Religious Context

The Dead Sea has served as a healing center since Biblical times. The Dead Sea is mentioned twice in the Bible. In both instances, it is prophesied that the sea will one day come alive with plant life and fish. The connection between both John the Baptist and Jesus and the Dead Sea allows many people to experience a spiritual association.

The Dead Sea has long been associated with the Sea of Galilee and the many miracles that Jesus performed during his ministry in the region. Satellite images of the region demonstrate a clear geologic as well as geographic connection between the two bodies of water. The word Galilee refers to both a sea as well as a region that is situated in northern Israel.

The Sea of Galilee is actually a fresh water lake, extending some 13 miles in length and 8 miles in across at its widest point. Surrounded by mountains that soar some 1,500 feet high, the region is a beautiful and complex paradise of grass fields, trees and fertile soil.

During his ministry, Jesus frequently preached along the shores. It was from this region that he called his disciples James, Peter, John and Andrew to become fishers of men. During His time there He performed numerous miracles, one of which was the calming of the stormy sea, as described in Matthew, Mark and Luke. After entering a boat in order to cross the Sea of Galilee, a great storm arose, resulting in high waves quickly swamping the boat. After He rebuked the wind and the sea, his disciples were filled with awe and asked of one another "Who then is this that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" The Gospels also describe the account of five thousand men and their families being fed on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. With no food other than two fish and five barley leaves, Jesus blessed the food and asked that His disciples set the bounty out before the peoples and it was multiplied so that all five thousand men as well as their families were able to eat and be filled, with even twelve baskets of broken pieces left over.

It was also in this region that Jesus performed the miracle of walking on water. After having multiplied the loaves and fish, he dismissed the crowds and went up to pray by Himself in the mountains. Early the next morning, the boat carrying His disciples was already far away and the winds were high. Approaching His disciples, he crossed the waters and got into the boat with them.

The numerous miracles that Jesus performed in the region were not the only acts of faith that occurred in the region. It was also in this region that Moses crossed the Red Sea, taking the Hebrews out of Egypt and successfully fleeing Pharaoh's army as the waters of the sea parted and allowed Moses and his people to cross on dry land before converging once again to swallow their pursuers.

Today numerous churches have been constructed either on or near the area of this region, including the Church of the Loaves and Fishes as well as the Church of the Beatitudes. It is also possible to benefit from the connection between the Dead Sea and the numerous miracles performed during Biblical times in the region through the use of Dead Sea salts. Available in a high quality reusable container, Dead Sea salts are offered with a custom label that has been individually blessed by a licensed Reverend.

The crucial location of the Dead Sea has allowed it to serve as an important element in three major religions throughout history; Christianity, Islam and Judaism. In Genesis 19, the Bible describes a destructive and powerful earthquake that occurred near the Dead Sea during the life of Abraham. Both historical and archaeological investigation has borne out this description. Today, there is no evidence remaining, but the remains of five cities are thought to be rest beneath the salty waters near the southern end of the Dead Sea. There are also numerous other archaeological sites situated near the Dead Sea, including Ein Gedi, Masada and Qumran; which is the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

The Dead Sea's role has also proven to be a source of conflict as all three religions have laid claim to the region throughout history. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls near the Qumran community has provided incredible insight into the social and religious beliefs of the Jews during the first century.

The advantages of salts from the region have been touted throughout history and are no less valuable to modern society today than they were when Biblical scholars lived in the region many years ago. Today, no matter where you live, it is possible to benefit from the health attributes of Dead Sea salts.

The Dead Sea has developed a strong reputation for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. The warm climate and pure water rich in minerals has resulted in the region becoming highly regarded as a treatment and wellness center. This area became a retreat and refuge for King David. Even King Herod retreated to the area seeking relief for his body aches. While the wonders of the Dead Sea have been appreciated for thousands of years, in modern times the true value of this region is still often under appreciated.

In his writings, Aristotle mentioned the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea has also been closely associated with both John the Baptist and Jesus. While there is currently no marine life living in the Dead Sea, it has been prophesied in the Bible that one day the Dead Sea will come alive and be filled with marine life.