Mt. Nebo – Where Moses Saw the Promised Land

If I had to re-apply in a Catholic school in Toronto, I’d include in my resume that I’ve been to Mt. Nebo – where Moses saw the Promised Land and died. Perhaps, they’d consider my application, in lieu of a letter from my parish priest that I go to mass every Sunday (no, I don’t) and listen to the gospel of the [easyazon_link asin=”B00AMR5LZA” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”pridecostume-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”yes”]The Bible[/easyazon_link]?

The real fame of Mt. Nebo is derived from the Book of Deuteronomy 34, describing Prophet Moses climbing this mountain at the end of his life. God showed him the Promised Land but was warned not to go there.

Moses died at 120 years old. God buried him in Moab, but to this day, no one knows where his grave is. It could be in one of these hills. Or maybe the one where I was standing. Or the ones behind me.

These hills and mountains, though dried up and barren, are living witnesses of the stories of the Biblical Times.

Here is a cave where Moses struck a rock and water came out. Until today, the spring is still producing water. (Can you see that in this pic below?) 

There are three different versions of where Moses exactly struck a rock and a spring came forth. Petra (means rock) is also called Wadi Musa (means Valley of Moses) also claims that Moses did it there. The other one is in Israel, I think. (I wasn’t listening to our guide. Hehehehehehe…)

Today, the mountain is a Christian pilgrimage, a memorial to Moses.

While there are skeptics about the exact location of where God showed Moses the Promised Land, many experts believe, based on the evidences and distances, that this IS the site where Moses once walked, stood, listened and talked to God.

The viewpoint terrace.

Standing from the viewpoint terrace (above pic), you’ll read the following directions and coordinates:

When we went there, it was already sunset and a bit foggy. So, all we could see of the Promised land was this:

Mount Nebo – Where Moses saw the promised land.

Here, also lies a giant cross in a style of a serpent based on Jesus’ words in John 3, “As Moses lifted up the serpent, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.”

Though there is a construction going on the site, visitors can still view the remnants of the floor mosaics from the ancient Moses Memorial Church. A temporary tent/shelter on the mountain is set up for visitors to see those relics. Like this. 

Or this. 

Mount Nebo – Where Moses saw the promised land.

Or this very, very detailed piece of mosaic.

Mount Nebo in Jordan.

Outside the tent, you’ll see this huge real Abu Badd, a rolling stone used as a fortified door of a Byzantine monastery.

Mount Nebo – Where Moses saw the promised land.

Ten-minute drive from Mt. Nebo is Madaba (which means green water), a town where 40% of the residents are Christians, the biggest in Jordan. Unlike other places in Jordan where names were changed in different times/periods, Madaba has always been called as such throughout its history.

St. George Church in Madaba, Jordan.

At St. George Church, a Byzantine church, an earliest map of Jerusalem and other important biblical places lies on a floor before the altar. It’s hands off to visitors.

St. George Church in Madaba, Jordan.

St. George Church in Madaba, Jordan.

St. George Church in Madaba, Jordan.

How to get there: 

There are buses from Amman to Madaba. And from Madaba, take a taxi to Mt. Nebo. That should cost you less than 10JD, including waiting time.

How much? 

Also, from Amman, a hotel can arrange a transport for you –with other sites included for 9 hours. It will take you to Madaba, Mt. Nebo, Dead Sea and Baptism Site. A car will cost you around 70JD and 100JD for a mini-van. Add 5JD for every hour beyond 9 hours.

Prices varies from one hotel to another.

Organized Tour

If you are into an excellent organized tour that will give you enough time to explore the places you wanna visit, check out Intrepid Travel. They have something for every type of traveler – in all ages.