Day 02 - Wandering in the Desert

Some 3500 years ago, when David was hiding in the wilderness strongholds of Ein Gedi, it was most likely in the same area where the famous fortress of Masada was located. We don’t know for sure if Masada was one of his hiding places, but we get a hint in Psalm 18:2 where David cries out to God in praise for His deliverance. He says, “The Lord is my rock, my Masada (fortress), and my deliverer…” The word for fortress in Hebrew is “Masada.” It is very possible David was looking up at the extraordinary stronghold of Masada when he penned this Psalm. He goes on to say, “…my God, my strength, in whom will I trust; my buckler and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

Today we got to experience what it was like to stand at the base of such a mighty fortress. We also got to travel (some hiked and some rode) to the top of Masada and learn all about the amazing history of this impressive place. Our guide, Dan, skillfully wove historical narrative together with colorful description of life in the first century, as well as recounted the history of the brilliant madman Herod, who built not only this, but so many other astounding structures just prior to the time of Christ.

After hiking down the back side of Masada, we were treated to a Bedouin experience and explored why hospitality was a matter of life and death to them. We then rode camels, and herded goats, if you can believe it.

We then journeyed to the historic city of Tel Arad. We learned about the consequences of allowing pagan thoughts and ideas infiltrating our worship of the one true God, and explored the different ways God uses suffering in our lives—as a tool to mold and shape us into His image.

We ended our day by bobbing weightlessly in the Dead Sea! It was a nice way to end a captivating and full day two in Israel!

Please continue to pray and follow our updates!

Sammy & Jeff