IMAGE INSIGHTS: In the rocky terrain northwest of present-day Ein Bokek, a large rugged escarpment known as Masada stands defiantly in the desert territory of the Dead Sea. Located in the lowest region on earth, this natural defensive outpost towers some 1,424 feet above the dry and barren creek-beds below. The word masada is found in the Hebrew Bible and is often translated in English as “stronghold” or “fortress.” This uniquely shaped escarpment was only approachable by a crooked, narrow trail known as the snake path. It was a virtually impregnable natural fortress and became an ideal location for a small garrison of men to defend themselves against a larger opposing force below. In the first century before Christ, King Herod had a defensive stronghold with a luxurious palace placed on its summit in the likely event he might have to flee Jerusalem from an invading army or band of zealots. Long before Herod, tradition says that King David took refuge here as well. While this cannot be proven, we do know that it was to places like Masada that David found solace against his enemies and escaped the threat of death or harm (e.g. 1 Samuel 23:29; 24:22). These same rocky strongholds and fortresses would eventually be used as imagery by Israel’s great poets and hymn writers in describing the greatness of God and the security they found in Him: “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; he is my steadfast love and my fortress [metsudah], my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge” (Psalm 144:1-2). by
John W. Moore
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