Hidden deep within the rugged mountains of southern Jordan lies one of the most extraordinary cities of the ancient world—Petra. This breathtaking city, carved into towering sandstone cliffs, was once a thriving center of trade and culture. Known as the “Rose-Red City” because of its stunning rock formations, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom and remains one of the most iconic archaeological sites today.
Though Petra is never directly named in the Bible, the region it is located in—Edom—is referenced frequently. Some prophecy scholars believe that Petra may have a future role as a place of refuge for the Jewish remnant during the Great Tribulation. While this view is widely debated, Petra’s historical and geographical significance makes it a fascinating subject of study.
This article will explore Petra’s history, the people who built it, its architectural marvels, and why some believe it may play a role in biblical prophecy.
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The History of Petra: The Lost City of the Nabataeans
Petra was built by the Nabataeans, an ancient Arab people who established a thriving kingdom in the region around the 4th century BC. The Nabataeans were originally nomads who mastered the art of desert survival, developing advanced water conservation techniques that allowed them to settle in an otherwise inhospitable land.
By strategically positioning themselves along important trade routes connecting Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean, the Nabataeans transformed Petra into a prosperous hub for commerce. Caravans laden with spices, incense, silk, and other luxury goods passed through Petra, making it one of the wealthiest cities of its time.
Petra reached its peak between 100 BC and 100 AD, boasting grand temples, royal tombs, and monumental buildings, all carved directly into the rock. The Nabataeans’ engineering skills allowed them to harness rainfall and channel water through an elaborate system of dams, reservoirs, and aqueducts. This water management system sustained a population estimated to have reached between 20,000 and 30,000 people at its height.
However, the city’s prosperity did not last forever. The Romans annexed Petra in 106 AD, absorbing it into the province of Arabia Petraea. As trade routes shifted and Rome favored other cities, Petra’s importance declined. A devastating earthquake in 363 AD further weakened the city, and by the 7th century, it was largely abandoned.
For centuries, Petra remained hidden from the Western world until Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt rediscovered it in 1812. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Jordan’s most visited tourist attractions.
The Architectural Marvels of Petra
One of Petra’s most famous features is its breathtaking architecture, which blends Nabataean, Greek, and Roman influences. The city is known for its rock-cut facades, elaborate tombs, and intricate carvings that still awe visitors today.
- The Siq – The dramatic entrance to Petra is a narrow, winding gorge over a mile long, with walls towering up to 300 feet high. This natural passageway was both a defensive barrier and an impressive approach to the city.
- Al-Khazneh (“The Treasury”) – The most iconic structure in Petra, the Treasury was likely a royal tomb, though its exact purpose remains debated. Its intricate Hellenistic-style facade suggests Greek influence, a testament to the Nabataeans’ connection with other civilizations.
- The Monastery (Ad Deir) – A massive rock-cut building larger than the Treasury, the Monastery sits high in the mountains, accessible only by climbing over 800 steps.
- The Royal Tombs – A series of elaborate burial chambers carved into the cliffs, possibly for Nabataean kings and elites.
- The Great Temple – An impressive complex that may have served as a religious or administrative center.
The sheer scale and precision of Petra’s rock-cut structures demonstrate the incredible craftsmanship of the Nabataeans.
Petra’s Connection to the Bible
Though Petra itself is never mentioned in Scripture, the region it is located in—Edom, the land of the descendants of Esau—appears frequently in the Old Testament. The Edomites, who lived in the rugged mountains surrounding Petra, were often hostile toward Israel.
Several passages describe Edom’s strongholds and their overconfidence in their mountainous defenses:
- Obadiah 1:3-4 warns Edom, “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rocks… Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down.”
- Isaiah 34:5-6 prophesies judgment upon Edom, stating that it will be a place of destruction.
- Jeremiah 49:16-18 echoes similar themes, warning Edom that its rocky defenses will not protect it from God’s judgment.
Additionally, some scholars connect Petra with the biblical city of Sela, which means “rock” in Hebrew (2 Kings 14:7, Isaiah 16:1). However, “Sela” may refer to any rocky location and is not definitively linked to Petra.
Petra and End-Times Prophecy
Many dispensational prophecy teachers have speculated that Petra could serve as a refuge for the Jewish remnant during the Great Tribulation. This view is based primarily on Revelation 12:6, which states, “The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.”
In dispensational interpretation, the “woman” symbolizes Israel, and the wilderness is understood as a place of divine protection during the second half of the Tribulation. Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24:15-16 also instructs Jews in Judea to flee to the mountains when they see the Abomination of Desolation, leading some to speculate that Petra, being in the mountainous region of Edom, could be the destination.
Noted prophecy teacher Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost wrote, “The remnant of Israel will flee to the mountains east of Jerusalem—possibly Petra in Edom—where God will supernaturally sustain them.” (Things to Come, p. 340). Similarly, John F. Walvoord suggested, “Many have thought that Petra may be the prepared place to which Israel will flee during the last half of the Tribulation.” (The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook, p. 575).
While these speculations are intriguing, the Bible never explicitly identifies Petra as Israel’s place of refuge. The emphasis in Scripture is on God’s supernatural provision, not a specific geographical location.
Conclusion: A City of Wonder, Not a Future Refuge
Petra remains one of the most awe-inspiring sites of the ancient world, reflecting the ingenuity and resilience of the Nabataeans. Its history, architecture, and biblical connections make it a fascinating place to study.
While some prophecy scholars speculate that Petra could be the hiding place for Israel during the Tribulation, the Bible never confirms this idea. What Scripture does make clear is that God will protect His people in a supernatural way, just as He did in the wilderness after the Exodus. Whether or not Petra plays a role in future events, its legacy as a city carved from rock stands as a testament to the brilliance of its builders and the enduring mysteries of biblical history.
“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” – Isaiah 26:4
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