Engedi

Engedi (or Hazazon-tamar), an oasis in Judah where David sought refuge from Saul, also the site of Chedorlaomer's victory.

Engedi, also known as Hazazon-tamar, is an oasis located on the western shore of the Dead Sea, in the wilderness of Judah. It is mentioned several times in the Bible, often in the context of its strategic location and its lush vegetation.

During the time of Abraham, Engedi (then called Hazazon-tamar) was one of the places where Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, and his allies defeated the Amorites before attacking Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 14:7; 2Ch.20.2).

Later, when David was fleeing from King Saul, he sought refuge in the strongholds of Engedi (1Sa.23.29). It was in the wilderness of Engedi that David had the opportunity to kill Saul but chose to spare his life, cutting off a corner of Saul's robe instead (1Sa.24.1-7).

The Song of Solomon mentions Engedi as a source of fragrant henna blossoms (Sng.1.14), testifying to its fertility and beauty. In Ezekiel's vision of the restored land of Israel, Engedi is mentioned as a place where fishermen will spread their nets, symbolizing abundance and prosperity (Ezk.47.10).

The name Engedi means "spring of the kid (young goat)" or "fountain of the goat," likely referring to the freshwater springs that make the area an oasis in the desert. Today, Engedi is a nature reserve in Israel, known for its hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna.

Fountain of the kid, place in the wilderness of Judah (Josh. 15:62), on the western shore of the Dead Sea (Ezek. 47:10), and nearly equidistant from both extremities. To the wilderness near this town David fled for fear of Saul (Josh. 15:62; 1 Sam. 23:29). It was at first called Hazezon-tamar (Gen. 14:7), a city of the Amorites.

The vineyards of Engedi were celebrated in Solomon’s time (Cant. 1:4). It is the modern ‘Ain Jidy. The “fountain” 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. Along its banks the osher grows abundantly. That shrub is thus described by Porter: “The stem is stout, measuring sometimes nearly a foot in diameter, and the plant grows to the height of 15 feet or more. It has a grayish bark and long oval leaves, which when broken off discharge a milky fluid. The fruit resembles an apple, and hangs in clusters of two or three. When ripe it is of a rich yellow colour, but on being pressed it explodes like a puff-ball. It is chiefly filled with air...This is the so-called ‘apple of Sodom.’” Through Samaria, etc.