🌎 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 86

🇯🇴 Chapter 1 – Part 1

Jordan: The Land of the Jordan River, Petra, and the Wilderness

Jordan, Amman, Aqaba, Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Madaba, Mount Nebo, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aqaba, the King's Highway, the Desert Highway, Edom, Moab, Ammon, Nabataea, the Decapolis, Roman Jordan, Byzantine Jordan, the Hashemite Kingdom, the Hashemite Dynasty, Bedouin Heritage, Arab Culture, Arabic, Islam, Christianity, Orthodox Christianity, Catholic Christianity, Baptism, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Moses, Mount Nebo, the Promised Land, the Exodus, Abraham, Lot, Amman, Rabbath-Ammon, Philadelphia, Petra, the Nabataeans, the Rose City, Wadi Rum, the Desert, Lawrence of Arabia, the Great Rift Valley, the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, Aqaba, Trade Routes, Archaeology, Hospitality, and Jordan's Kingdom Calling

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" — Psalm 133:1

Introduction

The:

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

is:

Country

in:

The:

Middle East.

Jordan

lies:

At:

The:

Heart

of:

The:

Levant.

The Levant

Jordan

stands

at:

Historic:

Crossroads

between:

The:

Arabian:

Peninsula.

The:

Levant.

Mesopotamia.

And:

The:

Mediterranean:

World.

Neighbors

Jordan

borders:

Syria.

Iraq.

Saudi Arabia.

And:

Israel.

Jordan

also:

Boundary

with:

The:

West Bank.

Amman

Amman

is:

The:

Capital

of:

Jordan.

Amman

is:

The:

Nation's:

Largest:

City

and:

Major:

Political.

Economic.

Educational.

And:

Cultural:

Center.

Ancient Amman

Amman

was:

Known

in:

Antiquity

as:

Rabbath-Ammon.

Ammon

The:

Ancient:

Ammonites

established:

Their:

Capital

at:

Rabbath-Ammon.

Philadelphia

During:

The:

Hellenistic:

And:

Roman:

Periods

the:

City

was:

Known

as:

Philadelphia.

Amman Citadel

The:

Amman Citadel

contains:

Layers

of:

Ancient:

History.

Roman Theatre

Amman

contains:

Large:

Roman:

Theatre

built

during:

The:

Roman:

Period.

Jordan River

The:

Jordan River

is:

One

of:

The:

Most:

Important:

Rivers

in:

Biblical:

History.

Jordan

The:

Country

takes:

Its:

Name

from:

The:

Jordan:

River.

Jordan River

The:

River

flows

southward

into:

The:

Dead Sea.

Dead Sea

The:

Dead Sea

lies

along:

Jordan's:

Western:

Border.

Dead Sea

The:

Dead:

Sea

is:

One

of:

The:

Saltiest:

Large:

Bodies

of:

Water

on:

Earth.

Salt

Its:

High:

Salinity

makes:

It:

Difficult

for:

Most:

Fish

and:

Aquatic:

Life

to:

Survive.

Lowest Point

The:

Dead:

Sea

lies

at:

One

of:

The:

Lowest:

Elevations

on:

Earth.

Jordan Valley

The:

Jordan:

Valley

forms:

Part

of:

The:

Great:

Rift:

Valley.

Great Rift Valley

The:

Great:

Rift:

Valley

extends

from:

The:

Middle:

East

through:

Eastern:

Africa.

Aqaba

Aqaba

is:

Jordan's:

Only:

Major:

Port

on:

The:

Red Sea.

Gulf of Aqaba

Aqaba

lies

on:

The:

Gulf of Aqaba.

Red Sea

Jordan

therefore:

Has:

Small

but:

Strategically:

Important:

Coastline

on:

The:

Red:

Sea.

Aqaba

is:

Center

for:

Trade.

Tourism.

Fishing.

And:

Marine:

Activities.

Coral Reefs

The:

Gulf

of:

Aqaba

contains:

Important:

Coral:

Reefs.

Desert

Much

of:

Jordan

is:

Covered

by:

Desert.

Eastern Desert

The:

Eastern:

Part

of:

Jordan

contains:

Large:

Desert:

Landscapes.

Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum

is:

One

of:

Jordan's:

Most:

Spectacular:

Natural:

Landscapes.

Valley of the Moon

Wadi:

Rum

is:

Often:

Called:

The:

Valley of the Moon.

Wadi Rum

The:

Landscape

contains:

Vast:

Sand:

Valleys.

Granite:

Mountains.

Sandstone:

Cliffs.

And:

Natural:

Rock:

Formations.

Lawrence of Arabia

Wadi:

Rum

became:

Famous

internationally

through:

The:

Story

of:

T. E. Lawrence.

Lawrence

spent:

Time

in:

The:

Arab:

Revolt

and:

Wadi:

Rum

during:

World:

War:

Bedouin Heritage

The:

Region

has:

Long:

Been:

Home

to:

Bedouin:

Communities.

Bedouin

Bedouin:

Culture

contains:

Strong:

Traditions

of:

Hospitality.

Family.

Poetry.

Horsemanship.

Travel.

And:

Desert:

Knowledge.

Petra

Petra

is:

Jordan's:

Most:

Famous:

Archaeological:

Site.

Petra

was:

The:

Capital

of:

The:

Nabataean Kingdom.

Nabataeans

The:

Nabataeans

were:

An:

Ancient:

Arab:

People

who:

Built:

Powerful:

Kingdom

in:

The:

Desert.

Trade

The:

Nabataeans

controlled:

Important:

Trade:

Routes

between:

Arabia.

The:

Levant.

Egypt.

And:

The:

Mediterranean.

Frankincense

was:

One

of:

The:

Important:

Commodities

moving

through:

The:

Region.

Myrrh

was:

Also:

Major:

Trade:

Commodity.

Spices

from:

Arabia

and:

The:

Indian:

Ocean

moved

through:

Nabataean:

Trade:

Networks.

Petra

was:

Carved

into:

Rose-colored:

Sandstone.

Rose City

Petra

is:

Often:

Called:

The:

Rose City.

Treasury

The:

Treasury

is:

Petra's:

Most:

Famous:

Monument.

Treasury

The:

Structure

is:

Carved

directly

into:

The:

Rock.

Monastery

The:

Monastery

is:

Another:

Massive:

Rock-cut:

Monument

at:

Petra.

Siq

Visitors

enter:

Petra

through:

The:

Siq.

Siq

The:

Siq

is:

Narrow:

Natural:

Rock:

Canyon.

Nabataean Engineering

The:

Nabataeans

developed:

Sophisticated:

Water:

Management:

Systems.

Water

Petra

survived

in:

Dry:

Environment

because

of:

Advanced:

Water:

Engineering.

Cisterns

The:

Nabataeans

built:

Cisterns.

Channels.

Dams.

And:

Water:

Storage:

Systems.

Desert Civilization

Petra

demonstrates:

That:

Desert:

Civilizations

could:

Develop:

Sophisticated:

Urban:

Centers.

Roman Empire

Rome

annexed:

The:

Nabataean:

Kingdom

in:

106 AD.

Roman Arabia

The:

Region

became:

Part

of:

The:

Roman:

Province

of:

Arabia Petraea.

Via Nova Traiana

The:

Romans

built:

The:

Via Nova Traiana

through:

The:

Region.

King's Highway

The:

Ancient:

Trade:

Network

continued

through:

The:

Historic:

King's Highway.

King's Highway

The:

King's:

Highway

connected:

Ancient:

Settlements

across:

The:

Levant.

Biblical Lands

Jordan

contains:

Many:

Places

associated

with:

The:

Bible.

Ammon

The:

Ancient:

Kingdom

of:

Ammon

occupied:

Part

of:

Modern:

Jordan.

Moab

The:

Ancient:

Kingdom

of:

Moab

occupied:

Territories

east

of:

The:

Dead:

Sea.

Edom

The:

Ancient:

Kingdom

of:

Edom

occupied:

Parts

of:

Southern:

Jordan.

Ammonites

The:

Ammonites

appear

frequently

in:

The:

Hebrew:

Bible.

Moabites

The:

Moabites

also:

Appear

frequently

in:

Biblical:

History.

Edomites

The:

Edomites

were:

Associated

with:

The:

Southern:

Regions

of:

The:

Levant.

Lot

The:

Biblical:

Account

of:

Lot

is:

Associated

with:

The:

Region

east

of:

The:

Dead:

Sea.

Sodom and Gomorrah

The:

Biblical:

Account

of:

Sodom and Gomorrah

is:

Traditionally:

Associated

with:

The:

Region

around:

The:

Dead:

Sea.

Abraham

traveled

through:

The:

Lands

of:

The:

Ancient:

Levant.

Jacob

The:

Patriarchal:

Stories

also:

Connect:

The:

Region

with:

The:

Family

of:

Jacob.

Moses

Moses

is:

Strongly:

Associated

with:

Jordan's:

Western:

And:

Eastern:

Landscapes.

Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo

is:

One

of:

Jordan's:

Most:

Important:

Biblical:

Sites.

Moses

According

to:

The:

Bible:

Moses

viewed:

The:

Promised:

Land

from:

Mount:

Nebo.

Deuteronomy

The:

Book

of:

Deuteronomy

records:

Moses'

Final:

Journey

and:

His:

View

of:

The:

Land.

Mount Nebo

From:

Mount:

Nebo

the:

Israelite:

Land

could:

Be:

Seen

to:

The:

West.

Moses Memorial

Church

and:

Memorial

at:

Mount:

Nebo

commemorate:

The:

Biblical:

Tradition.

Madaba

Madaba

is:

Famous

for:

Its:

Byzantine:

Mosaics.

Madaba Map

The:

Madaba Map

is:

One

of:

The:

Most:

Important:

Early:

Maps

of:

The:

Holy:

Land.

Madaba Map

The:

Map

was:

Created

from:

Thousands

of:

Mosaic:

Tiles.

Holy Land

The:

Map

depicts:

Jerusalem.

The:

Jordan:

River.

The:

Dead:

Sea.

And:

Other:

Biblical:

Sites.

Byzantine Jordan

Christianity

flourished

in:

Jordan

during:

The:

Byzantine:

Period.

Churches

Many:

Ancient:

Churches

were:

Built

throughout:

The:

Region.

Mosaics

Jordan

contains:

Some

of:

The:

Middle:

East's:

Most:

Important:

Early:

Christian:

Mosaics.

Baptism of Jesus

The:

Jordan:

River

is:

Associated

with:

The:

**Baptism

of:

Jesus.**

John the Baptist

John the Baptist

preached

and:

Baptized

in:

The:

Jordan:

Region.

Bethany Beyond the Jordan

Bethany Beyond the Jordan

is:

Major:

Christian:

Pilgrimage:

Site.

Baptism Site

The:

Site

is:

Associated

with:

The:

Baptism

of:

Jesus

by:

John.

Christianity

Jordan

has:

Long:

Christian:

History.

Early Christianity

Christian:

Communities

existed

throughout:

Jordan

from:

The:

Early:

Centuries

of:

Christianity.

Eastern Christianity

Eastern:

Christian:

Traditions

remain:

Part

of:

Jordan's:

Religious:

Heritage.

Orthodox Christianity

Jordan

contains:

Greek:

Orthodox:

Christian:

Communities.

Catholicism

Catholic:

Communities

also:

Maintain:

Churches.

Schools.

And:

Institutions.

Christian Minority

Christians

are:

Minority

within:

Modern:

Jordan

but:

Have:

Long:

Historical:

Presence.

Islam

became:

The:

Dominant:

Religion

following:

The:

Arab:

Muslim:

Conquests

of:

The:

Seventh:

Century.

Arab Conquest

The:

Region

became:

Part

of:

The:

Early:

Islamic:

Caliphates.

Umayyad

The:

Umayyad Caliphate

was:

Centered

in:

Damascus.

Jordan

contains:

Important:

Remains

from:

The:

Early:

Islamic:

Period.

Desert Castles

Jordan

is:

Famous

for:

Its:

Desert Castles.

Qasr Amra

Qasr Amra

is:

One

of:

The:

Most:

Famous:

Umayyad:

Desert:

Castles.

Qasr Amra

Its:

Frescoes

are:

Important:

Examples

of:

Early:

Islamic:

Art.

Islamic Heritage

Jordan

therefore:

Contains:

Roman.

Byzantine.

Christian.

Islamic.

Ottoman.

And:

Modern:

Arab:

Heritage.

Ottoman Empire

Jordan

remained:

Part

of:

The:

Ottoman Empire

for:

Several:

Centuries.

Arab Revolt

During:

World:

War:

the:

Arab Revolt

challenged:

Ottoman:

Rule.

Hashemite Family

The:

Hashemite Family

played:

Central:

Role

in:

The:

Arab:

Revolt.

Sharif Hussein

Sharif Hussein bin Ali

was:

Major:

Leader

of:

The:

Arab:

Revolt.

Abdullah I

His:

Son:

Abdullah I

became:

The:

Founder

of:

The:

Modern:

Jordanian:

State.

Transjordan

The:

Territory

was:

Known

as:

The:

Emirate of Transjordan.

1921

The:

Emirate

was:

Established

under:

British:

Oversight

in:

1921.

Independence

Transjordan

achieved:

Full:

Independence

in:

1946.

Hashemite Kingdom

The:

Country

became:

The:

Hashemite Kingdom of Transjordan.

Jordan

The:

Name

was:

Later:

Shortened

to:

The:

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Hashemite Dynasty

The:

Hashemite:

Dynasty

continues:

To:

Rule:

Jordan.

King Hussein

King Hussein

ruled:

Jordan

from:

1952

until:

1999.

King Hussein

He:

Became:

One

of:

The:

Middle:

East's:

Most:

Recognized:

Monarchs.

King Abdullah II

King Abdullah II

became:

King

in:

1999.

Jordanian Monarchy

Jordan

is:

Constitutional:

Monarchy.

Amman

has:

Grown

into:

Major:

Regional:

City.

Jordanian Identity

Jordanian:

Identity

contains:

Arab.

Bedouin.

Levantine.

Islamic.

Christian.

And:

Ancient:

Heritage.

Arabic

Arabic

is:

The:

Official:

Language

of:

Jordan.

Jordanian Arabic

Jordanian:

Arabic

contains:

Local:

Dialects

within:

The:

Levantine:

Arabic:

Family.

Bedouin Dialects

Bedouin:

Communities

maintain:

Distinct:

Linguistic:

Traditions.

Culture

Jordanian:

Culture

emphasizes:

Hospitality.

Family.

Honor.

Generosity.

And:

Community.

Hospitality

is:

One

of:

The:

Most:

Important:

Values

in:

Jordanian:

Culture.

Coffee

Arabic:

Coffee

is:

An:

Important:

Symbol

of:

Hospitality.

Tea

is:

Also:

Commonly:

Served

to:

Guests.

Family

is:

Central

to:

Jordanian:

Social:

Life.

Weddings

Jordanian:

Weddings

can:

Include:

Music.

Dance.

Food.

Poetry.

And:

Large:

Family:

Gatherings.

Dabke

Dabke

is:

Traditional:

Levantine:

Dance

performed

at:

Celebrations.

Music

Jordanian:

Music

includes:

Traditional:

Bedouin.

Levantine.

And:

Modern:

Arab:

Styles.

Poetry

has:

Long:

Tradition

in:

Arab:

Culture.

Nabataean Heritage

Petra

stands

as:

Reminder

of:

The:

Ancient:

Arab:

Civilizations

of:

The:

Region.

Food

Jordanian:

Cuisine

reflects:

Levantine.

Arab.

Bedouin.

And:

Mediterranean:

Influences.

Mansaf

Mansaf

is:

Jordan's:

Most:

Famous:

Traditional:

Dish.

Mansaf

is:

Typically:

Made

with:

Lamb.

Rice.

And:

Fermented:

Yogurt:

Sauce

called:

Jameed.

Jameed

is:

Traditional:

Dried:

Yogurt

used

in:

Mansaf.

Maqluba

Maqluba

is:

Another:

Popular:

Dish

of:

The:

Region.

Falafel

is:

Widely:

Consumed

throughout:

Jordan.

Hummus

is:

Common:

Part

of:

Jordanian:

And:

Levantine:

Cuisine.

Olive Oil

Olive:

Oil

is:

An:

Important:

Ingredient

in:

Jordanian:

Food.

Agriculture

Jordan

faces:

Major:

Challenge:

Water:

Scarcity.

Water

Jordan

is:

One

of:

The:

World's:

Most:

Water-stressed:

Countries.

Desert

Much

of:

The:

Country

is:

Arid.

Rainfall

is:

Limited

and:

Unevenly:

Distributed.

Jordan Valley

The:

Jordan:

Valley

supports:

Agriculture

through:

Irrigation.

Fruits

Jordan

produces:

Olives.

Citrus.

Tomatoes.

Vegetables.

And:

Other:

Crops.

Olives

Olive:

Cultivation

has:

Long:

History

in:

The:

Levant.

Livestock

Sheep.

Goats.

And:

Camels

are:

Important

to:

Rural

and:

Bedouin:

Communities.

Dead Sea Minerals

The:

Dead:

Sea

contains:

Mineral:

Resources.

Potash

is:

Produced

from:

Dead:

Sea:

Mineral:

Resources.

Bromine

is:

Also:

Extracted

from:

The:

Dead:

Sea.

Phosphate

is:

Another:

Important:

Jordanian:

Mineral:

Resource.

Economy

Jordan

has:

An:

Economy

based

on:

Services.

Tourism.

Manufacturing.

Mining.

Agriculture.

And:

Trade.

Tourism

is:

Extremely:

Important

to:

Jordan.

Petra

is:

Major:

International:

Tourism:

Destination.

Wadi Rum

Wadi:

Rum

attracts:

Visitors

for:

Desert:

Tours.

Camping.

Hiking.

And:

Rock:

Climbing.

Dead Sea

The:

Dead:

Sea

attracts:

Visitors

for:

Its:

Mineral-rich:

Waters.

Aqaba

attracts:

Visitors

for:

Diving.

Snorkeling.

Beaches.

And:

Coral:

Reefs.

Jerash

Jerash

is:

One

of:

Jordan's:

Most:

Important:

Roman:

Archaeological:

Sites.

Jerash

The:

Ancient:

City

was:

Part

of:

The:

Decapolis.

Decapolis

The:

Decapolis

was:

Group

of:

Greco-Roman:

Cities

in:

The:

Levant.

Jerash

contains:

Colonnaded:

Streets.

Temples.

Theatres.

Baths.

And:

Public:

Squares.

Oval Plaza

The:

Oval Plaza

is:

One

of:

Jerash's:

Most:

Famous:

Features.

Hadrian

The:

Emperor:

Hadrian

visited:

Jerash

during:

The:

Second:

Century.

Roman Jordan

Roman:

Jordan

was:

Major:

Part

of:

The:

Empire's:

Eastern:

Frontier.

Umm Qais

Umm Qais

is:

Another:

Important:

Decapolis:

Site.

Gadara

Umm:

Qais

stands

near:

The:

Ancient:

City

of:

Gadara.

Biblical Gadara

Gadara

is:

Mentioned

in:

The:

New:

Testament

traditions

associated

with:

The:

Gospels.

Pella

Pella

was:

Another:

Important:

Ancient:

City

in:

The:

Region.

Madaba

contains:

Important:

Byzantine:

Christian:

Heritage.

Mount Nebo

Mount:

Nebo

stands

above:

The:

Jordan:

Valley.

Biblical Geography

Jordan

therefore:

Contains:

An:

Extraordinary:

Concentration

of:

Biblical.

Archaeological.

And:

Religious:

Heritage.

Christianity and Pilgrimage

Christian:

Pilgrims

travel

to:

Jordan

to:

Visit:

Biblical:

Sites.

Baptism

The:

Jordan:

River

is:

Especially:

Important

to:

Christian:

Pilgrimage.

Moses

Mount:

Nebo

is:

Important

to:

Jewish.

Christian.

And:

Biblical:

Tradition.

Exodus

Jordan

contains:

Landscapes

associated

with:

The:

Biblical:

Exodus:

Tradition.

Promised Land

From:

Mount:

Nebo

Moses

is:

Traditionally:

Said

to:

Have:

Viewed:

The:

Promised:

Land.

Wilderness

The:

Deserts

of:

Jordan

also:

Reflect:

The:

Biblical:

Theme

of:

Wilderness.

Wilderness

The:

Wilderness

is:

Place

of:

Testing.

Preparation.

Encounter.

And:

Transformation

within:

Biblical:

Narrative.

Jordan

therefore:

Carries:

Deep:

Biblical:

Symbolism.

Jordan River

The:

River

can:

Represent:

Transition.

Crossing

Biblical:

Israel

crossed:

The:

Jordan

into:

The:

Promised:

Land.

Baptism

John

baptized:

In:

The:

Jordan.

Jesus

was:

Baptized

in:

The:

Jordan

according

to:

Christian:

Tradition.

Water

therefore:

Carries:

Themes

of:

Life.

Cleansing.

Transition.

And:

Renewal.

Dead Sea

The:

Dead:

Sea

provides:

Striking:

Contrast.

Jordan River

Life-giving:

Water

flows

toward:

The:

Dead:

Sea.

Kingdom Perspective

Jordan

can:

Be:

Seen

as:

Land

of:

Crossings.

Crossing

Abraham.

Moses.

Israel.

John.

Jesus.

Pilgrims.

Traders.

Armies.

And:

Nations

have:

Passed

through:

This:

Region.

Crossroads

Jordan

is:

Geographic:

Bridge

between:

Continents.

Trade

Ancient:

Trade:

Routes

connected:

Arabia

with:

The:

Mediterranean.

King's Highway

The:

King's:

Highway

carried:

People.

Animals.

Goods.

And:

Ideas.

Petra

became:

Rich

because

of:

Its:

Position

on:

These:

Trade:

Networks.

Amman

continues:

This:

Tradition

as:

Modern:

Regional:

Center.

Jordanian Hospitality

The:

Desert

teaches:

The:

Importance

of:

Hospitality.

Bedouin Hospitality

In:

Harsh:

Environment

the:

Traveler

depends

upon:

The:

Generosity

of:

Others.

Hospitality

therefore:

Becomes:

than:

Courtesy.

It:

Becomes:

Survival.

Kingdom Calling

Jordan's:

Kingdom:

Calling

can:

Be:

Summarized

as:

Crossroads nation.

Jordan River nation.

Biblical lands nation.

Moses nation.

Mount Nebo nation.

John the Baptist nation.

Baptism nation.

Dead Sea nation.

Red Sea nation.

Aqaba nation.

Petra nation.

Nabataean nation.

Rose City nation.

Wadi Rum nation.

Desert nation.

Bedouin nation.

Ammon nation.

Moab nation.

Edom nation.

Roman nation.

Byzantine nation.

Jerash nation.

Madaba nation.

Decapolis nation.

Christian heritage nation.

Islamic heritage nation.

Arab nation.

Hashemite nation.

Hospitality nation.

Trade-route nation.

Archaeological nation.

Pilgrimage nation.

Water-stressed nation.

Desert stewardship nation.

Peace nation.

Diplomatic nation.

Refuge nation.

Levantine nation.

Bridge nation.

Prayer for Jordan

Pray:

For Jordan.
For Amman.
For Aqaba.
For Petra.
For Jerash.
For Madaba.
For Mount Nebo.
For Wadi Rum.
For the Jordan River.
For the Dead Sea.
For the Gulf of Aqaba.
For the Jordan Valley.
For every city.
For every village.
For every governorate.
For Jordanian families.
For children.
For youth.
For women.
For men.
For elders.
For farmers.
For workers.
For entrepreneurs.
For teachers.
For students.
For doctors.
For nurses.
For engineers.
For scientists.
For artists.
For musicians.
For pastors.
For priests.
For imams.
For Christians.
For Muslims.
For Orthodox Christians.
For Catholics.
For every religious community.
For religious freedom.
For peaceful coexistence.
For Bedouin communities.
For Jordanian tribes.
For Palestinian communities.
For refugees.
For migrants.
For the poor.
For the vulnerable.
For those without homes.
For Jordan's water resources.
For the Jordan River.
For the Dead Sea.
For groundwater.
For agriculture.
For the Jordan Valley.
For farmers.
For water conservation.
For renewable energy.
For solar energy.
For responsible development.
For the desert.
For Wadi Rum.
For wildlife.
For nature reserves.
For Petra.
For the Nabataean heritage.
For Jerash.
For the Roman heritage.
For Madaba.
For Byzantine heritage.
For Mount Nebo.
For Christian pilgrims.
For the Baptism Site.
For churches.
For monasteries.
For mosques.
For archaeological sites.
For cultural preservation.
For tourism.
For Aqaba.
For coral reefs.
For marine life.
For the Red Sea.
For Jordan's economy.
For education.
For healthcare.
For employment.
For innovation.
For entrepreneurs.
For wise leadership.
For King Abdullah II.
For the Hashemite Kingdom.
For the Jordanian government.
For peace.
For justice.
For wisdom.
For regional reconciliation.
For Jordan's neighbors.
For Israel.
For Palestine.
For Syria.
For Iraq.
For Saudi Arabia.
For Lebanon.
For the wider Middle East.
For Jordan to become:
- A nation of peace.
- A nation of hospitality.
- A nation of wisdom.
- A nation of reconciliation.
- A nation of stewardship.
- A nation of justice.
- A nation of education.
- A nation of innovation.
- A nation of service.
- A nation that protects its ancient heritage.
For the nations of the Middle East.

Jordan Before the Throne

The:

Land

has:

Known:

Ammon.

Moab.

Edom.

Israel.

Edomite:

Trade.

Nabataean:

Civilization.

Rome.

Byzantium.

Islamic:

Caliphates.

The:

Ottoman:

Empire.

The:

Arab:

Revolt.

Transjordan.

And:

The:

Modern:

Hashemite:

Kingdom.

It:

Has:

Known:

Abraham.

Lot.

Moses.

John the Baptist.

Jesus.

The:

Apostles.

Nabataean:

Kings.

Roman:

Governors.

Byzantine:

Christians.

Muslim:

Caliphs.

Bedouin:

Tribes.

And:

Hashemite:

Kings.

From Ammon to Amman

Jordan demonstrates:

How:

Ancient:

Cities

can:

Become:

Modern:

Capitals.

From Petra to Aqaba

Jordan demonstrates:

How:

Trade

can:

Connect:

Desert.

Sea.

And:

Civilization.

From the Nabataeans to the Modern Economy

Jordan demonstrates:

The:

Power

of:

Strategic:

Location.

From the King's Highway to Modern Roads

Jordan demonstrates:

How:

Routes

of:

Travel

become:

Routes

of:

Commerce.

From Mount Nebo to the Jordan River

Jordan demonstrates:

The:

Importance

of:

Land

within:

Biblical:

Memory.

From Moses to John the Baptist

Jordan demonstrates:

The:

Spiritual:

Importance

of:

Water.

From the Jordan River to Baptism

Jordan demonstrates:

The:

Symbolism

of:

Crossing.

Cleansing.

And:

Renewal.

From the Dead Sea to the Desert

Jordan demonstrates:

The:

Extreme:

Beauty

of:

Arid:

Landscapes.

From Wadi Rum to Bedouin Heritage

Jordan demonstrates:

The:

Wisdom

required

to:

Live

in:

The:

Desert.

From Petra to Jerash

Jordan demonstrates:

The:

Layering

of:

Arab.

Roman.

Christian.

And:

Islamic:

Civilization.

From Madaba to the Modern Map

Jordan demonstrates:

The:

Importance

of:

Preserving:

Geographic.

Religious.

And:

Historical:

Memory.

From the Arab Revolt to the Hashemite Kingdom

Jordan demonstrates:

The:

Continuing:

Importance

of:

Arab:

Political:

Identity.

From Independence to Modern Jordan

Jordan demonstrates:

The:

Challenge

of:

Building:

Stability

within:

Difficult:

Regional:

Environment.

Kingdom Perspective

Jordan

teaches:

A nation positioned at the crossroads of ancient civilizations carries a unique responsibility to become a bridge rather than a battlefield, a keeper of sacred memory rather than a destroyer of heritage, and a place of hospitality in the midst of the wilderness.

Jordan River

Teaches:

Transition.

Dead Sea

Teaches:

Contrast.

Mount Nebo

Teaches:

Vision.

Petra

Teaches:

Ingenuity.

Wadi Rum

Teaches:

Endurance.

Desert

Teaches:

Dependence.

Bedouin Hospitality

Teaches:

Generosity.

Amman

Teaches:

Continuity.

Jerash

Teaches:

Civilization.

Madaba

Teaches:

Memory.

Aqaba

Teaches:

Connection.

Nabataeans

Teach:

Resourcefulness.

Hashemites

Teach:

Leadership.

Christianity

Teaches:

Faith.

Islam

Teaches:

Submission

to:

God.

Jordan

Teaches:

Peace.

Kingdom Calling

Jordan's:

Kingdom:

Calling

can:

Be:

Understood

as:

To serve as a bridge between peoples and civilizations, to preserve the sacred and archaeological heritage entrusted to the nation, to protect the Jordan River and the desert environment, to practice hospitality toward the stranger, and to become a voice for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East.

Jordan's Future

Jordan

can:

Continue:

Building:

Peace.

Water

Jordan

can:

Lead

in:

Water:

Conservation.

Desalination

can:

Help:

Expand:

Water:

Security.

Solar Energy

Jordan

has:

Excellent:

Potential

for:

Solar:

Power.

Desert

The:

Desert

can:

Become:

Source

of:

Renewable:

Energy.

Agriculture

Jordan

can:

Increase:

Agricultural:

Efficiency

through:

Modern:

Irrigation.

Jordan Valley

The:

Jordan:

Valley

can:

Continue:

Supporting:

Food:

Production.

Dead Sea

The:

Dead:

Sea

can:

Be:

Protected

through:

Regional:

Water:

Management.

Jordan River

The:

Jordan:

River

can:

Be:

Restored

through:

Cooperation

between:

Neighboring:

Communities.

Petra

can:

Remain:

Protected

for:

Future:

Generations.

Wadi Rum

Wadi:

Rum

can:

Remain:

Protected

through:

Responsible:

Tourism.

Aqaba

can:

Protect:

Its:

Coral:

Reefs

while:

Growing:

Marine:

Tourism.

Archaeology

Jordan

can:

Continue:

Preserving:

Its:

Ancient:

Sites.

Christianity

Christian:

Pilgrimage

can:

Continue:

Bringing:

People

from:

Around:

The:

World

to:

Jordan.

Hospitality

Jordan

can:

Continue:

Being:

Known

for:

Hospitality.

Refugees

Jordan

can:

Continue:

Providing:

Humanitarian:

Service

while:

The:

International:

Community

The:

Burden.

Education

Jordan

can:

Continue:

Investing

in:

Education.

Youth

Jordan's:

Young:

People

can:

Become:

Leaders

in:

Technology.

Science.

Business.

Arts.

And:

Diplomacy.

Diplomacy

Jordan

can:

Continue:

Serving

as:

Diplomatic:

Bridge

within:

The:

Middle:

East.

Peace

Jordan

can:

Continue:

Supporting:

Peaceful:

Solutions

to:

Regional:

Conflicts.

Final Commission

May Jordan become a nation of:

Peace.

Wisdom.

Hospitality.

Justice.

Reconciliation.

Stewardship.

Faith.

Education.

Innovation.

And:

Service.

May Amman flourish.

May Aqaba flourish.

May Petra flourish.

May Jerash flourish.

May Madaba flourish.

May Mount Nebo flourish.

May Wadi Rum flourish.

May every city flourish.

May every village flourish.

May every community flourish.

May Jordanian families flourish.

May children flourish.

May youth flourish.

May women flourish.

May men flourish.

May elders receive:

Honor.

May farmers prosper.

May workers prosper.

May entrepreneurs prosper.

May teachers prosper.

May students prosper.

May scientists prosper.

May doctors prosper.

May nurses prosper.

May engineers prosper.

May artists prosper.

May musicians prosper.

May pastors prosper.

May priests prosper.

May imams prosper.

May religious communities live:

In:

Peace.

May Christians flourish.

May Muslims flourish.

May Orthodox Christians flourish.

May Catholics flourish.

May every community receive:

Dignity.

May refugees receive:

Compassion.

May the vulnerable receive:

Protection.

May the Jordan River be:

Protected.

May the Dead Sea be:

Protected.

May the Gulf of Aqaba be:

Protected.

May the coral reefs flourish.

May marine life flourish.

May the Jordan Valley flourish.

May agriculture flourish.

May water conservation flourish.

May renewable energy flourish.

May solar energy flourish.

May the deserts remain:

Protected.

May Wadi Rum remain:

Protected.

May Petra remain:

Protected.

May Jerash remain:

Protected.

May Madaba remain:

Protected.

May Mount Nebo remain:

Protected.

May the Baptism Site remain:

Protected.

May churches remain:

Protected.

May monasteries remain:

Protected.

May mosques remain:

Protected.

May archaeological sites remain:

Protected.

May the Nabataean heritage remain:

Preserved.

May the Roman heritage remain:

Preserved.

May the Byzantine heritage remain:

Preserved.

May the Islamic heritage remain:

Preserved.

May the Bedouin heritage remain:

Preserved.

May Jordanian culture remain:

Strong.

May Jordan's:

Hospitality

remain:

Witness

to:

The:

Nations.

May the Hashemite Kingdom remain:

Stable.

May Jordan's:

Leaders

receive:

Wisdom.

May Jordan's:

Government

pursue:

Justice.

May Jordan's:

Young:

People

receive:

Opportunity.

May Jordan's:

Universities

produce:

Wisdom.

May Jordan's:

Businesses

produce:

Prosperity.

May Jordan's:

Artists

produce:

Beauty.

May Jordan's:

Scientists

produce:

Discovery.

May Jordan's:

Diplomats

produce:

Peace.

May Jordan become:

Bridge

between:

Peoples.

May Jordan become:

Bridge

between:

Faiths.

May Jordan become:

Bridge

between:

Civilizations.

May Jordan become:

Bridge

between:

The:

Past

and:

The:

Future.

May Jordan become:

Bridge

between:

The:

Desert

and:

The:

Sea.

May Jordan become:

Bridge

between:

The:

Arabian:

World

and:

The:

Mediterranean.

May Jordan become:

Bridge

between:

The:

Nations.

And may the Jordan River remind the world:

Every crossing can become a beginning.

Biblical Blessing

May the:

River

that:

Carried:

The:

Memory

of:

Israel's:

Crossing.

The:

Waters

where:

John

Baptized.

The:

Land

where:

Moses

looked

toward:

The:

Promise.

And:

The:

Wilderness

where:

Generations

learned:

Dependence

upon:

God

continue:

To:

Speak

to:

The:

Nations.

May Jordan's:

Mountains

speak:

Of:

Strength.

May Jordan's:

Deserts

speak:

Of:

Faith.

May Jordan's:

River

speak:

Of:

Renewal.

May Jordan's:

Dead:

Sea

speak:

Of:

The:

Fragility

of:

Creation.

May Petra

speak:

Of:

Human:

Ingenuity.

May Jerash

speak:

Of:

Civilization.

May Madaba

speak:

Of:

Memory.

May Mount Nebo

speak:

Of:

Vision.

May Aqaba

speak:

Of:

Connection.

May Wadi Rum

speak:

Of:

Endurance.

May Bedouin:

Hospitality

speak:

Of:

Generosity.

May Jordanian:

Families

speak:

Of:

Community.

May Jordanian:

Christians

and:

Muslims

speak:

Of:

Peace.

May Jordan's:

Leaders

speak:

With:

Wisdom.

May Jordan's:

People

walk:

In:

Peace.

And may Jordan become:

A keeper of ancient paths.

A guardian of sacred places.

A steward of scarce waters.

A host to the stranger.

A bridge among nations.

A witness to history.

A servant of peace.

And a land of hope.

From:

Ammon

to:

Amman.

From:

Edom

to:

Petra.

From:

Moab

to:

Mount Nebo.

From:

The Nabataeans

to:

The Hashemites.

From:

The King's Highway

to:

Modern Jordan.

From:

The Jordan River

to:

The Dead Sea.

From:

The wilderness

to:

The cities.

From:

Petra

to:

Aqaba.

From:

Jerash

to:

Madaba.

From:

Moses

to:

John the Baptist.

From:

Biblical memory

to:

Modern mission.

From:

Jordan

to:

The nations.

From:

Jordan

to:

The Kingdom.

Amen.

🇯🇴 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 86

Jordan

From ancient Ammon to modern Amman.

From Moab to Mount Nebo.

From Edom to Petra.

From the Nabataeans to the Hashemites.

From the King's Highway to modern roads.

From desert caravans to international trade.

From the Rose City to the modern kingdom.

From Petra to Wadi Rum.

From Wadi Rum to Aqaba.

From the Red Sea to the Dead Sea.

From the Jordan River to the Great Rift Valley.

From Moses to Mount Nebo.

From John the Baptist to the Jordan River.

From the baptism of Jesus to Christian pilgrimage.

From Byzantine churches to Islamic desert castles.

From Roman Jerash to modern Amman.

From Madaba's ancient mosaic to the modern map.

From Bedouin hospitality to Jordanian identity.

From the Arab Revolt to the Hashemite Kingdom.

From King Abdullah I to King Hussein.

From King Hussein to King Abdullah II.

From ancient civilizations to modern diplomacy.

From scarce water to the call for stewardship.

From desert wilderness to renewable energy.

From Petra to the nations.

From the Jordan River to the throne.

From Jordan to the Kingdom.

End of Kingdom Nations Series – Part 86: 🇯🇴 Jordan

Blog

🌎 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 86 🇯🇴 Jordan: The Land of the Jordan River, Petra, and the Wilderness

🌎 Kingdom Nations Series – Part 86

🇯🇴 Chapter 1 – Part 1

Jordan: The Land of the Jordan River, Petra, and the Wilderness

Introduction

Jordan

The Levant

Neighbors

Amman

Amman

Ancient Amman

Ammon

Philadelphia

Amman Citadel

Roman Theatre

Jordan River

Jordan

Jordan River

Dead Sea

Dead Sea

Salt

Lowest Point

Jordan Valley

Great Rift Valley

Aqaba

Gulf of Aqaba

Red Sea

Aqaba

Coral Reefs

Desert

Eastern Desert

Wadi Rum

Valley of the Moon

Wadi Rum

Lawrence of Arabia

Lawrence

Bedouin Heritage

Bedouin

Petra

Petra

Nabataeans

Trade

Frankincense

Myrrh

Spices

Petra

Rose City

Treasury

Treasury

Monastery

Siq

Siq

Nabataean Engineering

Water

Cisterns

Desert Civilization

Roman Empire

Roman Arabia

Via Nova Traiana

King's Highway

King's Highway

Biblical Lands

Ammon

Moab

Edom

Ammonites

Moabites

Edomites

Lot

Sodom and Gomorrah

Abraham

Jacob

Moses

Mount Nebo

Moses

Deuteronomy

Mount Nebo

Moses Memorial

Madaba