Day 11 – Friday, November 11: Allenby Bridge, Mt. Nebo, Machearus, Petra
Today was a transitional day. Those in the group who did not choose the Jordan optional tour flew home either today or tonight while 23 of us crossed the border into Jordan. Following breakfast and loading the bus, we we left the hotel at 7:15. We read from Joshua 2 as we departed the hotel. The weather was sunny today in Jordan, with highs around 70.
Allenby Bridge Border Crossing / Mt. Nebo
We drove east out of Jerusalem to the Jericho area. Slightly north of Jericho is the Allenby Bridge border crossing into the Hashemite country of Jordan. Crossing the border required patience (as always), but we made it across. We met our Jordanian driver (Mohammed) and our guide (Sammy). Following the usual passport procedures, we ascended from the Plain of Moab to Mt. Nebo, part of the Pisgah Range. The visibility was fairly good. We read from Deuteronomy 31-34 and Joshua 1 about the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. A Bronze Snake monument is erected here (Numbers 21, John 3). We also saw the newly renovated church here built upon the Byzantine Church from the 4-5th centuries AD.
Machaerus
On the way to Machaerus, we stopped at a mosaic store to see how they are made. When we arrived at Machaerus, we read from Matthew 14 (also recorded in Mark 6) about how John the Baptizer was beheaded here (Josephus tells us the location). Most in the group climbed to the top of this palace-fortress built by Herod the Great. We saw the suggested throne area of the palace (where Herod Antipas received the head of the Baptizer) as well as a few ritual baths and columns. The view across the Dead Sea was really good, allowing us to see the high-rises of Jerusalem! Later, Machaerus fell to the Romans in 71 AD.
“Most in our group made the crossing into Jordan this morning. Once we crossed, we visited Mt, Nebo and Machaerus. The views back into Israel were really good, allowing us to see the high buildings in Jerusalem.”
Petra
From Machaerus, we had a long drive to Petra. For the most part, we used the newly-paved Desert Highway before exiting on to the King’s Highway (Numbers 21-22). We arrived at our hotel for a late dinner. We rise really tomorrow for Petra, one of the 7 Wonders of the World!
Day 12 – Saturday, November 12: Petra, Wadi Rum
