Adullam Nature Reserve
David is one of the favorite heroes in the Bible. After all, how many people get a biblical shout out as “a man after God’s own heart.” (Samuel 13:14). David ‘s life exemplifies our own spiritual journey. It echoes the moments of experiencing God’s strength manifested through us, as well the shadow times where we face off our own humanity with disappointment, and live to tell the tale of God’s unthinkable redemption and endless mercy.
Countless books have been written about the shepherd boy that became king; however, You can actually see and experience, “David’s Country,” the very places where his life took place.
Adullam Nature Reserve, about thirty minutes south of Jerusalem,is where David hid in a cave and rallied his support for kingship, and most authentically pinned many of his Psalms and set them to music. (I Samuel 22:1). Adullam was an ancient city in the plain of Judah, that was originally conquered by Joshua, Joshua 15: 35. Its meaning is appropriately – Justice to the people. It is near to the Valley of Elah where David fought the Philistine Giant Goliath.
“So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam…Everyone who was in distress who was in debt and discontented gathered to him; and he became captain over them.”
Adullam, is a pastoral, tranquil place with natural woodland, oak trees, remains of ancient villages, green rolling hills and wildflowers in springtime and yes, a network of underground caves! Throughout time, local inhabitants dug caves in the soft chalkstone rock for various purposes. Its Mediterranean woodland made it more suitable for grazing rather than farming. There are low vales that you will see vineyards and unirrigated crops. Ancient terraces indicate these areas were farmed from at least Byzantine times. One of the oldest synagogues in Israel was found here. It is a beautiful place to walk, picnic or open your Bible and relax on a sunny day.
David represents the dichotomies within our own lives, the walk beside “still waters,” and the need to hide within the “cliff of the rock.” (Psalm 27:5). His walk with God, stories and songs have given hope and strength to people for thousands of years. David‘s story transcends culture and time. It is a true awakening of the Scriptures to walk in the very places where these stories unfolded.
Other places to visit, in David’s Terrain, are the Valley of Elah where the battle with Goliath took place, Khirbet Qieyafa/Shaarim, where Israel camped, the City of David, where he lived and reigned and the kings of Israel were anointed, and En Gedi, where David hid from King Saul.
We would love to take you to Adullam and many more places in Israel to explore “David’s Country, “ and to reflect on the stories of I & II Samuel and the book of Psalms.
