Background...
Along the western shore of the Dead Sea, the barren hills of the Judean wilderness descend through deep ridges and, for most of the year, dry gullies. Freshwater springs are rare but the most spectacular and abundant is to be found about mid-way along the shore at En Gedi, some 30 kilometres south east of Hebron.
Hot water springs burst from the ground about 100 metres above the cliff base forming a beautiful cascading waterfall sustaining a semitropical oasis of rich vegetation all year round.
Aptly named, En-Gedi means 'spring' or 'fountain of the kid'. It was first known as Hazezon Tamar which means 'pruning of palms' suggesting that date palms also once grew here (Genesis 14:7; 2 Chronicles 20:2). En-Gedi was inhabited by the Amorites in the days of Abraham (Genesis 14:7), was allotted to Judah (Joshua 15:62), and in the reign of Solomon was renowned for its vineyards (Song 1:14). It was also an important source of aromatic and medicinal plants including henna and balsam. Archaeological remains dated to the time of Josiah (ca. 639-6-09 B.C.) show evidence that perfumes were produced here.
En-Gedi is probably remembered most of all for being the place of refuge where David hid from king Saul and his army of 3,000 men (1 Samuel 23:29-24:1). There are many caves in the area of En Gedi and on one occasion the rugged terrain enabled David to take advantage of Saul who had entered a cave to relieve himself. David's men took this as a providential sign that they should kill Saul (1 Samuel 24:4). This would have secured David's claim to the throne, already confirmed by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13). David, however, resisted the temptation. In his conscience he knew that such an action was wrong. It was not cowardice but courage David displayed in refusing to kill Saul. He acknowledged that God had appointed Saul and God alone would judge between them vindicating David at the right time (1 Samuel 24:12-15, 26:10-11).
Faith lesson...
During this difficult time in his life David learnt about patience and trusting in the revealed character of God. Perhaps David shared this experience with his son Solomon for he later wrote, 'The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.' (Proverbs 21:1).
David's experience in En-Gedi remind us not to interpret our own circumstances too quickly. Instead we should weigh our circumstances carefully in the light of our conscience and above all in the light of God's word. Just another thought...after my hike up and down mount Masada I thought I was going to die, I was absolutely drenched with sweat and completely overheated. When I saw this waterfall and nobody was around I jumped in and I was transported from "hell" into "heaven" (To think David could have swam in that same stream). How refreshing and life giving that fresh mountain water was - I was reminded of Jesus's conversation with the woman at the well in John's gospel. Jesus quenches our "thirst", as we remain in Him and carry His word with us.
The best way to develop a similar intimacy with God (as David) is to take time alone with him and with an open Bible find nourishment and refreshment at your very own spiritual En-Gedi. The psalms, many of which were inspired in this region, are a good place to start (see Psalms 18; 54, 56-57, 59, 63, 142).
- Posted from my iPad
Location:ג'ורג' וושינגטון,Jerusalem,Israel
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