There are many caves in the limestone hills of Israel. Besides serving as a refuge from violence, caves are also used as burial places throughout the Bible. Abraham purchased a cave, giving the patriarchs a legal right to land in Palestine. This cave is where the patriarchs were buried. Twice in I Kings 19 (v. 9 and 13), Elijah hides for safety in a cave. Both times, God asks him, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” God will not let Elijah hide in a burial place, a cave, out of fear of Jezebeel’s threat to his life. Elijah decided that he’s pretty much dead, so he puts himself in a sepulchre, a cave, and God says, “No. I’m not going to buy that.” In John 11:38 and 19:41, we see caves as a refuge for the resurrection of Lazarus and Jesus.
Due to its limestone rock, there are also numerous springs in Israel. Often, cities were built near springs, because survival depended on being close to the source of water. In Israel’s hot, dry summers, water equals life. That is why the Bible often refers to springs as fountains of life, which it compares to God’s law and presence (Psalm 36:9; Proverbs 13:14 and 14:27). Just as a spring provides water to refresh the land, God’s presence invigorates and refreshes our lives.
