Caves in Israel illustration

Caves are plentiful in Israel, whether they are found in the hills and mountains or in the great wilderness areas between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. The Israelites hid in caves during desperate times. Gideon and David were among those who found refuge in caves. The prophets warned people to hide in caves during times of God’s wrath. Many were buried in caves, including Abraham and his family, Joseph, and Lazarus. In recent years, the Antiquities Authority of Israel has attempted to survey every cave in the Judean Wilderness. According to news reports in 2023, more than 800 caves had been explored in an area measuring only 90 square miles (230 square km).