A good follow-up to the Beyond Cyprus post is yesterday’s article in the Star-Telegram about a reporter’s visit to Jordan. The article is well-written and interesting, but the author doesn’t mention some of my favorite sites in Jordan, including:
- Macherus – where John the Baptist was beheaded
- Penuel and Mahanaim – where Jacob wrestled with the angel
- Medeba – location of the oldest map of the Holy Land (from 580 A.D.)
- Amman acropolis – where Uriah was killed following David’s adultery
- Kerak – capital of the Moabites (ancient Kir/Kir-hereseth)
Too few students of the Bible go to Jordan, and those that do, usually miss the best places. The University of the Holy Land periodically does a two-week trip in Jordan; it is led by Dr. Ginger Caessens and is excellent. Their website indicates the next one planned is June 2008.
One other thought from the Star-Telegram article: Bethany beyond the Jordan is quickly becoming over-commercialized. And it is very likely not the place mentioned in the Bible.
Mountains of Edom
