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Lying between Israel and Jordan, the Dead Sea shores are the lowest point of land in Earth, at 1,378 feet below sea level. Containing over 30% salts, the Dead Sea is said to be almost 9 times saltier than the ocean. On the northwest shore of the Dead Sea are 11 caves where in 1947 the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Near the caves are the ancient ruins of Qumran, dating back to the time of Jesus’ ministry. Although the scrolls do not mention Jesus or his followers, they add to our knowledge of both Judaism and Christianity with a wealth of material for scholars. The Dead Sea scrolls are the oldest Old Testament manuscripts known, and contain parts of almost every book of the Hebrew canon, or Old Testament, as well as multiple copies of some books. |