DAVID’S OASIS
My middle son, Nick, cooling off in one of the numerous waterfalls in David’s secret hideout: “the strongholds of Ein Gedi”.
(June 2019)
3,000 years ago, David was anointed to be the next king of Israel. King Saul didn’t handle his rejection very well, so he did his best to end David’s life.
However, David chose to wait on God’s timing, refused to “lift his hand against the LORD’s anointed”, and ran to the hills for safety. Eventually, David and his six hundred men settled in the wilderness strongholds of Ein Gedi.
In one of these very caves, the famous story took place with David cutting off the corner of Saul’s robe! (I Sam 24)
“David’s Camp at Ein Gedi where he hid from King Saul” - William Hole 1846-1917
The name Ein Gedi literally means “Spring of the Kid”, as in a young goat. One visit to this remarkably lush oasis, hidden in the craggy, Judaean slopes of the Dead Sea, and the reason for its name becomes obvious. Countless ibex goats wander around Ein Gedi as comfortably as pigeons in New York City’s Central Park! With the exception being that these creatures are majestic, pleasant, and don’t beg their human visitors for food.
A baby Ibex
Only a few yards from me, and his family, this adorable baby ibex expertly navigates his way toward a flowing stream of cool water.
There’s something about the desert that seems to reprioritize what we think we need to live. As Matt Redman wrote, “When the music fades, all is stripped away and I simply come, longing just to bring something that’s of worth that will bless Your heart.” That’s how I feel about visiting the desert. God has historically and repeatedly led His children into the wilderness, into desolate places, and met them there in unique and profound ways. So much so, that the Jewish People began to retreat to the desert intentionally. Think of John the Baptist, the Essenes, and Jesus Himself. They sought out desolate places where there is little to do except depend upon the Father for provision and listen for His voice.
Juvenile ibex at Ein Gedi with the Dead Sea in the distance.
Jesus assured us that the Father feeds the birds of the air who neither sow, reap, nor gather. So too, the goats of Ein Gedi are not anxious about their lives, what they will eat, or what they will drink! They don’t require a human shepherd to survive! The LORD is their shepherd! He has led them to plenty of green grass and refreshing waters. He has for thousands of years. “Are you not of more value than they?” Jesus asked. (Matt 6:26)
God led David and his 600 men to provision and protection within this “stronghold of Ein Gedi” and the Good Shepherd will continue to faithfully lead us to green pastures and still waters to restore our souls! (Psalm 23)
All we need do is follow Him.
“David’s Falls”
An easy hike into the heart of Ein Gedi leads to this magnificent waterfall.
I had to bring home a memento from Ein Gedi when I visited this past year. So, on the way out, we stopped for an ice cream at the little shop near the entrance and found the perfect gift for my special needs son Michael. He now has a new favorite stuffed animal: a soft little ibex that neighs like a baby goat when you squeeze his belly! And as was only proper, we named him “Gedi”.
Michael and Gedi.
A private waterfall within Ein Gedi - Photo by David Kiern
