Yesterday was a day to remember. I would be happy to explain everything, but it helps me to select the things that are the most interesting and to expand from there. Overall, we stopped at the major sites along the Dead Sea.
First, we landed at the archaeological site of the Qumran community. Its believed that a Jewish sect called the Essenes lived here at about the time of Jesus. They led a kind of Jewish religious life, coping sacred texts and keeping their routine of community prayer and meals. These area is also important as the site where certain ancient Biblical scrolls have been uncovered.
After that, we arrived at another Israeli park for a short time called Ein Gedi. There is a spring fed stream here which gives habitat to natural plants and animals as well as a date grove. There are these little creatures that the our Bible calls badgers in some translations and rabbits in others. Also, this place was the site where the young David camped opposite King Saul, who was pursuing him. David held it as a mark of his honor that he had the opportuinty to kill Saul in his sleep but didn't.
First, we landed at the archaeological site of the Qumran community. Its believed that a Jewish sect called the Essenes lived here at about the time of Jesus. They led a kind of Jewish religious life, coping sacred texts and keeping their routine of community prayer and meals. These area is also important as the site where certain ancient Biblical scrolls have been uncovered.
After that, we arrived at another Israeli park for a short time called Ein Gedi. There is a spring fed stream here which gives habitat to natural plants and animals as well as a date grove. There are these little creatures that the our Bible calls badgers in some translations and rabbits in others. Also, this place was the site where the young David camped opposite King Saul, who was pursuing him. David held it as a mark of his honor that he had the opportuinty to kill Saul in his sleep but didn't.
We next went further south and to another park. We took a cable car up to a flat mountain where Herod built another of his forts, Masada. The top of the mount is at sea level and the Dead Sea is 1,500 feet below. This castle is more famous as the site where the Jewish zealots were finally defeated by the Romans in 73 AD. The ancient Roman historian Josephus, narrated a dramatic account of the fall of Masada. It involved a two and a half year siege. The Romans constructed a giant ramp in order to burst the walls of the fort. The defeated rebels in the end were left with the choice of Roman slavery or death. It is a very important story in their history. I was amazed by all of the Israeli youth that were visiting. I encourage you to look at the hollywood movie based on this.
Finally, we swam in the Dead Sea. Little swimming is actually possible because the water is ten times saltier than sea water. One merely floats there, and ought never submerge the head. We had our lunch there and then swam. No one had any fear of cramping. I no that I am very blessed to be here, thanks to God. Please pray for me as we go to class for three days. We can't go swimming all the time.
1 comment:
So cool! Thanks.
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