Biblical Jordan

People said: “Don’t go, it is not safe”. Human instinct tells you not to travel to unsafe places. Jordan’s geographical location strengthen this type of assumption. It is in die Middle East surrounded by neighbouring countries that are always  making international news headlines: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria and Israel. Naturally, people assume Jordan is an unsafe, dangerous place to visit. From the moment I stepped foot into Jordan I was greeted by warm and hospitable people, good infrastructure, excellent food and wonderful places to visit. Educate yourself, read more and dig deeper than international news reports that only looks at the downside of the Middle East, not telling the stories of thriving countries like Jordan. I found Jordan to be a safe, fascinating spiritual destinations.

OK. I might have convinced you that Jordan is a safe haven in a region of conflict, but why would you visit the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan? People go on pilgrim visits to Israel, Mecca, Egypt, Spain, Ethiopia, etc. Why not, undertake a pilgrimage to Jordan? This beautiful land has a rich connection to the Bible.

The pink rose city of Petra is surely the best known tourist attraction in Jordan. Situated between die Dead Sea and the Red Sea, Petra is half-built and half-carved into the rock and is reached by a walk through an amazing gorge, the Siq. It is a World Heritage Site, one of the Eight World Wonders and a place where something new and amazing is discovered on a daily basis by archaeologists. Petra is a must for any travel bucket list, but …

Did you know?

Bethany Beyond the Jordan is the place where John baptized Jesus. A church that was built around a cave where John the Baptist lived, as well as a water channel, was recently excavated. Pope John Paul II visited Bethany Beyond the Jordan in 2000 as part of his holy pilgrimage to Jordan

In the Old Testament current day Madaba was referred to as Medeba. It is the “City of Mosaics”. The masterpiece of which is in the Orthodox Church of Saint George. It is a 6th century AD mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The earliest religious map of the Holy Land in any form to survive from antiquity.

From the top of Mount Nebo, Moses viewed the Holy Land that he would never enter. A small church was built there in the 4th century to commemorate the end of Moses’ life. The view from Mt Nebo is spectacular, overlooking the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, Jericho and Jerusalem in the distance.

As Salt is a city north-west of Amman. It houses the tomb of Job. Jobs hardships are described in the book of Job in the Old Testament. It also houses the tomb of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses.

Jerash is the second most important historical site in Jordan after Petra. In Biblical times it was known as Gerasa. The city houses a fountain where Byzantine citizens annually celebrated Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine.

The lowest point on earth is the Dead Sea. In Biblical times it was an important barrier, blocking traffic to Judah from the east. The sea had many different names: Sea of the Arabah; Sea of Lot; Devil’s Sea; Salt Sea. The shoreline dots modern resorts and many mystical places like “the pillar of salt that was Lot’s wife”.

The Kings Highway is the world’s oldest continuously used travel and trade route. It is believed that Abraham used this route for his journey from Mesopotamia to Canaan.

Amman, the capital city, was known as Rabath Ammon and today boasts with a number of historical sites: the Roman Theatre, Roman Temple and Byzantine churches. Some of the Copper Dead Sea scrolls are in the archaeological museum.

Aqaba, on the Red Sea, is known for its relaxing beaches, diving spots, adventure activities and antique shops. After criss-crossing the country visiting all the significant pilgrim sites Aqaba is just the place to relax.

On the other hand, you might just enjoy the timelessness of the Wadi Rum. Perhaps best known for its connections to the movie Lawrence of Arabia. It can be explored in a 4x4, on camel back or a night under the stars in a Bedouin tent.

Jordan is a bit of a secret at the moment. Don’t let someone discover it before you!