Mount Nebo, Jordan

By Paul Bryers

Today, I gained a unique geographical and political Arabic perspective on the Israel, Palestine, Jordan region, having previously explored Hebron, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, West Bank, Nazareth, Sea of Galilee, and Mount of Beatitudes from an Israeli perspective approximately three years ago.

Mount Nebo is a site of great significance, commemorating the Hebrew Prophet Moses, who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Moses is revered as the most important prophet in Judaism and Samaritanism, and one of the most important prophets in Christianity, Islam, the Baháʼí Faith, and other Abrahamic religions.
So, an important man!

Notably, Mount Nebo is the area where Moses brought forth water from a rock and passed away at the age of 120. According to biblical narrative, Moses struck his staff to bring water from a rock twice. The first instance was in accordance with God’s instructions, while the second instance involved Moses striking the rock in anger, resulting in God’s punishment that Moses would not enter the Promised Land. This seems rather harsh to me, but you know what God’s are like when crossed.

The views from Mount Nebo is breathtaking, encompassing:

Dead Sea…

Jordan valley…

Palestinian West Bank…

Jericho ….

….and on clear days, the gleaming domes of Jerusalem upon the top of the hills on the horizon.

The church on the Mount houses and protects incredible ancient mosaics in remarkable condition.