Field Notes are quick sketches from the Biblical world – the people, places, rulers, etc. that show up in Scripture and shape the story around them.
Sometimes that still means looking at the armor Paul describes in Ephesians. If that’s what you’re after, you can find each piece of the armor in the sidebar links at right.

  • Field Notes: Nile River

    The Nile River was the lifeline of ancient Egypt, providing water, food, and transportation.

    It is where Moses was placed in a basket and found by Pharoah’s daughter (Exodus 2).

    It is where the first plague occurred, when the water was turned to blood (Exodus 7).

    The Nile played a central role in Egypt’s power and daily life during the time of the Exodus.

    The pyramids were already ancient by the time of Moses, so he likely saw them. Jesus was brought here as a baby, so it is not likely He saw them…though, to be fair, He probably knew they were there.

    Nile River and delta from orbit, via NASA (public domain)

  • Field Notes: Mount Nebo

    This one is also in the Not A Mountain Club. Mount Nebo is a ridge in modern-day Jordan overlooking the Jordan Valley and the land of Israel. According to the Bible, this is the place where Moses stood and viewed the Promised Land before his death. From the summit, God showed Moses the land Israel…

  • Field Notes: Mount Hermon

    Mount Hermon is the tallest mountain in Israel and sits along the border of Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. Because of its high elevation, its peaks are often snow-covered. In the Bible, Mount Herman marks the norther boundary of the land promised to Israel (Deuteronomy 3:8-9). The mountain is also mentioned in Psalm 133, which compares…

  • Field Notes: Mount Carmel

    Another “not really a mountain” situation. Mount Carmel is actually a limestone ridge that runs along the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. In the Bible, it is most famous as the place where the prophet Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal during the reign of King Ahab (1 Kings 18). When the prophet of Baal…

  • Field Notes: Mount Moriah

    Mount Moriah is the modern day Temple Mount. It’s as simple as that. Underneath the raised platform of the Temple Mount is what the Bible calls Mount Moriah. It’s All the Same Hill Nerd Notes:–The staircase visible along the southern wall of the Temple Mount is known as the Southern Steps, one of the main…

  • Field Notes: Mount Zion

    Mount Zion, not a mountain at all, is a historic hill in Jerusalem associated with the City of David and the early royal capital established by King David. In the Bible, Zion originally referred to the stronghold captured by David and later became closely connected with Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. Over time, the name…

  • Field Notes: Mount Ararat

    The larger mountain pictured is Greater Ararat, located in eastern Turkey and visible from the Armenian capital of Yerevan. Standing at 16,854 feet, Greater Ararat is traditionally associated with the resting place of Noah’s Ark after the Flood (Genesis 8:4). Look how deep the water must have been for the ark to land on that…