Day 09 - Petra’s Hidden History: From Esau to Herod

Our adventure began with a breathtaking sunrise camel ride through the majestic landscapes of Wadi Rum. As the golden light of dawn cast long shadows over the desert dunes, we soaked in the beauty of this timeless land. After breakfast and packing up the bus, we set out north toward one of the most iconic cities of the ancient world—Petra.

Petra, the jewel of the Nabataeans, is a marvel of engineering, ingenuity, and wealth. For nearly 400 years, the Nabataeans were among the richest people in the world. 

Why? 

They controlled the lucrative trade routes that connected Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, Syria, Greece, Rome, and India. 

The Nabataeans mastered the art of water collection and storage, making their city not only sustainable but also powerful in an environment where water is life. In addition to their control of trade and water, they dominated the spice market, dealing in precious commodities such as frankincense and myrrh.

Walking through Petra is an unforgettable experience. Carved into rose-red cliffs, the city’s grandeur is almost overwhelming. It’s no wonder that this place became a cinematic legend in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. After a long and awe-inspiring hike through the Siq—a narrow, winding canyon that serves as the dramatic entrance to Petra—we found ourselves standing before the famous Treasury (Al-Khazneh), its intricate facade glowing in the afternoon sun.

After exploring the wonders of Petra, we took a break to enjoy lunch and reflect on the incredible history that surrounded us. One of GTI’s hallmarks is Bringing the Land and the Lessons of the Bible to Life, and Petra was no exception. 

Though seemingly remote and disconnected from the biblical narrative at first glance, this city holds deep connections to the stories of Scripture. Petra was once an ancient settlement of the Edomites, the descendants of Esau. The Edomites played a significant role in biblical history, first by refusing to aid the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land, and later by exploiting Judah’s vulnerability during the Babylonian invasion and exile under Nebuchadnezzar.

As we traced Petra’s historical timeline, we arrived at the Nabataeans, the people who built this great city. Even King Herod himself had ties to this place—his father was an Edomite, and his mother was a Nabataean. His son, Herod Antipas, would go on to marry the daughter of Aretas IV, one of Petra’s most powerful rulers. The intricate web of history weaves Petra into the biblical narrative in ways that many never realize until they walk its paths.

As our time in Petra came to an end, we reflected once more on our journey. Walking through the lands of the Bible is not just about seeing places—it’s about experiencing the lessons of Scripture in a tangible way. 

When we step into the world of the Bible, the land and its stories come alive.

Until next time, stay thirsty and keep drinking…

Jerrell