A hike along the Israel Trail is more than an outdoor adventure; it is a journey into the heart of biblical history and spiritual reflection. Susannah Schild’s recent experience on a coastal segment of the trail revealed profound insights into scripture that resonate deeply with those who love and support Israel.
One of the most intriguing discoveries was the rotem—or broom bush. This seemingly plain, oversized plant thrives in challenging environments, with roots so deep that they symbolize resilience and endurance. The rotem appears in scripture at pivotal moments, such as when Elijah the prophet sought shelter beneath its branches before hearing the “still, small voice” of God (1 Kings 19). Schild’s hiking group pondered how this modest bush, growing tall over their path to form a natural arch, may have mirrored Elijah’s refuge in the wilderness. “Elijah’s shade revealed,” Schild wrote, as they experienced firsthand what it might have felt like for the prophet seeking divine comfort in the desert.
The significance of the rotem doesn’t end with Elijah’s story. In the Book of Psalms, “the hot coals of the broom bush” are used as a metaphor for intense, lasting pain—highlighting the plant’s historical use as a fuel source whose embers retained heat long after burning. And in the Book of Job, the roots of the broom bush are described as food for those in desperate need, showcasing its deep-seated strength that sustains life even in scarcity.
Further along the trail, Schild’s group encountered the havatzelet hahof—the coastal lily. Delicate and bright, this flower blooms in the late summer and early fall, defying the arid conditions. The coastal lily is seen as a symbol of hope and strength in the Bible, particularly in the Song of Songs, where it is compared to the beloved: “I am the havatzelet hasharon, the Lily of Sharon.” In Isaiah, the prophet envisions a time of redemption when the wilderness will “blossom like a havatzelet,” a beautiful metaphor that evokes hope even during the most trying times.
For Schild, what began as a simple nature hike turned into an immersive lesson in biblical symbolism. “I found myself walking through a guidebook to biblical understanding,” she shared, reflecting on the spiritual significance hidden in the everyday landscape. The Israel Trail, stretching across the Holy Land from the lush north to the arid south of Eilat, offers not just breathtaking views but also a profound reminder of the enduring connection between the land, scripture, and faith.
This hike is a reminder that the story of Israel is written not only in history books but in the very roots and blossoms of its landscape. Each step along the Israel Trail brings us closer to the ancient stories and the unyielding spirit that defines this sacred land. For those who cherish Israel’s spiritual and historical heritage, such journeys are more than hikes—they are pilgrimages.
And as you join us in praising the Living God for the miracle of the modern-day state of Israel, we pray you’ll renew your own resolve to bless Israel and the Jewish people by giving a generous gift of support.
May God bless you for being a blessing to Israel and the Jewish people
