Location
Overview
En-gedi ("spring of the kid") is a lush oasis of springs and waterfalls on the barren western shore of the Dead Sea — a hiding place for David and a byword for beauty.
David spares Saul
Hunted by Saul, David hid "in the wilderness of Engedi" among "the rocks of the wild goats" (1 Samuel 24:1–2). When Saul entered a cave where David's men lay hidden, David crept up and cut off the skirt of Saul's robe but would not harm him — "the LORD forbid that I should... stretch forth mine hand against... the LORD's anointed" (1 Samuel 24:4–6).
A test of the heart
Coming out, David called after Saul and showed the cut cloth as proof of his innocence, and Saul wept and confessed, "thou art more righteous than I" (1 Samuel 24:17).
An oasis of beauty
En-gedi's vineyards became a figure of loveliness: "my beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi" (Song of Solomon 1:14).
Events Here
David spares Saul’s life in a cave at En-gedi
Scripture References
6 versesJoshua1 verse
Joshua 15:62
And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.
1 Samuel2 verses
1 Samuel 23:29
And David went up from thence, and dwelt in strong holds at Engedi.
1 Samuel 24:1
And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi. following: Heb. after
2 Chronicles1 verse
2 Chronicles 20:2
Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.
Song of Solomon1 verse
Song of Solomon 1:14
My beloved is unto me as a cluster of camphire in the vineyards of Engedi. camphire: or, cypress
Ezekiel1 verse
Ezekiel 47:10
And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from Engedi even unto Eneglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.
Archaeology & History
Ein Gedi is a spring-fed oasis and nature reserve on the Dead Sea, its freshwater pools and date palms a startling contrast to the surrounding desert. Its rugged cliffs and caves — home to ibex ("wild goats") — match exactly the setting of David's escape.
People who appear here
Frequently asked about En-gedi
Where is En-gedi today?
Today, En-gedi corresponds to Ein Gedi, Israel.
What does the name En-gedi mean?
The name En-gedi means “Spring of the kid (young goat)”.
What happened at En-gedi in the Bible?
Key biblical events at En-gedi include david spares saul’s life in a cave at en-gedi.
Where is En-gedi first mentioned in the Bible?
En-gedi is first mentioned in Joshua 15:62.
How often is En-gedi mentioned in the Bible?
En-gedi is mentioned in 6 verses across 5 books: Joshua, 1 Samuel, 2 Chronicles, Song of Solomon, Ezekiel.
What happened at En-gedi?
Hiding from Saul in the wilderness of En-gedi, David found Saul vulnerable in a cave but refused to kill "the LORD’s anointed," cutting only the edge of his robe to prove he meant no harm.
Where is En-gedi?
A freshwater oasis on the western shore of the Dead Sea in Israel, surrounded by desert cliffs and caves.