• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

ExploreTraveler

Helping bring the world togeather one friend at a time. So travel and discover that the world is full of wonderful people.

  • Home
    • Pilgrimtraveler
    • Prepping Foods
  • About Us
  • Taiwan Travel Questions
    • Taiwan Travel Guide
    • Taiwan Photo Gallery
    • Taiwan Video Gallery
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Iraq
      • Israel
      • Japan
      • Jordan
      • Malaysia
      • Philippines
      • Taiwan
      • Thailand
    • Europe
      • Belgium
      • Germany
      • Netherland
      • Portugal
    • Middle East
      • Iraq
      • Israel
      • Jordan
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Mexico
      • USA
  • Food Travel
  • Forum
  • Free Signup
    • Membership Account
  • Write For Us
Home » Brazen Serpent Monument on Mount Nebo

Brazen Serpent Monument on Mount Nebo

Exploring Mount Nebo

December 11, 2020 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Mount Nebo
View from Mt Nebo Israel

                  Mount Nebo Adventure

“The Promised Land” as Seen by ‪Moses on the top of Mount ‪Nebo in‪ Jordan is breathtaking. Mount Nebo is over 3,000 feet high and is just NW of Madaba across from the Northernmost part of the Dead Sea. According to ancient tradition, it was from Mount Nebo that Moses looked out over “The Promised Land” before he died. We have the account of this experience recorded for us in the 34th chapter of the Book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Scriptures.

“Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the Lord showed him the whole land… Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it.”

“And Moses the servant of the Lord died there in Moab, as the Lord had said. He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.” Deuteronomy 34:1-6

Mount Nebo is an important site for Jews, Arabs, and Christians. Many visitors and pilgrims come to Jordan to visit this famous mountain in the land of Moab. Many Christians include this area in their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

The site is owned and cared for by the Franciscan Order of the Roman Catholic Church. They have discovered many treasures from an earlier church on the site. They have found, not only significant remains of the early Byzantine Church itself but many magnificent Byzantine mosaics. At the current time, a small simple structure has been built over these remains to protect them. The site is dedicated to Moses.

Mount Nebo 2

              As Far As The Eye Can See

As for as, the eye can see is the Holy Land as seen from Mount Nebo. It is amazing! Think about looking out over the side of Mount Nebo and seeing across the Holy Land and beyond. You literally see all of the Holy Land and even beyond its borders. Looking toward the north is the valley of the River Jordan. The West Bank and the city of Jericho can usually be seen from the summit. Also on a clear day, you can see the City of Jerusalem. What a magnificent view! What is the History of this astonishing view? Why is Mount Nebo so special? Come along with us as we explore the history of Jordan’s Mount Nebo.

In exploring the writings of the Fourth Century, we meet a Pilgrim Nun named Egeria. In her writings, she shares about a Sanctuary built on Mount Nebo to honor Moses. It is thought that this church was built on the site of an earlier sanctuary. This church was completed in the year 394. This large church had three apses or semicircles on the Eastside. The altar was located in the apses with arches and a domed roof. Two funeral chapels completed the building. One was on the Northside and the other on the South side. What a magnificent building it must have been!

During the Sixth Century, we see even more change and excitement for this small church. The church was enlarged and then made into a Basilica. The Basilica was completed with a sacristy and new baptistery. There are many surviving floor mosaics that date from c.530 AD. The mosaics are beautiful! Soon after, a large monastery was built and a pilgrimage center. This was a thriving Basilica and Monastery for over six centuries. The Pilgrimage Center was constantly in use. Many Muslims visit the Memorial Church of Moses each year. Moses is considered a prophet to Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike. Many pilgrimages continue to this day.

This outstanding site was mostly abandoned by 1564. It remained highly neglected for many centuries. It was purchased by the Franciscan Order in 1993. The site was then excavated and restored. The modern additions to the excavated church have been very simple. They are little more than a basic shelter that protects the excavations and ancient mosaic floors.

On March 19, 2000, Pope John Paul II was its first distinguished visitor. He came to the chapel during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. While he was there he planted an Olive Tree next to the Benzidine Chapel For Peace.

Today, Mount Nebo is an active Franciscan Monastery. The Franciscan Archaeological Institute also has its headquarters within the Monastery. This is a special stop for both visitors and pilgrims. Many come every year to walk in the steps of Moses.

Mount Nebo 3

       The Great Rock On Mount Nebo

The Great Stone on Mount ‪Nebo is believed to be from the Tomb of Jesus. It stands today‬ as a memorial to ‪Moses. During recent years, the rock has been measured and found to fit the tomb exactly. The tomb also has the original stop for the rock when moved into place. Today it stands on the very spot that it is thought that Moses stood to look at the “Promised Land.” What a spectacular view!

           Brazen  Serpent Monument

A serpentine cross sculpture stands at the top of the Mountain. This was the creation of Italian artist Giovanni Fantoni.  This monument is symbolic of the bronze serpent that was created by Moses in the wilderness. The words of Jesus in John 3:14 appear on the Monument.

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up.”

The story of the bronze serpent is found in the Hebrew Bible in Numbers 21:4-9. The cross symbolizes the Cross on which Jesus was crucified. The words are recorded in the New Testament Scriptures in John 3:14.

               The Ancient Baptistery

As you enter the Memorial Church of Moses on Mount Nebo, keep to the left for a magnificent surprise. You will see the excavated Baptistery complete with the most spectacular mosaics ever excavated. These magnificent mosaics can be skillfully dated to August 531, thanks to an inscription in Greek. It also lists the three workers on this project and the Bishop at the time it was built. The Bishop listed was Bishop Elias.

These amazing pristine mosaics were preserved in part, due to a second Baptistery that was laid over the top of the ancient Baptistery in 597. These spectacular mosaics remained undiscovered for over 1400 years. It was not until the excavation in 1976 that the first mosaic was found. It was restored and hangs on a wall.

These mosaics were very large squares that were divided into 4 real-life strips. These strips contained scenes of men and animals depicting a way of life. Each had a nice border. The top two sections depict extreme hunting scenes. The first scene shows a humble shepherd fighting a lion and the second a soldier in a fierce fight with a lioness. The other scene shows two horseback hunters engaged in a fight with a bear and a wild boar. All four of these mosaics show the precise detail of the artist.

The bottom scenes are very pastoral and calming. The first shows a shepherd watching after his sheep and goats while under the cover of a tree. The second depicts a darker-skinned man leading an Ostrich on a leash. Another scene shows a young boy with a Zebra on a leash. The final scene shows a large spotted animal that looks much like a camel, though it could also be a zebra.

There are many more mosaics hanging in the central section of the church and on the side aisles. There are many pieces of the almost 600 tiles that made up the magnificent mosaic pavement. One of the most outstanding and oldest mosaics is a braided cross that is displayed on the south wall. There are also many mosaics taken from the Church of George in Mukhiya. These mosaics have a very old Arabic script, though it is not yet clear which one or how old.

To one side of the Baptistry hangs an extraordinary mosaic cross. The cross was excavated from the original Fourth Century Church and now hangs on the new modern altar. Next to the altar is a photograph of the Pope praying at this modern altar. The cross is shown in the background.

                  Theotokos Chapel

As you prepare to exit the Memorial Church of Moses there is a simple chapel over three of the rooms of the old Monastery. In the semi-circles on the East side of the church is a mosaic of a square object that may be a vessel used for the Eucharist or maybe an altar canopy. The mosaic also features many bulls and gazelles. The floor of the chapel is laid with many original mosaics of plants and animals of the time period. All these shed light on what life was like during the fourth to the seventh centuries.

             The Ancient Monastery

On the highest section of Mount Nebo, Syagha were found the complete remains of an ancient Byzantine church and the original monastery. These were found in the excavation of 1933. The walls of this ancient monastery can be seen as you exit and go outside.

Today the work of excavation continues as visitors and monks work and pray hand in hand. Morning and evening there is prayer in the monastery and all workers who desire are welcome to join. There are simple accommodations for a few workers at a time. During the day the many workers continue to locate the new treasure and categorize the previous treasure found. The work is exacting but many hands make the labor easier. There is an atmosphere of prayer and meditation as they work. Today’s life on Mount Nebo is guided by a principle of simplicity and hard work.

               Caves on Mount Nebo

The Mount Nebo Mountain Range is home to many caves. Some of these caves are shallow and open and others are deep and closed off. One of the deepest mysteries of Mount Nebo is the whereabouts of the Ark of the Covenant. According to the ancient Hebrew writings of the Maccabees, it was hidden in a cave on Mount Pisgah, the highest peak in the Mount Nebo Mountain Range. According to Second Maccabees, Jeremiah carried the tent, the ark, and the incense altar into a cave on Mount Pisgah and then sealed the opening. The account in Second Maccabees reads as follows:

 2 Maccabees 2:4-8

4″ These same records also tell us that Jeremiah, acting under divine guidance, commanded the Tent of the Lord’s Presence and the Covenant Box to follow him to the mountain where Moses had looked down on the land which God had promised our people. 5 When Jeremiah got to the mountain, he found a huge cave, and there he hid the Tent of the Lord’s Presence, the Covenant Box, and the altar of incense. Then he sealed up the entrance.

6 Some of Jeremiah’s friends tried to follow him and mark the way, but they could not find the cave. 7 When Jeremiah learned what they had done, he reprimanded them, saying,

No one must know about this place until God gathers his people together again and shows them mercy. 8 At that time he will reveal where these things are hidden, and the dazzling light of his presence will be seen in the cloud, as it was in the time of Moses and on the occasion when Solomon prayed that the Temple might be dedicated in holy splendor.”

Whatever your belief about the Ark of the Covenant, one thing is for certain, it is one of the possible mysteries of the Mount Nebo Mountain Range. Archaeologist Crotser, in the fall of 1981, is said to have found the ark and took pictures. No one has dared to touch it. They all remember what happened in the days of old when someone dared to touch this unique golden box. So for now, it still remains one of the mysteries of Mount Nebo in Jordan.

If you are looking for adventure, then consider Mount Nebo. Go beyond the Memorial Church of Moses and climb the beautiful mountain range. Explore all the ruins and treasures. Find the answer to many questions by spending time exploring the wonderful mosaics of the original baptistry. Grab your passport and pack your backpack. Get the necessary permissions if you want to hike the mountain range. A Jordan adventure is waiting in the Mount Nebo Mountain Range.

ExploreTraveler.com

Mount Nebo

Mt Nebo

Mt Nebo Israel

There is also an authorized post on seemit under @exploretraveler at: https://steemit.com/@exploretraveler

https://exploretraveler.com/treasures-old-city-jerusalem/

The Church Of The Nativity In Bethlehem Israel

The Church Of The Annunciation In Nazareth, Israel

‎Nazareth from the Mount of ‪‎Precipice

 

Filed Under: Asia, Israel, Jordan, Travel Tips, West Bank, World Travel Tagged With: Archaeologist Crotser, Brazen Serpent Monument on Mount Nebo, Christian Pilgrimage, Church of George in Mukhiya, Dead Sea, Giovanni Fantoni, Jordan, Madaba, Memorial Church of Moses, Moses, Mount Nebo, Mount Nebo Mountain Range, Mount Pisgah, mt nebo, Tent of the Lord's Presence, The altar of incense, The Covenant Box, The Great Rock On Mount Nebo, Theotokos Chapel

The Promised Land

April 5, 2017 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Promised Land

                                           “The Promised Land” As Seen By Moses

This is the view of the Promised Land from the top of Mount Nebo which is in ,what is now, the country of  Jordan. After a long and hard forty years of leading the Hebrew Nation through the desert, Moses was told by God that He would not cross over into the land. But God allowed him to climb to the top of Mount Nebo where he viewed this amazing land of promise.  As you stand on Mount Nebo today, this is the same panoramic view that Moses would have had. On a clear day you can look out and see the Dead Sea, the beautiful River Jordan, the small town of Bethlehem, and the far away hills of the city of Jerusalem. As we recaptured that same panoramic view, it was amazing to even consider the magnificent sight that met the eyes of Moses.

The story of this magnificent view is told to us in the Bible, it reads as follows:

                                                     Deuteronomy 34:1-6  (KJV)

34 And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the Lord shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

2 And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, unto the utmost sea,

3 And the south, and the plain of the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, unto Zoar.

4 And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.

5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.

6 And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Bethpeor: but no man knoweth of his sepulcher unto this day.

                                        View of the Holy land on Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo has always been a place of importance not only in Judaism, but also within the Christian faith.  In the early third and fourth centuries monks came from Egypt on a special pilgrimage and latter built a monastery to remember the latter years of the life of Moses. Their little church/monastery was called a Siyagha. During these early centuries, Christians were also coming from Jerusalem on a spiritual pilgrimage to this same area. By the latter part of the Fourth Century an empty tomb was erected to help the pilgrims remember Moses.

This little Siyagha, by the Sixth Century, had grown into a large Basilica. Within the Basilica was magnificent mosaics dating from the Byzantine era. There are almost no remains of the early Basilica, but a shrine now stands at the site. This magnificent collection can be seen within the shrine. Outside the current shrine is a large monument of the Brazen Serpent set up by Moses and recorded in Numbers 21:4-9. There is also a monument of a Great Stone, which is believed to be from the tomb  of Jesus.

                                                                        “The Great Stone”

The Mount Nebo site is administrated by the Franciscans and the shrine is open daily. No trip to the Holy Land is complete without a visit to Mount Nebo. To view the Holy Land as did Moses is breathtaking and a special part of any Holy Land adventure or pilgrimage.

https://exploretraveler.com

Was published on [email protected] on April 6, 2017 at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/the-promised-land

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Asia, Israel, Jordan, Middle East, Travel Tips, World Travel Tagged With: Brazen Serpent Monument on Mount Nebo, Israel, Jordan, Moses, Mount Nebo, Shrine at Mount Nebo, Siyagha, The Great Rock On Mount Nebo

Primary Sidebar

Search Website

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Tuklasin ang Misteryo ng Chocolate Hills sa Bohol, Philippines
  • Traveling in the new age of post Covid19
  • Unraveling The Mystery Behind The Famed Chocolate Hills In Bohol, Philippines
  • Pangingisda Sa Pilipinas
  • Museums in Lisbon You Need to Visit!
  • Traveling and Mental Health
  • Exploring Mount Nebo
  • The Tepe Sialk Ziggurat In Iran
  • Nipa Huts in Philippines: Traditional Filipino Rural Living
  • Bahay Kubo: Tradisyonal na pamumuhay ng Filipino sa Bukid
  • Alaska Winter Survival From A Prehistoric Perspective
  • Coronavirus and Travel: How to Travel Safe During This Pandemic Time?
  • Uncovering The History Of Lincoln: A Look At Some Popular Spots
  • 49 Best Things To Do In Hawaii on Your Next Dream Vacation
  • 11 Best Backpacking Trails Colorado- Every Backpacker’s Heaven
  • 16 Top Travel Places in New Mexico to Plan a Backpacking Trip
  • Backpacking Tips To Travel Iceland, As It Opens International Border By June 15

Copyright © 2020 · ExploreTraveler