Viewing the Promised Land, Mt. Nebo

Mt Nebo was an interesting place.  It is a peak in the Abarim range of Western Jordan, rising 2740 feet and offering a spectacular view of Israel.  The story is found in Deuteronomy chapter 34:

“Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land—from Gilead to Dan, all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants. ’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”

And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.”

There is a large flat area on top and I could envision the tribes of Israel camping on the plains below. Moses was led by God up to the peak where he was shown the Promised Land.  The top of Nebo was a beautiful and peaceful place.  There were shade trees and birds singing.  The view into the Promise Land was exceptional.  Below on the left was the Dead Sea.   The evaporation of water with no other outlet over time has led to a salt level so thick that you can float like a cork on top of the water and read a newspaper.  It is 8 1/2 times saltier than the ocean.

Directly below and to the north there is a bird’s eye view of the Jordan Valley.  Not far beyond at the foot of the Central Mountains, would be the first major stop for Israel at the huge walls of Jericho.  Jericho is said to be the oldest inhabited site in the world with archaeological evidence of occupation as far back as 8000BC!  They have a 9000 year old artifact from Jericho in the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem.  Jericho celebrated their 10,000th year in 2010.

On a clear day from Mt. Nebo you can see Jerusalem!

With God’s help, Moses was able to see far more than we could through the hot afternoon desert haze.  He saw the land as far north as the city of Dan, as far south as Zoar at the southern tip of the Dead Sea and all all the way west to the Mediterranean.  He saw it but he did not enter in.  It was time to pass on the mantle of leadership to a younger man, a soldier named Joshua who was well equipped to lead the children of Israel into the next stage of their journey.

Click the photos below to view them full-size…

The Desert Of Moab, Israel's Journey

The Desert Of Moab, Israel’s Journey

View Of Mt. Nebo From Israel

View Of Mt. Nebo From Israel

View Of Israel From Mt. Nebo

View Of Israel From Mt. Nebo

Salt Buildup In The Dead Sea

Salt Buildup In The Dead Sea

Obstacles In The Road

Obstacles In The Road

Baby Camel Suckling The Mother Along The Road

Baby Camel Suckling The Mother Along The Road