The ancient city of Petra, located in modern-day Jordan, is an important location mentioned several times in the Bible. Though not as prominent as places like Jerusalem or Bethlehem, Petra still played a notable role in biblical events and prophecy.
Here are some of the key ways the city of Petra factors into the biblical narrative:
1. Petra was the capital of Edom
In the Old Testament, Edom was another name used to refer to the Edomites, who were the descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:1). The Edomites settled in the area south of the Dead Sea, which happened to include the region where the city of Petra resided. As the chief city of Edom, Petra served as the Edomite capital for centuries.
The Old Testament contains many references to Edom and its interactions with the Israelites. The prophet Obadiah, for example, foretold Edom’s eventual destruction for its violence against the Israelites (Obadiah 1:1-21). Other Old Testament books like 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, Psalms, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Joel, Amos, and Malachi all make mention of Edom at various points.
As the capital city, Petra factored prominently into these biblical references to Edom. It was a center of trade and commerce that both cooperated and clashed with Israel over the centuries. The Old Testament underscores the rivalry and bitterness that often characterized their relationship.
2. Petra was located along major trade routes
In addition to being the Edomite capital, Petra was conveniently situated along major trading routes between Arabia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the northern kingdoms of Israel and Syria. The city was built among rugged mountains and narrow passageways, which provided natural protection and security.
Caravans traveling these trade routes would have passed through or stopped in Petra frequently. As such, the city was cosmopolitan and experienced in welcoming visitors from diverse regions. The Nabataeans, who later replaced the Edomites in Petra until about 100 AD, leveraged the city’s key location to great success.
Petra’s prominence as a trading center put it on the radar of nations far and wide. This is why the Old Testament, New Testament, and other historical sources reference Petra despite it not being the region’s largest or most important city. The city’s reputation and status made it a recognized landmark of note.
3. Petra is possibly referenced in Isaiah 16
The specific name “Petra” never appears in the Bible. However, Isaiah 16 could contain an early reference to the city. Isaiah 16 documents Moab’s pleas for refuge from destruction. Part of this passage states:
“Let the outcasts of Moab sojourn among you; be a shelter to them from the destroyer. When the oppressor is no more, and destruction has ceased, and he who tramples underfoot has vanished from the land, then a throne will be established in steadfast love, and on it will sit in faithfulness in the tent of David one who judges and seeks justice and is swift to do righteousness.” (Isaiah 16:4-5)
The “tent of David” could refer to the rocky stronghold of Petra, implying the city existed during Isaiah’s day. However, other scholars think the passage refers figuratively to the kingdom ruled by the Messiah. So the Isaiah 16 connection remains inconclusive but possible.
4. Petra was home to a Christian community
After the Romans conquered the Nabataeans around 100 AD, Petra and the surrounding area came under Roman rule. During this era, the city became home to an early Christian community.
Archeologists have uncovered a 4th century Petra church, as well as evidence of carved crosses and other Christian symbols throughout the city. The Apostle Paul might have visited and preached in Petra during his ministry travels recorded in the book of Acts.
While Petra was not a major early church center like Antioch or Rome, the city’s Christian presence testifies to the rapid spread of Christianity across the Middle East in the centuries after Jesus.
5. Petra is possibly a symbolic place of refuge in Revelation
The New Testament book of Revelation describes a time of great tribulation on the earth. During this time, Revelation 12:6 says:
“…the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which she is to be nourished for 1,260 days.”
Later in Revelation 12:14, the woman again flees into the wilderness for protection and provision. While the book does not identify the location of this wilderness place, some Bible scholars think Petra is a possible match. The city’s secluded location tucked away in rugged wilderness and its history as a place of refuge make this theory plausible. However, identifying the interpretive symbolism of Revelation remains challenging.
6. Petra represented worldly wealth and pride
As a thriving trade center located along important caravan routes, Petra grew immensely wealthy over the centuries. The city’s infrastructure and buildings were engineering marvels, carved intricately into stone cliffs. The natural grandeur surrounding Petra enhanced the city’s prestigious appearance.
This opulent wealth and extravagant beauty caused Petra to become a symbol of worldly success, status, and pride. The city’s prominence and reputation spread far and wide.
In light of Petra’s reputation, some Bible teachers suggest the city represented earthly riches, glory, and arrogance – everything opposed to humble faith in God. Jesus, in Matthew 6:19-21, taught followers to store up eternal treasures in heaven rather than temporary wealth on earth. Petra provides a fitting illustration of this principle.
The city’s eventual ruin and abandonment reinforce the message that worldly affluence fades away. Only God’s kingdom lasts forever.
7. Petra will not protect people from God’s judgment
The Old Testament prophets warned that Petra’s seemingly impregnable rock-cut buildings would prove useless when God poured out His wrath on Edom. Regarding Petra and its Edomite inhabitants, God declared through Jeremiah 49:16-18:
“The horror you inspire has deceived you, and the pride of your heart, you who live in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill. Though you make your nest as high as the eagle’s, I will bring you down from there, declares the Lord. Edom shall become a horror.”
Though nestled securely in rocky crags, Petra would not be able to withstand God’s judgment on behalf of Israel. Jeremiah 49:22 later continues this theme:
“Behold, one shall mount up and fly swiftly like an eagle and spread his wings against Bozrah, and the heart of the warriors of Edom shall be in that day like the heart of a woman in her birth pains.”
Bozrah was a fortress city near Petra also carved into rose-colored sandstone cliffs. Yet neither Bozrah nor Petra would spare Edom from God’s wrath. The moral lesson is that human power and ingenuity cannot ultimately thwart God’s purposes and plans.
8. Petra remains a popular archaeological and tourist destination
Today the ancient city of Petra is a popular tourist attraction and archaeological site located in the southern Jordanian governorate of Ma’an. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, Petra is famous for its intricate rock-cut architecture set among stunning natural scenery.
The remains of Petra stand as a monument to a fascinating civilization and city that exerted influence far beyond its borders. As a testament to engineering innovation and power, Petra provides remarkable insights into the peoples who populated this area of the Middle East centuries ago.
Visitors to Petra can witness sites like the famous Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), the Roman theatre, royal tombs, and the rows of temples and tomb facades carved into the sandstone cliffs along each side. Hiking through the siqs (narrow paths between the cliffs) adds to the magical ambience.
For Christians, Petra offers a glimpse into the biblical world. Exploring this ancient city that influenced events in the Old and New Testaments can breathe new life into God’s Word.
As a place of refuge, cultural renown, worldly glory, divine judgment and Christian history, Petra made its mark on humanity and the biblical narrative. This fascinating city hidden amid desert mountains remains a wondrous sight to this day.