Kissing the Camel at Jericho

January 20, 2026

2 Kings 2 records the ascension of Elijah, the geographical setting mentions several sites, including Jericho. There is so much biblical history associated with this ancient city. In preparing for a Zoom study on this text, my mind went back to some visits to this location, and photos we have taken. We have often included Jericho on our tours of Israel. While we emphasize biblical study on such tours, that doesn’t mean there is no fun allowed. And really I can’t be expected to be responsible for the behavior of all my tour members 🙂 And on further reflection perhaps the title here should be, “Being Kissed by the Camel.”

Light-hearted moment at Old Testament Jericho. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

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Posted by Leon Mauldin

Hazazon Tamar, which Is En Gedi

January 6, 2026

Judah’s King Jehoshaphat (r. 873-848) faced an invasion by a coalition of forces from Moab and Ammon and others (2 Chron. 20:1). The text states: “Messengers arrived and reported to Jehoshaphat, “A huge army is attacking you from the other side of the Dead Sea, from the direction of Edom. Look, they are in Hazezon Tamar (that is, En Gedi)” (v.2, NET). This location is on the western shore of the Dead Sea, so the enemy was already in Judah’s territory. The text will go on to narrate a great victory which YHWH granted because His people relied upon Him (see the remainder of 2 Chron. 20).

Hazazon Tamar, En Gedi in southern Israel. Photo by Leon Mauldin.
One of the fresh water falls at En Gedi. Photo by Leon Mauldin.

Photos like these help us to better visualize our text.

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Leave a Comment » | Bible History and Geography, Bible Places, Bible Study, Divided Kingdom, Israel, Judah, Old Testament, photography, Travel | Tagged: , | Permalink
Posted by Leon Mauldin