3. Judean Wilderness

The Judean wilderness lies east of Jerusalem and descends to the Dead Sea.

Significant Events: The Judean wilderness was an important refuge in many periods of early history. David hid from King Saul (1 Sam. 26:1–3). Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights (Matt. 4:1–11; Mark 1:12–13). Jesus used the route from Jerusalem to Jericho through the Judean wilderness as the setting for the parable of the good Samaritan because lone travelers were easy prey in that area (Luke 10:25–37). (See BD Dead Sea.)