Day 03 - Negev: Arava border crossing, Tabernacle replica, Dead Sea

Day 3 - From Wilderness to Water
We woke to a quiet desert morning in the midbar of Wadi Rum, packed our tents, and loaded the bus for the final stretch of our time in Jordan. There was a sense of gratitude as we drove toward Aqaba, knowing we were about to cross into the next chapter of the journey. Saying goodbye to Mohanned and Mohammed was not just a logistical moment, it felt personal. Their steady presence and kindness had shaped our experience of Jordan.
The border crossing into Israel was unexpectedly calm. No long lines, no crowds, just our group moving through together.

On the other side we were welcomed by Dan and Eli, our Israeli guide and driver, and just like that the tone shifted. Same land, different side, new voices guiding us forward.

Our first stop in Israel was Timna Park and the ancient copper mines. The desert landscape
stretched wide around us as Dan explained the recent archaeological discoveries that are now being connected to the time of Solomon. Standing near the remains of ancient mining operations, it was striking to think about the scale and organization required in a place that still feels remote and rugged. The Bible’s references to copper and wealth during Israel’s united monarchy began to feel more concrete.

From there we headed to the Tabernacle Experience, where a full-scale replica of the Tabernacle from Exodus stands in the desert. Walking through the courtyard, seeing the altar, the laver, and the Holy Place laid out in real space made the details of Exodus feel less abstract. Marcos, a Messianic Jewish teacher, carefully connected each element to the person and work of Jesus.

Later on the bus, Matt continued the thread, speaking about Jesus as our High Priest and the rich theology of Hebrews. It was one of those moments where Old and New Testament themes came together with clarity and weight.

After a simple lunch, we began the long drive north through the Negev toward the southern edge of the Dead Sea. The dry hills and open spaces reminded us again how much of Israel’s story unfolds in wilderness terrain, places where comfort is limited and dependence is necessary.

Once we arrived and checked into our hotel, we made our way down to the shoreline. Floating in the Dead Sea is both awkward and hilarious at first. There were careful steps into the thick water, sudden bursts of laughter as people tipped backward, and wide smiles once everyone realized how effortlessly they could float. After days of walking and learning, it felt like a gift to simply rest and drift.

Dinner followed, and later some of the group joined Matt for a quick trip to shop for Dead Sea salts and mud, tangible reminders of this unique place. By the end of the evening, we were tired in that satisfying way that comes from a full day, new country, new insights, and shared moments.

Group Reflections 

I was standing in the gift shop at Timna Park when a little Israeli walked in, looked at me
expectantly, and said, “Sherutim?” With my impressive thirty word Hebrew vocabulary, I
somehow knew exactly what he was asking. I walked him over to the restroom and pointed the way. It was such a small moment, but it felt surprisingly meaningful. I understood him. I was able to help. In Hebrew. How cool is that? It felt like a tiny connection point, a reminder that we are not just visiting a place, we are stepping into a living culture and language. - Alex Ertis

Yesterday was amazing for me to see the Tabernacle replica. So many times I have read through those chapters in Exodus, sometimes even skimmed over all the detailed descriptions. But seeing it in full scale and hearing the teaching brought new life to those words. Instead of sleeping in this morning, I woke up early and started rereading in Exodus 25. This time, I could picture it. The courtyard, the altar, the Holy Place. The details felt tangible and alive. I read differently because I had seen it. I am looking forward to my next favorite part of the trip today. And as you know, they are all my favorite. - Angie Cuadra