Jeremiah’s Prophecies Link Sacred Waters of Nahal Prat to Biblical History
After nearly three years of closure, the Ein Mabu'a spring in Nahal Prat reopened to the public about two weeks ago. Israeli journalist Israel Shapira, who recently immersed himself in the spring, explores why the waters of Nahal Prat are considered "holy" in Israel. Many associate Nahal Prat with the biblical "Nahal Kerit" mentioned in 1 Kings, where Elijah the prophet was sent during a drought. However, Shapira disputes this identification, noting that Nahal Kerit is described as east of the Jordan River, likely corresponding to Wadi Yabis in the eastern Jordan region, rather than the Judean Desert west of the Jordan.
The biblical "Prat" referenced in Jeremiah’s prophecies is a different matter. Traditional commentators like Rashi and Radak identified it as the Euphrates River in Babylon, implying Jeremiah traveled hundreds of kilometers to bury a linen belt in a rock crevice. However, Maimonides and other scholars argue this was a prophetic vision, not a physical journey. More recent Israeli sages, including Rabbi Yehuda Landy and Rabbi Yoel Elitzur, contend that "Prat" refers to Nahal Prat (Wadi Qelt), flowing between Neve Yaakov north of Jerusalem and the Jericho Valley.
Jeremiah, born in Anathoth near modern Almon, grew up alongside this stream. When he began prophesying, God commanded him to buy a linen belt, wear it without washing, and then bury it in a rock crevice in Nahal Prat. After some time, Jeremiah was told to retrieve the belt, only to find it ruined, symbolizing Israel’s spiritual decay despite their intended closeness to God. This narrative has inspired Christian monastic traditions since Byzantine times, with hermitages established along Nahal Prat that remain active today.
Shapira concludes that immersing in Ein Mabu'a’s waters is a connection to these sacred biblical events. He emphasizes that his account is a personal experience, not a safety recommendation. Visitors are urged to follow all official signage, safety instructions, and legal requirements. Coordination with the Nature and Parks Authority is mandatory for nature reserves, and weather conditions should be checked before visits. For information on water access and tours, contact the Nature and Parks Authority’s information center or the nature tours coordination hotline.
