Ein Gedi – Masada
Masada toward Dead Sea

Ein Gedi – Masada – Judean Desert

This morning we drive via the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea – the lowest point on earth. A beautiful new road takes us south along the shores of the Dead Sea to Ein Gedi, an oasis in the desert with fresh water springs. Around 1000 B.C., Ein Gedi served as one of the main places of refuge for David as he fled from Saul. David “dwelt in strongholds at Ein Gedi” (1 Sam. 23:29). In a cave near here, David cut off the corner of Saul’s robe (1 Sam 24). We will continue south along the Dead Sea to Masada, a truly remarkable piece of history. Ascend to Masada by cable car to visit the magnificent ruins of the fortress where from 70-73 A.D. the Jewish defenders made the last stand of the Judean Revolt against Rome and where the remains of storehouses, cisterns and a sixth century Byzantine church are still on view. We then head south towards the Red Sea where Moses parted the waters.