Biblical Geography

The spiritual and political center of ancient Israel, Jerusalem holds unparalleled significance throughout Scripture. Captured by David from the Jebusites, it became the site of Solomon's Temple and the focal point of Jewish worship. Here Jesus taught, was crucified, and rose again.

A small town in Judea, five miles south of Jerusalem, Bethlehem was the birthplace of King David and, centuries later, of Jesus Christ. The prophet Micah foretold that the Messiah would be born in this humble place.

A town in Galilee where Jesus was raised by Mary and Joseph. Though small and obscure, Nazareth was where the Son of God spent His formative years as a carpenter's son before beginning His public ministry.

A freshwater lake in northern Israel where Jesus performed many miracles, called His first disciples (who were fishermen), and taught from boats. The surrounding region was central to His Galilean ministry.

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Jericho was the first Canaanite city conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. Its walls fell after the people marched around them for seven days. Later, Jesus passed through Jericho and called Zacchaeus down from a sycamore tree.

A town north of Jerusalem where Jacob dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending. He named the place Bethel, meaning "House of God." Later it became a significant religious center in Israel's history.

An ancient city in the hill country of Judea, Hebron was home to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Cave of Machpelah, where the patriarchs and their wives were buried, is located here. David reigned in Hebron for seven years before moving his capital to Jerusalem.

A desert town marking the southern extent of Israel, frequently mentioned in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba." Abraham and Isaac both made covenants here and dug wells. The name means "well of the oath" or "well of seven."

The body of water that God parted to allow the Israelites to escape from Pharaoh's pursuing army. When Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, the waters divided, and Israel crossed on dry ground. When the Egyptians followed, the waters returned and covered them completely.

The holy mountain in the wilderness where Moses received the Ten Commandments and the Law from God. The mountain was covered in smoke and fire when the LORD descended upon it. Here God established His covenant with Israel and gave them the pattern for the Tabernacle.

A mountain peak east of the Jordan River from which Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death. From this vantage point, God showed him all the land from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, Ephraim, Manasseh, Judah, and the Negev. Though Moses could not enter, he was permitted to see God's promise fulfilled.

The river that forms a natural boundary through the Holy Land. God stopped its flow to allow Israel to cross into Canaan on dry ground, echoing the Red Sea crossing. Centuries later, John the Baptist baptized repentant sinners here, including Jesus Christ at the beginning of His public ministry.

The great civilization along the Nile served as both a place of refuge (for Abraham, Jacob's family, and the infant Jesus) and a house of bondage from which God delivered Israel under Moses. Egypt features prominently throughout biblical history.

Located on the Euphrates River in Mesopotamia, Babylon was a center of ancient power and learning. The Israelites were carried into captivity here after Jerusalem's destruction in 586 BC, remaining for seventy years before their return under Cyrus.

A major city in Syria, Antioch became a crucial center for early Christianity. The church here sent forth Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys, and it was here that disciples were first called "Christians."

A prominent city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), Ephesus was home to one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Paul spent over two years here, and Timothy later served as its bishop. The apostle John is believed to have spent his final years in this city.

A bustling commercial center known for its wealth and immorality, Corinth presented unique challenges for the early church. Paul established a church here during his second missionary journey and later wrote two epistles to address the congregation's struggles.

The seat of imperial power and eventual destination of Paul's journey as a prisoner. Rome became a major center of Christianity, though believers there faced severe persecution. Paul's epistle to the Romans remains one of the most profound theological works in Scripture.