TEL BE'ER SHEVA

ALSO BEERSHEBA-Where Abraham built an altar to the Lord. Isaac and Jacob lived here and Abraham gave it its name- The Well of the Oath.
The city of Beersheba was the southernmost city of Israel in the Old Testament. The writers of Scripture would say (from north to south,) or "from Dan to Beersheba"
Beersheba controlled the central Negev basin.

RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CULTIC TEMPLE OF ARAD

TEL ARAD

The city of Arad, located in the eastern Negev basin, controlled the road from the hill country of Judah to Edom. A large city, with extensive fortifications, dominated the site in the Early Bronze Age. A smaller Iron Age fortress guarded the road and region at the end of the Judean monarchy. One of the most remarkable discoveries found at this site was a complete temple patterned after God's temple in Jerusalem. Interesting readings.
Period of Exodus: Numbers 21:1-3
Period of Conquest: Judges 1:16

LAST VIEW OF THE DEAD SEA AS WE LEAVE

JOURNEY FROM THE SEA OF GALILEE TO THE DEAD SEA

Looking at where we have traveled so far on our journey to Jerusalem. The last map I showed you we left off at the Sea of Galilee. To continue on the map you can follow our direction south passing Mt Tabor, remembering the Spring of Harod and how Gideon chose his 300 men. Continue on our journey south and you will see the location of Bet She'an, where I had so many pictures I had to show you, of the remarkable restoration of the Roman ruins. Look just North of the Dead Sea and you will see the location of Jericho, which Wadi Kelt lies close by in the Judean Wilderness where Christ was tempted. South of Jericho and at the North tip of the Dead Sea is the Qumran caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls where discovered. Continue
down along the Dead Sea you will find the location of Ein Gedi and the location of the magnificent ruins of Masada.

LOOKING AT WHERE WE HAVE TRAVELED

HOTEL VIEW OF THE DEAD SEA

Monday March 16th, this is our last night at our hotel by the dead sea. It has been a long journey so far, so we had an easy day today and after our hike at En Gedi, we returned to our hotel room to relax and enjoy. We journed out to the dead sea and enjoyed relaxing and swimming in the dead sea. I should say the floating was quite the experience, one I will never forget. The salt was a killer. I dug for salt rocks and brought them back home. Ray had a mud message and I relaxed by the pool and jacuzzi. It was an early night for us.

BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF THE DEAD SEA ON THE HIKE BACK

DAVID WATERFALL

CAVES

TRAIL SCENE

IBEX

Ibex, these animals live in herds and are famed for their ability to climb steep hills that provide them with refuge from predators. The male, larger than the female, is bearded and bears horns that angle back. These horns continue to grow throughout the ibex's life and reach tremendous size in adult males. During the rutting season (September - November), it is possible to observe males carrying out the courting ritual, trailing after the females with awkward dancing steps while extending their heads, their lips curled back and their tongues hanging out.

ROCK HYRAX, OR CONIES

Rock Hyrax, or conies, live in rock crannies or in thickets. They live in groups and are remarkable climbers. The Hyrax feed on plants, some of which are poisonous.
Despite the fact that they are mammals, their body temperatures is not constant, changing according to the ambient temperature.
Therefore, on cold mornings, it is possible to see them sunbathing on top of rocks before resuming activity. The females give birth in the spring, after a seven and a half month-long pregnancy.

BEGINNING OUR HIKE AT EN GEDI

OASIS OF EIN GEDI the view of a beautiful site, view of dead sea and waterfall.
The site where David's historic encounters with King Saul.