En Gedi is a region located west of the Dead Sea. It was allotted to the tribe of Judah.
Josh 15:62Nibshan, the City of Salt, and En Gedi—six towns with their villages.
This place was known for producing an abundance of fruits, such as grapes, for generations.
This was a strategically important location with a fortress in the surrounding wilderness area. David stayed here while fleeing from Saul, and it was also where Saul came to capture David, but David spared his life instead.
1 Sam 23:29David went up from there and stayed in the strongholds of En Gedi.
During the time of King Jehoshaphat, foreign nations also attacked through this place.
2 Chr 20:1After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to wage war against Jehoshaphat.2 Chr 20:2Some people came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Dead Sea. It is already at Hazazon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi).2 Chr 20:3Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.
As seen in the verses above, this place was also called Hazazon Tamar.
In ancient times, it was a region inhabited by the Amorites.
Gen 14:7Then they turned back and went to En Mishpat (that is, Kadesh), and they conquered the whole territory of the Amalekites, as well as the Amorites who lived in Hazazon Tamar.