Modern Arad

Israel is a small place with a wide range of climate choices. The north of this country is green with beautiful coast lines, mountains and valleys. But in the south it is brown and dry like the Sinai. Between the two is a hilly wilderness area, stretching from Gaza across to the Dead Sea. Much of the Old Testament history took place in this middle area. On a hill high above the Dead Sea is the small town of Arad. The hill is not that high but the Dead Sea is 1300 ft. below sea level. One tour guide tells some of his Jews that Jesus is not dead like this body of water. Driving in this arid town gives you a strange feeling. There is a notable absence of all speed signs, stop lights and no traffic signs of any kind. If you roll down your window you hear the silence of the desert and feel the warm dry breeze that the town is known for. When entering their underground mall there is a feeling that very independent people live here.

On another little mound about five miles west are several layers of the original towns of Arad. Probably dating back to the grandsons of Noah we know that this old town was inhabited by different ethnic groups over the years but all were known for their independence.  As you look south at the Negev wilderness it is hard to visualize 2 million people advancing on this little town. However, this is how Israel approached the Promised Land after the Exodus from Egypt but there were tough Canaanites living in Arad. The Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and attacked Israel and beat them all the way to Hormah. Numbers14:45 ( Halfway back to the Red Sea) The Lord allowed this to happen because of their unbelief at the time. Forty years later Israel entered from the north and killed the Canaanites and Arad became theirs. It follows that some of the most independent people of Judah settled in this dry town.

One of the sure signs of their independence was found while digging in the ruins of the old Arad. The foundations of an imitation of Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem were uncovered. This is the only place found in Israel where the people broke the law by building their own temple to God. It was patterned after the one in Jerusalem. The experts say that it was destroyed in 622 BC when the godly King Josiah was destroying the shrines of Israel for the greatest Passover ever celebrated. Just as he had done at Bethel, Josiah removed and defiled all the shrines at the high places that the kings of Israel had built… “Celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God” 2 kings 23:19-21 For some reason the people in Arad felt they could set up their own Holy Temple and worship God by their own rules.

Most Americans believe that they can worship God by following their own rules. We are a young and independent country and can accomplish anything we put our minds to. But God does not change for anyone. Maybe it is time for us to read the scriptures and follow instructions the way Josiah did when Israel had done its own thing. We might have to tear down some religious temples to make room for the true worship of God in our lives. Are we willing?