ADUMIM
Adumim region, located in the hill country between Jerusalem and Jericho, is mentioned in the Bible in the Book of Joshua and is traditionally associated with the Parable of the Good Samaritan from the New Testament.
In the Book of Joshua, Adumim is listed among the cities in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah:
“The boundary then went up to Debir from the Valley of Achor and turned north to Gilgal, which faces the Pass of Adummim south of the gorge. It continued along to the waters of En Shemesh and came out at En Rogel. Then it ran up the Valley of Ben Hinnom along the southern slope of the Jebusite city ( that is, Jerusalem ). From there it climbed to the top of the hill west of the Hinnom Valley at the northern end of the Valley of Rephaim.”
( Joshua 15: 7-9 )
Etymology
The word “Adumim” comes from the Hebrew root אדום ( adom ), which means “red.” This root is often associated with the colour red or reddish-brown. In the case of Adumim, the name is likely derived from the reddish colour of the rocks or soil in the region.
Geographical Significance
Adumim occupies a strategic position along the ancient road connecting Jerusalem, the religious and administrative centre of Judea, with Jericho, a vital hub for commerce and trade. The terrain between these cities is rugged, characterised by rocky slopes and winding paths, offering ample opportunities for ambushes and attacks. Caves dot the landscape, providing ideal hiding places for bandits and thieves who preyed on unsuspecting travelers
Historical Context of Adumim
During biblical times, the road from Jerusalem to Jericho was notoriously perilous, earning the moniker “the way of blood” due to its history of violence and lawlessness. Travellers undertaking this journey faced the constant threat of robbery and assault, making it a daunting prospect for even the most intrepid adventurers. The region’s vulnerability to banditry underscored the need for vigilance and caution among those traversing its rugged paths
The Parable’s Setting
Against this backdrop of danger and uncertainty, Jesus crafts a narrative that resonates with timeless truths about compassion and empathy. A traveller, presumably a Jew, falls victim to robbers who strip him of his belongings, beat him mercilessly, and leave him halfdead by the side of the road. As the wounded man lies in desperate need of assistance, two figures pass by without stopping: a priest and a Levite, both esteemed members of the Jewish religious establishment. Their indifference to the plight of their fellow countryman stands in stark contrast to the actions of a Samaritan, a member of a despised ethnic group with whom Jews had little love lost.
In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. ( Luke 10: 30-33 )
The Samaritan’s Act of Compassion
Despite the cultural animosity between Jews and Samaritans, it is the Samaritan who embodies the true spirit of compassion and mercy. Moved with pity at the sight of the injured man, he tends to his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them, and bandages them. He then places the wounded traveler on his own animal, takes him to an inn, and cares for him at his own expense. In doing so, the Samaritan transcends social and ethnic barriers to extend a hand of kindness to a stranger in need.
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
( Luke 10: 34-35 )
Lessons Learned from Adumim
The Parable of the Good Samaritan serves as a powerful reminder of the universality of compassion and the transformative power of empathy. It challenges us to look beyond superficial distinctions of race, religion, and nationality to recognise the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. In a world marked by division and discord, the parable calls us to emulate the Samaritan’s example of selfless love and to be agents of healing and reconciliation in our communities.
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” ( Luke 10: 36-37 )
While the precise location of the events in the Parable of the Good Samaritan remains shrouded in ambiguity, the association with the road between Jerusalem and Jericho, passing through the region of Adumim, enriches our understanding of its socio-geographical context. Against the backdrop of a perilous journey fraught with danger and uncertainty, the parable unfolds as a timeless testament to the power of compassion to transcend barriers and transform lives. In a world hungering for acts of kindness and gestures of solidarity, the Parable of the Good Samaritan continues to shine as a beacon of hope and a call to action for all who seek to build a more compassionate and inclusive society