Day 02 - Covenant – Dead Sea

Welcome to our second day in Israel! Our day began with a breathtaking sunrise over the Dead Sea. After a wonderful breakfast, we met for a morning devotional. We talked about Abraham and the meaning of covenants, specifically the covenant God made with Abraham and God’s unconditional love. We collectively recited the Sh’ma (Shema). Steve taught us the importance of these words originating from Deuteronomy 6. Sh’ma means to hear, to listen, understand, heed, obey and be obedient. He challenged us to not only recite the words but focus on living in obedience to them today.

After our devotion time, we boarded our bus and made our way north. Opposite the sprawling Dead Sea are the cliffs surrounding Masada, our first stop for the day. This was a fortress built by King Herod to store his treasures and food and also featured not one, but three palaces and a bath house, including a spa with heated walls. We learned about the Roman conquest of the fortress after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. After Jerusalem fell, there were 964 refugees who hid from the Romans at Masada. They lived there, stating that they’d rather die than become slaves to the Roman Empire. The writings of Josephus offer further study into this site.

Our next stop began with camel riding, an interesting experience enjoyed by most!  Some of us were terrified of the loading and unloading portions of the trip, but enjoyed it anyway. It was at this same place that we gathered in a tent to learn about Bedouin culture. The Bedouins were nomadic Arabic tribes. Our amazing guide, Yehuda, taught us about the Bedouin people (during the time of Abraham and Job) who lived in conditions we would consider inhospitable and developed a culture that placed tremendous importance on hospitality. As he shared his knowledge with us, we were treated to the sweet tea, coffee, and pita that they would traditionally serve guests, all of which was made for us over an open fire in the tent.

Ralph read Matthew 25:35-40:

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me'."

Together we recalled the story of Abraham in Genesis 18 when he entertained three holy men and the hospitality he provided.    

Our last lesson of the day came at Tel Arad, where Yehuda showed us ruins of a fort built on top of a town originally constructed around 3,500 BC. We know little about the people who built the first town there, but the town was organized into public and residential areas inside of a fortified wall. It’s not clear why such a substantial town would have been built at this location, but a considerable threat must have motivated them to construct such fortifications. Perhaps equally curious was the site was later used for a fortress of the Judean Kingdom with a temple built of unhewn stones, complying with the law recorded in Exodus 20:25. This temple would have been in use at the same time as the temple in Jerusalem, and was built in the same basic layout but at a smaller scale.

Ralph reminded us how Abraham trusted God and came to a land he did not know, ready for God to show him what to do. When Abraham traveled here, he had community. He pitched his tent and built an altar to the Lord. However, not too long after he arrived, the land suffered from famine and even war. He reminded us that hardship does not mean you’re outside God’s will. God prospers us deeply, even through the hardships. Even when we struggle and get off track, God calls us back to his path, the one he calls us to follow. In the midst of the heat we will experience, remember God covered them with a cloud! Abram walked (halaked) 1500 miles at the speed of sheep and goats.

Dead Sea Float

We closed the day with a leisurely float together in the Dead Sea. To float so effortlessly was a definite must-do experience. It was somewhat ironic that such toxic waters rendered you so buoyant that you couldn’t help but relax and enjoy life. It was a great opportunity for the members of the tour to laugh together and get to know one another even better.  

We are off to rest up for another day of exploration and learning. Once again, thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate them and cannot wait to share with you in the days to come.

Have a wonderful evening!

CIC Israel ‘22