The Dead Sea:
A natural wonder of Biblical proportions!
A natural wonder of Biblical proportions!
And Lot raised his eyes, and he saw the entire plain of the Jordan, that it was entirely watered; before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as you come to Zoar. (Genesis 13:10)
Content
Taste of Israel History
The Dead Sea was once a lush, fertile region flourishing with vegetation and wildlife, and the city of Sodom was at the heart of this beating metropolis. However, the people did not appreciate the bounty bestowed upon them by God. They behaved in a corrupt and evil manner, punishing anyone who dared to perform any acts of kindness to the poor or outsiders.
When Abraham’s nephew Lot dwelled in the city, he invited God’s three angels into his home. However, as soon as the news broke about these unwanted ‘guests,’ the population converged on the home, demanding Lot hand them over to commit evil acts against them.
God decreed that Sodom and Gomorrah needed to be destroyed, and even when Abraham desperately attempted to intercede on their behalf, beseeching God to spare the population if even just one righteous individual could be found among the populace, it didn’t help. There simply wasn’t one to be found. On the merit of being Abraham’s nephew, the angels would save Lot. As they fled, he was warned not to turn around to see the destruction, yet Lot’s wife looked back and immediately turned into a pillar of salt.
The area was now a barren wasteland
Yet thousands of years later, the region is teeming with life. From the high oxygen levels known to help people with asthma to the skin-revitalizing salt and mineral-enriched mud on its shores, the Dead Sea is today one of the world’s natural wonders that holds an array of health and beauty secrets within.
Yet thousands of years later, the region is teeming with life. From the high oxygen levels known to help people with asthma to the skin-revitalizing salt and mineral-enriched mud on its shores, the Dead Sea is today one of the world’s natural wonders that holds an array of health and beauty secrets within.
Join us as we dive down to the depths of -420 meters, to the lowest place on earth, and reveal the incredible story of the Dead Sea!
The Biblical Origins
of The Dead Sea
of The Dead Sea
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And Lot raised his eyes, and he saw the entire plain of the Jordan, that it was entirely watered; before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as you come to Zoar.
In the times of the Bible, the Dead Sea looked completely opposite to what it does today. Wherever one went, there were lush green fields, trees, and vegetation, all being fed by the nourishing streams that flowed across the area.
If you could picture what the Garden of Eden looked like, the Dead Sea region was it!
It was the city of Sodom where Abraham’s nephew Lot settled, the perfect place to herd his abundant flock of cattle. Yet, the region was inhabited by people who sinned against God and even their own kind. Their behavior sealed their fate, leaving them destined for destruction by God. It was only due to Lot’s esteemed position as the nephew of our forefather Abraham that God sent his angels to Sodom to rescue him and his family.
If you could picture what the Garden of Eden looked like, the Dead Sea region was it!
It was the city of Sodom where Abraham’s nephew Lot settled, the perfect place to herd his abundant flock of cattle. Yet, the region was inhabited by people who sinned against God and even their own kind. Their behavior sealed their fate, leaving them destined for destruction by God. It was only due to Lot’s esteemed position as the nephew of our forefather Abraham that God sent his angels to Sodom to rescue him and his family.
Lot was warned not to look at the destruction of the cities, as he had also behaved wickedly. His wife, however, looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, a punishment related to the time she criticized her husband's act of hospitality when he asked her to give some salt to the angels in their home.
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And the Lord caused to rain down upon Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire, from the Lord, from heaven
What was once fertile was now desolate. An oasis turned into a vast expanse devoid of life. When Abraham looked towards Sodom and Gomorrah, he saw smoke rising in the distance. The fires were still burning, and once they dissipated, a scene of apocalyptic devastation remained. For thousands of years, travelers would avoid the area, fearful of being close to such a doomed place. Nature was left to run its course. The deep valley formed due to the destruction eventually filled with water that flowed into it from the Jordan River, mixing with the vast quantities of salt that were now present to create what we know today as ‘the Salt Sea’. The common name, though, is the Dead Sea, in recognition that no plant or animal life can be sustained in the sea.
However, this place, a symbol of destruction, now held a unique secret. The salty sea, the mineral-enriched mud on the shore, and the unique climate turned out to be a precious resource for both health and beauty, a gift from God to mankind
Queen Cleopatra of Egypt was one of the first to recognize the potential of the Dead Sea and built factories to produce cosmetics and beauty products. Later, King Herod built magnificent fortresses and palaces in the region, most famously within the mountain of Masada, which overlooks the Dead Sea. Recognizing the health benefits of the Dead Sea, he built what was considered the world’s first natural health spa!
Masada holds a significant place in Jewish history. Following the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Roman Empire, the few remaining Jewish rebels headed to the peaks of Masada to make their final stand. 400 meters above the Dead Sea and featuring steep cliffs, the rebels, led by Eliezer Ben Ya’ir, survived for many months as the Roman Legions laid siege to the fortress. Finally, when the Romans finally succeeded in breaching the defenses, the majority of the rebels chose to commit mass suicide, preferring death rather than being captured by the Romans.
And he said to me, "This water is going out to the eastern frontier, and will descend upon the plain, and come to the sea, to the sea that is brought out, and the waters will be healed.
Ezekiel 47:8
The Dead Sea is explicitly referenced by two prophets, Ezekiel and Zechariah. In the future, when the Third Temple is built, water will flow out from Jerusalem towards the Dead Sea, which will once again teem with life. It will be ‘healed’ and its salty waters sweetened, allowing for an abundance of different kinds of fish to live in its depths. The region will once again be fertile and lush, just like it was in the days of Abraham!
The Dead Sea: A Treasure Trove of Jewish Heritage
From King David to King Herod to the secret Jewish sect who once lived in the caves of Qumran, the Dead Sea holds a wealth of archeological evidence dating back thousands of years to those daring enough to seek it out.
1947: A young bedouin shepherd called Muhammad ed-Dib was wandering through the rocky mountain range of Khirbat Qumrān, in the northern sector of the Dead Sea, in search of one of his precious goats that had gone astray. He came across an opening to a cave and, out of curiosity, picked up a rock and flung it inside. Suddenly, he was startled by the crashing sound of something breaking apart. He carefully entered the cave and discovered a stack of undisturbed clay jars. Most were empty; however, in the remaining few, he found some old scrolls, blackened from thousands of years they had been lying in the jars.
The Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran
Along with his companions, they took the scrolls to Bethlehem to an antiques dealer called Kando, who, realizing the potential importance of the scrolls, sent the young shepherds back to Qumran in search of further ‘treasures.’ In all, they retrieved seven scrolls. The antiques dealer Kando purchased four scrolls and sold them on to Archbishop Samuel, head of the Syrian Orthodox Monastery of St. Mark in Jerusalem, while another dealer, named Salahi, purchased the remaining three.
Professor Eliezer Lipa Sukenik of the Hebrew University heard about the discovery of the scrolls through an Armenian antiquities dealer and set out to meet him at the military zone of the Jerusalem border to find out more. Sukenik peered through the wired fence, and the dealer held up a piece of the scroll. He immediately recognized the writing. It was ancient Hebrew!
Professor Eliezer Lipa Sukenik of the Hebrew University heard about the discovery of the scrolls through an Armenian antiquities dealer and set out to meet him at the military zone of the Jerusalem border to find out more. Sukenik peered through the wired fence, and the dealer held up a piece of the scroll. He immediately recognized the writing. It was ancient Hebrew!
Understanding that he had stumbled upon a vital piece of archeological history, Professor Sukenuk headed to Bethlehem to view the three scrolls in Salahi’s possession.
“My hands shook as I started to unwrap one of them. I read a few sentences. It was written in beautiful biblical Hebrew. The language was like that of the Psalms, but the text was unknown to me. I looked and looked, and I suddenly had the feeling that I was privileged by destiny to gaze upo n a Hebrew Scroll which had not been read for more than 2,000 years.”
In 1948, Professor Sukenuk purchased all three scrolls, and then in 1949, the other four scrolls were smuggled to the United States by the Syrian Archbishop Samuel, and nothing more was heard of them…until 1954
An advert was printed in the Wall Street Journal listing the four scrolls for sale which were purchased on behalf of the State of Israel by Yigal Yadin, the son of Professor Sukenuk. Here the connection to the Dead Sea and the legacy of this family continues…
“My hands shook as I started to unwrap one of them. I read a few sentences. It was written in beautiful biblical Hebrew. The language was like that of the Psalms, but the text was unknown to me. I looked and looked, and I suddenly had the feeling that I was privileged by destiny to gaze upo n a Hebrew Scroll which had not been read for more than 2,000 years.”
In 1948, Professor Sukenuk purchased all three scrolls, and then in 1949, the other four scrolls were smuggled to the United States by the Syrian Archbishop Samuel, and nothing more was heard of them…until 1954
An advert was printed in the Wall Street Journal listing the four scrolls for sale which were purchased on behalf of the State of Israel by Yigal Yadin, the son of Professor Sukenuk. Here the connection to the Dead Sea and the legacy of this family continues…
‘Masada represents for all of us in Israel and for many elsewhere, archaeologists and laymen, a symbol of courage, a monument to our great national figures, heroes who chose death over a life of physical and moral serfdom.’
Yigal Yadin
Yigal Yadin
Uncovering the Secrets of Masada
Yigal Yadin, keen archaeologist and former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces led two significant expeditions in the Dead Sea region in the 19th Century. The first was in the Dead Sea Caves (1960–61) and then Masada (1963–65). He was filled with pride to have been specially chosen by the authorities to lead the expedition to Masada, a place famed in Jewish history for its story of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. The events of the siege of Masada by the Roman Empire in (72–73 CE) are detailed by the Jewish historian Josephus Flavius.
Yigal Yadin, keen archaeologist and former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces led two significant expeditions in the Dead Sea region in the 19th Century. The first was in the Dead Sea Caves (1960–61) and then Masada (1963–65). He was filled with pride to have been specially chosen by the authorities to lead the expedition to Masada, a place famed in Jewish history for its story of bravery, resilience, and sacrifice. The events of the siege of Masada by the Roman Empire in (72–73 CE) are detailed by the Jewish historian Josephus Flavius.
Along with a large team of Israeli and foreign volunteers, the explorers worked tirelessly, battling the heat and challenging terrain for 11 months over two seasons.
Yadin’s team made some astounding discoveries, including the structures built by King Herod, including storerooms, bathhouses, the Western Palace, and a three-level ‘Hanging Villa’ featuring extravagant and intricate designs fit for a King! The team found evidence of the daily life of the Jewish rebels, including pottery, utensils, and even human hair. Even more fascinating was the evidence that Yadin uncovered of the 976 rebels who committed mass suicide as referenced in Josephus’s historical accounts, among them skeletal remains and pottery shards with names inscribed on them, assigning who would carry out the act of mass suicide among them.
In June 2023, the most exciting discovery in the Dead Sea region since Masada was made by researchers from Ariel University and Hebrew University, who spotted the tip of a Roman javelin wedged between the rocks. The reported it to the Israel Antiquities Authority who sent archaeologists with advanced equipment to discover further.
Behind a wall, in the upper level of the cave, they found four in-tact iron swords dating back to the times of the Roman Empire and the ongoing battles with the Jewish rebels in the area.
Behind a wall, in the upper level of the cave, they found four in-tact iron swords dating back to the times of the Roman Empire and the ongoing battles with the Jewish rebels in the area.
Iron Swords of War discovered in Ein Gedi
Researchers theorized that this page may have been a hidden weapons stay for the swords stolen from the Roman Legion. Ein Gedi is only 20 kilometers north of Masada, where the final battle occurred between the Romans and the Jewish Rebels.
The world's largest natural health spa
There is a good reason why Queen Cleopatra and King Herod invested so much of their wealth in the Dead Sea. They understood that this region held the keys to physical well-being and beauty.
The climate of the Dead Sea is perfect for those with respiratory ailments. With an oxygen density of 15% above average and barely any humidity, every breath is easy and beneficial. It also contains high concentrations of bromine and magnesium that help relieve stress and tension.
At 430.5 meters below sea level, the sun's powerful rays are effectively filtered, providing an abundance of Vitamin D absorption and all the other benefits of safe sun exposure.
The salt level of the sea is 32%, compared to the ocean at 3%, allowing bathers to float on the sea, which gives an immense feeling of muscle and joint relaxation and contributes to improved flow of blood circulation.
And the mineral-enriched mud holds is simply a gift to the skin. It contains 21 essential minerals and has been proven to relieve a range of skin conditions, including psoriasis, arthritis, and dermatitis.
Apply the black mud to your whole face and body, and once you wash it off, your skin will automatically feel smooth, revitalized, and look fantastic!
The climate of the Dead Sea is perfect for those with respiratory ailments. With an oxygen density of 15% above average and barely any humidity, every breath is easy and beneficial. It also contains high concentrations of bromine and magnesium that help relieve stress and tension.
At 430.5 meters below sea level, the sun's powerful rays are effectively filtered, providing an abundance of Vitamin D absorption and all the other benefits of safe sun exposure.
The salt level of the sea is 32%, compared to the ocean at 3%, allowing bathers to float on the sea, which gives an immense feeling of muscle and joint relaxation and contributes to improved flow of blood circulation.
And the mineral-enriched mud holds is simply a gift to the skin. It contains 21 essential minerals and has been proven to relieve a range of skin conditions, including psoriasis, arthritis, and dermatitis.
Apply the black mud to your whole face and body, and once you wash it off, your skin will automatically feel smooth, revitalized, and look fantastic!
The Dead Sea Today
Today, millions of people come from across Israel and around the world to enjoy the healing benefits of the world’s largest health spa all year round. Even during the winter, the weather at the Dead Sea remains warm and pleasant.
Tourists can hike and explore the archaeological wonders of Masada and see the remains of Herod’s fortresses and the site where the Jewish rebels made their last stand against the Roman Empire. At the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, you can dive into the tropical oasis where King David found refuge from King Saul, with its freshwater pools, lush greenery, and the unique wildlife that live in the area, among them the Nubian Ibex. Visit Qumran and see where the Essenes Jewish sect lived and learn about their way of life, as was revealed through the texts of the Dead Sea scrolls found in the caves of Qumran. And, of course, there is the Dead Sea, where visitors float on the sea and cover themselves in the healing mineral-rich black mud.
Tourists can hike and explore the archaeological wonders of Masada and see the remains of Herod’s fortresses and the site where the Jewish rebels made their last stand against the Roman Empire. At the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, you can dive into the tropical oasis where King David found refuge from King Saul, with its freshwater pools, lush greenery, and the unique wildlife that live in the area, among them the Nubian Ibex. Visit Qumran and see where the Essenes Jewish sect lived and learn about their way of life, as was revealed through the texts of the Dead Sea scrolls found in the caves of Qumran. And, of course, there is the Dead Sea, where visitors float on the sea and cover themselves in the healing mineral-rich black mud.
Whether it’s for a revitalizing Dead Sea Spa treatment, a relaxing break from the daily hustle and bustle to take in the dramatic beauty and breathtaking scenery of the region or to go back in time and explore the incredible Biblical history at the archaeological sites of Masada, the Dead Sea is a place that is anything but dead!
Experience the wonders of the Dead Sea for yourself!
Whether Queen Cleopatra’s cosmetics factories or King Herod’s wellness centers, the history of the Dead Sea has inspired Israel’s modern-day pioneers to harness the treasures of this natural wonder for the benefit of all.
From skincare to beauty products and even edible goods, they bring the best of the Dead Sea to you!
From skincare to beauty products and even edible goods, they bring the best of the Dead Sea to you!
Another small business utilizing the wonders of the Dead Sea is Sea of Spa, founded in 1996 in the desert mountain town of Arad, which overlooks the Dead Sea and is just a short ride by car to the shores.
This company has blended the healing benefits of the Dead Sea’s unique properties, whether the pure salts or mineral-enriched mud, to create a product range that will heal and treat your entire body, giving you all the benefits of a trip to a Dead Spa at home.
This company has blended the healing benefits of the Dead Sea’s unique properties, whether the pure salts or mineral-enriched mud, to create a product range that will heal and treat your entire body, giving you all the benefits of a trip to a Dead Spa at home.
The majestic beauty of the Holy Land and the Dead Sea is what motivated London-born Debbie Saperia to turn her passion for health and wellness into a small business producing skincare products that blend the healing powers of the Dead Sea with unique herbs and flowers of the River Jordan to treat both the body and soul!
Not only do her products leave the skin smooth and youthful, but they also leave you smelling of the blissful fragrance of the Holy Land!
Not only do her products leave the skin smooth and youthful, but they also leave you smelling of the blissful fragrance of the Holy Land!
The Dead Sea can be unforgiving; its climate and terrain make it challenging to produce products that give users its full benefits. But Israel’s producers work for a higher purpose. They love the Holy Land, are deeply connected to their Biblical heritage, and want to share the goodness of Israel with all.
Take Malki Dead Sea, a family-run business that initially lived in Jerusalem when the State was founded in 1948. They moved to a village called Beit Dagan, where they began a soap manufacturing business using flowers and herbs mentioned in the Bible. With their love of the land, they turned to the Dead Sea to unlock its healing power, using its raw ingredients and infusing their products with them. Malki’s collection of products, from soaps to creams, revitalize and reinvigorate the skin, just like a soak in the Dead Sea would do!
Take Malki Dead Sea, a family-run business that initially lived in Jerusalem when the State was founded in 1948. They moved to a village called Beit Dagan, where they began a soap manufacturing business using flowers and herbs mentioned in the Bible. With their love of the land, they turned to the Dead Sea to unlock its healing power, using its raw ingredients and infusing their products with them. Malki’s collection of products, from soaps to creams, revitalize and reinvigorate the skin, just like a soak in the Dead Sea would do!
Did you know that the salt of the Dead Sea is edible? That is precisely what 424 Salt does! Named after the altitude of the Dead Sea at 424 meters below sea level, founder Idan Zayit fell in love with the region as a young soldier. He returned to the Dead Sea with the idea of utilizing its most common property, salt, to be used uniquely for cooking purposes!
Today, 424 Salt collects, processes, and refines the Dead Sea salt to produce a variety of salt and seasoning mixtures that are not only delicious but also low in sodium, making it a healthy alternative to table salt!
Today, 424 Salt collects, processes, and refines the Dead Sea salt to produce a variety of salt and seasoning mixtures that are not only delicious but also low in sodium, making it a healthy alternative to table salt!
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