Day 02 - Masada, Tel Arad, Dead Sea

Our 7:30am start on day 2 paid off when we arrived at the Masada visitor’s center well ahead of the heavy daily crowds. Our group got closer than ever as we packed ourselves in for the gondola ride to the top. 

It was a beautiful day for taking in the spectacular (and desolate) views as Tour Guide Dan explained Herod the Great’s original palace construction and the inspiring but sad story of its later use as a Jewish stronghold in their ill-fated rebellion against Rome. Masada’s defenders—so resolute in faith—took death at their own hands rather than subjugation when facing defeat. Masada leader, Elazar Ben Yair’s final speech still resounds in Israeli history:

“Since we long ago resolved never to be servants to the Romans, nor to any other than to God Himself, Who alone is the true and just Lord of mankind, the time is now come that obliges us to make that resolution true in practice...We were the very first that revolted, and we are the last to fight against them; and I cannot but esteem it as a favor that God has granted us, that it is still in our power to die bravely, and in a state of freedom.”

Walking down the path beside the Roman siege ramp was strenuous, but we all made it. Driver/Chef Eli had a nice lunch waiting for us at the bottom. 

We skipped our Bedouin Hospitality stop due to time constraints—no camel rides today! The time saved was well used at Tel Arad, site of a Bronze Age Cananite village and a late Iron Age Judean fortress. 

Masada and Tel Arad illustrated the continuing struggle believers have in holding true to their faith—whether threatened by conquering empires or the corrupting influence of popular culture. Pastor Tim spoke of the forty year cycles through history of falling into sin followed by a restoration of faith. It was a daunting, yet hopeful, message and many in our group shared their insights. 

What better way to end a day packed with information, physical exertion, and spiritual reflection than with a swim (or float) in the Dead Sea? That’s exactly what we did and it was great—though the bottom’s a bit rough on bare feet. 

Tomorrow, we’re on to Ein Gedi, Qumran, the Lower Jordan, and a Shabbat dinner!

John