What is a Wadi in the Bible?
Wadi is a place where vegetation grows. God had created these areas so that vegetation would survive in places where it would otherwise die. During a drought, this was crucial. Without vegetation, no people would have survived. This is why we find references to wadis in the Bible.
Wadi Qelt
The Wadi Qelt, also known as Nahal Prat, is a river in the West Bank of Palestine. The river originates near Jerusalem and flows into the Jordan River near Jericho. From there, it flows into the Dead Sea. In the Bible, this river is mentioned in several places.
A cliff-hanging Greek Orthodox monastery is located here. Monks began living in the caves here in the 4th century. Today, you can visit the monastery and see the bones of monks who were killed by the Persians in 614. The monastery is a fascinating place to visit.
In the Bible, Wadi Qelt was the setting for the parable of the good Samaritan. This waterway is about 17 miles long. It contains numerous caves and was used by travelers between Jerusalem and Jericho. It was also the setting for one of the few parables of Jesus tied to a specific geographic location. The Good Samaritan parable takes place here and shows how a savior helps a beaten traveler.
Wadi es-Sawaqa
In the Bible, the name Wadi es-Sawaka is used to describe a riverbed in the desert. This word, which comes from the Hebrew and Arabic words nahal and wadi, is found 11 times. While most wadis are dry, they sometimes contain water, and a flood can be dangerous.
The Hebrew word nHl (nahl) refers to a stream, river, or gorge. It can refer to a dry streambed or a lush gorge. The Biblical text mentions this place four times: once in Numbers and once in Torah. It is situated just north and south of Wadi es-Sawaqa.
The Bible also refers to Wadi es-Sawaka as a place where kings and queens were sacrificed to the idols of Baal. This place was also known as the “Holy River.” This place was also used as a burial ground for the dead.
Wadi es-Tarfawiya
According to biblical texts, the Israelites entered Moab territory by crossing the Zered Stream near Wadi es-Tarfatawiya. This stream flows south of the Arnon and its tributaries.
The name wadi comes from the Arabic word “wahal,” which means “dry river bed.” The word is mentioned in the Bible 11 times. While most wadis are dry, some of them occasionally flood with water. This makes them dangerous. The area around the valley has a unique flora and fauna.
There are monasteries and ancient Christian locations in Wadi Qelt. The Pharan lavra, founded by St Chariton the Confessor in the third century, is located in the valley. This valley is now occupied by Israel, but is still open to Palestinians. The valley has a partially marked path, but Palestinians are not permitted to cross the Israeli checkpoints to reach it.