Ep 3. Masada: Fortress of Misplaced Faith

In Bible Land Passages season 2 episode 3, "Masada: Fortress of Misplaced Faith," viewers are taken on a journey to one of Israel's most iconic historical sites – Masada. Located on a plateau overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada was an ancient fortress that was the site of one of the most dramatic and tragic events in Jewish history.

The episode begins with the host, Dr. Gary Burge, standing at the base of Masada, surrounded by the stunning desert landscape. He tells viewers that Masada was constructed by Herod the Great in the 1st century BC, and was later fortified by Jewish rebels during the First Jewish-Roman War. The rebels took refuge there in 66 AD, after the fall of Jerusalem to the Romans.

Dr. Burge then takes viewers on a tour of the site, showcasing the impressive architecture and engineering of Masada. He points out the various buildings and structures that were part of the fortress, such as the palace, the bathhouse, and the cisterns that held the fortress's water supply.

As the tour continues, Dr. Burge begins to delve into the tragic story of Masada's final days. He explains that the Jewish rebels were able to hold off the Roman army for several years, but were eventually overtaken in a final siege in 73 AD. Rather than be captured and killed by the Romans, the rebels made a collective decision to take their own lives.

The story of Masada has become a powerful symbol of Jewish resistance and martyrdom, but Dr. Burge notes that the story is also a cautionary tale about misplaced faith. He explains that the rebels at Masada believed that God would protect them from the Romans, and that their faith drove them to take extreme measures to avoid surrender. However, Dr. Burge argues that this faith was misplaced, as it led to the tragic loss of life at Masada.

To further explore this idea, Dr. Burge speaks with a number of experts on Jewish history and theology. They discuss the concept of faith in Judaism, and how it can be both a source of strength and a potential danger when it becomes extreme. They also discuss how the story of Masada has been interpreted and reinterpreted over the centuries, and its resonance with modern Jewish identity.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Burge also reflects on his own personal connections to the story of Masada. As a Christian scholar of the Bible, he notes that the story has significance for many different religious traditions, and that it raises important questions about the nature of faith and its role in history.

In the final segment of the episode, Dr. Burge sits down with Rabbi Yitz Greenberg, a prominent Jewish theologian and scholar. They discuss the legacy of Masada, and the lessons that can be learned from this tragic event. Rabbi Greenberg emphasizes the importance of learning from the mistakes of the past, and using that knowledge to build a better future.

Overall, "Masada: Fortress of Misplaced Faith" is a thought-provoking exploration of one of Israel's most iconic historical sites. Through its focus on the story of Masada, the episode raises important questions about faith, identity, and the role of history in shaping the present.