Places of Rest, Refreshment, Renewal and Restoration

En Gedi was one of the places David went to for protection against his enemies. David made it his home in difficult times.
And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of EnGedi.I Samuel 23.29

En Gedi was a safe haven for David, a stronghold. He hid out from Saul there. But it was more than that. It was a place where his soul was renewed and the where he could be still and know that the LORD his God was with him.



Today it has become a national park and nature preserve. Wild animals wander around. Birds fly in for drinks and baths and all kinds of vegtation grow on its slopes. Unfortunately because of the time restraints a tour has and the terrain being a little challenging, only a passing glance can be made at it as the bus pulls away from the Dead Sea. Yes, it directly across fom the Dead Sea. Across from the Sea that gets its name because it has no plant or marine life is this oasis, this life giving fountain. All kinds of delightful surprises await those fortunate enough to be able to make the climb back into this stronghold.

It remains a place of refreshment today! Young people love to come in the hot summer and stand under it waterfalls.


Like David did they get relief from the heat and take a break from regular activities to pause and enjoy God's wonderful creation. Its aqua colored waterfalls even look inviting next to the dark green foliage of the healthy well irrigated plants.

But there is more., immeasurably more. It was the soul of David that was restored here, not just his body. Among nature, God's creation, quiet and stillness, David found help from the LORD. No wonder his son Solomon speaks of nature in the Proverbs, with lessons from it. I wonder if David ever took young Solomon out here to see the beauty.

Americans are great vacation takers. We enjoy time off, but that is not what En Gedi experiences are only. They are times of going to secluded places to meet with God. My backyard is a kind of En Gedi for me. Among the household of nature spirits are refreshed. I go out in my yard early every morning. Wonders take place out there. Often I am back there in the evening. One time our district superintendent came over and exclaimed, "Wow! What a great place for a prayer retreat!" Yes it is. I hope you have a place you go to like David had. Wonderful meetings with the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, take place out there. Song of Solomon 1.14 My lover is to me a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of En Gedi. Yes, come to think of it I am sure David introduced his son Solomon to En Gedi!