Masada and En-Gedi

Today we travelled along the west bank of the Dead Sea. We started our day at Masada. The fortress was the theme for a movie story. However the story did happen. The fortress that was brought to its glory by King Herod became latter the bastion of resistance for the Jewish Zealots who kept attacking the Romans. Eventually the Romans decided to take care of the Zealots and that what was presented in the movie. The size and design of the fortress that was also King Herod Palace proves his genius and skills. On the other hand it is sad to notice that such a skilled man was also so cruel. The buildings he constructed are admired by tourists today but for his countrymen they were reminders of the tyrant they were glad to see dead. Among the piles of rubble left on the top of the mountain we found however some life. In a room that was rebuilt a Jewish Scribe keeps writing the Scroll of Torah. Later during the day we visited the spring of En-Gedi but this scene from Masada was like a spring too. The man writing the Word of God that was to nurture life of a Jewish Community somewhere where the Scroll will be sent to. Apparently it takes a year to complete one scroll of Torah. I also think that this man “drinks” the Word of
God first before putting it down.           
After the hike down in extreme heat we ended up at En-Gedi. It is truly an oasis on the shores of the Dead Sea. The Sea may be fun for people enjoying easy floating but the water of the see kills all life. On the other hand the spring of water gushing at En-Gedi provides an environment for life to blossom. It was a refreshing moment when we got to the spring. It is like a little rain forest. Even the air isn’t hot-dry but cool and moist. After a harsh condition of the desert it is experiencing life coming back. The place was also the scene of a Biblical event. David was hiding here from the jealous king Soul who was trying to do away with him. Here David could have killed his pursuer as he was advised by his companions but he refused to raise his hand against the king.  I had an impression that the place where God mercifully provides refreshment for travelers was the place where forgiveness and compassion won over revenge and hatred.