Masada, Qumran and Dead Sea

Gathered at Masada

 After our time at the baptism site where John the Baptist ministered to pilgrims not unlike ourselves, we headed to Masada. This desert palace of Herod's is a magnificent example of his architectural genius as well as his hubris.  Situated on top of what appears to be an inaccessible mesa, Herod built not one but two palaces!  Filled with everything one might need in case of a revolt, there was a swimming pool about the double the size of an olympic pool, 29 separate food storage rooms stocked with the finest fare available, a throne room, a garrison, and elaborate Roman baths.  The kicker is that Harod never lived here!

Qumran

As we drove back towards Jericho, we could appreciate the haunting beauty of the Dead Sea and the Judean Wilderness.  There seems to be few signs of life.  Not only was it unbelievable that Herod built his magnificent, unused palace here but a wonder that a religious community of Jewish men would have chosen this barren land to as a place to live. 

Nestled near some ragged, jagged cliffs, Qumran was such a surprise.   The ruins of the community that gave us the Dead Sea Scrolls reminded us that following God has always involved the dedication of the whole minds, soul, and spirit. 

Dead Sea Scrolls

The Essene community was all about purity of motive, the diligence of study, and the practice of prayer.  The scrolls were the product of their desire to be the true remnant of faith when the Messiah came.  They believed they could hasten his coming by following the law and ridding themselves of sin.  Some speculate that John the Baptist was part of this community for a time, while other say that Jesus was an Essene. 

Are we really floating?

From Qumran, we headed to the beach and many took a "dip" into the Dead Sea.  Floating is really all you can do.  Rubbing the dead sea mud on your body is supposed to make you look younger! 

Bill and Sook look younger!

From the living water of the Jordan to the lifeless Dead Sea, it was quite the day.