DAY 5 of the Tour - Jordan Valley and the Land of Gilead

Jordan Valley

The spectacular depression that constitutes the Jordan Valley separates the hill country of ancient Israel and the hill country of Gilead. Throughout the settlement history of the valley, the area has functioned as both a geological and cultural fault line and a well-travelled passageway between highlanders on both sides of the Jordan River. One of the first biblical images in the narrative involve Abram and his nephew Lot who parted ways, one staying in what would become Israel and the other settling in the Jordan valley. Later on in the narrative, perhaps as a fitting conclusion to the sad fate of Sodom (possibly Tel el- Hammam) and Gomorrah, we are told of the sordid details of Lot’s incestuous relationship with his two daughters. The story forms the backdrop story of the origins of the Ammonites and the Moabites, Israel’s future enemies.

Another important site in the Jordan valley, Succoth, was a gateway settlement by the Jabbok River (Wadi Zarqa). Some have connected Succoth to the modern archaeological site of Tell Deir ‘Alla where an inscription was found that has remarkable parallels to the Balaam oracles of Numbers 22-24. Succoth is also featured in the story of Gideon. Penuel, the location of Jacob’s wrestling match which resulted in a famous change of name to Israel, is tied to the Jabbok/Zarqa region and in close proximity to the Jordan Valley. The traditional site of Jesus’ Baptism is also a popular destination on the modern pilgrim’s trail.

• Scripture References: Gen. 13:10-12; 19:23-38; 32; Judges 8:13-17
• Text References: AOT pp. 78-79
• Pictorial and Map References: CBA map 79

Land of Gilead

At the time of Joshua, Israelite tribes settled the valley, along with the highland region East of the Jordan (the half-tribe of Manasseh in the central and northern regions and the tribe of Reuben in the central Transjordan area). These tribes, although they were Israelites, were often viewed as outsiders in the biblical sources since they settled beyond the boundaries of Canaan. Culturally and geographically the highland region of Transjordan resembles its counterpart west of the Jordan. While it was the ancestral land of the Ammonites and the Moabites, incursions from the north and the south were not uncommon throughout Old Testament (Amorites, Midianites and other interlopers). This contested land made for very crowded conditions for the Israelite settlers. Gilead (see Ramoth Gilead), however, is also portrayed as a place of refuge in times of trouble. When David was on the run from Saul and Absalom, he found protection across the Jordan. It is the thick forests of Gilead that claimed Absalom’s life. Today, the topography still evokes biblical times, with terracing and some wooded areas remaining and relatively little modern interference upon the landscape.

• Scripture References: Josh. 13, 22; Judges 11; I Sam. 22:3-4; 2 Sam. 17:26-29; 18
• Pictorial and Map References: CBA maps 83, 121, 122

Jerash (New Testament Gerasa)

When it comes to the archaeology of cities, Pompeii immediately comes to mind and for right reasons. Here is an amazingly exposed horizontal exposure of a complete urban center during the time of first century Rome, with details preserved to a remarkable degree. While Jerash (also known as Gerasa, one of the cities of the Decapolis) doesn’t come near the magnificence of Pompeii, it does have spectacular structures that evoke other great cities of NT times, including Rome itself: Forum, Theater, Hippodrome, Hadrian’s Trumphal Arch and great temples. The best-preserved temple at Jerash is the temple of Artemis. Whereas Ephesus itself has relatively little left of the original temple (see Acts 19), Jerash’s temple is truly impressive and will put the amazing accounts connected to Ephesus in Scripture in vivid perspective for us. We will walk in and stand among the structure and imagine where the statue stood in the back of the temple (its “holy of holies”).

What impresses first visitors to Jerash is the scope of this great trade center in the east of the Roman Empire. Be prepared for some walking around if you want to explore all that Jerash has to offer! It is also the site of an annual festival in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Amman (Old Testament Rabbath-Ammon/New Testament Philadelphia)

Amman can’t claim the scope of Jerash, but the Temple of Hercules is an impressive site. The large fissure into the bedrock where the temple once stood serves as a stark reminder of the reality that earthquakes represent in this part of the world. I suspect that by the time we reach Amman, however, we will be ready to enjoy some wonderful middle eastern hospitality in a town that has a charm all of its own (See pp. 26–33, Exploring Jordan: The Other Biblical Land, “Philadelphia of the Decapolis”).

• Text References: ANT pp. 37-63; 250-261
• Pictorial and Map References: Kregel Guide NT pp. 21, 22; CBA map 259