Kerith Springs Lodge takes its name from the stream and valley of Gilead in northeastern Israel, which became a refuge to some of the most prominent men in Scripture, including Jacob, David, and Elijah.

In the case of Elijah the prophet, God specifically directed his servant to that place to hide from the wrath of wicked King Ahab.

Then the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there.” (1 Kings 17:2-3)

Kerith…God led His man to this sheltered ravine and gave him a brief season of quiet, refreshment, provision, and rest after a difficult ministry assignment. While Ahab raged, armies searched, kingdoms rose and fell, and the world turned, the prophet found refuge, basking in the healing, restoring presence of the Lord. It was just a small little wrinkle in the landscape, a tiny corner of the wide world, tucked away from sight, hidden by the shadow of the Almighty. But in that place God’s servant found restoration, peace, and the renewed courage to step back into the battle.

Biblical Kerith was located in the region of Gilead, home to a world famous healing balm. Jesus Himself would come to be known as “the balm of Gilead.”