At Masada, Susan Marcus walked us through the ruins. Every part of this place had a story to tell. There was a home that was specially built for King Herod, but there is no proof that he was ever lived there. And since the king had to be carried everywhere by people, it is probably safe to say that he was never even in the home because the Snake Path would have been impossible. Kind of sad due to all the work that was put into this master piece.
There were also several water cisterns that allowed the Jews to never thirst while the Romans had their water carried form many miles away. Marble was in style at this time, but marble could not be carried up the path, so they made imitation marble. There was a synagogue as well. All Jewish synagogues face Jerusalem. Here, in a side room, Ezekiel chapter five was found. As we walked around we noticed a pile of big round stones. I’m not sure how long it took the Romans, but they devised a plan to get up and in to Masada. They built a ramp of stones and sand. After the ramp was built they hoisted a battering ram up it and slowly knocked a hole in the wall. But by the time the 8000 Roman soldiers got into the town, it was too late. All 800 plus Jews – thinking they were the last Jews on earth – had slit each other’s throats. Beside each body lay a cup of water to show they hadn’t thirsted, some type of food to show they hadn’t starved, and a weapon to show they could have fought. The Romans, disgusted at “cowards,” turned around and went home. But the Jews had won. The children died before they could be used as slaves. The women died before they were abused. And the men died free.
Today, Masada represents the Jews’ valor. Before any soldier can join Israel’s forces, he must march through the desert from Jerusalem, run up the Snake Path, (It is much safer today, but still very treacherous.) and finally be given his weapon and a Bible, vowing to protect God’s chosen people and country.
No comments:
Post a Comment