Bible Dictionary
Engedi
En-gedi was an oasis and town on the western shore of the Dead Sea, formerly called Hazezon-tamar. David hid in its wilderness, and its vineyards and spring were well known.
Definition
En-gedi, “fountain of the kid,” was a town and oasis in the wilderness of Judah on the western shore of the Dead Sea. It was formerly called Hazezon-tamar.
Biblical Usage
David fled to the wilderness near En-gedi from Saul. En-gedi is also mentioned in connection with the Dead Sea and was famous for its vineyards in Solomon’s time.
Historical Background
The site is identified with modern Ain Jidy. Its spring rises on the mountain side above the Dead Sea and, in descending, produces surrounding luxuriance. Hazezon-tamar was associated with Amorites and with palm groves.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fountain of the kid, place in the wilderness of Judah (Josh. 15:62), on the western shore of the Dead Sea (Ezek. 47:10), and nearly equidistant from both extremities. To the wilderness near this town David fled for fear of Saul (Josh. 15:62; 1 Sam. 23:29). It was at first called Hazezon-tamar (Gen. 14:7), a city of the Amorites. The vineyards of Engedi were celebrated in Solomon’s time (Cant. 1:4). It is the modern ‘Ain Jidy. The “fountain” from which it derives its name rises on the mountain side about 600 feet above the sea, and in its rapid descent spreads luxuriance all around it. Along its banks the osher grows abundantly. That shrub is thus described by Porter: “The stem is stout, measuring sometimes nearly a foot in diameter, and the plant grows to the height of 15 feet or more. It has a grayish bark and long oval leaves, which when broken off discharge a milky fluid. The fruit resembles an apple, and hangs in clusters of two or three. When ripe it is of a rich yellow colour, but on being pressed it explodes like a puff-ball. It is chiefly filled with air...This is the so-called ‘apple of Sodom.’” Through Samaria, etc. (See APPLE.)