1. Introduction
The territory of modern-day Jordan encompasses many of the Bible’s most significant geographical, theological, and historical locations. It was home to ancient kingdoms such as Edom, Moab, and Ammon and featured prominently in the journeys of patriarchs, prophets, and Jesus Christ himself. This article explores the biblical importance of Jordan through key locations, archaeological findings, theological themes, and ongoing scholarly debates.
2. Key Biblical Regions and Cities within Modern Jordan
Several locations now within Jordan’s borders were central to Old and New Testament narratives.
2.1 Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death (Deut. 34:1–5). It holds great theological symbolism as a place of fulfilment and transition. The site, located near Madaba, has a Franciscan monastery and early Christian mosaics, marking it as a major pilgrimage site since at least the 4th century CE.
2.2 The Plains of Moab
The Israelites camped in the Plains of Moab, east of the Jordan River, before crossing into Canaan (Num. 22:1; Deut. 1:5). It was from here that Moses delivered his final speeches and where parts of Deuteronomy were likely composed.
2.3 Petra (Sela)
While not named directly as Petra in the Bible, this ancient Nabataean capital may be linked with biblical Sela (Isa. 16:1) and the land of Edom. The grandeur of Petra reflects the wealth and trade-based power of the region and aligns with prophetic denunciations of Edom’s pride (Obad. 3–4).
2.4 Ammon and Rabbah
The Ammonites were frequent adversaries of Israel (e.g., 2 Sam. 10). Their capital, Rabbah (modern Amman), features in accounts of David’s military campaigns. Archaeological excavations in Amman have revealed Iron Age structures and Ammonite inscriptions, affirming the historicity of this polity.
2.5 Moab
Moab is both a region and a kingdom frequently mentioned in biblical texts (Gen. 19:37; Ruth 1:1–4). The Moabites are presented with a complex relationship to Israel—related by ancestry but often in conflict. The Mesha Stele, discovered at Dhiban, is one of the most important biblical-era inscriptions and offers a Moabite perspective on 2 Kings 3.
2.6 Edom and Bozrah
The kingdom of Edom, descending from Esau (Gen. 36), occupied southern Jordan. Prophetic literature often condemns Edom for its hostility toward Israel (Isa. 34:5–10; Obad.). Bozrah, one of Edom’s key cities, features in judgment oracles.
2.7 The Jordan River (Eastern Bank)
Many events occurred on or near the east bank of the Jordan River, including:
- The Israelites’ miraculous crossing into Canaan (Josh. 3)
- Elijah’s ascent to heaven (2 Kgs 2:1–11)
- The ministry and baptismal activity of John the Baptist (John 1:28; tradition associates Bethany beyond the Jordan with Al-Maghtas)
3. Archaeological Findings and Their Interpretations
Jordan is rich in biblical-era archaeology, contributing substantially to our understanding of the historical and cultural setting of the Scriptures.
3.1 The Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone)
Discovered in 1868 at Dhiban, this 9th-century BCE inscription by King Mesha of Moab parallels 2 Kings 3. It references battles with Israel and the god Chemosh. The stele is among the earliest extrabiblical references to Yahweh and the “House of David.”
3.2 Tell Deir ‘Alla
This site, located near the Jordan River valley, contains inscriptions believed by many to reference the seer Balaam, aligning with the biblical account in Numbers 22–24. The Deir ‘Alla texts provide insight into regional religious practices.
3.3 Petra and Nabataean Remains
Petra’s grand temples, tombs, and water systems demonstrate its prominence. While Petra flourished in the post-biblical period, its likely link to Edomite Sela and its inclusion in prophetic oracles (e.g., Isa. 16:1; Jer. 49:16) connect it to the biblical narrative.
3.4 Al-Maghtas (Bethany beyond the Jordan)
Al-Maghtas has been identified by Byzantine tradition and modern archaeology as the site of Jesus’ baptism (John 1:28). Excavations have revealed church foundations, baptismal pools, and pilgrim inscriptions dating to the 5th–6th centuries CE.
3.5 Ammonite and Moabite Sites
Ongoing excavations in sites like Tell el-‘Umeiri, Tell Hesban, and Tell Jalul uncover Ammonite and Moabite settlement layers. These findings confirm the existence of stable polities during the Iron Age and support the biblical descriptions of regional kings and conflicts.
4. Debates and Historical Questions in Biblical Archaeology
4.1 Historicity of the Exodus Route through Edom and Moab
The route the Israelites took from Egypt into Canaan is a subject of ongoing debate. Biblical texts suggest they were denied passage through Edom and Moab (Num. 20–21), but archaeological support for this journey remains elusive.
4.2 Identification of Sela with Petra
While Petra is often linked with the biblical city of Sela, definitive evidence remains debated. The name Petra (Greek for “rock”) aligns with Sela (Hebrew for “rock”), but scholars argue over the strength of the linguistic and geographical evidence.
4.3 Role of Edom in the Babylonian Invasion
Obadiah accuses Edom of collaborating in the destruction of Jerusalem (Obad. 11–14). The historical accuracy of this claim is debated, though Babylonian texts confirm Edom’s survival during the 6th century BCE.
4.4 Al-Maghtas as Baptism Site
While Al-Maghtas has strong traditional and archaeological support, some argue for alternate locations along the Jordan River, especially near Galilee. Nonetheless, Al-Maghtas has received UNESCO World Heritage designation and remains the strongest candidate.
5. Theological and Symbolic Significance
5.1 Jordan as a Threshold
The Jordan River symbolises transition, purification, and new beginnings. From Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land (Josh. 3) to Jesus’ baptism, it marks spiritual renewal and covenantal identity.
5.2 Edom and Moab as Theological Others
These regions represent kinship gone astray—descendants of Lot and Esau—highlighting themes of brotherhood, conflict, and divine justice.
5.3 Moses’ Death on Mount Nebo
Moses’ death east of the Jordan symbolises incomplete fulfilment. Though he led Israel out of Egypt, he did not enter the land. This moment reflects human limitation and divine holiness (Deut. 34:4–5).
5.4 Prophetic Oracles
Edom, Moab, and Ammon feature prominently in prophetic denunciations (e.g., Isa. 15–16; Jer. 48–49), illustrating divine justice across nations.
6. Jordan in Early Christian and Later Traditions
6.1 Pilgrimage Sites
Mount Nebo and Al-Maghtas became major pilgrimage destinations by the 4th century CE, as evidenced by churches, mosaics, and travel records (e.g., the Pilgrimage of Egeria).
6.2 Ecclesiastical Legacy
Jordanian Christian communities trace their heritage to the early church. The Bishopric of Madaba was influential in Late Antiquity. Mosaics like the Madaba Map (6th century CE) depict biblical geography and pilgrimage routes.
6.3 Interfaith Heritage
Jordan today promotes its biblical heritage through interfaith tourism and preservation of Christian and Jewish heritage sites, integrating historical reverence with national identity.
7. Conclusion
Jordan’s landscape is inseparably woven into the biblical narrative, from the patriarchal journeys and prophetic judgments to the baptism of Jesus. Archaeological discoveries—such as the Mesha Stele and Petra—reinforce its importance as a theatre of divine-human encounter. Theologically, the region symbolises thresholds of judgement, promise, and renewal. In both Scripture and tradition, the territory of modern Jordan remains a sacred land of profound historical and spiritual significance.
Key Takeaways
- Historical Relevance: Jordan includes biblical regions of Edom, Moab, Ammon, and key cities such as Rabbah and Petra.
- Biblical Events: Moses’ death, Israel’s entry into Canaan, and Jesus’ baptism all occurred east of the Jordan.
- Archaeological Support: Sites like the Mesha Stele, Deir ‘Alla, and Al-Maghtas support biblical narratives.
- Theological Themes: The region reflects divine judgement, covenant fulfilment, spiritual transition, and pilgrimage.
References
- Deuteronomy 34; Numbers 20–22; Joshua 3; 2 Kings 3; John 1:28
- Bienkowski, P. (1992). The Edomites: The Archaeology of a Desert People. Sheffield Academic Press.
- Tubb, J. N. (1998). Ancient Jordan: From the Earliest Times to the Crusades. British Museum Press.
- Hoffmeier, J. K. (2005). Ancient Israel in Sinai. Oxford University Press.
- Routledge, B. (2004). Moab in the Iron Age: Hegemony, Polity, Archaeology. University of Pennsylvania Press.
- Piccirillo, M. (1993). The Mosaics of Jordan. American Center of Oriental Research.