the west side
From here we drove to Hanokdim, the “Bedouin Village” hotel for the night. Upon arriving, we enjoyed camel rides, followed by dinner. We also enjoyed a time of devotion and sharing out under the stars before sleeping in tents. What a unique experience!
DAY 9 – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18: ARAD, SDE BOKER, WILDERNESS OF ZIN, MACHTESH RAMON, BE’ER SHEVA