Masada Ruins Panorama

Bethlehem lies on the ridge of the Judean Mountains, with a clear view of the Judean Wilderness to the east. When David needed to hide from Saul, he instinctively headed into the maze of canyons and rocky wilderness he knew from his days as a shepherd. Herod built his fortress 900 years after David found hiding places in the wilderness. Even so, it’s a good illustration of how someone can feel very safe hiding in a wilderness stronghold.