Study #9: AYIN

AYIN: THE 16TH LETTER OF THE HEBREW ALPHABET

EN GEDI: AYIN AS A SPRING OF LIFE-GIVING WATER

In my study tour of the Dead Sea area, we sometimes walk to the first waterfall in this ancient and scenic oasis called EN GEDI – time and weather permitting!

EN GEDI ( עְין גְּדִי ) in the guide books is described as a place by the Dead Sea and literally means “eye/fountain of the mountain goat”, possibly a watering place for such goats because of its location by an oasis. The members of my last group there in November 2018 were blessed to see many of these Biblical goats restored to their natural habitat.

But in the Bible, it is also described as having a vineyard (Song of Songs 1:14) in a wilderness setting (1 Samuel 24:1). 

Biblical prophecy of the prophet Ezekiel ( Ezekiel 47:10 ) describes a Messianic Age of healing water flowing from the Temple and fishermen spreading their nets from En Gedi to En Eglaim ( עַיִן עֶגְלַיִם ) “fountain of calves”.

What spiritual lessons can we glean from En Gedi?

In a dry and thirsty land where there not enough water, God left an eco-system in the wilderness of En Gedi to remind His people – and us – that hope springs eternal in our hearts at the sight of such a magnificent  outpouring of grace and mercy that sustains the life of the surrounding fauna and flora.

Here David and his mighty men of valour found refuge from the hounds of Saul in the waters of En Gedi which threw off their scent.

Here the perfumed air of henna blooms gladdened the heart of the King towards His Shulamite Bride.

Here is where marine life will one day return to the Dead Sea from living waters emanating from the throne of God in the New Jerusalem that will revive the wilderness of Ein Gedi to its pristine condition – like a restored Garden of Eden.

Abba Father, EN GEDI holds out the redemption of the land of Israel by the children of God from the curse of a fallen world. Time past, time present and future will mesh into one epiphany to the praise and glory of Your Name.

Romans 8:19-39 New Living Translation (NLT)

19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, 21 the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time