The Lands of the Bible

Choose a place and see the books set there, the people tied to it, and the journeys that pass through. Zoom in and smaller places appear. 14 regions and 40 places, each in theological review.

EgyptSinaiPhilistiaSamariaGalileePhoeniciaDecapolisMoabEdomAramNegevBashanJerusalemJerusalemBethlehemBethlehemNazarethCapernaumBethanyJerichoJerichoHebronHebronShechemShechemSamaria (city)Samaria (city)CaesareaJoppaGazaBeershebaDanHazorMegiddoBeth ShanTiberiasTyreTyreSidonDamascusDamascusBethelBethelShilohGibeonLachishAshkelonAshdodDorAccoCaesarea PhilippiGerasaGadaraBethsaidaCana of GalileeChorazinNainSycharEkronAradEmmausMediterranean SeaNileRed Sea

Scroll, pinch or use + and − to zoom. Drag to pan. Smaller places appear as you zoom in.

Boundaries are approximate. Ancient borders shifted over time and are reconstructed by scholars.

Egypt

Egypt is the land along the lower Nile where Jacob's family settled and where their descendants later lived as slaves under Pharaoh. The Exodus begins here, and Jesus is taken here as a child.

Books set here

  • Genesis (Genesis 41:41): Joseph is put in charge of all the land of Egypt under Pharaoh.
  • Exodus (Exodus 1:11): The Israelites are forced to build the store cities of Pithom and Rameses for Pharaoh.
  • Matthew (Matthew 2:13): Joseph takes Mary and the child Jesus into Egypt to escape Herod.

People

Journeys through here

  • The Exodus

Today: northern Egypt, the Nile Delta and the Cairo region.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Sinai

Sinai is the wilderness and mountain region south of Canaan where Israel camped after leaving Egypt. God gives the law here and Moses numbers the people here.

Books set here

  • Exodus (Exodus 19:1): Israel reaches the wilderness of Sinai and camps in front of the mountain.
  • Leviticus (Leviticus 26:46): The laws are the commands the Lord gave through Moses on Mount Sinai.
  • Numbers (Numbers 1:1): The Lord speaks to Moses in the tent of meeting in the wilderness of Sinai.

People

Journeys through here

  • The Exodus

Today: the Sinai Peninsula, in Egypt.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Philistia

Philistia is the coastal plain held by the Philistines, with cities including Gaza, Ashdod and Gath. It borders Israel to the south west and is a repeated source of conflict in the judges and kings accounts.

Books set here

  • Judges (Judges 16:1): Samson goes down to Gaza, a Philistine city on the coast.
  • 1 Samuel (1 Samuel 17:4): Goliath of Gath, the Philistine champion, challenges the armies of Israel.
  • Amos (Amos 1:6-8): Amos pronounces judgment on Gaza and the other Philistine cities.
  • Jonah (Jonah 1:3): Jonah goes down to Joppa and boards a ship to flee from the Lord.
  • Acts (Acts 8:40): Philip appears at Ashdod and preaches in the towns on his way to Caesarea.

People

Places in this region

  • Joppa: identification secure
  • Gaza: identification secure
  • Ashkelon: identification secure
  • Ashdod: identification secure
  • Ekron: identification secure

Today: the southern coastal plain of Israel, with Gaza at its south; Joppa is now the old port of Tel Aviv.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Judah

Judah is the southern hill country, with Jerusalem and Hebron as its main centres and Bethlehem as the town of David. It is the setting for Ruth, for much of the kings and prophets, and for the birth of Jesus.

Books set here

  • Ruth (Ruth 1:1): In the days of the judges, a family from Bethlehem in Judah leaves during a famine.
  • 2 Samuel (2 Samuel 2:4): The men of Judah come to Hebron and anoint David king over the house of Judah.
  • Isaiah (Isaiah 1:1): Isaiah prophesies concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the reigns of its kings.
  • Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1-2): Jeremiah, from Anathoth in Benjamin, receives the word of the Lord in Judah.
  • Ezra (Ezra 1:2-3): Cyrus permits the exiles to return to Jerusalem in Judah and rebuild the temple.
  • Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:15): The wall of Jerusalem is finished under Nehemiah, governor in the land of Judah.
  • Luke (Luke 2:4-7): Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem, the town of David, where Jesus is born.

People

Places in this region

  • Jerusalem: identification secure
  • Bethlehem: identification secure
  • Bethany: identification secure
  • Jericho: identification secure
  • Hebron: identification secure
  • Gibeon: identification secure
  • Lachish: identification secure
  • Emmaus: identification debated

Journeys through here

  • The Exodus
  • Jesus' ministry movements

Today: the hill country around Jerusalem and Hebron, in Israel and the West Bank.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Samaria

Samaria is the central hill country north of Judah, centred first on Shechem and later on the city of Samaria built by Omri. After Assyria captures it, its people are held at a distance by Judah, which is the background to Jesus passing through it.

Books set here

  • Genesis (Genesis 12:6-7): Abram passes through the land to Shechem, where the Lord appears to him.
  • Joshua (Joshua 24:1): Joshua gathers all the tribes of Israel at Shechem to renew the covenant.
  • Judges (Judges 9:1): Abimelech goes to his mother's brothers at Shechem and seeks to be made king.
  • 1 Kings (1 Kings 16:24): Omri buys the hill of Samaria and builds the city of Samaria on it.
  • 2 Kings (2 Kings 17:5-6): The king of Assyria captures Samaria and carries Israel away into exile.
  • Amos (Amos 4:1): Amos calls the women on the mountain of Samaria to hear a word of judgment.
  • John (John 4:4-5): Jesus passes through Samaria and comes to Sychar, near the plot Jacob gave Joseph.
  • Acts (Acts 8:5): Philip goes down to a city in Samaria and proclaims the Christ there.

People

Places in this region

  • Shechem: identification secure
  • Samaria (city): identification secure
  • Caesarea: identification secure
  • Bethel: identification secure
  • Shiloh: identification secure
  • Dor: identification secure
  • Sychar: identification traditional

Today: the northern West Bank hills; Samaria city stood by modern Sebastia, Shechem by Nablus.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Galilee

Galilee is the northern region around the sea that takes its name, with Nazareth, Cana and Capernaum among its towns. Most of Jesus' early teaching and healing in the Gospels takes place here.

Books set here

  • Isaiah (Isaiah 9:1): Isaiah speaks of Galilee of the nations being honoured in a later time.
  • Matthew (Matthew 4:13): Jesus leaves Nazareth and settles in Capernaum, by the sea in Galilee.
  • Mark (Mark 1:14): Jesus comes into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God.
  • Luke (Luke 4:16): Jesus comes to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and teaches in the synagogue.
  • John (John 2:1): A wedding takes place at Cana in Galilee, where Jesus performs his first sign.

People

Places in this region

  • Nazareth: identification secure
  • Capernaum: identification secure
  • Dan: identification secure
  • Hazor: identification secure
  • Megiddo: identification secure
  • Tiberias: identification secure
  • Cana of Galilee: identification debated
  • Chorazin: identification secure
  • Nain: identification secure

Journeys through here

  • Jesus' ministry movements

Today: northern Israel, around the Sea of Galilee.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Phoenicia

Phoenicia is the narrow coast north of Israel, held by the city states of Tyre and Sidon. Elijah is sent to a widow at Zarephath here, and Jesus and Paul both travel to Tyre.

Books set here

  • 1 Kings (1 Kings 17:9): Elijah is sent to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, during the drought.
  • Ezekiel (Ezekiel 26:2): Ezekiel pronounces judgment against Tyre for rejoicing over Jerusalem.
  • Matthew (Matthew 15:21): Jesus withdraws to the district of Tyre and Sidon and heals a Canaanite woman's daughter.
  • Acts (Acts 21:7): Paul's ship puts in at Tyre on the voyage from Macedonia to Jerusalem.

People

Places in this region

  • Tyre: identification secure
  • Sidon: identification secure
  • Acco: identification secure

Journeys through here

  • Jesus' ministry movements

Today: the coast of Lebanon; Tyre and Sidon are the Lebanese cities of Sur and Saida.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Decapolis

The Decapolis was a group of cities east and south east of the Sea of Galilee, including Gerasa and Gadara. Crowds from the Decapolis follow Jesus, and he teaches and heals in the region.

Books set here

  • Matthew (Matthew 4:25): Large crowds follow Jesus from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and beyond the Jordan.
  • Mark (Mark 7:31): Jesus returns through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis.

People

Places in this region

  • Beth Shan: identification secure
  • Gerasa: identification secure
  • Gadara: identification secure

Journeys through here

  • Jesus' ministry movements

Today: north-western Jordan and the Jordan Valley; Gerasa is Jerash and Gadara is Umm Qais.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Perea

Perea is the land east of the Jordan, opposite Judea and Samaria. John baptises at Bethany beyond the Jordan here, and Jesus teaches here on his way to Jerusalem.

Books set here

  • Numbers (Numbers 32:1): Reuben and Gad see that the land east of the Jordan is good for livestock.
  • Matthew (Matthew 19:1): Jesus leaves Galilee and goes to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.
  • John (John 1:28): John is baptising at Bethany beyond the Jordan, where Jesus comes to him.

People

Journeys through here

  • Jesus' ministry movements

Today: the Jordanian side of the Jordan Valley, east of the river opposite the West Bank.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Moab

Moab is the plateau east of the Dead Sea, held by the Moabites, who were related to Israel through Lot. Ruth comes from Moab, and Moses dies on Mount Nebo in Moab after viewing the promised land.

Books set here

  • Numbers (Numbers 22:1): Israel camps in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho.
  • Ruth (Ruth 1:1): Naomi's family goes to live in the country of Moab during a famine in Judah.
  • Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 34:1-5): Moses climbs Mount Nebo in Moab, sees the land, and dies there.
  • Isaiah (Isaiah 15:1): Isaiah gives an oracle concerning Moab and its ruined cities.

People

Journeys through here

  • The Exodus

Today: the plateau east of the Dead Sea in Jordan, around Madaba and Kerak.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Edom

Edom is the land south east of the Dead Sea settled by Esau, Jacob's brother, in the hill country of Seir. Israel is refused passage through Edom on the way from Egypt, and the prophets pronounce judgment on it.

Books set here

  • Genesis (Genesis 36:8): Esau, who is Edom, settles in the hill country of Seir.
  • Numbers (Numbers 20:14): Moses sends messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, asking to pass through his land.
  • Obadiah (Obadiah 1): Obadiah gives a vision and judgment concerning Edom.
  • Isaiah (Isaiah 34:5): Isaiah declares the Lord's judgment on Edom.

People

Today: southern Jordan, east of the Arabah valley, toward Petra.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Aram

Aram is the kingdom centred on Damascus, north east of Israel. Its kings fight Israel in the books of Kings, Naaman its commander is healed through Elisha, and Paul meets Jesus on the road to Damascus.

Books set here

  • 1 Kings (1 Kings 20:1): Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, gathers his army and besieges Samaria.
  • 2 Kings (2 Kings 5:1): Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram, is a leper who is sent to Elisha.
  • Isaiah (Isaiah 17:1): Isaiah gives an oracle concerning Damascus, the capital of Aram.
  • Amos (Amos 1:3-5): Amos pronounces judgment on Damascus for its treatment of Gilead.
  • Acts (Acts 9:3): Saul approaches Damascus, and a light from heaven flashes around him.

People

Places in this region

  • Damascus: identification secure

Today: south-western Syria; Damascus is the capital of Syria.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Negev

The Negev is the dry southern land between Judah and Sinai, centred on Beersheba. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob all live and dig wells here, and the spies enter Canaan through it.

Books set here

  • Genesis (Genesis 20:1): Abraham journeys toward the Negev and settles between Kadesh and Shur, at Gerar.
  • Numbers (Numbers 13:17): Moses sends the spies up through the Negev into the hill country of Canaan.
  • 1 Samuel (1 Samuel 30:1): David finds that the Amalekites have raided the Negev and burned Ziklag.

People

Places in this region

  • Beersheba: identification secure
  • Arad: identification debated

Journeys through here

  • The Exodus

Today: the Negev desert of southern Israel; Beersheba is its main city.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

Bashan

Bashan is the fertile plateau north east of the Sea of Galilee, ruled in Moses' time by King Og. Israel defeats Og here, and the land is given to half the tribe of Manasseh.

Books set here

  • Numbers (Numbers 21:33): Israel turns toward Bashan, and Og the king of Bashan comes out to battle at Edrei.
  • Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 3:1): Moses recounts the defeat of Og, king of Bashan, and the taking of his cities.
  • Joshua (Joshua 13:30): The territory in Bashan given by Moses goes to half the tribe of Manasseh.
  • Matthew (Matthew 16:13): Jesus comes to the district of Caesarea Philippi, at the northern edge of Bashan.

People

Places in this region

  • Caesarea Philippi: identification secure
  • Bethsaida: identification debated

Journeys through here

  • Jesus' ministry movements

Today: the Golan Heights and the Hauran plain of south-western Syria.

Review status: in-theological-review. This region record is in the theological review queue.

The 40 places

Each place with its identification, the verses behind it, and what stands there today.

Jerusalem

In Judah · 955 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

David reigned from Jerusalem and Solomon built the temple here. The risen Jesus said repentance and forgiveness would be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem, and John later saw the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven. (2 Samuel 5:5; 2 Chronicles 3:1; Luke 24:47; Revelation 21:2)

Key references: Joshua 10:1 · 2 Samuel 5:6 · 2 Chronicles 3:1 · Luke 24:47 · Revelation 21:2

Journeys through here: Jesus' ministry movements.

Questions tied to this place: Did Jesus claim to be God? · Why did Jesus have to die? · What is the gospel? · What is repentance? · Why should I go to church? · What is the church? · Was Jesus a real person?

Today: Jerusalem, Israel.

Bethlehem

In Judah · 52 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Ruth and Naomi returned to Bethlehem, and God sent Samuel to Jesse of Bethlehem because he had provided a king among Jesse's sons. Micah said a ruler for Israel would come from Bethlehem, and both Matthew and Luke place the birth of Jesus here. (Ruth 1:19; Ruth 1:22; 1 Samuel 16:1; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4)

Key references: Ruth 1:19 · 1 Samuel 16:1 · Micah 5:2 · Matthew 2:1 · Luke 2:4

Questions tied to this place: Is Jesus God? · Was Jesus born of a virgin?

Today: Bethlehem, a city in the West Bank.

Nazareth

In Galilee · 32 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

The angel Gabriel was sent to Nazareth, to a virgin named Mary. Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth after the birth of Jesus, and Jesus was brought up there and read from Isaiah in its synagogue on the Sabbath. (Luke 1:26; Luke 2:39; Luke 2:51; Luke 4:16)

Key references: Luke 1:26 · Luke 2:39 · Luke 4:16 · Matthew 2:23 · John 1:46

Journeys through here: Jesus' ministry movements.

Questions tied to this place: Is Jesus God? · Was Jesus born of a virgin? · Was Jesus a real person?

Today: the city of Nazareth in northern Israel.

Capernaum

In Galilee · 18 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Jesus left Nazareth and lived in Capernaum by the sea, taught in its synagogue, and entered the town when a centurion asked him to heal his servant. He later warned Capernaum that it would be brought down, despite the works done there. (Matthew 4:13; Mark 1:21; Matthew 8:5; Matthew 11:23)

Key references: Matthew 4:13 · Mark 1:21 · Matthew 8:5 · Matthew 11:23 · John 6:59

Journeys through here: Jesus' ministry movements.

Today: an excavated site on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel.

Bethany

In Judah · 12 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Bethany was the village of Mary, Martha and their brother Lazarus, who fell ill there. Jesus lodged at Bethany during his last visit to Jerusalem, was anointed at the house of Simon the leper, and after his resurrection led his disciples out as far as Bethany and blessed them. (John 11:1; Matthew 21:17; Matthew 26:6; Luke 24:50)

Key references: John 11:1 · Matthew 26:6 · Mark 11:1 · Luke 24:50 · John 12:1

Journeys through here: Jesus' ministry movements.

Today: the town of Al Eizariya in the West Bank, east of Jerusalem.

Jericho

In Judah · 63 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Joshua sent spies into Jericho, Israel camped on the plains by the city and kept the Passover there, and its walls fell after the people marched around it. Elisha later came to Jericho when its men told him the city's water was bad. (Joshua 2:1; Joshua 5:10; Joshua 6:20; Hebrews 11:30; 2 Kings 2:19)

Key references: Joshua 2:1 · Joshua 5:10 · Joshua 6:20 · 2 Kings 2:19 · Hebrews 11:30

Journeys through here: The Exodus, Jesus' ministry movements.

Today: Tell es Sultan, by the modern city of Jericho in the West Bank.

Hebron

In Judah · 62 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Abram lived by the oaks of Mamre at Hebron, and Abraham buried Sarah in the cave of Machpelah here. Joshua gave Hebron to Caleb, and the men of Judah anointed David king at Hebron, where he reigned seven years before ruling in Jerusalem. (Genesis 13:18; Genesis 23:19; Joshua 14:13; Joshua 14:14; 2 Samuel 2:4; 2 Samuel 2:11)

Key references: Genesis 13:18 · Genesis 23:19 · Joshua 14:13 · 2 Samuel 2:4 · 2 Samuel 5:5

Today: the city of Hebron in the West Bank.

Shechem

In Samaria · 45 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Abram passed through the land as far as Shechem, Jacob later arrived safely at the city, and Joshua gathered all the tribes at Shechem to renew the covenant. Joseph's bones, brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shechem, and Israel assembled here to make Rehoboam king. (Genesis 12:6; Genesis 33:18; Joshua 24:1; Joshua 24:25; Joshua 24:32; 1 Kings 12:1)

Key references: Genesis 12:6 · Genesis 33:18 · Joshua 24:1 · Joshua 24:32 · 1 Kings 12:1

Today: Tell Balatah, by the city of Nablus in the West Bank.

Samaria (city)

In Samaria · 113 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Omri bought the hill of Samaria, built the city and made it the capital from which Ahab and later kings of Israel reigned. Ben-hadad of Syria besieged Samaria, and the king of Assyria finally captured it and carried Israel away into exile. (1 Kings 16:24; 1 Kings 16:29; 2 Kings 6:24; 2 Kings 17:5; 2 Kings 17:6)

Key references: 1 Kings 16:24 · 1 Kings 16:29 · 2 Kings 6:24 · 2 Kings 17:6 · 2 Kings 18:10

Today: the village of Sebastia in the West Bank.

Caesarea

In Samaria · 18 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Philip preached in Caesarea, and Cornelius, a centurion stationed here, sent for Peter, who entered his house the next day. Paul stayed at Philip's house in Caesarea, was later sent here under guard, and was heard by the governor in this city. (Acts 8:40; Acts 10:1; Acts 10:24; Acts 21:8; Acts 23:33; Acts 25:6)

Key references: Acts 8:40 · Acts 10:1 · Acts 10:24 · Acts 21:8 · Acts 23:33

Questions tied to this place: When do Christians receive the Holy Spirit?

Today: the ruins of Caesarea Maritima on the coast of Israel.

Joppa

In Philistia · 14 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Cedar logs for the temple were floated by sea to Joppa, and Jonah found a ship here when he fled toward Tarshish. In Joppa Peter raised the disciple Tabitha, stayed with Simon a tanner, and was praying on a housetop when Cornelius's men arrived from Caesarea. (Ezra 3:7; Jonah 1:3; Acts 9:36; Acts 9:42; Acts 10:5; Acts 11:5)

Key references: Ezra 3:7 · Jonah 1:3 · Acts 9:36 · Acts 10:5 · Acts 11:5

Today: Jaffa, the old port quarter of Tel Aviv in Israel.

Gaza

In Philistia · 22 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Gaza was allotted to Judah and stood among the Philistine cities. Samson was captured, blinded and brought down to Gaza to grind in prison, and the Philistines later sent a gold tumours offering from Gaza with the returned ark; an angel directed Philip to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. (Joshua 15:47; Judges 16:21; 1 Samuel 6:17; Acts 8:26)

Key references: Joshua 15:47 · Judges 16:1 · Judges 16:21 · 1 Samuel 6:17 · Acts 8:26

Today: Gaza City in the Gaza Strip.

Beersheba

In Negev · 23 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Beersheba marks the southern end of Israel in the repeated phrase from Dan to Beersheba, used of the whole land under Samuel and David. Elijah fled to Beersheba when Jezebel threatened his life, and Hezekiah's Passover proclamation ran from Beersheba to Dan. (Judges 20:1; 1 Samuel 3:20; 1 Kings 19:3; 2 Chronicles 30:5)

Key references: Judges 20:1 · 1 Samuel 3:20 · 1 Kings 19:3 · 2 Chronicles 30:5 · Amos 5:5

Today: Tel Beer Sheva, by the modern city of Beersheba in southern Israel.

Dan

In Galilee · 25 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Abram pursued his nephew Lot's captors as far as Dan. The tribe of Dan later renamed the captured city of Laish as Dan after their ancestor, and Jeroboam placed one of his two golden calves here, at the northern end of his kingdom. (Genesis 14:14; Judges 18:27; Judges 18:29; 1 Kings 12:29; 1 Kings 12:30)

Key references: Genesis 14:14 · Judges 18:29 · 1 Kings 12:29 · 1 Kings 12:30 · Amos 8:14

Today: Tel Dan, an excavated mound in northern Israel.

Hazor

In Galilee · 11 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Jabin, king of Hazor, led the northern kings against Joshua, who captured the city and struck its king, and Hazor is called the head of all those kingdoms. Solomon later raised forced labour to build Hazor, and Tiglath-pileser took the city in the days of Pekah. (Joshua 11:1; Joshua 11:10; Joshua 11:11; Judges 4:2; 1 Kings 9:15; 2 Kings 15:29)

Key references: Joshua 11:1 · Joshua 11:10 · Judges 4:2 · 1 Kings 9:15 · 2 Kings 15:29

Today: Tel Hazor, an excavated mound in northern Israel.

Megiddo

In Galilee · 12 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

The king of Megiddo is listed among the kings Joshua defeated, though Manasseh did not drive out its inhabitants, and kings fought by the waters of Megiddo in Deborah's song. Solomon built at Megiddo, and King Josiah was killed here after Pharaoh Neco shot him in battle. (Joshua 12:21; Judges 1:27; Judges 5:19; 1 Kings 9:15; 2 Kings 23:29; 2 Chronicles 35:22)

Key references: Joshua 12:21 · Judges 1:27 · Judges 5:19 · 1 Kings 9:15 · 2 Kings 23:29

Today: Tel Megiddo, an excavated mound in northern Israel.

Beth Shan

In Decapolis · 8 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shan and its villages. After Saul fell on Mount Gilboa, the Philistines fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan, and the men of Jabesh Gilead came by night and took it down; the town later lay in one of Solomon's supply districts. (Judges 1:27; 1 Samuel 31:10; 1 Samuel 31:12; 2 Samuel 21:12; 1 Kings 4:12)

Key references: Judges 1:27 · 1 Samuel 31:10 · 1 Samuel 31:12 · 2 Samuel 21:12 · 1 Kings 4:12

Today: the excavated site at Beit Shean in northern Israel.

Tiberias

In Galilee · 1 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

John names Tiberias once, when boats from Tiberias came near the place on the far shore where the crowd had eaten the bread Jesus gave thanks for. (John 6:23)

Key references: John 6:23

Today: the city of Tiberias on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee in Israel.

Tyre

In Phoenicia · 64 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Hiram, king of Tyre, sent cedar trees, carpenters and masons to build David a house, and later supplied Solomon for the temple. Ezekiel devoted long oracles to Tyre's fall, Jesus withdrew to its district, and Paul's ship unloaded its cargo at Tyre on the way to Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Kings 5:1; Ezekiel 26:3; Matthew 15:21; Acts 21:3)

Key references: 2 Samuel 5:11 · 1 Kings 5:1 · Ezekiel 26:3 · Matthew 15:21 · Acts 21:3

Journeys through here: Jesus' ministry movements.

Today: the city of Tyre (Sur) on the coast of Lebanon.

Sidon

In Phoenicia · 37 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Sidon stands in the earliest boundary lists of Canaan. Elijah was sent to a widow at Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon, and Paul's ship put in at Sidon on the voyage to Rome. (Genesis 10:19; 1 Kings 17:9; Luke 4:26; Matthew 15:21; Acts 27:3)

Key references: Genesis 10:19 · 1 Kings 17:9 · Matthew 15:21 · Luke 4:26 · Acts 27:3

Journeys through here: Jesus' ministry movements.

Today: the city of Sidon (Saida) on the coast of Lebanon.

Damascus

In Aram · 58 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Abram pursued the kings who took Lot as far as Hobah, north of Damascus, and David defeated the Syrians of Damascus and put garrisons in the city. Naaman named its rivers when told to wash in the Jordan, and Saul, travelling to Damascus with arrest letters, met the risen Jesus on the road and was baptised in the city. (Genesis 14:15; 2 Samuel 8:5; 2 Samuel 8:6; 2 Kings 5:12; Acts 9:2; Acts 9:10)

Key references: Genesis 14:15 · 2 Samuel 8:5 · 2 Kings 5:12 · Acts 9:2 · Acts 9:10

Questions tied to this place: Who was Paul?

Today: Damascus, the capital of Syria.

Bethel

In Samaria · 69 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Jacob woke from his dream of the ladder, called the place Bethel, and later returned to build an altar here as God had told him. Jeroboam set one of his golden calves at Bethel and built an altar, which Josiah later tore down and burned. (Genesis 28:19; Genesis 35:1; Genesis 35:7; 1 Kings 12:29; 1 Kings 12:32; 2 Kings 23:15)

Key references: Genesis 28:19 · Genesis 35:1 · Genesis 35:7 · 1 Kings 12:29 · 2 Kings 23:15

Today: the village of Beitin in the West Bank.

Shiloh

In Samaria · 37 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

The whole congregation assembled at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting here, and Joshua cast lots for the remaining tribes in this place. Elkanah's family went up yearly to worship at Shiloh, where Hannah prayed and Samuel served, until the ark was taken from here into battle; Jeremiah later pointed to Shiloh's ruin as a warning to Jerusalem. (Joshua 18:1; Joshua 18:10; 1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 4:3; Jeremiah 7:12; Jeremiah 7:14)

Key references: Joshua 18:1 · Joshua 18:10 · 1 Samuel 1:3 · 1 Samuel 4:3 · Jeremiah 7:12

Today: Khirbet Seilun, an excavated site in the West Bank.

Gibeon

In Judah · 39 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

The people of Gibeon made a covenant with Joshua by dressing as travellers from a distant land. In the battle that followed, Joshua spoke to the sun over Gibeon, and Solomon later offered a thousand burnt offerings at the great high place here, where God appeared to him in a dream. (Joshua 9:3; Joshua 9:17; Joshua 10:12; 1 Kings 3:4; 1 Kings 3:5; 1 Chronicles 16:39)

Key references: Joshua 9:3 · Joshua 10:12 · 1 Kings 3:4 · 1 Kings 3:5 · 1 Chronicles 16:39

Today: the village of El Jib in the West Bank.

Lachish

In Judah · 22 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Joshua captured Lachish on the second day of its siege and struck its king. Rehoboam rebuilt Lachish as a fortified city, Sennacherib camped here while demanding tribute from Hezekiah, and Lachish and Azekah were the last fortified cities of Judah still holding out against Babylon. (Joshua 10:31; Joshua 10:35; 2 Chronicles 11:9; 2 Kings 18:14; Jeremiah 34:7)

Key references: Joshua 10:31 · Joshua 10:35 · 2 Chronicles 11:9 · 2 Kings 18:14 · Jeremiah 34:7

Today: Tel Lachish, an excavated mound in southern Israel.

Ashkelon

In Philistia · 12 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Ashkelon is counted among the five Philistine cities in Joshua. Samson went down to Ashkelon and struck down thirty of its men to pay for his riddle, and the prophets Amos and Zephaniah both announced judgment on the city. (Joshua 13:3; Judges 14:19; 1 Samuel 6:17; Amos 1:8; Zephaniah 2:4)

Key references: Joshua 13:3 · Judges 14:19 · 1 Samuel 6:17 · Amos 1:8 · Zephaniah 2:4

Today: the city of Ashkelon on the coast of Israel.

Ashdod

In Philistia · 21 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

The Philistines brought the captured ark of God to Ashdod and set it beside their god Dagon, who was found fallen face down before it the next morning. Sargon of Assyria later captured Ashdod, and Philip, taken up after baptising the Ethiopian, was found at Ashdod, called Azotus in Acts. (Joshua 11:22; 1 Samuel 5:1; 1 Samuel 5:3; Isaiah 20:1; Acts 8:40)

Key references: Joshua 11:22 · 1 Samuel 5:1 · 1 Samuel 5:3 · Isaiah 20:1 · Acts 8:40

Today: Tel Ashdod, by the modern city of Ashdod in Israel.

Dor

In Samaria · 4 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

The king of Dor is listed among the kings Joshua defeated. Dor was assigned within Manasseh's territory, but the tribe did not drive out its Canaanite inhabitants, who continued to live in the town. (Joshua 12:23; Joshua 17:11; Judges 1:27)

Key references: Joshua 12:23 · Joshua 17:11 · Judges 1:27

Today: Tel Dor, an excavated mound on the coast of Israel.

Acco

In Phoenicia · 1 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Acco appears once, in the Judges list of towns whose Canaanite inhabitants the tribe of Asher did not drive out. (Judges 1:31)

Key references: Judges 1:31

Today: the city of Acre (Akko) on the coast of northern Israel.

Caesarea Philippi

In Bashan · 2 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi and asked his disciples who people said the Son of Man was. Mark sets the same question on the road, among the villages of Caesarea Philippi. (Matthew 16:13; Mark 8:27)

Key references: Matthew 16:13 · Mark 8:27

Journeys through here: Jesus' ministry movements.

Today: Banias, at the foot of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights.

Gerasa

In Decapolis · 3 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee to the country of the Gerasenes, opposite Galilee. After the events there, all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked him to depart from them, because they were seized with great fear. (Mark 5:1; Luke 8:26; Luke 8:37)

Key references: Mark 5:1 · Luke 8:26 · Luke 8:37

Today: the excavated city of Jerash in Jordan.

Gadara

In Decapolis · 1 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Matthew names the country of the Gadarenes as the place, on the far side of the Sea of Galilee, where two demon possessed men met Jesus as he arrived. (Matthew 8:28)

Key references: Matthew 8:28

Journeys through here: Jesus' ministry movements.

Today: Umm Qais in northern Jordan.

Bethsaida

In Bashan · 6 references in Scripture · Identification: debated

Bethsaida was the city of Philip, Andrew and Peter. Greeks who wanted to see Jesus later came to Philip of Bethsaida with their request, and Jesus pronounced woe on Bethsaida because the mighty works done there had not brought repentance. (John 1:44; John 12:21; Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13)

Key references: Matthew 11:21 · Luke 10:13 · John 1:44 · John 12:21

Journeys through here: Jesus' ministry movements.

Two excavated candidates, et-Tell and el-Araj, both claim the site; the plotted point is et-Tell.

Today: an excavated site north of the Sea of Galilee in Israel, plotted at et-Tell.

Cana of Galilee

In Galilee · 4 references in Scripture · Identification: debated

At a wedding in Cana of Galilee, Jesus turned water into wine, the first of his signs. He later came again to Cana, where a royal official from Capernaum asked him to heal his son, and Nathanael is named as coming from Cana. (John 2:1; John 2:11; John 4:46; John 21:2)

Key references: John 2:1 · John 2:11 · John 4:46 · John 21:2

Journeys through here: Jesus' ministry movements.

Khirbet Qana is the plotted candidate; the older tradition keeps Kafr Kanna.

Today: a site in the hills of northern Israel, plotted at Khirbet Qana.

Chorazin

In Galilee · 2 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Chorazin is named only in Jesus's words of woe, paired with Bethsaida, because mighty works had been done in the town and it had not repented. (Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13)

Key references: Matthew 11:21 · Luke 10:13

Today: Khirbet Karraza (Korazim), an excavated site north of the Sea of Galilee in Israel.

Nain

In Galilee · 1 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Luke names Nain once, as a town Jesus went to soon after healing the centurion's servant, travelling with his disciples and a great crowd. (Luke 7:11)

Key references: Luke 7:11

Today: the village of Nein in northern Israel.

Sychar

In Samaria · 1 references in Scripture · Identification: traditional

John names Sychar once, as the Samaritan town Jesus came to on his way through Samaria, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. (John 4:5)

Key references: John 4:5

Sychar is identified by long tradition with the village by Jacob's well, at modern Askar.

Today: Askar, by the city of Nablus in the West Bank.

Ekron

In Philistia · 20 references in Scripture · Identification: secure

Ekron is counted among the five Philistine cities. The ark of God was sent to Ekron after Ashdod and Gath, and its people cried out against it; King Ahaziah later sent messengers to ask Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether he would recover from his fall. (Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 5:10; 1 Samuel 6:16; 2 Kings 1:2; Amos 1:8)

Key references: Joshua 13:3 · 1 Samuel 5:10 · 2 Kings 1:2 · Amos 1:8 · Zephaniah 2:4

Today: Tel Miqne, an excavated mound in central Israel.

Arad

In Negev · 3 references in Scripture · Identification: debated

The king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, fought against Israel and took some of them captive as they travelled from Egypt. Arad's king is later listed among the kings east and west of the Jordan whom Israel defeated, and the place appears in the wilderness itinerary. (Numbers 21:1; Numbers 33:40; Joshua 12:14)

Key references: Numbers 21:1 · Numbers 33:40 · Joshua 12:14

Tel Arad and Tel Malhata both have scholarly support.

Today: an excavated mound in southern Israel, plotted at Tel Arad.

Emmaus

In Judah · 3 references in Scripture · Identification: debated

On the day of the resurrection, two disciples walked from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus, talking about all that had happened. They later told the eleven how Jesus had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread at Emmaus. (Luke 24:13; Luke 24:28; Luke 24:35)

Key references: Luke 24:13 · Luke 24:28 · Luke 24:35

Luke gives a distance from Jerusalem that fits more than one candidate; Emmaus Nicopolis is the oldest attested tradition and is plotted here.

Today: a site west of Jerusalem in Israel, plotted at Emmaus Nicopolis.

The journeys

Traditional reconstruction: the exact route is not stated in Scripture.

The Exodus

Traditional reconstruction: the exact route is not stated in Scripture.

Israel leaves Egypt under Moses, travels through Sinai and the wilderness, and reaches the plains of Moab before entering the land at Jericho. Numbers 33 lists the stages of the journey.

  1. Rameses (Exodus 12:37; Exodus 1:11)
  2. Succoth (Exodus 12:37)
  3. Marah (Exodus 15:23)
  4. Elim (Exodus 15:27)
  5. Rephidim (Exodus 17:1)
  6. Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1-2)
  7. Kadesh Barnea (Numbers 20:1; Numbers 13:26)
  8. Mount Hor (Numbers 20:22-25)
  9. Plains of Moab (Numbers 22:1)
  10. Jericho (Joshua 6:1)

Itinerary sources: Exodus 12:37 · Numbers 33:1-49

Jesus' ministry movements

Traditional reconstruction: the exact route is not stated in Scripture.

From his baptism in the Jordan to his final Passover in Jerusalem, drawn from the Gospel accounts. The Gospels do not give one continuous itinerary, so the line shows the broad shape of the movements.

  1. Nazareth (Luke 4:16)
  2. Bethany beyond the Jordan (John 1:28)
  3. Cana of Galilee (John 2:1)
  4. Capernaum (Matthew 4:13)
  5. Bethsaida (Mark 6:45)
  6. Gadara (Mark 5:1)
  7. Tyre (Mark 7:24)
  8. Sidon (Mark 7:31)
  9. Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13)
  10. Jericho (Luke 18:35)
  11. Bethany (John 11:1)
  12. Jerusalem (John 12:12)

Itinerary sources: John 1:28 · Matthew 4:13 · Mark 7:31 · John 12:12

Name and reference data: STEP Bible (TIPNR), Tyndale House, Cambridge, CC BY 4.0. Place coordinates and identifications: OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding Data, CC BY 4.0; that dataset includes data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Coastline and modern boundaries: made with Natural Earth, public domain. Scripture references are to the Berean Standard Bible, public domain.

Review status: in-theological-review. Every map record passes a human theological review against the Statement of Faith before it is published as approved teaching.