En Gedi

Also known as Tel Goren, Tell el-Jurn, Tell Jurn, 'Ain Jidi, 'Ein Jidi, 'En Gedi, En-gedi, Eggadi, Engaddi, Engedi, Hazazon Tamar, Hazazon-tamar, Hazazontamar, Hazezontamar

Dead Sea Oasis

En Gedi is the largest oasis along the western shore of the Dead Sea.  The springs here have allowed nearly continuous inhabitation of the site since the Chalcolithic period. The area was allotted to the tribe of Judah, and was famous in the time of Solomon (Josh 15:62). Today the Israeli kibbutz of En Gedi sits along the southern bank of the Nahal Arugot.

Famous Vineyards

The abundant springs and year-round temperate climate provided the perfect conditions for agriculture in ancient times. Solomon compared his lover to "a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of En Gedi," an indication of the beauty and fertility of the site (Song 1:14). Evidence has been of workshops used in the perfume industry to distill products made from balsam. It has even been suggested that the perfume production at En Gedi was part of a royal estate.

Springs

Even though there are many springs around the Dead Sea, most of them have a high salt content. En Gedi is one of only two fresh water springs located on the western shore of the Dead Sea and, because of the greater availability of land for agriculture at En Gedi, it is the best spring by which to settle.

Josephus praised En Gedi for its palm trees and balsam, and the writer of Ecclesiasticus spoke of wisdom that was exalted like a palm tree in En Gedi" (24:14).  One day, the prophet Ezekiel predicted, fishermen would line the shores of the Dead Sea by En Gedi (47:10).

David's Flight from Saul

Around 1000 B.C., En Gedi served as one of the main places of refuge for David as he fled from Saul. David "dwelt in strongholds at En Gedi" (1 Sam. 23:29). En Gedi means literally "the spring of the kid (goat)." Evidence exists that young ibex have always lived near the springs of En Gedi. One time when David was fleeing from King Saul, the pursuers searched the "Crags of the Ibex" in the vicinity of En Gedi. In a cave near here, David cut off the corner of Saul's robe (1 Sam 24).

Chalcolithic Temple

The earliest remains at En Gedi are of a temple from the Chalcolithic Period (about 4000 - 3150 B.C.). Archaeologist believe that this is proof that En Gedi supported a significant settlement at that time. The "Cave of Treasure" in the Nahal Mishmar was excavated by P. Bar-Adon and is thought to be connected with this temple. The cave is approximately six miles south of En Gedi. A hoard of extremely well preserved artifacts was found in the cave, most of which were made of copper. It has been suggested that the articles were used in the temple rituals at En Gedi and were hid in the cave for safe keeping.

Related Websites

At BiblePlaces.com, see the related sites of the Dead Sea, Masada, Qumran, Qumran Caves, Jericho, and the Judean Wilderness.

Engedi  (AncientSandals.com) Helpful geographical information together with the major historical events of significance.  Includes photographs.

Ein Gedi (CTSP) Brief description and photograph of the site.

Ein Gedi Oasis Excavations (Hebrew University) Information about the archaeological excavation of the Roman period village led by Gideon Hadas of Hebrew University.  Includes a call for volunteers and application.  Current excavations are focused on revealing the "Pebbled House" and adjacent buildings.

Ein Gedi An Ancient Oasis Settlement (Jewish Virtual Library) A lengthier article describing the Chalcolithic temple, village at Tell Goren, and Roman-Byzantine synagogue.

Ein-Gedi (Dept for Jewish Zionist Education) A selective article on some aspects of En Gedi's history.

Ein Gedi (NET Tours) Includes five excellent pages of description and numerous well-chosen photos.  Some of our favorites are those adapted from photos from the Pictorial Library of Bible Lands with labels showing the major features from the air (this page).