The Desert

 


En Gedi — Springs in the Desert

One of the unforgettable stops on our journey was En Gedi, the desert oasis where David hid from King Saul. Standing among the waterfalls and lush greenery tucked inside the Judean wilderness, it was easy to understand why David fled here for refuge.


It was in this very place that David spared Saul’s life, choosing mercy over revenge:

“Then David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe… And David said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’”

— 1 Samuel 24:4–6


As we walked the paths beside the springs, we were reminded that God provides refreshment even in the driest seasons of life.

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.”

— Psalm 42:1


En Gedi was a beautiful picture of God’s sustaining grace — living water in the middle of the wilderness.

Then, we visited Qumran, the desert site where the Dead Sea Scrolls—some of the oldest biblical manuscripts ever discovered—were hidden for nearly two thousand years. Standing beneath the cliffs and looking toward the caves, it’s incredible to imagine the faithful scribes who preserved God’s Word and the shepherd who accidentally uncovered it in 1947.


This quiet, rugged place reminds us that even in the silence of the desert, God protects His Word across generations. What a powerful stop on this journey!


Finally, we visited Masada, the dramatic mountaintop fortress rising from the Judean Desert—a place that has become one of Israel’s most powerful symbols of heroism, sacrifice, and national determination. Standing on these ancient stones, overlooking the vast desert below, it’s easy to understand why Masada holds such meaning in the Israeli story. Truly an unreal experience.


For years, certain units of the IDF held their swearing-in ceremonies here, a tradition initiated by Chief of Staff Moshe Dayan. Recruits would complete their basic training atop Masada and solemnly declare, “Masada shall not fall again.” While not all soldiers take their oath here—many ceremonies occur at the Western Wall, in Jerusalem, or on training bases—the tradition reflects the deep symbolism of this place.


Masada isn’t just a historic site. It’s a reminder of courage in the face of overwhelming odds, a testament to identity and resilience, and a powerful moment to witness firsthand.

There aren’t enough words to express this experience . 




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