Fun at the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea has been known throughout the Bible by many names. In Genesis it is called the Salt Sea. Joshua called it the Sea of the Aravah or Plain. Ezechiel called it the East Sea and Zechariah called it the Former Sea. Josephus called it the Sea of Asphalt and in the Talmud it is mentioned as the Sea of Salt and the Sea of Sodom.

 

 

 

The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth. It's 1290 feet below sea level and we could tell that as our ears popped as we drove to it. The Dead Sea is 11 miles across and 48 miles long. It is is 30% solid content being rich in Sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorides and magnesium bromide. All of these are refined and used in industry and agriculture. The problem with this is that the sea is so much lower than it should be because of this and the drought combined.

 

 

Everyone was told that it is not a good idea to get int the water if you have high blood pressure or any hear conditions. So those of us who were able and willing headed out to the water, salt combination.

 

 

The bottom floor of the sea is a very rich mud. You'll notice that it looks like we were having trouble standing up - WE WERE! The mud sucks you under like quick sand. We were told to back into the sea and not walk forward into it because it would pull us forward and we would fall face first into the water. I originally though this was because of the salt and minerals. As I backed in I knew that it was because of the MUD that just sucked you under. We were told to not get the water in our mouths or eyes and if we did get right out and rinse it out.

 





 

 

We were also told that we should not stay in long. But get out and rinse off - then get back in. We saw some people who were covering them selves with the mud. And I'll have to say the parts of our bodies that got muddy - when we came out and washed off - were very very soft. In fact shortly after we left we went to a store that was selling this mud for $85.00 a jar - and not a very big jar at that. Man did we miss our chance to make some extra cash - ha ha.

 

 

Even if you can't swim - as long as you keep your head above the water - you will float in the Dead Sea. The make up of the water will not allow you to drown. The only way you could drown is if you take in the water through your mouth. It was an amazing and crazy feeling all at the same time. I did have some of the water splashed on my lip and it tasted like pure salt. Everyone enjoyed the time and we even had ice cream after. Really enjoyed those as they were $4.00 a bar.

 

 

Grace and Peace,

All for now, more to come,

Pastor Deb