This weekend I led a trip focused on the life of David. We camped at En Gedi and hiked around the area. I’ve led field trips on David about 7-8 times and in this particular area about half that many. For our Sunday hike (some of my pictures of the group here), we walked up the Nahal Arugot, past Tel Goren and to the Hidden Waterfall. We climbed up the ridge, about a 2000-feet ascent (on a steep and sometimes challenging path), crossed over, and went down the ancient route (of Ziz) to the Nahal David. We enjoyed waterfalls at the beginning and the end, a few springs, a Chalcolithic temple, and a herd of male ibex. The temperature was about 75 with a light breeze and clouds that kept the sun off our heads most of the day. It was as perfect a day for hiking as I could imagine.
The night before and along the way we reflected on David’s life. So many things are instructive. The dryness of the land (not really barren though in February). The preciousness of the spring water. The need for food for strength (I forgot my sack lunch). Here are a few observations.
1. In this terrain it is easy to see how Saul’s and David’s men could see each other and yet be hours away from each other. It is also easy to see how one group could quickly “disappear” and escape the other’s clutches.
2. Knowledge of the water sources is essential for survival. David’s years of shepherding in the wilderness would have served him well in these years on the run.
3. Perhaps theirs was Spirit-induced, but the hard sleep of Saul and his men is understandable after a difficult day of trekking up and down cliffs.
4. My appreciation of David’s patience and restraint is greatly increased when I see the physical stresses and mental pressures he faced. He was surrounded by a rather rough crew, yet he kept his focus on God. He no doubt was often hungry and weary, yet his spirit remained strong. It is easy to contrast this with my hike – where we had a happy group, plenty of supplies, and a rather short trip.
I am often asked what my favorite place in Israel is. I don’t have an answer. But I do think that this trip, with deliberate reflection on the circumstances of David’s life, is one of the most profitable experiences that I have been apart of. The psalms have always been a favorite of God’s people; how much moreso when some of the barriers are removed.
Thanks for the observations Todd. I really enjoy your blog, and loved reading about the Nahal Arugot/David hike. It’s fun to see it afterwards (and during the springtime!). Thanks for all the lessons taught in Israel, and especially the Ancient Israel hike. It was easily one of my top 5 favorites in Israel. God bless.