A DEAD END

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail".
— Isaiah 58:11

Truly, the Dead Sea is one of Israel's most remarkable and most visited geological sites. Situated some 1,300 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the face of the earth. And it is also one of the saltiest places. In fact, it is nearly nine times more salty than the ocean. But because of its harsh conditions, no animal or marine life can survive in its salty waters – hence, the name The Dead Sea.

But do you know why the Dead Sea is so salty? It's because it's a terminal lake with no outlet. That means water can only leave through evaporation. Water from the Jordan River and its tributaries flow into the Dead Sea, bringing with them all sorts of minerals, including salt. Since there is no outlet and because of temperatures that can soar over 100 degrees, the water evaporates, leaving behind the dissolved minerals. With no place to go, these minerals continue to accumulate and become concentrated in the water, making it uninhabitable for any type of life.

As interesting geologically as the Dead Sea may be, the conditions of the Dead Sea can also teach us an important life lesson. For sometimes we can become just like the Dead Sea. We can do this in any number of ways. For example, we may immerse ourselves in very good biblical teachings that are truly enriching. But if we don't incorporate those teachings into our daily lives in practical ways, that knowledge becomes useless, dead.

The blessings that God has poured out upon us — whether it's in material things, wealth, talent, or wisdom — are not just meant for our own benefit, to be kept to ourselves. As God's Word says in Deuteronomy 15, we are not to be tightfisted, but open-handed, giving freely. What flows into our lives through the grace and blessing of God needs to flow outward to those around us. That's what pleases and honors Him.

As the prophet Isaiah told the people of Israel, if they looked to the interests of others, as they fed the hungry and helped those in trouble, God would guide them and satisfy their needs. Their lives would be like a "spring whose waters never fail."

And wouldn't you rather be an ever-flowing spring than a dead sea?

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein