Day 03 - Ein Gedi, Qumran, Jericho

Our third day in Israel began with a final breakfast and worship session near the shore of the Dead Sea. After this sweet time, we boarded the bus and began our drive through the vast wilderness of the Negev. Hot and arid, the desert where the Dead Sea lies stretches for miles and miles. Indeed, it reaches far beyond what the eye can see. Just when it seems like the miles of rocks and dirt will never end, there is a desert oasis called Ein Gedi. Dating back to biblical times, Ein Gedi is now a national park in Israel. The most well-known biblical story that took place there is that of David and Saul. As Saul was pursuing David, he stopped in a cave in Ein Gedi. Unbeknownst to him, David and his men were in this same cave. Instead of killing him however, David merely cut off the corner of his tunic, sparing his life.

Ein Gedi is full of trees and waterfalls. It is so unlike the desert surrounding it. Driving from the Dead Sea to this oasis is like driving from death to life; from stagnant water to rushing water that is coursing with vivacity. The trees’ roots grow deep into the earth, drawing sustenance from the streams in Ein Gedi. They have nothing to fear when the drought comes, for they are secure. These trees mirror David. In Psalm 1, he describes the righteous man as being like a tree planted by streams of water. His roots are deep. He has nothing to fear in dry seasons. David was such a man. He was sensitive to God’s voice. He obeyed His will above his own. He spared Saul instead of taking matters into his own hands. What a picture the surroundings paint for this story!

After this adventure, we headed over to Qumran. This is where the famous Dead Sea scrolls were discovered in 1947. These scrolls, dating back to 200 B.C., provide evidence that the Bible is true and has remained unchanged over the centuries. They were discovered at the perfect time. Because of their discovery, the Jews were able to prove that Israel historically belonged to them, not the Muslims. And because of this proof, they were able to repossess the land that they had longed for for so many years. On May 14, 1948, the Jews had a homeland once again. What a miracle!

Upon departing from Qumran, we were told we would be getting lunch. Shortly thereafter, we found ourselves pulled over alongside a busy road. We were all wondering what was going on. As we looked out the window, we noticed a taxi driver running over to our bus with bags in hand. We quickly realized what was going on: we were being delivered our lunch on the side of this highway!

We ate a delicious shawarma lunch on the banks of the Jordan River. Serving as a border between Israel and Jordan, this river has great biblical significance. It was the gateway to the Promised Land. It was here that our Savior was baptized. Though not the great rushing river we expected, the Jordan is beautiful in its own way. It is beautiful because of what it opened the door to. It opened the door to the Promised Land. It also opened the door to Jesus’s ministry. And these are a wonderful things.

We ended our day with a long drive to Galilee, stopping along the way in Jericho. It is now a Palestinian town that is quite run down, but neat to see nonetheless. Tomorrow we begin our trek through Galilee. What a blessing!