This video is one of several that can provide an overview of Israel and the Bible stories that happened in a particular region. For more videos like this one, search for “Israel Tour.” The Dead Sea is the largest body of water in Israel, and the lowest place on earth (1,412 feet, 430 meters below sea level). The lake is saturated by salt and mineral content. The salinity of the lake is 34 percent, making it nearly 10 times saltier than most oceans. Obviously, drinking the water would be a fatal mistake. Having water splashed in the eyes or onto wounds is a most painful experience. No plants or animals can survive the water. Prophets like Jeremiah used the barren land as an illustration, which probably means most people were familiar with the lake. Perhaps they saw it on its northern shoreline, which is only seven miles from Jericho. Today the Dead Sea is receding rapidly because of fresh water irrigation from the Jordan River. Unlike in ancient times, very little water reaches the Dead Sea via the Jordan River. Minerals are mined from the lake today and used for a variety of products. In ancient times, salt was the main export. The red lines in this video represent the intercontinental highways that connected Africa, Europe, and Asia.