City of Petra in the Bible

The ancient city of Petra, located in modern-day Jordan, is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. Renowned for its stunning rock-cut architecture and hidden location within desert canyons, Petra was once a thriving capital of the Nabataean kingdom.

Though it is not mentioned by the name “Petra” in the Bible, it is widely believed to be identified with the biblical city of Sela, and it features prominently in the prophetic writings of the Old Testament. The city’s history and geography play an essential role in understanding some of the biblical narratives and prophecies.

Petra and the Edomites
Petra is closely associated with the ancient nation of Edom, descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. The Edomites settled in the rugged region south of the Dead Sea, an area filled with cliffs and rocky passages. The Hebrew word Sela, meaning “rock,” is used several times in the Old Testament and is thought by many scholars to refer to Petra.

In Obadiah 1:3–4, the prophet rebukes Edom for its arrogance, saying, “You who live in the clefts of the rock, whose dwelling is high… though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down.” This poetic imagery strongly parallels the geography of Petra, a city literally carved into rock cliffs.

Prophetic Warnings Against Edom
Several prophets, including Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Obadiah, pronounce judgment on Edom. These prophecies condemn Edom’s pride, violence against Judah, and betrayal of kinship. Isaiah 34 and 63 contain apocalyptic imagery of Edom's destruction, portraying it as a place of desolation and divine wrath. The fall of Edom is portrayed not just as a political judgment but a moral one, highlighting God’s concern for justice and righteousness. The desolation of Edom, with its capital likely being Petra, fulfilled these prophetic warnings as the once powerful Nabataean stronghold faded into obscurity.

Petra in Christian Tradition
While the New Testament does not mention Petra, early Christian writers and pilgrims identified Petra with Sela and regarded it as part of biblical prophecy. Its isolated and defensible location even led some to speculate that Petra could serve as a place of refuge during times of tribulation. In Revelation 12:6 and 12:14, a woman (symbolizing God’s people) flees to the wilderness to be protected—a passage some interpreted symbolically as referring to Petra as a future haven.

Conclusion
The city of Petra, though not explicitly named in the Bible, holds significant historical and theological interest due to its connection with Edom and the biblical city of Sela. Its mention in the context of prophetic judgment adds weight to the accuracy of biblical prophecy and offers insight into the ancient world. Today, Petra stands as a breathtaking monument to a civilization long gone, yet deeply intertwined with the narrative threads of Scripture.