En-gedi
En-gedi is a region mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Judea in modern-day Israel. Known today as Ein Gedi. It appears across 6 verses in Scripture.
Biblical History
En-gedi, whose name means 'spring of the young goat,' is one of the most dramatic and evocative locations in the Old Testament. Situated on the western shore of the Dead Sea in the Judean Desert, it is a lush oasis fed by freshwater springs cascading down steep cliffs. En-gedi first appears in Joshua 15:62 as a city of Judah's wilderness district. It is most celebrated as the setting of David's flight from Saul, when David hid among the rugged cliffs and caves with his band of followers (1 Samuel 23:29-24:22). Here David spared Saul's life in a cave at the 'Crags of the Wild Goats,' refusing to raise his hand against God's anointed. In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is compared to 'a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of En-gedi' (Song 1:14), evoking its lush beauty. Ezekiel's vision of the healing river culminating in fishermen at En-gedi (Ezekiel 47:10) ensures the site a place even in Israel's eschatological hopes.
Archaeological & Historical Notes
En-gedi (modern Ein Gedi) has been extensively excavated, revealing occupation from the Chalcolithic period through the Byzantine era. A remarkable Chalcolithic temple from the fourth millennium BC, associated with a treasure hoard of copper ritual objects, was discovered nearby at Nahal Mishmar. Iron Age occupation at Tell Goren (Tel Goren), the main ancient mound at En-gedi, shows evidence of a prosperous Judahite settlement producing balsam and other luxury goods. The site was also home to a thriving community during the Second Temple period and produced a famous synagogue mosaic from late antiquity. The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in nearby caves. Ein Gedi remains an active nature reserve and archaeological site today.
Verse Appearances (6)
Sources: ISBE Encyclopedia · OpenBible Geocoding (CC BY) · Pleiades Gazetteer View all →