Biblical Geography

08/05/2025 • View profile

Before we get started, please check out my latest on Locals; Coffee and Christianity: Episode 95: Be careful what you say, check out my previous article, here; The Christ Haunted South, and, if you'd like to help me out; Help with medical bills

When I was a child, I was a bit off. As an adult, I'm still a bit odd. All the eccentricities are still there, those I had as a child, but in a different direction. One that that has been rather constant, is my love of geography.
In fact, one of the first things I do when I get a new Bible is to check the maps.
Having said that, because I don't see as well as I used to, it would be nice if the maps were as a little less blurry.
The glossy finish is nice, but, hard to read.
I have friends who've been all over the world. I've been to Canada, Saudi Arabia, and, the United States. (My native country).
And I've never even had a passport!
If you're curious, I went to Canada as a child, and I've been to the Saudi embassy in Washington DC.
Also, three different types of government, the US is a Federalist Republic with democratic elections, Canada is a constitutional monarchy with democratic elections, and Saudi Arabic is an absolute monarchy (though, it does have local elections, but the king has the final say).
What does this have to do with Christianity?
Well, I like maps. Also,I like turtles.
But, in all seriousness, with all the amount of mentions of the Middle East in the news at the moment, I think that we forget these are real places, with real people.
Now, before we go any further, I should note that I oppose the two state solution, on the grounds that so long as Iranian funded proxy groups are in charge, there will be no peace.
With that out of the way, I think it's important to talk about what the Bible tells us about geography”
“And behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs”. (Luke 24:13)
“For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts”. (Malachi 1:11)
“But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to posses it, a land that floweth with milk and honey: I am the LORD your God, which have separated you from other people”. (Leviticus 20:24)
Of course, I can do a lot more, but, I'm exhausted and I needed an article.
You will note though, and I found this interesting, Luke actually tells you how far away Emmaus is from Jerusalem.