The Dead Sea is one of the most familiar and unique healing resorts in the world.
The area is characterized by an extraordinary combination of natural resources and climate conditions: the highest saltiness in the world; richness of minerals; thermo-mineral water; black medical mud; filtered sun radiation; dry air, rich with minerals; comfortable temperatures most of the year; a relatively high concentration of oxygen in the air, which is clean from allergens and other polluters.

The region of the Dead Sea comprises a rare combination of sites, history and special healing resorts, each of which can be a basis for independent tourism development. The Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth (about 417 meters underneath the Mediterranean Sea level) is a residue of the ancient "tongue lake" which stretched from the north of the Kinnereth till Hazeva in the Arraba.

The saltiness of the water which is about 430 mg. minerals per liter (10 times more than the Mediterranean Sea), allows natural effortless floating which creates a calm, peaceful sensation. The air is dry, rich with oxygen and free from any environmental pollution. From ancient times, the Dead Sea is known for its unique merits.

Many well-known leaders used to visit it and enjoy its medical merits: king Salomon, Jesus, Cleopatra, Great Herod, ancient leaders of Greece and other ancient leaders who had adopted the special place which granted them beauty, nurturing and health. The tiny universe with its micro climate and minerals, which is called the Dead Sea, is a universal center for tourism and natural health.

The Dead Sea is not only the natural biggest spa in the world, but it is also a universal center which supplies healing and relief for those who suffer from different illnesses. The water of the Dead Sea includes a high concentration of 26 different minerals, 12 of which are not to be found in any other lake in the world.

The Dead Sea is the only place on earth with medical merits which are a medical wonder, due to its high concentration of special minerals. The lake water and its surroundings are suitable for treatment of rheumatism. According to the results of studies made by The Dead Sea Medical Center, as well as to results of independent studies, "treatment of Psoriasis in the Dead Sea constantly yields good results". It is also beneficial for treatment of different skin problems and effective for care, nurture and renewal of the body. Along the beach there are natural sources of "healing water", rich with minerals and natural warmth, which together with the black mud strata create an ideal basis for health and beauty treatments.

All these attract millions of visitors every year, who enjoy the pleasures offered by nature in the most unique place on earth.  The Dead Sea is a medium sized lake situated between Israel and the West Bank, in size it is not comparable to the other biggies of the world like Lake Superior or the Caspian Sea; yet it is with some uniqueness no other water-bank on earth is endowed with. The Dead Sea plateau is the Earth’s lowest point of earth not covered by water or ice (only ocean floors are deeper) and it is the deepest among ‘hyper saline’ (with excessive salt content) with a depth of 1083 feet (330 meters).Asal no match! The Dead Sea is about 42 miles in length and the broadest portion is just 11 miles.

It has got a total shore-length of 84 miles (135 kilometers) and about 8.6 times saltier than the ocean; there is only one water body on earth saltier than the Dead Sea, the Lake Asal of Djibouti which is much smaller and no match for Dead Sea!Vanishes in the desert air.The holy River Jordan is the only source of water on which this lake gets its life blood, but numerous irrigation projects set up on its banks rob the much needed water for the survival of this besieged lake.

There is no problem of any outlet as this lake is situated in the deepest part of earth. The arid wind and the sizzling temperature of the area sucks whatever water it gets and much more; leaving it in a fast depleting state. The water level of this lake falls down by one meter in a year. Experts say by 2050 the present Dead Sea will get reduced in to a mere ugly salt pit; Heaven forbid!Can’t drown!The hyper salinity of the lake allows no living things (except some micro organisms) to thrive in it a fish put in to it will die of dehydration within minutes – hence the name Dead Sea, there is no fishing or a related activities existing on its shore.

As the water of the sea contains numerous minerals in high concentration, is so dense and one cannot dip in to it as usual, the heavy water will eject him to the surface.It is presumed that there are some medicinal properties to this water and the mud beneath. This belief has made health tourism flourish in this area and there are numerous spas providing healing service to tourists who flock from all parts of the world. There are one or two companies engaged in the business of extracting minerals to make fertilizer and some chemicals.

References about the Dead Sea in the Bible are numerous and this lake is the epicenter of all the holy events and the related locations of all Semitic religions. It is on its shores that Moses along with his disciples wandered in search of the promised land. (Christianity, Judaism as well as Islam).

It is a rare phenomenon that a particular location has given rise to three prominent religions that have played most prominent roles in shaping the destiny of the world (it remains a cruel irony that all these religions which preach peace and harmony miserably failed to establish a congenial atmosphere in these holy locations).The story of Lot as described in the Bible is arises in the mind of a visitor to the shores of the lake.

The ubiquitous salt rocks remind the cursed wife of Lot (who did nothing wrong other than just looking back) had to pay heavily for the feminine curiosity! Many still see a salt rock in the shape of that woman! (She should have spared at least considering the fact that she was a poor woman with some inquisitiveness, but there is no remedy to fate – man proposes god disposes; we are mere butterflies in the hands of children!)Off late a set of scrolls found near to the

Dead Sea has gained a lot of attention thanks to the book ‘The Davinci Code’. These scrolls are believed to be those gospels of the Disciples of Christ that were not included in the Bible. Known as the  Gnostic gospels (esoteric (a knowledge shared by only limited number of people of a group) knowledge preached by a prominent heretical movement of the 2nd century), there is much speculation among academics and scholars as to whether it shows the relationship between Jesus Christ and Mary Magdalene in a more personal and intimate light.

Save The Dead Sea don’t let it die! Whatever said and done the world cannot be a silent spectator when the Dead Sea is undergoing a slow death. It is time to pool in at least some of the resources and do something to save this ‘liquid history’ before it getting solidified! Fifty years of life forecast for this lake is too small a span for a great lake like Dead Sea. This Sea should be there for generations to see, as the locations around are associated with the events that shook and shaped the history of the world.

They all still stand tall as if frozen; unaware of the time that has passed.It is proposed to construct a tunnel or a channel from either Gulf of Aqaba or The Mediterranean Sea to this lake and refresh this lake with cool and clean sea water - making the Dead Sea ticking with life! Let us enjoy the sight of seeing happy fishermen casting their nets in this ‘living’ sea which is no more ‘dead’.

A project that can be executed with a few billion dollars, a fraction of what is now spent for fighting wars in this forsaken land (not God-forsaken).The author is requesting the co-operation of all bloggers’ communities for raising this idea for the prosperity and well-being of this portion of the land as well as for the whole earth. This article is dedicated to the idea of revival of this ‘sea’, an idea the time of which has come.

Save the Sea that not yet dead!

Psoriasis Disease and Psoriasis TreatmentPsoriasis is a chronic skin disease, which is, recognize by red patches covered with white scales.Psoriasis is related to a situation when the cells in the outer layer of skin reproduce faster and pile up on the skin`s surface.Psoriasis causes are not fully understood. Psoriasis is considered as an autoimmune disease.Psoriasis is often seen on the elbows, knees and scalp as red flaky lesions.Psoriasis is a noncontiguous disease. Currently there is no cure for Psoriasis but there are many available treatments to help Psoriasis patients reduce the symptoms. Some patients develop Psoriasis Arthritis. There are about 3% of the population who suffer from Psoriasis Types of Psoriasis:

Dead Sea Minerals have been proven and confirmed by Psoriasis researchers and organizations to help the relief of Psoriasis symptoms.

 Psoriasis patients around the world come to the Dead Sea to relief Psoriasis symptoms.Vacation in the Dead SeaHave you ever dreamed of a vacation in the Dead Sea?

Have you ever wondered what its like to take a holiday in the lowest place on earth?

I guess you have- otherwise you wouldn`t be reading this article.

 The Dead Seaisn`t like anywhere else.

The atmosphere is different. The air is different and the feeling is different.

Different in what?

You have to understand that being in the lowest place on earth means that -

There is much more oxygen in the Dead Sea.

You enjoy a clean fresh air, far away from pollution and other city dirt.

You enjoy a dry air with no humidity and again extra oxygen (25% more than in any other place!)

 The Dead Sea is a natural resource of rare minerals, and salts that together create a combination that is like magic to your skin`s condition and looks.

 This is the reason why thousands of people from all around the world come to rest and recharge their batteries in the Dead Sea.

 The Dead Sea , plenty of hotels in which you can choose to stay in. The Dead SeaFrom the beginning of time the Dead Sea, located 418 meters below sea level, has been renowned. The Dead Sea is considered the richest depository of minerals and phosphates essential to maintaining the healthy process of cell renewal and stimulating blood circulation.

Even in the time of the Bible the royalty the world-over were aware of the richness and essential health value of the Dead Sea minerals. King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, Cleopatra and King Herod all bathed in the Dead Sea and enjoyed its healing properties.The salinity of the water reaches a concentration of approximately 340 grams per liter- 10 times more concentrated than the Mediterranean Sea. This enables effortless floating on the water, producing a feeling of relaxation and tranquility.

The air is dry, rich in oxygen and free of pollution. The temperatures are relatively high even in the winter, and the ultraviolet rays of the sun act as a natural “filter,” enabling a pleasing tan with burning. The sun also facilitates a natural treatment of various skin diseases. Along the beachfront are several natural sources of healing waters rich in minerals such as potassium, sodium calcium, magnesium, iodine, chlorine, bitumen, and zinc. These minerals have accumulated in the Dead Sea over millions of years and have made it a rich source. Also the natural heat, together with the black mud deposits, make the Dead Sea an ideal location for health and beauty treatments.

 The Care and Beauty Company brings to your home the healthy benefits of the Dead Sea in superior care and beauty products.The line of Care and Beauty products is based on minerals and mud from the Dead Sea, supplemented by medicinal herbs, vitamins and aromatic oils in order to achieve impressive results.All of the Dead Sea products provide a natural and healthy treatment of your skin.Our laboratories are tirelessly working to provide every man and woman quality skin care products, on the cutting edge of scientific development. All of our products carry the approval of the Israeli Health Ministry, and are suitable for all skin types.

 Dead Sea WaterComparison of Major Elements in the Dead Sea, the Mediterranean and Ocean Water

Dead Sea healing products with Vitamin AVitamin A is found in organic sources. This yellow crystal is fat-soluble and contains retinol.Propertieso         Vitamin A is necessary for normal cell division, called cell differentiation. Cells that have not been successfully differentiated are more vulnerable at a pre-cancer stage.

• Vitamin A accelerates immunity which is important for building bones proteins and hormone growth.
   
•  Vitamin A is essential for vision and growth. Its antioxidant properties promote healthy mucous membranes.
   
• Vitamin A is vital in converting cholesterol to estrogen and testosterone.
   
•  Vitamin A aids in rebuilding tissue and creating new, soft skin. It fortifies the walls of tissue cells, protects the digestive system, kidneys and bladder. It helps build blood cells, bones and teeth. It increases RNA production, and together with vitamin E, increases sperm count.
   
• It assists the immune system in attacking cells that have been invaded by viruses.

Absorption

An under-functioning gallbladder greatly reduces the body’s ability to efficiently absorb Vitamin A. Nutritional deficiencies caused by inadequate fat intake, reduces the flow of bile juices and the beta-carotene and vitamin A are not absorbed.

Vitamin A is absorbed into the body 3-5 hours after eating. Carotenes are absorbed 6-7 hours after eating. Approximately one-third of the carotenes are converted to pro-vitamin A.

Sources of vitamin A

Vitamin A is found in dairy products, cod liver oil, liver, and butter.

Carotenes that are converted to vitamin A are found in carrots, cabbage, eggs, and fish.

Dead Sea salt lake, c.390 sq mi (1,010 sq km), extending c.45 mi (70 km) in the Jordan trough of the Great Rift Valley between the Ghor on the north and Wadi Arabah on the south, on the border between Israel and the West Bank (W) and Jordan (E). The shore of the Dead Sea, historically about 1,295 ft (395 m) below sea level but now some 50 ft (15 m) lower, is the lowest dry point on earth. 

Situated between steep, rocky cliffs, 2,500 to 4,000 ft (762-1,219 m) high, the sea is divided by the Al Lisan peninsula into two basins—a larger northern basin c.1,300 ft (400 m) deep, and a smaller, shallow southern basin, now separated from the northern basin and divided into salt ponds. The lake is fed by the Jordan River and a number of small streams; it has no outlet. Because it is located in a very hot and dry region, the Dead Sea loses much water through evaporation; its level fluctuates during the year. Inflow has been greatly reduced by the increased use of the waters of the Jordan for irrigation, and water levels are falling. 

 One of the saltiest water bodies in the world, the sea supports no life. It yields large amounts of mineral salts; potash and bromine are commercially extracted. The ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were on the southwestern shore; present-day Sodom is the site of mineral-salt extraction works. The Dead Sea coast in Israel is the site of beaches, spas, and tourist hotels. Biblical names for the Dead Sea include Salt Sea, East Sea, and Sea of the Plain.

Dead Sea under threat: the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth. The largest natural spa in the world--everybody can float in its salt and mineral rich waters--Aristotle praised its remarkable properties. Cleopatra extolled its medicinal and cosmetic potential and later, the Nabateans extracted hundreds of tons of its bitumen, to be used by generations of Egyptians in the process of embalming mummies. Now this historic sea is in danger of extinction. (Mosaic)

Dead Sea Products have been known as a source of healing and therapy for those who are suffering from various skin problems.

Many people come each year to bath in the Dead Sea Minerals water which consist of a very high concentration of dead sea salt and dead sea minerals.

The ingredients of the water in the Dead Sea is a real natural miracle and is considered by many skin experts as one of the best natural therapeutic resources.

The secret of the Dead Sea is in very high concentration of beneficial – it is actually the highest concentration of Minerals on earth – 31.5%. Among the 21 essential minerals found in the Dead Sea, 12 minerals are unique and found only in the Dead Sea as well as beneficial proteins.
 
The  Dead Sea is actually a fountain of youth. The Dead Sea is well known today as the one of the best natural spa`s on earth.

The Dead Sea is:

The lowest place on earth 420 meters below sea level. 

The Dead Sea has its own unique climate, 15% extra oxygen in the Dead Sea runs to your brain with dry, no humidity air, makes you breath like nowhere else.. 

The Dead Sea holds the sunniest days all year long.

The Dead Sea is the saltiest and most mineral-laden in the world. 

The Dead Sea enables you to float- that is why you can never drown.

The Dead Sea has an amazing Mineral Black Mud, which is best for your skin.

The Dead Sea serves as a health and rehabilitation beauty spa. It hold many beauty centers, Spa and mineral pools that patients can rest in and heal their skin problems and achieve a mental relaxation.  
 
For patients that are suffering from: Psoriasis / Psoriasis-Arthritis/ Atopic Dermatitis/Vitiligo / Arthritis / Asthma, you are a good candidate for using Dead Sea skin care products. The Dead Sea cosmetics and mineral products have proven to be greatly effective with curing all kinds of skin related problems. Many patients from all around the world are now buying Dead Sea cosmetics products for they found these are the best natural treatments to their skin problems.
 

JESUS - ESSENES - THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS
 
The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in 1947, but it took many decades for them to be pieced together and translated. And it took even longer for the general public to be aware of the significance of their discovery. These scrolls brought to light a great deal of information about the precepts and practices of the Essenes who lived in the time of Jesus.

Although there is scholarly debate about how this new information should be integrated with traditional sources that describe the life and times of Jesus, there is no debate about the importance of the scrolls.  

"Virtually every scholar now admits now that the recovery of the leather and papyrus scrolls from caves west of the Dead Sea is the most momentous archaeological discovery of the twentieth century. According to the leading experts, these writings have revolutionized our understanding of Jesus` time and--to a significant degree--of Jesus himself." [J.H. Charlesworth, Professor of New Testament Language and Literature, Princeton Theological Seminary.]

 
Although many Christians would like the information in the scrolls to be confined to the world of academia, it will increasingly impact traditional Christianity. Comparatively little was known about the Essenes, although ancient historians like Josephus and Philo wrote about them and were impressed by their lifestyle and their teachings. But until this century, it was assumed they were a monolithic group of believers, who lived in the Judean wilderness.
 
There were Essenes who lived a monk-like existence, isolated at Qumran, but there were also those who lived in family units in and around Jerusalem, and in other parts of Palestine. Just as the term "Christianity" encompasses a variety of beliefs and lifestyles, so does Essenism. And as the information contained in the scrolls is more widely disseminated, it becomes apparent that along with the Pharisees and Sadducees, the Essenes were an important religious influence in the time of Jesus.

Like them, Jesus opposed the slaughter of animals at the Jerusalem Temple (John 2:13-16). Like them, he included women as disciples and said that for females, as well as for males, their most important function was spiritual, not biological (Luke 11:27,28). And like these Essenes, Jesus taught, and lived by, the principle of nonviolence. He even went to his death refusing to overcome violence by violence, telling his disciples that those who lived by the sword would die by the sword (Matt. 26:52)

From the beginning, there were always groups of Christians who sought to follow the example of Jesus. But as the centuries went by, principles of nonviolence and the equality of women--along with various other teachings--were expunged from mainstream Christianity. Those who insisted on living out these principles, claiming that only they were the true followers of Christ, were branded as heretics. The churches eliminated their influence by killing them--in a variety of ways.

Another principle by which these "heretics" lived, also reflected Essene teachings. They were vegetarians, and their refusal to eat flesh was a logical extension of the rule of nonviolence. But until the recovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, there was no indication that in Jesus` time, vegetarianism was such a viable issue. Previously, it was assumed that this was a practice confined to ascetics and visionaries. But with the discovery of the scrolls, it became known that there was a large, vocal group of Jews--ordinary citizens-- who refused to kill animals and consume their flesh. A group for whom nonviolence was a fundamental principle.

Today, there is a growing movement towards nonviolence in mainstream Christianity. This is reflected in the pacifism of some believers. For them, as for the Christians who lived during the first few centuries after the crucifixion, military service is not an option. For them, the Gospel message of nonviolence rules out killing other human beings--for any reason. And, more recently, there are those Christians whose nonviolence extends to animals, and includes the practice of vegetarianism.

However, many of their fellow church members consider such people to be eccentrics, or troublemakers who are trying to introduce "New Age" lifestyles into Christianity. But as more and more information from sources like the Dead Sea Scrolls is circulated outside academia, it becomes increasingly apparent that nonviolence, a concern for animals and the question of vegetarianism are not "New Age" at all. They were principles of concern among the earliest Christians.

Although those within traditional Christian churches who practice these principles are a small minority, they take heart from the scripture in which Jesus encouraged his followers with the parable about the small amount of leaven that permeated the entire loaf. And they try to be this leavening influence in their churches.

Others who have embraced the principle of nonviolence towards all beings have left Christianity--and a belief in Divinity--behind them. They are unable to fellowship with those whose violence towards both humans and animals is carried out in the name of their God.

Still others have taken to heart the scripture which says,"seek and you shall find." Unable to find a spiritual/religious home among traditional Christian churches, they have been led to alternative groups. But those who remain with the mainstream churches are sometimes troubled--or feel betrayed--by those who leave. They think that the departure of people who understand that God`s compassion includes all creatures, weakens the influence of those who stay and are trying to change inhumane attitudes within their churches.
 

But when those who leave traditional Christianity find a group that incorporates the principle of reverence for all God`s creatures, they remain our companions in the effort to reestablish the Divine order of love and compassion on earth. They, too, are praying for a world that will reflect God`s goodness. And they, too, are trying to live the kind of lives that reflect the heavenly kingdom, in which no being is abused or unloved.

Perhaps we can learn from each other how best to reach those among us who do not yet understand the ungodliness of their treatment of nonhuman beingsBible believers often are confronted with the charge that the Bible is filled with mistakes. These alleged mistakes can be placed into two major categories: (1) apparent internal inconsistencies among revealed data; and (2) scribal mistakes in the underlying manuscripts themselves.

The former category involves those situations in which there are apparent discrepancies between biblical texts regarding a specific event, person, place, etc. [For a treatment of such difficulties see Archer, 1982; Geisler and Brooks, 1989, pp. 163-178]. The latter category involves a much more fundamental concern—the integrity of the underlying documents of our English translations. Some charge that the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts, having been copied and recopied by hand over many years, contain a plethora of scribal errors that have altered significantly the information presented in the original documents.

As such, we cannot be confident that our English translations reflect the information initially penned by biblical writers. However, the materials discovered at Qumran, commonly called the Dead Sea Scrolls, have provided impressive evidence for both the integrity of the Hebrew and Aramaic manuscripts of the Old Testament and the authenticity of the books themselves. DATE OF THE MATERIALS

When the scrolls first were discovered in 1947, scholars disputed their dates of composition. Scholars now generally agree that although some materials are earlier, the Qumran materials date primarily to the Hasmonean (152-63 B.C.) and early Roman periods (63 B.C.-A.D. 68). Several strands of evidence corroborate these conclusions. First, archaeological evidence from the ruins of the Qumran community supports these dates. After six major seasons of excavations, archaeologists have identified three specific phases of occupation at the ancient center of Qumran.

Coinage discovered in the first stratum dates from the reign of Antiochus VII Sidetes (138-129 B.C.). Such artifacts also indicate that the architecture associated with the second occupational phase dates no later than the time of Alexander Jannaeus (103-76 B.C.). Also reflected in the material remains of the site is the destruction of its buildings in the earthquake reported by the first-century Jewish historian, Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, 15.5.2). Apparently, this natural disaster occurred around 31 B.C. a position that prompted the occupants to abandon the site for an indeterminate time. Upon reoccupation of the area—the third phase—the buildings were repaired and rebuilt precisely on the previous plan of the old communal complex. The community flourished until the Romans, under the military direction of Vespasian, occupied the site by force (see Cross, 1992, pp. 21-22). Such evidence is consistent with the second century B.C. to first-century A.D. dates for the scrolls.

The second strand of evidence is that the generally accepted dates for the scrolls are corroborated by palaeographical considerations. Palaeography is the study of ancient writing and, more specifically, the shape and style of letters. Characteristic of ancient languages, the manner in which Hebrew and Aramaic letters were written changed over a period of time. The trained eye can determine, within certain boundaries, the time frame of a document based upon the shape of its letters. This is the method by which scholars determine the date of a text on palaeographical grounds.

According to this technique, the scripts at Qumran belong to three periods of palaeographical development: (1) a small group of biblical texts whose archaic style reflects the period between about 250-150 B.C.; (2) a large cache of manuscripts, both biblical and non-biblical, that is consistent with a writing style common to the Hasmonean period (c. 150-30 B.C.); and (3) a similarly large number of texts that evinces a writing style characteristic of the Herodian period (30 B.C.-A.D. 70). This linguistic information also is consistent with the commonly accepted dates of the Qumran materials.

Finally, as an aside, the carbon-14 tests done on both the cloth in which certain scrolls were wrapped, and the scrolls themselves, generally correspond to the palaeographic dates. There are, however, some considerable differences. Due to the inexact nature of carbon-14 dating techniques (see Major, 1993), and the possibility of chemical contamination, scholars place greater confidence in the historically corroborated palaeographic dates (see Shanks, 1991, 17[6]:72). At any rate, the archaeological and linguistic data provide scholars with reasonable confidence that the scrolls date from 250 B.C. to A.D. 70.
 

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SCROLLS
 
While the importance of these documents is multifaceted, one of their principle contributions to biblical studies is in the area of textual criticism. This is the field of study in which scholars attempt to recreate the original content of a biblical text as closely as possible. Such work is legitimate and necessary since we possess only copies (apographs), not the original manuscripts (autographs) of Scripture. The Dead Sea Scrolls are of particular value in this regard for at least two reasons: (1) every book of the traditional Hebrew canon, except Esther, is represented (to some degree) among the materials at Qumran (Collins, 1992, 2:89); and (2) they have provided textual critics with ancient manuscripts against which they can compare the accepted text for accuracy of content.
 

THE SCROLLS AND THE MASORETIC TEXT

This second point is of particular importance since, prior to the discovery of the Qumran manuscripts, the earliest extant Old Testament texts were those known as the Masoretic Text (MT), which dated from about A.D. 980. The MT is the result of editorial work performed by Jewish scribes known as the Masoretes. The scribes’ designation was derived from the Hebrew word masora, which refers collectively to the notes entered on the top, bottom, and side margins of the MT manuscripts to safeguard traditional transmission. Hence, the Masoretes, as their name suggests, were the scribal preservers of the masora (Roberts, 1962, 3:295). From the fifth to the ninth century A.D., the Masoretes labored to introduce both these marginal notes and vowel points to the consonantal text—primarily to conserve correct pronunciation and spelling (see Seow, 1987, pp. 8-9).

Critical scholars questioned the accuracy of the MT, which formed the basis of our English versions of the Old Testament, since there was such a large chronological gap between it and the autographs. Because of this uncertainty, scholars often “corrected” the text with considerable freedom. Qumran, however, has provided remains of an early Masoretic edition predating the Christian era on which the traditional MT is based. A comparison of the MT to this earlier text revealed the remarkable accuracy with which scribes copied the sacred texts. Accordingly, the integrity of the Hebrew Bible was confirmed, which generally has heightened its respect among scholars and drastically reduced textual alteration.

Most of the biblical manuscripts found at Qumran belong to the MT tradition or family. This is especially true of the Pentateuch and some of the Prophets. The well-preserved Isaiah scroll from Cave 1 illustrates the tender care with which these sacred texts were copied. Since about 1700 years separated Isaiah in the MT from its original source, textual critics assumed that centuries of copying and recopying this book must have introduced scribal errors into the document that obscured the original message of the author.

The Isaiah scrolls found at Qumran closed that gap to within 500 years of the original manuscript. Interestingly, when scholars compared the MT of Isaiah to the Isaiah scroll of Qumran, the correspondence was astounding. The texts from Qumran proved to be word-for-word identical to our standard Hebrew Bible in more than 95 percent of the text. The 5 percent of variation consisted primarily of obvious slips of the pen and spelling alterations (Archer, 1974, p. 25). Further, there were no major doctrinal differences between the accepted and Qumran texts (see Table 1 below). This forcibly demonstrated the accuracy with which scribes copied sacred texts, and bolstered our confidence in the Bible’s textual integrity (see Yamauchi, 1972, p. 130). The Dead Sea Scrolls have increased our confidence that faithful scribal transcription substantially has preserved the original content of Isaiah.

TABLE 1. QUMRAN VS. THE MASORETE
______________________________________ 

Of the 166 Hebrew words in Isaiah 53, only

seventeen letters in Dead Sea Scroll 1QIsb

differ from the Masoretic Text (Geisler and Nix, 1986, p. 382).

Names of the Sea Known in the Bible as the "Salt Sea" or the "Sea of the Arabah," this inland body of water is appropriately named because its high mineral content allows nothing to live in its waters.  Other post-biblical names for the Dead Sea include the "Sea of Sodom," the "Sea of Lot," the "Sea of Asphalt" and the "Stinking Sea."  In the Crusader period, it was sometimes called the "Devil`s Sea."  All of these names reflect something of the nature of this lake

Biblical Period The Dead Sea, unlike the Sea of Galilee to the north, does not figure prominently in the biblical narratives.  Its most important role was as a barrier, blocking traffic to Judah from the east.  An advancing army of Ammonites and Moabites apparently crossed a shallow part of the Dead Sea on their way to attack King Jehoshaphat (2 Chron 20).  Ezekiel has prophesied that one day the Dead Sea will be fresh water and fishermen will spread their nets along the shore.If you are suffering from: Psoriasis/Psoriasis-Arthritis/ Atopic Dermatitis/Vitiligo/ Arthritis/Asthma, or you  are simply in need of a "recuperative vacation" - we have a most beneficial treatment proposal to offer you, in Israel.

Here,  in this site,  you can order, within a short time, a Health  Vacation   Package which includes both treatment in one of our Clinics at the Dead Sea/Arad and accommodation  in one of the various Hotels in these areas.  These offers are at your disposal only in this site, presenting a high quality of medical and general services, at exclusive prices the almost year-round sunny days (average:  330 days) at the dead sea,  allow you to sunbathe for extended periods with no damage since the  harmful ultraviolet radiation (mainly the UVB) is attenuated by traversing an extra 400 meters of atmosphere and a haze of water vapor and aerosols overhanging the Dead SeaThe Dead Sea waters contain high concentration of salts and minerals in a unique composition, rich in magnesium, calcium, potassium, bromide etc.

A combination of these is found in no other sea /ocean and adding to it the Thermo mineral springs in the area, the effect on Rheumatic diseases and conditions of Arthritis and Post Accidents, is very beneficial, contributing also to a relaxed general feeling.Year round favorable climate.  Warm winter temperature.  Unpolluted, oxygen-rich air along the shores of the Dead Sea containing, among others, high concentrations of bromide, known to provide relaxing effects.

The Black Mud, originating from the Dead Sea, contains organic remains of animals and plants mixed with the minerals and salts from the sea.Beneficial for therapeutic (Rheumatic diseases) and cosmetic treatments.If you are suffering from: Psoriasis/Psoriasis-Arthritis/ Atopic Dermatitis/Vitiligo/ Arthritis/Asthma, or you  are simply in need of a "recuperative vacation" - we have a most beneficial treatment proposal to offer you, in Israel.Here,  in this site,  you can order, within a short time, a Health  Vacation   Package which includes both treatment in one of our Clinics at the Dead Sea/Arad and accommodation  in one of the various Hotels in these areas. 

These offers are at your disposal only in this site, presenting a high quality of medical and general services, at exclusive prices the almost year-round sunny days (average:  330 days) at the dead sea,  allow you to sunbathe for extended periods with no damage since the  harmful ultraviolet radiation (mainly the UVB) is attenuated by traversing an extra 400 meters of atmosphere and a haze of water vapor and aerosols overhanging the Dead SeaThe Dead Sea waters contain high concentration of salts and minerals in a unique composition, rich in magnesium, calcium, potassium, bromide etc.

A combination of these is found in no other sea /ocean and adding to it the Thermo mineral springs in the area, the effect on Rheumatic diseases and conditions of Arthritis and Post Accidents, is very beneficial, contributing also to a relaxed general feeling.Year round favorable climate.  Warm winter temperature.  Unpolluted, oxygen-rich air along the shores of the Dead Sea containing, among others, high concentrations of bromide, known to provide relaxing effects.The Black Mud, originating from the Dead Sea, contains organic remains of animals and plants mixed with the minerals and salts fromthe sea.Beneficial for therapeutic (Rheumatic diseases) and cosmetic treatments.