It’s important to understand the difference between the name of a person and the name of a place. Sometimes they can even share the same name, much like the name Judah. There is the tribe named Judah, and the person Judah, the son of Jacob and Leah. Petra, however, is not a person. It is an ancient city located in present-day Jordan that is mentioned in the Bible. The city is also known as the “Rose City” because of the color of the stone from which it is carved. Petra in the Bible, is mentioned in both the book of Isaiah and the book of Revelation, and it holds significant religious and historical importance.
In the book of Isaiah, Petra is mentioned as a place of refuge during times of trouble. The prophet Isaiah writes, “In that day the Lord will start his glorious and majestic return. He will come back from the war with the Assyrians and enter the city of Petra, where he will rest and rule from Mount Zion.” (Isaiah 16:1).
This passage suggests that Petra was seen as a place of safety and security by the people of that time, where everyone could go to escape from danger and persecution. And in case you are not familiar, people were severely persecuted in Biblical times for a handful of reasons. Including claiming you are a Christian.
What Does the Bible Say About Petra?
The Bible doesn’t mention Petra by this name. Petra in the Bible was Sela. According to the Bible, Sela was the capital of the Kingdom of Edom, a rival kingdom to the Israelites. In the New Testament, Sela is mentioned as the place where the apostle Paul stopped during his journey to Damascus.
In the book of Revelation, Petra is mentioned as the location of a great battle. The prophet John writes, “I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to war against the rider on the horse and his army. But the beast was captured, with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf.
With these signs, he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest were killed by the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.” (Revelation 19:19-21).
This previous passage suggests that Petra was a significant location for a major military conflict, and it may have had great strategic importance in ancient times. Petra in the Bible is also an important archaeological site, and it was built by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that controlled the area from around the 6th century BCE to the 2nd century CE.
The Nabateans were known for their impressive architecture and engineering skills, and Petra is considered one of the most impressive examples of their work. The city was carved into the cliffs and features a number of monumental structures, including temples, tombs, and palaces.
Where Is Petra in Modern Times?
Petra in the Bible, was an ancient city located in Jordan. It is still located in the southwest of Jordan today and represents a grand tourist spot for people from all corners of the world, especially Christians. The city is home to a famous story about Moses.
The Valley of Moses, also known as Wadi al-Musa, is considered one of the most important biblical and historical sites in the world. It is said to be the place where Moses struck a rock with his staff, and water gushed out, providing sustenance for himself and the Israelites during their journey through the desert.
The valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra is famous for its rock-carved architecture, and the Valley of Moses is no exception. One of the most famous features of the Valley of Moses is the Monastery, a massive rock-cut structure that is thought to have served as a temple or palace.
Visitors can reach the Monastery by a steep hike through the valley, which provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and gives a sense of the harsh conditions that Moses and the Israelites would have faced on their journey.
Its unique landscape, combined with its rich history, makes it a must-visit destination for those interested in biblical history and archaeology. Visitors can explore the valley on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about its history and significance. No matter where you find yourself on your Christian journey, one thing is certain; you need to visit an ancient city that will make you feel like you are actually visiting Petra in the Bible.
Who Are the Midianites and the Nabateans?
If you start polishing your Bible knowledge, you might get confused about certain names like the Midianites or the Nabateans. It isn’t easy to understand where all of these names are coming from, especially if you are a beginner. Don’t worry, though. The information is just one click away. We all know who the Israelites are, or at least we get an idea of who they are based on their names, but who were the Midianites and the Nabateans?
The Midianites were a nomadic people of the Arabian Peninsula mentioned in the Bible. They were descendants of Midian, a son of Abraham, and were known as traders and herders. They were also considered enemies of the Israelites, leading to conflicts mentioned in the Old Testament. Midian is mentioned in several books of the Bible, including Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, and Judges.
The Nabateans were an ancient Arab tribe that lived in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula from the 4th century BC to 106 AD. They were known for their skills in trade and commerce, especially in the transportation of spices, incense, and silk across the Arabian Peninsula and the Mediterranean region. They established the city of Petra in modern-day Jordan as a major trading center and a hub of their civilization. People from all over the world used to come to Petra in the Bible to deal with selling and buying quality produce.
