Readings for today: Numbers 33-36
I will admit that I used to pass over the readings for today with the exception of the daughters of Zelophehad in chapter 36. The names and places on Israel’s journey didn’t mean much to me. The division of the Promised Land and the assignment of the cities to the Levites didn’t hold much allure or much relevance for me. But then I took a trip to the Holy Land this last summer that included a week in Jordan. We traveled the length and breadth of the country and it dawned on me that I was traveling in the same territory as the ancient Israelites after they left Egypt. I was in the ancient Biblical kingdoms of Edom and Ammon and Moab. I was catching a glimpse of their world through their eyes. It changed everything for me.
Wadi Rum is a desert valley located in the southernmost part of Jordan. It was once part of the ancient kingdoms of Midian and Edom. It is a trackless wasteland with little to no water. One can easily see how Israel, moving through this territory, would have become discouraged. Petra, the capital of Edom, is located just to the north. The Nabateans used this valley as a trade route and it’s entirely possible the people of Israel used their routes as they traveled north towards Jericho and the Promised Land.
Jamal Haroun is the traditional site revered by Christians as Mount Hor where Aaron died and was buried. You can reach his shrine today via an 11km trail from the center of Petra. You can also catch a glimpse of Jabal Haroun from the tallest mountains in Petra.
Eventually, of course, they end up on the plains of Moab outside of Jericho. Moses ascends Mount Nebo where tradition tells us he sees the Promised Land before he dies. The mantle of leadership is then passed to Joshua who leads the armies of Israel across the Jordan River to begin the conquest of the Land of Canaan.
One of the things I would encourage anyone to do if they are able to take a trip to Israel is spend a few extra days in Jordan to see some of these sights. The Old Testament will come alive in ways you never imagined.
Readings for tomorrow: Deuteronomy 1-3
