Passage 8 | Masada: Fortress of Misplaced Faith

In the hot barren desert of the ancient tribal territory of Judea stands a gaunt and yet majestic plateau known as Masada. Rising some 1,300 feet above the Dead Sea, this natural island of defense is surrounded on all sides by rugged and deep canyon ravines. Thought to have been one of King David’s hiding places, this site was in the first century B.C. transformed into what was believed to be an impregnable palace fortress for King Herod the Great, and later would become the place for a legendary showdown between Jewish Zealots and their Roman nemeses. Masada: Misplaced Fortress of Faith is an excellent film which documents and explains through creative and powerful illustrations, photography and video the history of this historic site. The ruins of this modern national monument have today been unearthed and are a classic example of how archaeology has shown the Jewish historian Josephus to be a reliable source for the history of first-century Palestine. Bible Land Passages has assembled the evidence and information which testifies to the events and experiences of life during the time of Jesus and the early church, and the struggles of a nation seeking to maintain its identify. A must-see film with a much needed lesson about ingenuity, courage, and faith.

A version of this video appropriate for worship settings is available here.

Available on DVD from World Video Bible School.

BLP Pathways | Masada: Snake Path

Walk in the footsteps of David, the sweet singer of Israel, as he made his journey through the tribal territory of Judah in his flight from King Saul. In this the first of the Pathways video series, viewers are introduced to the harsh and barren climate of the Judean wilderness which surrounded the historic desert escarpment known today as Masada. Rising some 1,300 feet above the Dead Sea, this natural island of defense is surrounded on all sides by rugged and deep canyon ravines approached only by an ancient trail known as the snake path. Follow along with Bible Land Passage team members as they retrace the steps of this historic pathway where David likely traveled, and where Jewish Zealots and their families climbed in their journey to the mountain fortress built by King Herod.

Reflections on Masada | Gary Massey

Reflections on Masada | John Moore