Petra

Don & Cindy Martz joined us again this week to continue in sharing about their journey in Israel. Today, we learned about Petra… Not because it is where Indiana Jones was searching for the Holy Grail, but because this place is critical to end times.

Based on scripture, Petra (or the Rock) is where the Jews will flee during their 3 1/2 years of tribulation. In the Old Testament time, Petra was known as Bozrah.

Some of the Bible verses that we read and/or referenced were:

• 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

• Matthew 23:37-39; 24:15-16,21

• Daniel 11:41

• Isaiah 33:13-16; 41:17-20; 65:9-16

• Micah 2:12

• Revelation 16:11-16; 14:20; 9:16

• Zachariah 14

• Revelation 14

• Revelation 21:1, 4

Here is what we learned from Cindy:

Another passage which may have a bearing on the question is Isaiah 33:13–16. Since the context is dealing with the end time events, this passage also draws a distinction between the apostates and the faithful remnant as far as their protection and preservation is concerned. V. 16 gives the means by which protection for the remnant will be accomplished. Besides reaffirming the promise in Isaiah 41:17–20 and 65:8–16 that food and water would be provided, this passage gives some insight into the nature of the hiding place itself. First, it will be “on high,” that is, in the mountains. Second, the place of defense will be “the munitions of rocks”; that is, the very nature of the place will make it easy to defend.

This brings the total to four clues. The refuge will be

1. In the mountains

2. In the wilderness

3. A place prepared in advance

4. Very defensible

5. A place with food and water

Micah 2:12, pinpoints the place exactly. The remnant is gathered together “as the sheep of Bozrah.” Since “the sheep of Bozrah” are no different from other sheep, this simply means that they are to be gathered in Bozrah. Israel is the flock of God, and this flock is to be gathered in Bozrah. The ancient city of Bozrah was located in the region of Mount Seir. Mount Seir is a rocky range of mountains, and its name means the “hairy mountains.” This fulfills the requirement of Matthew 24. It is located in the wilderness section of ancient Edom and so fulfills the requirement of Revelation 12. The nature of the chain of mountains of Mount Seir makes it quite defensible, fulfilling the requirements of Isaiah 33. Mount Seir is located in the western side of ancient Edom, extending from southeast of the Dead Sea down to the city of Akaba. It towers over the Arabah, part of the rift valley from the south shore of the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Eilat. Today the area is in southern Jordan.

Petra also has water sources in place since an aqueduct system is already in place to provide for the Jews who will be there for 3.5 years. They will also experience God’s provision of food, like manna in the desert. The tombs found in the side of Petra are filled with copies of the scriptures for the Jews to read while they are waiting.

Petra is also here where Jesus' second coming will be... They will then move to Tel Megiddo where the battle of Armageddon will take place. This battle will be very brutal.

Then the press was trampled outside the city, and blood flowed out of the press up to the horses’ bridles for about 180 miles. - Revelation 14:20

As we read through the Bible, one thing we were warned about is allegorical interpretation of the Bible... This practice can be problematic. It can lead people away from what God’s Word actually means and what His Word is actually telling us.

A way to cross-check interpretations is to compare verses is using Bible Hub. This resource also offers the Hebrew and Greek interpretations of the original texts. Save this website for future resources.