What is…
Engedi
also known as: En Gedi, Ein Gedi, En-gedi, Engedi, Eggadi, Engaddi, Ain Jidy, Ain Jidi
Hebrew: עֵין גֶּדִ —transliteration: En Gedi —meaning: spring of a kid
This is a place in the wilderness of Judah (Joshua 15:62), on the western shore of the Dead Sea (Ezek. 47:10), and nearly equidistant from both extremities
To the wilderness near the city here David fled in fear of King Saul (Joshua 15:62; 1 Samuel 23:29). He hid in the crags and ravines of Engedi and later reconciled with Saul here (1 Samuel 24:1-8).
The ancient city here was at first called Hazezon-tamar (Genesis 14:7), a city of the Amorites.
After Israel’s conquest of the land following the Exodus, the city was called Ein Gedi and belonged to the Tribe of Judah.
The vineyards of Engedi were celebrated in Solomon’s time (Song of Songs 1:4).
The ancient city of Ein Gedi here belonged to the Tribe of Judah.
A great multitude of army of Moabites and Ammonites camped at Engedi (Hazezon-tamar, Hazazon-tamar) in preparation to attack the army of King Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:2).
This place was destroyed or abandoned after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem (587-586 BC).
It is the modern 'Ain Jidy (its Arabic name), an palm tree oasis. The spring from which it derives its name rises on the mountain side about 600 feet above the sea, and in its rapid descent spreads luxuriance all around it. It is a sanctuary for many types of plant, bird and animal species.
The water of the spring here provided an oasis that sustained life, and this place is still popular with visitors today. There is an archaeological site, the Antiquities National Park, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, caves (including Moringa and Mikveh), and the nearby kibbutz of Ein Gedi which has a Botanical Garden.
More information
- What is a spring, and what springs are mentioned in the Bible?
- Ain
- Hazezon-tamar
- Amorites
- What is the Tribe of Judah?
- Camphire, found at Engedi
- Berachah, a valley not far from Engedi
- Kain, ancient town on the east edge of the mountain above Engedi
- Nibshan, an ancient city probably near Engedi
- Jeruel, a desert in the direction of Engedi
- Siddim, place between Engedi and the cities of the plain
- Arnon River, flows into the Dead Sea nearly opposite Engedi
- Grapes
- About wine in the Bible
- About wilderness in the Bible
- About the Dead Sea of Israel
- What is Arabah?
- Caves in the Bible
- Places of the Bible