The Israel Series: Bringing the Bible to Life One Photo, One Place, and One Bible Story at a Time

Israel: Bringing the Bible to Life

One photo. One place. One Bible story.

Masada is one of Israel’s most visited tourist attractions. Its ruins have become an enduring symbol of the Jewish fight for freedom. According to the ancient historian Josephus, when it became clear that the end was near, Elazar Ben-Yair gathered the people together. He reminded them that they had resolved to serve God rather than the Romans or any other master and urged them to die free rather than face capture and slavery. Josephus writes that nearly everyone at Masada died before the expected Roman attack at dawn. They burned many of their belongings but left food behind, showing the Romans that they had acted by choice and not because they were starving.

Today, visitors can reach the cliff-top fortress by cable car or by hiking the winding Snake Path. We took the cable car up and walked the Snake Path down. It was a long way up—and an even longer way down. I have the pictures to prove it.

Thank you for traveling with me. I’ll see you at our next stop in Israel.