What is the significance of Engedi in the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Engedi is an oasis in the desert near the Dead Sea, once an Amorite city and later part of Judah's territory. It served as a refuge for David when fleeing from King Saul's pursuit. Engedi is known for its freshwater springs, rare in the area, providing a symbol of life in the midst of the desert. Though not mentioned in the New Testament, Engedi's biblical significance as a place of refuge and fertility reflects God's provision and care. The Bible prophesies Engedi's future restoration, symbolizing hope and renewal, as depicted in Ezekiel and Revelation.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Engedi means "Spring of the Goat Kid" in Hebrew and is the name of an oasis in the desert west of the Dead Sea near Masada.
• Engedi (or En Gedi) was also called Hazazon-tamar (2 Chronicles 20:2) and was once an Amorite city (Genesis 14:7) before becoming one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:62).
• Engedi is perhaps best known for being a hiding place to which David fled when escaping King Saul's murderous intentions (1 Samuel 23:29—24:2).
• Most springs in the area have a high salt content, but Engedi is one of only two freshwater springs on the western shore of the Dead Sea. In a desert-like wilderness where temperatures can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit, Engedi is literally a refuge of living water. It is no wonder that David wrote, "my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water" (Psalm 63:1), and in Psalm 23, "He leads me beside still waters" (Psalm 23:2). Engedi is literally a physical place of fresh water where humans, animals (like Ibex goats), and plants can flourish amid an otherwise arid and inhospitable landscape.
• During King Solomon's time, Engedi's vineyards of balsam trees were known for producing perfume as mentioned in Song of Solomon 1:14.
• Ezekiel prophesied that, in the future, Engedi will become a fishing village after God places a freshwater river that runs from Engedi to the Dead Sea, restoring life to the whole region which is currently an arid wilderness (Ezekiel 47:10).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Engedi is not mentioned in the New Testament.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Engedi, in the Bible, is known as a place of refuge, fertility, and flourishing—a place created by God to give and preserve life for those who take refuge in Him (Psalm 5:11–12; 18; 104:10–18). In fact, Ezekiel prophesied that, in the future, Engedi will become a fishing village after God places a freshwater river that runs from Engedi to the Dead Sea, restoring life to the whole region which is currently an arid wilderness (Ezekiel 47:10). We can look forward to the day when we shall see what God promised in Revelation: "For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes" (Revelation 7:17)!

UNDERSTAND

• Engedi, meaning "Spring of the Goat Kid" in Hebrew, is an oasis located west of the Dead Sea near Masada.
• Engedi was once an Amorite city, also known as Hazazon-tamar, before becoming part of the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah.
• Engedi is famous for being a hiding place where David fled from King Saul's pursuit.

REFLECT

• How does the story of David finding refuge in Engedi resonate with times in your life when you've sought refuge or felt God's provision during difficult situations?
• How do you relate to the imagery of Engedi as an oasis in the desert, providing refreshment and sustenance in dry seasons of life?
• Reflect on Engedi as a symbol of God's provision. What is your response to God’s sustenance and renewal?

ENGAGE

• It is thought that David penned Psalm 63 while taking refuge in Engedi. During this time of hiding, while David and his men were concealed in a cave, King Saul unknowingly entered that same cave to relieve himself (1 Samuel 24:1–4). David spared King Saul's life by cutting off a corner of his robe rather than slitting his throat. David then used the fabric to prove his loyalty to the king (1 Samuel 24:9–11). "Then Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold" (1 Samuel 24:22). So Engedi continued to be a safe home for David.
• Engedi was a stronghold. During the intertestamental period, the Hasmonean Dynasty built a fortified citadel to protect the town and its agriculture against raiding nomads. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by the Romans during the Jewish Rebellion from AD 66 to AD 70. Due to its natural resources, however, Engedi continued to be an important settlement. Today, a kibbutz conducts agriculture and tourism there. There is also a national park and a nature preserve with a botanic garden and hiking trails.
• Consider Engedi's future restoration as prophesied in Ezekiel. What does this tell us about God's ultimate plan for renewal and restoration, and how does it give us hope today?