Podcasts about nabateans

Thoughts on the readings for January 21st (Genesis 36; Psalm 38; Matthew 23)Genesis 36 contains yet another genealogy – this time Esau's who settled in the mountains around Petra. This territory is sometimes called Mount Seir (meaning “hairy”. So named because of Esau's hairy appearance). Esau through his 4 wives produced 12 sons just as his twin brother Jacob had done. However these boys all became dukes in their own right ruling hundreds of years earlier than Jacob's sons eventually did in the Promised Land. Edom became a powerful nation of hostile men in that region. They later became known as the Nabateans. Their hostility toward Israel was maintained until their oblivion in 70 AD at the hands of Rome. Psalm 38 is a plea from David asking God to never forsake him. David had suffered greatly as a punishment for the great sins he had sought to hide. How foolish of David to think that was possible. David asked his Sovereign to lift the heavy burden of his guilt. Every move that king David made was watched and criticised by his foes. David had chosen to be deaf and mute, rather than listen to the instruction of his Father's Word. He felt that his enemies would swallow him up and overwhelm him. In verse 15 David tells us that his only hope is in Yahweh. So finally David realised that the only way to resolve his wretchedness was to confess his iniquity. Likewise for us the only way to remove our sins and the sense of guilt which they bring; is to confess our wrongs; to promise to forsake them in the future; and to cast ourselves on the mercy and forgiveness of our magnificent Sovereign (1 John 1 verses 5-10 slowly read aloud. Pause and ponder). The Psalm concludes by David asking the LORD to be swift in David's defence.

Thoughts on the readings for January 21st (Genesis 36; Psalm 38; Matthew 23) Genesis 36 contains yet another genealogy – this time Esau's who settled in the mountains around Petra. This territory is sometimes called Mount Seir (meaning “hairy”. So named because of Esau's hairy appearance). Esau through his 4 wives produced 12 sons just as his twin brother Jacob had done. However these boys all became dukes in their own right ruling hundreds of years earlier than Jacob's sons eventually did in the Promised Land. Edom became a powerful nation of hostile men in that region. They later became known as the Nabateans. Their hostility toward Israel was maintained until their oblivion in 70 AD at the hands of Rome. Psalm 38 is a plea from David asking God to never forsake him. David had suffered greatly as a punishment for the great sins he had sought to hide. How foolish of David to think that was possible. David asked his Sovereign to lift the heavy burden of his guilt. Every move that king David made was watched and criticised by his foes. David had chosen to be deaf and mute, rather than listen to the instruction of his Father's Word. He felt that his enemies would swallow him up and overwhelm him. In verse 15 David tells us that his only hope is in Yahweh. So finally David realised that the only way to resolve his wretchedness was to confess his iniquity. Likewise for us the only way to remove our sins and the sense of guilt which they bring; is to confess our wrongs; to promise to forsake them in the future; and to cast ourselves on the mercy and forgiveness of our magnificent Sovereign (1 John 1 verses 5-10 slowly read aloud. Pause and ponder). The Psalm concludes by David asking the LORD to be swift in David's defence. Matthew 23 pronounced 8 woes, or curses, upon the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees. Indeed our Lord indicated that many of their instructions showed that they perceived what God's law required of them, but failed to practise these. Though Jesus was “full of grace and truth” when it was necessary he spoke words of condemnation as his scathing indictment of the Scribes and Pharisees in chapter 23 demonstrates. Verse 9 tells us that many churches act against Jesus' clear teaching to call no man father, since only one is our Father, who is in heaven. Similarly not one of us the Teacher; for Christ our Master is alone to be called that. Humility is the key ingredient for a disciple's life. Christ's outlining of the beatitudes of Matthew 5 stand in stark contrast to the 8 cursings in this chapter. For these reasons Jesus pronounced their house – city – desolate (as the leprous house of Leviticus 14verses 39-45); until our Lord Jesus' second advent when the nation will finally be healed – see verses 37-39. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christa delphian video .org

“The Nabateans are a silent partner in everything that goes on in the high summer of the Ancient period” - Bettany Hughes By the time of Jesus' birth, a mysterious empire had built its wealth through trading two of the gifts present at the Nativity: frankincense and myrrh. Aromatic crystals harvested from the sap of gnarled trees, frankincense and myrrh were highly desirable commodities known as the tears or the breath of the gods. Based along the coast of the Red Sea, the nomadic Nabatean people were engineers, mariners and savvy traders, and they cleverly placed themselves as the middlemen in the trade of this incense. The Nabateans gave the world Arabic, and had a kingdom that even Alexander the Great could not siege - so why do so many of us know nothing about them? Listen as Anita and William are joined by Bettany Hughes to discuss how the Christmas gifts of frankincense and myrrh powered a mysterious and innovative kingdom… Twitter: @Empirepoduk Email: empirepoduk@gmail.com Goalhangerpodcasts.com Assistant Producers: Anouska Lewis & Evan Green Producer: Callum Hill Exec Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeannette is joined by TV presenter and adventurer, Alice Morrison, who shares her remarkable journey from a conventional career as a chief executive to embarking on thrilling adventures, including cycling across Africa and exploring the hidden histories of the Nabataean civilisation in her new TV series, "Arabian Adventures." Jeannette and Alice explore the catalysts for change in Alice's life, her experiences with self-discovery, and the importance of living authentically KEY TAKEAWAYS Life can take unexpected turns, and it's essential to adapt and find new paths. The journey from a conventional career to adventurous pursuits can lead to personal growth and fulfilment. Engaging in physically challenging activities can help reset your mindset, allowing you to focus on the present moment rather than getting lost in worries about the future. It's crucial to understand that your identity is not defined by societal expectations or roles. Embracing your true self and making choices that align with your values is more important than seeking external validation. Negative feedback is a part of life, but it's essential to not let it deter you. Understanding that others' opinions are often reflections of their own experiences can help you maintain your confidence and focus on your goals. BEST MOMENTS "I think really the physical side of it, in a way, is a servant to the exploration side of it." "It's a really interesting time for you to be doing this because of... creating a diverse, equitable part of the world, which is coming from quite a dark place." "What someone else thinks of you is none of your business." "If you keep walking, you'll get to your destination. And it's the same in life."   This is the perfect time to get focused on what YOU want to really achieve in your business, career, and life. It's never too late to be BRAVE and BOLD and unlock your inner BRILLIANT. Visit our new website https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ - there you'll find a library of FREE resources and downloadable guides and e-books to help you along your journey. If you'd like to jump on a free mentoring session just DM Jeannette at info@brave-bold-brilliant.com. VALUABLE RESOURCES Brave Bold Brilliant - https://brave-bold-brilliant.com/ Brave, Bold, Brilliant podcast series - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brave-bold-brilliant-podcast/id1524278970    ABOUT THE GUEST Alice Morrison I am an adventurer a TV presenter and writer. My new series for the BBC, Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabateans airs is on BBC News. Here it is on iPlayer.  I travel to the furthest places on earth and walk through its toughest habitats. I have been described as ‘Indiana Jones for girls'  (which I liked!) We live in a time when the world is in crisis in so many ways. I want to bear witness to what is happening to the planet as our climate and our society changes and I want to tell the stories that bring we humans together rather than the ones that drive us apart. Together, we can strive towards solutions and a happier world.  What better place to start than with the places and people that are furthest away. https://alicemorrison.co.uk/about-alice-morrison/ ABOUT THE HOST Jeannette Linfoot is a highly regarded senior executive, property investor, board advisor, and business mentor with over 30 years of global professional business experience across the travel, leisure, hospitality, and property sectors. Having bought, ran, and sold businesses all over the world, Jeannette now has a portfolio of her own businesses and also advises and mentors other business leaders to drive forward their strategies as well as their own personal development. Jeannette is a down-to-earth leader, a passionate champion for diversity & inclusion, and a huge advocate of nurturing talent so every person can unleash their full potential and live their dreams. CONTACT THE HOST Jeannette's linktree - https://linktr.ee/JLinfoot https://www.jeannettelinfootassociates.com/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@braveboldbrilliant LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jeannettelinfoot Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jeannette.linfoot/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jeannette.linfoot/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeannette.linfoot Podcast Description Jeannette Linfoot talks to incredible people about their experiences of being Brave, Bold & Brilliant, which have allowed them to unleash their full potential in business, their careers, and life in general. From the boardroom tables of ‘big' international businesses to the dining room tables of entrepreneurial start-ups, how to overcome challenges, embrace opportunities and take risks, whilst staying ‘true' to yourself is the order of the day.Travel, Bold, Brilliant, business, growth, scale, marketing, investment, investing, entrepreneurship, coach, consultant, mindset, six figures, seven figures, travel, industry, ROI, B2B, inspirational: https://linktr.ee/JLinfoot

Suspected victims of modern slavery are waiting years before their cases are dealt with, whilst waiting for a Home Office decision. On Friday, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Philips announced that the Home Office will hire 200 staff to clear a backlog of UK modern slavery cases. Sunday hears from Major Kathy Betteridge the Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army. Adventurer, writer and TV presenter Alison Morrison speaks about the discovery of a secret tomb underneath the Treasury Monument at the World Heritage site of Petra in Jordan, where more than a million people visit annually. The tomb contained 12 ancient skeletons and various artefacts dating back to the Nabataean people around two thousand years ago. A team including researchers from the University of St Andrews made the discovery using remote sensing equipment, while on a separate study looking at how to control flood waters at the site. Alison speaks about the significance of the discovery.The Archbishop of Toulouse- Monsignor Guy de Kerimel- called a mass to clean the city and protect it from dark forces within. He's taken a public stand against a street art parade planned through the city at the end of month. Three massive metal minotaur's, guided remotely by dozens of technicians, will amble through the city over a three day period. It's the presence of one Lilith that has infuriated some of the Catholic community. Half woman half scorpion in mythology she was Adam's first wife and associated with evil and luring the weak into obscurity.Presenter: Emily Buchanan Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Peter Everett Studio Mangers: Chris Hardman & Helen Williams Editor: Tim Pemberton

The Edomites are in the Old Testament, an ancient people who lived around Petra, Jordan before the Nabateans and before Petra was even created. King Herod was a descendant of the Edomites, and perhaps most infamously they are remembered for supporting the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar, rejoicing when he sacked Jerusalem in the 6th century BC.Tristan Hughes is joined by archaeologist Dr Matthew Vincent, who has been excavating tombs in Petra, to discuss what is known about the Edomites as archaeology and newly-discovered written sources reveal fascinating insights into how they lived.Presented by Tristan Hughes. The producer is Joseph Knight, audio editor is Max Carrey. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.The Ancients is a History Hit podcast.Enjoy unlimited access to award-winning original TV documentaries that are released weekly and AD-FREE podcasts. Sign up HERE for 50% off your first 3 months using code ‘ANCIENTS'. https://historyhit.com/subscriptionYou can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MK

In A History of the Hasmonean State: Josephus and Beyond (T&T Clark, 2019), Kenneth Atkinson tells the exciting story of the nine decades of the Hasmonean rule of Judea (152 - 63 BCE) by going beyond the accounts of the Hasmoneans in Josephus in order to bring together new evidence to reconstruct how the Hasmonean family transformed their kingdom into a state that lasted until the arrival of the Romans. Atkinson reconstructs the relationships between the Hasmonean state and the rulers of the Seleucid and the Ptolemaic Empires, the Itureans, the Nabateans, the Parthians, the Armenians, the Cappadocians, and the Roman Republic. He draws on a variety of previously unused sources, including papyrological documentation, inscriptions, archaeological evidence, numismatics, Dead Sea Scrolls, pseudepigrapha, and textual sources from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine periods. Atkinson also explores how Josephus's political and social situation in Flavian Rome affected his accounts of the Hasmoneans and why any study of the Hasmonean state must go beyond Josephus to gain a full appreciation of this unique historical period that shaped Second Temple Judaism, and created the conditions for the rise of the Herodian dynasty and the emergence of Christianity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In A History of the Hasmonean State: Josephus and Beyond (T&T Clark, 2019), Kenneth Atkinson tells the exciting story of the nine decades of the Hasmonean rule of Judea (152 - 63 BCE) by going beyond the accounts of the Hasmoneans in Josephus in order to bring together new evidence to reconstruct how the Hasmonean family transformed their kingdom into a state that lasted until the arrival of the Romans. Atkinson reconstructs the relationships between the Hasmonean state and the rulers of the Seleucid and the Ptolemaic Empires, the Itureans, the Nabateans, the Parthians, the Armenians, the Cappadocians, and the Roman Republic. He draws on a variety of previously unused sources, including papyrological documentation, inscriptions, archaeological evidence, numismatics, Dead Sea Scrolls, pseudepigrapha, and textual sources from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine periods. Atkinson also explores how Josephus's political and social situation in Flavian Rome affected his accounts of the Hasmoneans and why any study of the Hasmonean state must go beyond Josephus to gain a full appreciation of this unique historical period that shaped Second Temple Judaism, and created the conditions for the rise of the Herodian dynasty and the emergence of Christianity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

In A History of the Hasmonean State: Josephus and Beyond (T&T Clark, 2019), Kenneth Atkinson tells the exciting story of the nine decades of the Hasmonean rule of Judea (152 - 63 BCE) by going beyond the accounts of the Hasmoneans in Josephus in order to bring together new evidence to reconstruct how the Hasmonean family transformed their kingdom into a state that lasted until the arrival of the Romans. Atkinson reconstructs the relationships between the Hasmonean state and the rulers of the Seleucid and the Ptolemaic Empires, the Itureans, the Nabateans, the Parthians, the Armenians, the Cappadocians, and the Roman Republic. He draws on a variety of previously unused sources, including papyrological documentation, inscriptions, archaeological evidence, numismatics, Dead Sea Scrolls, pseudepigrapha, and textual sources from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine periods. Atkinson also explores how Josephus's political and social situation in Flavian Rome affected his accounts of the Hasmoneans and why any study of the Hasmonean state must go beyond Josephus to gain a full appreciation of this unique historical period that shaped Second Temple Judaism, and created the conditions for the rise of the Herodian dynasty and the emergence of Christianity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/jewish-studies

In A History of the Hasmonean State: Josephus and Beyond (T&T Clark, 2019), Kenneth Atkinson tells the exciting story of the nine decades of the Hasmonean rule of Judea (152 - 63 BCE) by going beyond the accounts of the Hasmoneans in Josephus in order to bring together new evidence to reconstruct how the Hasmonean family transformed their kingdom into a state that lasted until the arrival of the Romans. Atkinson reconstructs the relationships between the Hasmonean state and the rulers of the Seleucid and the Ptolemaic Empires, the Itureans, the Nabateans, the Parthians, the Armenians, the Cappadocians, and the Roman Republic. He draws on a variety of previously unused sources, including papyrological documentation, inscriptions, archaeological evidence, numismatics, Dead Sea Scrolls, pseudepigrapha, and textual sources from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine periods. Atkinson also explores how Josephus's political and social situation in Flavian Rome affected his accounts of the Hasmoneans and why any study of the Hasmonean state must go beyond Josephus to gain a full appreciation of this unique historical period that shaped Second Temple Judaism, and created the conditions for the rise of the Herodian dynasty and the emergence of Christianity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/middle-eastern-studies

In A History of the Hasmonean State: Josephus and Beyond (T&T Clark, 2019), Kenneth Atkinson tells the exciting story of the nine decades of the Hasmonean rule of Judea (152 - 63 BCE) by going beyond the accounts of the Hasmoneans in Josephus in order to bring together new evidence to reconstruct how the Hasmonean family transformed their kingdom into a state that lasted until the arrival of the Romans. Atkinson reconstructs the relationships between the Hasmonean state and the rulers of the Seleucid and the Ptolemaic Empires, the Itureans, the Nabateans, the Parthians, the Armenians, the Cappadocians, and the Roman Republic. He draws on a variety of previously unused sources, including papyrological documentation, inscriptions, archaeological evidence, numismatics, Dead Sea Scrolls, pseudepigrapha, and textual sources from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine periods. Atkinson also explores how Josephus's political and social situation in Flavian Rome affected his accounts of the Hasmoneans and why any study of the Hasmonean state must go beyond Josephus to gain a full appreciation of this unique historical period that shaped Second Temple Judaism, and created the conditions for the rise of the Herodian dynasty and the emergence of Christianity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In A History of the Hasmonean State: Josephus and Beyond (T&T Clark, 2019), Kenneth Atkinson tells the exciting story of the nine decades of the Hasmonean rule of Judea (152 - 63 BCE) by going beyond the accounts of the Hasmoneans in Josephus in order to bring together new evidence to reconstruct how the Hasmonean family transformed their kingdom into a state that lasted until the arrival of the Romans. Atkinson reconstructs the relationships between the Hasmonean state and the rulers of the Seleucid and the Ptolemaic Empires, the Itureans, the Nabateans, the Parthians, the Armenians, the Cappadocians, and the Roman Republic. He draws on a variety of previously unused sources, including papyrological documentation, inscriptions, archaeological evidence, numismatics, Dead Sea Scrolls, pseudepigrapha, and textual sources from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine periods. Atkinson also explores how Josephus's political and social situation in Flavian Rome affected his accounts of the Hasmoneans and why any study of the Hasmonean state must go beyond Josephus to gain a full appreciation of this unique historical period that shaped Second Temple Judaism, and created the conditions for the rise of the Herodian dynasty and the emergence of Christianity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biblical-studies

Watch  "Adventures in Arabia:  Secrets of the Nabatean":In the UK - episodes 1 and 2 are on iPlayer - search for Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabateans.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m00203rj/arabian-adventures

Fluent Fiction - Hebrew: Sibling Bonds and Ancient Ruins: A Desert Journey of Reconnection Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/sibling-bonds-and-ancient-ruins-a-desert-journey-of-reconnection Story Transcript:He: השמש בחוזק עזה התכתה על חורבות העתיקות של הנבטים במדבר הנגב.En: The scorching sun bore down on the ancient ruins of the Nabateans in the Negev Desert.He: תמר ואיתן, אחים, הלכו יחד בין אבנים ישנות ומבני עבר.En: Tamar and Eitan, siblings, walked together among old stones and buildings of the past.He: תמר, האחות הגדולה והאחראית, הרגישה שכל משפחתם תלויה בה.En: Tamar, the older and responsible sister, felt that the whole family depended on her.He: היא הסתירה את פחדיה וחששותיה במבטים קרים ומילים קצרות.En: She hid her fears and worries behind cold looks and brief words.He: איתן, האח הקטן והרפתקן, הרגיש לחוץ תחת ציפיות המשפחה.En: Eitan, the younger and adventurous brother, felt pressured by the family's expectations.He: הוא הסתיר את רגשותיו האמיתיים והתעלם מכאביו הפנימיים.En: He concealed his true feelings and ignored his inner pains.He: "תמר, תראי!En: "Tamar, look!"He: " איתן צעק ומצביע על מבנה עתיק שנראה כארמון ישן.En: Eitan shouted, pointing at an ancient structure that looked like an old palace.He: תמר נאנחה.En: Tamar sighed.He: "איתן, אנחנו פה כדי ללמוד ולהתחבר מחדש, לא רק בשביל הרפתקאות.En: "Eitan, we're here to learn and reconnect, not just for adventures."He: ""את תמיד אומרת לי מה לעשות," התלונן איתן.En: "You always tell me what to do," Eitan complained.He: "אני רק מנסה לשמור עלינו," ענתה תמר והביטה בו בעיניים עצובות.En: "I'm just trying to keep us safe," Tamar replied, looking at him with sad eyes.He: היא לא ידעה איך לשבור את החומות שביניהם.En: She didn't know how to break down the walls between them.He: השמש הלוהטת והחול הרך הקשו את המסע שלהם.En: The scorching sun and soft sand made their journey difficult.He: המרחק בין המבנים היה גדול, והם החלו לריב על כיוון ההליכה.En: The distance between the structures was large, and they began to argue about the direction to walk.He: "את לא מבינה אותי!En: "You don't understand me!"He: " איתן צעק.En: Eitan shouted.He: תמר הרגישה איך המתח רועש עצמה.En: Tamar felt the tension rising inside her.He: פתאום, הרוח התחילה להתחזק.En: Suddenly, the wind began to strengthen.He: חולות המדבר הציפו אותם והם חיפשו מחסה.En: The desert sands engulfed them, and they looked for shelter.He: הם מצאו מערה קטנה והתחבאו בתוכה.En: They found a small cave and hid inside it.He: הסערה בחוץ העיפה חולות לכל עבר, והם נשארו כלואים בפנים.En: The storm outside blew sands in all directions, and they remained trapped inside.He: במערה, נשמו את האוויר הנקי והקריר.En: In the cave, they breathed the clean, cool air.He: בלי ברירה, הם התחילו לדבר.En: With no other choice, they began to talk.He: "תמר, אני מרגיש שחונקת אותי עם הדאגות שלך," אמר איתן.En: "Tamar, I feel like you're suffocating me with your worries," Eitan said.He: תמר הרימה את העיניים.En: Tamar looked up.He: "אני פשוט מפחדת לאבד אותך כמו שאיבדנו את המשפחה אחרי הגירושין.En: "I'm just scared of losing you like we lost the family after the divorce."He: "איתן התיישב לידה.En: Eitan sat down next to her.He: "אני לא רוצה להתרחק ממך, תמר.En: "I don't want to drift away from you, Tamar.He: אני רק מרגיש שכל האחריות עליי כבד מדי.En: I just feel like all the responsibility is too heavy on me."He: "היא הניחה יד על כתפו.En: She placed a hand on his shoulder.He: "אנחנו יכולים להתמודד עם זה ביחד.En: "We can handle this together.He: אני לא רוצה שתסבול לבד.En: I don't want you to suffer alone."He: "הסערה הלכה ונחלשה.En: The storm gradually weakened.He: כשיצאו מהמערה, תמר ואיתן הרגישו קרובים יותר.En: When they emerged from the cave, Tamar and Eitan felt closer.He: השמש כבר לא הייתה כל כך לוהטת, והחול נראה פחות מסוכן.En: The sun was no longer as scorching, and the sand seemed less threatening.He: "עשינו את זה," איתן צחק.En: "We made it," Eitan laughed.He: תמר חייכה.En: Tamar smiled.He: "מכאן והלאה, נעבור הכל יחד," היא אמרה.En: "From now on, we'll face everything together," she said.He: הם המשיכו לסייר בין החורבות, אך הפעם, הם הרגישו חזקים יותר.En: They continued to explore the ruins, but this time, they felt stronger.He: כל אבן עתיקה וכל שממה מדברית נראו פחות מפחידים.En: Every ancient stone and desert expanse seemed less daunting.He: הם ידעו שיימצאו דרך לחבר ביניהם גם בימי החול ובחיי היום-יום.En: They knew they would find a way to bond even during everyday life and routine days.He: המדבר הרחב היה עד לשינוי שחל בהם.En: The vast desert witnessed the change in them.He: במקום הזה, הם מצאו דרכים חדשות לתקשר ולבנות את המשפחה מחדש, שלב אחרי שלב.En: In this place, they found new ways to communicate and rebuild their family, step by step. Vocabulary Words:scorching: בחוזק עזהancient: עתיקותruins: חורבותsiblings: אחיםresponsible: האחראיתhidden: הסתירהadventurous: הרפתקןpressured: לחוץexpectations: ציפיותconcealed: התעלםstructure: מבנהpalace: ארמוןsighed: נאנחהreconnect: להתחבר מחדשsand: חולdistance: המרחקargue: לריבtension: המתחstrengthen: להתחזקengulfed: הציפוshelter: מחסהcave: מערהstorm: הסערהtrapped: כלואיםcool: הקרירsuffocating: חונקתdivorce: הגירושיןresponsibility: האחריותsuffer: שתסבולweakened: נחלשהBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fluent-fiction-hebrew--5818690/support.

Watch  "Adventures in Arabia:  Secrets of the Nabatean":In the UK - episode 1 is on iPlayer - search for Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabateans.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m00203rj/arabian-adventures

Watch  "Adventures in Arabia:  Secrets of the Nabatean":In the UK - episode 1 is on iPlayer - search for Arabian Adventures: Secrets of the Nabateans.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m00203rj/arabian-adventuresOutside UK on BBC News All times are in GMT so you have to convertSat 8 June0130 GMT (UK only)0730 GMT (international) Sun 9 June1430 GMT (international)2130 GMT (international)

A newborn baby found earlier this year in East London is the third child abandoned by the same parents. That's the story being reported by the BBC's Sanchia Berg, who has been given permission to share the details by a judge at East London Family Court. Sanchia joins Nuala McGovern to tell us more about the story, alongside freelance journalist Louise Tickle, who has previously reported from family courts.Following on from our special phone-in on boys last month, author Ruth Whippman speaks to Woman's Hour about her new book, BoyMum, which looks at what it means both to be a boy, and to raise a boy. Ruth joins Nuala to discuss what she's learned from investigating masculinity and boyhood, the impact on girls and boys, and how it's changed the way she is raising her three sons.The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to a significant shift in the local job market, with more women now doing roles traditionally dominated by men, such as mining. After more than a thousand male workers left their jobs in a coal mine to fight Russia's invasion, the energy company DTEK allowed women to work underground for the first time in its history. Nuala is joined by Ukrainian journalist and BBC World Service Europe editor, Kateryna Khinkulova to discuss this transformation and what it means for women in Ukraine.Arabian Adventures: The Secrets of the Nabateans is a new two-part documentary on BBC iPlayer that looks into a culture who had women in leadership roles in the 4th century BC. Alice Morrison, adventurer and author, joins Nuala to talk more about what she has discovered about Nabatean women, and what modern-day Saudi Arabian women make of them.

Welcome to The Rabboni. This new biblical historical fiction tells of the long-lost journals of the Apostle Matthew. It is 73CE, Matthew had finally completed his biography of the life of Jesus. Now, he and a colorful team of men and women, circumcised and uncircumcised, followed the dangerous missionary charge of Jesus to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. Together, they boarded Roman ships to begin the very long journey to Axum (modern Ethiopia). Matthew's team was a striking testimony to the saving grace of their Lord. There was a former prostitute, a recovering opium addict, a shamed African princess, a freed Roman slave, and even a former member of the Sanhedrin who was present that evening Jesus was condemned to die.  Matthew is surprised how, of all the things he penned, it is Jesus' preeminent and signature message on the hillside in Galilee that most captured the interest of unbelievers and stirred up so much misunderstanding and misinformation among his followers. After studying the Sermon on the Mount for years, I am surprised Jesus wasn't stoned on the spot. What he said was wildly in-your-face to the core principles and beliefs of both Rome and Jerusalem.  As a historical fiction, The Rabboni will also shine new light on the consequential incense wars between the Nabateans and Rome, the ongoing animosity between Galilee and Judea, and the historically under-reported behind-the-scenes story of the turbulent last years of Jerusalem. And so much more. Support The Show: https://www.gospelrant.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Michael Fradley is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford and a landscape archaeologist. He was one of the co-authors of a recent study about how a remote sensing survey in southern Jordan identified at least three Roman military camps that seem to reveal a previously unknown military campaign against the Nabateans. You can find a link to the study here. 

Off the coast of Naples, belonging to the Nabateans from the Holy Land Area. Thank you for listening! Please leave a 5 star review, share and subscribe!

Professor Lucy Blue is captivated by the Nabataeans – the ancient Arab traders best known for their rock-cut capital of Petra. Here she speaks to Michele Stefanile from the University of Naples Federico II about two recently located submerged Nebataean temples in the Bay of Naples. Prodigious traders, the Nebataeans traded in luxury goods from the Arabian Peninsula such as frankincense and shipped grain and bitumen from Egypt via Alexandria to Rome through the ancient harbour of Puteoli (now known as Pozzuoli).  Hear how these discoveries reveal the role of the Nabataeans at this Republican period port and why these wealthy merchants built temples with Italian marble clad altars inscribed with Latin dedications to their Gods. 

Much is mentioned of this time period in the New Testament. Thanks for listening! Please share and subscribe! Please leave a 5 star review!

Who built the ancient city of Petra it? What was it used for? And how is it that an entire city became “lost”? Some of the answers remain elusive even to the most avid historians. Petra is an ancient city carved into red desert cliffs. The city is located in Jordan, 150 miles from Amman (Jordan's capital). It has been deserted for hundreds of years, but thousands of years ago, the city was thriving. Petra was a powerful trading center with a top-notch location for silk and spice trade routes. It was also the capital of the Nabataean Empire. The Nabateans were experts in water technology. They constructed tunnels, dams, cisterns, and water chambers, and Petra was a type of oasis to weary travelers in search of water. This brilliant water engineering allowed the Petrans to stay in the city even in periods of drought and to survive flash floods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we're focusing on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It wasn't so long ago that I thought I might never have the ability to visit this vast country on the Arabian Peninsula. But let me tell you, things have changed!  From stunning desert landscapes, to fascinating ancient history, to an absolutely stunning and untouched sliver of the Red Sea - Saudi Arabia has always had a lot to offer… you just couldn't visit. Fast Forward to recent years and the Kingdom has thrown open its doors and invested billions into infrastructure, gorgeous hotels, amazing experiences blending traditional and modern culture, and more.  Joining me to talk about the changes are Melanie de Souza, the CMO of AlUla and Amina Farooq who is a local expert in planning itineraries throughout the country. We talk about everything from the changes in women's rights to the new projects on the Red Sea, to the delicious cuisine.  Learn more at www.luxtravelinsider.com   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn  

Introduction      Previously, Saul had been persecuting Christians. But his efforts to crush them were frustrated, and the gospel spread further and further. In this pericope, Luke recorded Paul's conversion (Acts 9:1-19). Paul gave personal accounts of his conversion in Acts 22:4-21 and 26:12-18. It was at Paul's conversion that he personally saw the Lord Jesus (1 Cor 9:1).   Text      Luke opens this section, saying, “Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem” (Acts 9:1-2). Saul, contrary to his tremendous education, was spiritually blind and was serving as an instrument of Satan to attack the church. The believers here are called disciples of the Lord (Acts 9:1) and belonging to the Way (Acts 9:2; cf., Acts 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). In this pericope Luke will also use the terms saints (Acts 9:13), and brother (Acts 9:17). Later they will also be called Christians (Acts 11:26).      Saul thought he was doing God's will in chasing down Christians and arresting them and bringing them back to Jerusalem. According to Warren Wiersbe, “Like many others of his countrymen, he stumbled over the Cross (1 Cor 1:23) because he depended on his own righteousness and not on the righteousness of God (Rom 9:30–10:13; Phil 3:1–10). Many self-righteous religious people today do not see their need for a Savior and resent it if you tell them they are sinners.”[1] Damascus was 135 miles north of Jerusalem and a seven-day journey. It's thought that there were as many as forty Jewish synagogues in Damascus at this time. That there were Christians in Damascus shows how quickly the gospel message was spreading. The Christian gospel was proving effective.      It was during the time when Saul was persecuting Christians that the Lord interrupted his life for the better. Luke states, “As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?'” (Acts 9:3-4). Later, Paul described the light as occurring at noontime (Acts 22:6), and being brighter than the sun (Acts 26:13). Paul also said that when the Lord spoke to him, it was in Hebrew (Acts 26:14). The flash of light startled Saul and he lost his balance and fell to the ground. It's true that God sometimes knocks us down so that we'll look up. Saul then heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4b). This statement is theologically rich, for it shows that an attack upon a Christian is an attack upon the Lord Jesus Himself. This adds significance to the understanding that when we are spiritually baptized into Christ, we become part of His spiritual body, the church, and are one with Him. How we treat other Christians is how we treat the Son of God.      Saul did not understand who he was talking with, “And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?' And He said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). Saul called Jesus Lord (κύριος kurios), which was more than a show of respect (i.e., sir), and meant he understood he was talking with God. What a shock it must have been for Saul to hear the words, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9:5a). This second reference to Saul's persecution against Jesus reinforced His identity with Christians as part of His body. But rather than destroy Saul, Jesus treated him in grace and sent him on a mission, saying, “get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do” (Acts 9:6). Wiersbe states, “Some thirty years later, Paul wrote that Christ had ‘apprehended him' on the Damascus road (Phil 3:12). Saul was out to arrest others when the Lord arrested him. He had to lose his religion before he could gain the righteousness of Christ.”[2]      Luke follows on, saying, “The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one” (Acts 9:7). Saul's traveling companions were dumbfounded and speechless. They'd heard the voice, but saw no one. Later, when recounting his conversion, Paul said, “those who were with me saw the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me” (Acts 22:9). I take it to mean Saul's companions heard the words of Jesus but did not grasp the significance of what was being said. Next, we're told, “Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus” (Acts 9:8). The aggressive and hostile Saul appears here as a docile lamb who had to be led by the hand like a little child. His physical eyes had been closed, though his spiritual eyes were opened. And once in the city, we're informed, “And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank” (Acts 9:9). No doubt Saul's Pharisaic theology was rocked to the core. All he thought he knew about God was shaken to the foundation. His theological presuppositions were smashed and now he had to rework his entire theological framework from the ground up. The three days Saul spent in Damascus waiting on the Lord were probably filled with many theological reasonings.      Luke shifts his account and introduces us to a man named Ananias whom the Lord would use as a conduit of His truth and grace. Luke states, “Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, ‘Ananias.' And he said, ‘Here I am, Lord'” (Acts 9:10). Here, Ananias is presented as a willing servant of the Lord who responded positively when called. Luke recounts, “And the Lord said to him, ‘Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight'” (Acts 9:11-12). In this situation, the Lord told Ananias that Saul was praying and that he'd already received a vision from the Lord that Ananias was coming to him. Ananias' going to Saul was so certain to happen, that God told him it would come to pass, even before he called upon Ananias to go. Ananias had positive volition and the Lord selected him because He knew he would do as he'd been directed. Luke's account reveals God working at both ends of these events and orchestrating the outcome that He desired.      But there was hesitation by Ananias, as Luke tells us, “But Ananias answered, ‘Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name'” (Acts 9:13-14). Ananias spoke honestly with the Lord about his concern. Ananias had heard about Saul and the harm he'd done to the Lord's saints, and that he also operated with the authority of the Sanhedrin to arrest God's people. Luke informs us, “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake'” (Acts 9:15-16). Here, to be chosen (ἐκλογή ekloge) denotes divine selection. Saul did not choose God. God chose Saul; and He chose him to salvation, service, and suffering. And Saul displayed positive volition and obeyed the Lord; not only in the moment for salvation, but also for a lifetime of service. Saul was one of those people who trusted Christ as Savior and at the same time submitted to Him for a lifetime of service. Concerning election, God is sovereign and people have volition. The Lord calls His people to Himself, and they respond positively in faith.      Saul's calling was to a lifetime of suffering for Christ, as the persecutor would become the persecuted (2 Cor 11:23-29). Upon hearing this, Ananias did as the Lord directed. Luke states, “So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit'” (Acts 9:17). Laying on of hands was a form of identification. In this way, Paul was personally identified with the Christians he'd been persecuting. The touch would have brought comfort to Saul, as a human touch does. And, Ananias called Saul his brother, which was an expression of faith by Ananias, as well as a word of relief to Saul. Here was grace in both the touch and the word. The Lord who had met Saul on the road to Damascus was the very one who had sent Ananias to him that he might regain his sight. Sometimes the Lord works directly in the lives of people, and other times works through secondary agents to accomplish His will. Jesus could have spoken directly to Saul (as He'd already done), but instead, chose to speak through Ananias, His divinely appointed representative. And by God's power, Saul's sight was restored. Saul was also “filled with the Holy Spirit”, which meant God Himself had welcomed Paul into His family and empowered him for his new mission. After Ananias had spoken with Saul and laid his hands on him, Luke tells us, “And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; 19 and he took food and was strengthened” (Acts 9:18-19a). God worked through Ananias to touch the life of Saul, who, in turn, has touched the lives of millions of people. The godly actions of one person can change the course of world history for the better and bring many people to faith in Jesus. After Saul regained his vision, his first act was to be obedient by way of water baptism. Saul's water baptism preceded his caring for himself, as we are told that after he had been baptized, he then “took food and was strengthened” (Acts 9:19a). Thomas Constable wrote: "Saul later wrote that immediately following his conversion he did not consult with others about the Scriptures but went into Arabia—and later returned to Damascus (Gal 1:15–17). “Arabia” describes the kingdom of the Nabateans that stretched south and east from Damascus beyond Petra. Damascus was in the northwest sector of Arabia. After Saul's conversion and baptism, he needed some time and space for quiet reflection and communion with God. He had to rethink the Scriptures, receive new understanding from the Lord, and revise his Pharisaic theology."[3] Conclusion      The Central Idea of the Text is that Saul set out to destroy the church at Damascus, but the Lord stopped him, humbled him, saved him, and called him into Christian service by means of an obedient disciple named Ananias. Personal Application Though people may violently rage against God's church and His children, it is the Lord who sovereignly determines whether they are permitted to have their way or not. Stephen was allowed to face a martyr's death with honor, but the Lord overruled the intentions of Saul and put a stop to his madness. Rather than kill Saul for his violence against the church, the Lord of grace called him to salvation, Christian service, and a lifetime of suffering for the name of Christ. Though saved by grace and effective in Christian ministry, Paul never fully overcame his sense of shame for having persecuted the church of God and four times mentioned his lifestyle prior to his conversion (Acts 22:4-5; 26:9-11; 1 Cor 15:9; Gal 1:13). When attacked for our faith, the Christian is “never to pay back evil for evil to anyone” (Rom 12:17), and is commanded “never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written ‘vengeance is mine, I will repay' says the Lord” (Rom 12:19; cf., 2 Th 1:6). There is no place for violent retaliation in the Christian life, as the Lord Himself will execute vengeance in His time and way. The Gospel      If you are here this morning without Christ, without hope, and without eternal life, I want you to know that when Jesus was on the cross, He had you personally in mind as He bore your sin and paid the price for it. He died and paid the penalty for your sins so that you would not have to. Scripture reveals, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8), and “Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God” (1 Pet 3:18). The good news for us is that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Cor 15:3-4), and if we place our faith in Him as the only Savior (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), we are promised forgiveness of sins (Eph 1:7), eternal life (John 10:28), and place in heaven forever (John 14:1-3). I “beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor 5:20). Dr. Steven R. Cook     [1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 438. [2] Ibid., 439. [3] Tom Constable, Tom Constable's Expository Notes on the Bible (Galaxie Software, 2003), Ac 9:18.

In this installment of our Genesis series, we dive deep into chapter 10 and take a better look at the fascinating Great Genealogy. Ever wondered about the origins of the Egyptians or the Canaanites? Are you interested to know if there's any connection between the Cretans and the Philistines? Hold on to your coffee cup because we explore all these intriguing topics and more. Join us as we unravel the mysteries and connections within the ancient world in this captivating episode of the Oh-My-Geekers Podcast! Notes: https://www.worldhistory.org/lydia/  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libya  https://www.worldhistory.org/Narmer_Palette/  The story of Horus and Set has Set as Osiris' brother. Set's wife is named Nephthys which sounds like Naphtulim.  https://www.historymuseum.ca/cmc/exhibitions/civil/egypt/egcr10e.html#:~:text=When%20Horus%20was%20a%20young,held%20to%20settle%20the%20dispute.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4hRA2IgtB4  https://www.gotquestions.org/Epimenides-Paradox.html  https://www.gotquestions.org/Canaanites.html  https://www.worldhistory.org/elam/  https://www.livius.org/articles/people/aramaeans/  https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/8746-joktan  The Sabeans are actually not directly related to the Nabateans who built Petra.  https://www.worldhistory.org/Kingdom_of_Nabatea/  https://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/12969-sabeans  https://www.britannica.com/place/Zafar  https://www.blueletterbible.org/kjv/gen/10/1/s_10001 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/oh-my-geekers/message

You know we love mysterious ancient civilizations and this one is no exception. The Nabateans started as nomads roaming the Arabian desert. One day they decided to put down some roots and built what would come to be known as "The Rose City". A hidden city built into the red sandstone of the landscape. Their advancement in water management and architecture alone is incredible enough. But what happened to them? What happened to the people who created this jewel in the desert? 

Welcome back to the last episode from The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this one, we're going to Jeddah, after a stop in beautiful Yanbu at the Red Sea, and stay with a local and look at a very special construction site standing still. And then head back to Riyadh to visit The Camel Festival and look at some beautiful camels entering the Camel Beauty Contest. THE DRESS CODE A few words about the dress code in Saudi Arabia. It is expected that both men and women dress modestly. This includes covering the arms and legs and wearing an abaya (a headscarf) for women. As a Saudi Arabian visitor, it is important to respect local customs and dress codes. In the first three days, Cynthia would be wearing a headscarf to cover her hair, but then we were told that it's not necessary for women to cover their hair, so she stopped doing that and never had any comments about it. Except people smiling and saying, you're beautiful when they saw her blonde hair. That happened quite a few times here at the night market in Yanbu. It is also worth noting that the dress code in Saudi Arabia can vary depending on the region you are in and the specific circumstances. For example, we are expected to dress more modestly when visiting holy sites or attending religious events. NIGHT MARKET IN YANBU After checking in, we spend a lovely evening at the Night Market in Yanbu. The buildings are traditional style but fully restored – it was shut down for 10 years and recently reopened. We have a nice chat with a young lady named Mashaal, who has a small doll shop in the Night Market. As we depart, Masaal's mom, who didn't speak any English, approaches and gives us a bag of delicious dates as a gift. No strings attached. Truly just a gift. The weather is lovely, and we stroll the courtyard outside the Night Market. It is not crowded, but everyone is active, with many families here and kids in 3-foot-long electrical mini-cars driving around on the square. We're surprised by how little noise there is – people are generally quiet with no loud voices. FACTS ABOUT YANBU Yanbu is a port city with a population of 188,000 (250,000 in the urban area), located on the Red Sea west coast of Saudi Arabia. It is considered to be one of the major industrial cities in the country, even though it's quite small. It is home to the Yanbu Industrial City, which is one of the largest industrial complexes in the Middle East and is known for its oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Yanbu is known for its rich history, which dates back at least 2,500 years. According to Wikipedia, it was established in the year 491 BC. Its earliest history places Yanbu as a staging point on the spice and incense route from Yemen to Egypt and the Mediterranean region. In more recent times, the city served as a supply and operational base for Arab and British forces fighting the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The city is also home to several universities, including the Yanbu Industrial College and the University of Yanbu. Yanbu is known for its beautiful beaches and is a popular tourist destination, especially for those interested in marine life and scuba diving. It is also part of the coral reefs of The Red Sea, which are known for their diversity and beauty. MEETING OUR COUCHSURFING HOST TARIQ We made it to Jeddah, where we're CouchSurfing with Tariq. He's a very friendly Pakistani who has lived in Saudi Arabia for 25+ years. He used to live in Yanbu but is now in Jeddah, the bigger city around 350 km down along the Red Sea coastline. We're joined by another traveller, Jack. A Swiss guy who lives in Dubai. And with Cynthia from Florida, USA, and me from Denmark, we're quite a little international group. It is normal when you're CouchSurfing and staying for free with a local that you repay by taking the host to dinner. But here, our host insisted on paying for us. JEDDAH With a population of almost 5 million people, Jeddah is the second largest city in Saudi Arabia and is considered one of the country's most important cultural and economic centres. The city is known for its rich history and culture, as well as its thriving business sector. THE WORLD'S TALLEST BUILDING – OR NOT The next day, we drove out to see a massive, deserted construction site in what is to be Jeddah Economic City in the northern part of Jeddah. The world's tallest building under construction in Saudi Arabia is the Jeddah Tower, previously known as Kingdom Tower. It's to be the first skyscraper to reach 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) or more. For comparison, One World Trade Center on Manhattan, New York, the tallest building in the U.S., is roughly only half that with 541 meters. The building is being built by the Jeddah Economic Company. It's expected to have over 200 floors with residents, offices, hotels, and recreational spaces, 59 elevators, and is to be the centrepiece and first phase of a development and tourist attraction known as Jeddah Economic City. The design is created by American architect Adrian Smith, who also designed the building that currently is the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, in Dubai. There was steady progress, but in January 2018, the ambitious project was stopped, and about one-third was completed. It was stalled by Saudi political intrigue, labour issues with a contractor, and COVID shutdowns and remains in limbo to this day. Most people say that there are no plans to restart construction. But there might be hope. In an article from HowStuffWorks.com, the president of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, a global non-profit, Antony Wood, is quoted for saying: " I genuinely do believe that at some point the project will be finished, because it's an embarrassment not to finish it. What I don't know is if it will adhere to its original design or if it will ultimately be the tallest building in the world." I guess we'll just have to wait and see. OLD TOWN OF JEDDAH One of the most interesting aspects of Jeddah is its Old Town. We spent the afternoon walking around a maze of narrow streets and traditional homes. This area is a window into the past and it gave us a glimpse of what life was like in Jeddah many years ago. The old town is a mix of architectural styles, including Ottoman and traditional Islamic. The buildings are made of coral stone, which was abundant in the region and has proven to be a durable material for construction. The homes in the old town are typically tall and narrow, with intricate wooden balconies and doors. The narrow streets, with high walls and arches, create a sense of intimacy and mystery. One of the most famous landmarks in the old town is Al-Balad, a historic neighbourhood that is considered the heart of Jeddah. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many of the city's oldest and most important buildings, including the Shaf'i Mosque, the Ottoman Consulate, and the Red Sea Palace. Al-Balad is also known for its traditional markets, where visitors can buy everything from spices and perfumes to textiles and jewellery. Visiting the old town of Jeddah is a must for anyone interested in the history and culture of Saudi Arabia. Whether you're wandering the narrow streets like we were, admiring the coral stone architecture, or shopping in the local markets, you'll be transported back in time and experience the traditional way of life in this fascinating city. A LOOK IN THE HISTORY BOOK Saudi Arabia has a rich and varied history that stretches back thousands of years, but the modern-day kingdom is not that old. It was founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who united the various tribes and regions of the Arabian Peninsula under his rule. Before the formation of the kingdom, the region was home to a number of important civilizations, including the Nabateans, who built the city of Petra, and the Ottoman Empire, which controlled the region for centuries. The region also played a key role in the spread of Islam, with the holy cities of Mecca and Medina located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Throughout the 20th century, Saudi Arabia underwent significant economic and social changes as the country began to modernize. The discovery of oil in the 1930s transformed the kingdom into a major global player, and the country began to invest heavily in infrastructure and education. Overall, the history of Saudi Arabia is a complex and fascinating one, shaped by centuries of cultural, economic, and political change. Today, the kingdom is a modern, prosperous nation that is working to balance its traditional values with the demands of the 21st century. KING ABDULAZIZ CAMEL FESTIVAL We drove the 1,000+ km back to the capital, Riyadh, and on our last day in Saudi Arabia, we went outside Riyadh to look at The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival. It's an annual event – a celebration of the cultural and historical importance of camels in the country. The festival has auctions and various competitions, such as racing and camel beauty contests. Yes, camel beauty contests. More on that a bit later. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Bedouin music and dance performances, as well as traditional handicrafts and clothing exhibitions. The festival is a great opportunity to learn about the significance of camels in Saudi Arabian culture and to experience the country's rich heritage. The festival typically takes place in the desert area of Janadriyah, near Riyadh. It's a big area with a lot of sand. So, dare I say it? We got stuck again. This time a bunch of guys came over and had a lot of fun pushing the car. When that didn't help, the loudest guy came up and told me to get out of the car. I don't think he felt like a Danish guy could handle this. He got in, and I got back with the other guys pushing. When we got unstuck, he took a few laps driving fast around in the sand where I just got stuck, and showed us his driving skills. A lot of fun with some friendly and helpful locals. Unstuck, we returned to the area with the camels in the Camel Beauty Contest. This is something they take very seriously. Maybe a part of that is because the prize for the winner is 66 million US dollars – around 60 million Euros. It's a competition in which camels are judged on their physical appearance, including factors such as fur, head shape, and hump size. The camels are also sometimes decorated with jewelry and painted designs. The competition is a traditional aspect of Bedouin culture and is considered an important cultural event in Saudi Arabia. In an earlier event, 44 camels were disqualified for cosmetic surgery and Botox! We saw some camels with their fur cut in beautiful patterns and a guy showing up his dancing camel. After it the camel came up to him and gave him a hug. END OF THE SAUDI ROAD TRIP We're almost at the end of this epic road trip across the country and back. Overall, we drove more than 4,000 kilometers in ten days. It's been fantastic to find a travel buddy in Cynthia. And this will not be the last time we have adventures together. A few months after this, we went to Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Sao Tomé & Principe in Africa and a trip to Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. All of that is coming up in future episodes of The Radio Vagabond. If you like what you hear, please share it with a friend. Thanks for having me in your ears. My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving. See you.

Welcome back to the last episode from The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this one, we're going to Jeddah, after a stop in beautiful Yanbu at the Red Sea, and stay with a local and look at a very special construction site standing still. And then head back to Riyadh to visit The Camel Festival and look at some beautiful camels entering the Camel Beauty Contest. THE DRESS CODE A few words about the dress code in Saudi Arabia. It is expected that both men and women dress modestly. This includes covering the arms and legs and wearing an abaya (a headscarf) for women. As a Saudi Arabian visitor, it is important to respect local customs and dress codes. In the first three days, Cynthia would be wearing a headscarf to cover her hair, but then we were told that it's not necessary for women to cover their hair, so she stopped doing that and never had any comments about it. Except people smiling and saying, you're beautiful when they saw her blonde hair. That happened quite a few times here at the night market in Yanbu. It is also worth noting that the dress code in Saudi Arabia can vary depending on the region you are in and the specific circumstances. For example, we are expected to dress more modestly when visiting holy sites or attending religious events. NIGHT MARKET IN YANBU  After checking in, we spend a lovely evening at the Night Market in Yanbu. The buildings are traditional style but fully restored – it was shut down for 10 years and recently reopened. We have a nice chat with a young lady named Mashaal, who has a small doll shop in the Night Market. As we depart, Masaal's mom, who didn't speak any English, approaches and gives us a bag of delicious dates as a gift. No strings attached. Truly just a gift. The weather is lovely, and we stroll the courtyard outside the Night Market. It is not crowded, but everyone is active, with many families here and kids in 3-foot-long electrical mini-cars driving around on the square. We're surprised by how little noise there is – people are generally quiet with no loud voices. FACTS ABOUT YANBU Yanbu is a port city with a population of 188,000 (250,000 in the urban area), located on the Red Sea west coast of Saudi Arabia. It is considered to be one of the major industrial cities in the country, even though it's quite small. It is home to the Yanbu Industrial City, which is one of the largest industrial complexes in the Middle East and is known for its oil refineries and petrochemical plants. Yanbu is known for its rich history, which dates back at least 2,500 years. According to Wikipedia, it was established in the year 491 BC. Its earliest history places Yanbu as a staging point on the spice and incense route from Yemen to Egypt and the Mediterranean region. In more recent times, the city served as a supply and operational base for Arab and British forces fighting the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The city is also home to several universities, including the Yanbu Industrial College and the University of Yanbu. Yanbu is known for its beautiful beaches and is a popular tourist destination, especially for those interested in marine life and scuba diving. It is also part of the coral reefs of The Red Sea, which are known for their diversity and beauty. MEETING OUR COUCHSURFING HOST TARIQ We made it to Jeddah, where we're CouchSurfing with Tariq. He's a very friendly Pakistani who has lived in Saudi Arabia for 25+ years. He used to live in Yanbu but is now in Jeddah, the bigger city around 350 km down along the Red Sea coastline. We're joined by another traveller, Jack. A Swiss guy who lives in Dubai. And with Cynthia from Florida, USA, and me from Denmark, we're quite a little international group. It is normal when you're CouchSurfing and staying for free with a local that you repay by taking the host to dinner. But here, our host insisted on paying for us. JEDDAH With a population of almost 5 million people, Jeddah is the second largest city in Saudi Arabia and is considered one of the country's most important cultural and economic centres. The city is known for its rich history and culture, as well as its thriving business sector. THE WORLD'S TALLEST BUILDING – OR NOT The next day, we drove out to see a massive, deserted construction site in what is to be Jeddah Economic City in the northern part of Jeddah. The world's tallest building under construction in Saudi Arabia is the Jeddah Tower, previously known as Kingdom Tower. It's to be the first skyscraper to reach 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) or more. For comparison, One World Trade Center on Manhattan, New York, the tallest building in the U.S., is roughly only half that with 541 meters. The building is being built by the Jeddah Economic Company. It's expected to have over 200 floors with residents, offices, hotels, and recreational spaces, 59 elevators, and is to be the centrepiece and first phase of a development and tourist attraction known as Jeddah Economic City. The design is created by American architect Adrian Smith, who also designed the building that currently is the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa, in Dubai. There was steady progress, but in January 2018, the ambitious project was stopped, and about one-third was completed. It was stalled by Saudi political intrigue, labour issues with a contractor, and COVID shutdowns and remains in limbo to this day. Most people say that there are no plans to restart construction. But there might be hope. In an article from HowStuffWorks.com, the president of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, a global non-profit, Antony Wood, is quoted for saying: " I genuinely do believe that at some point the project will be finished, because it's an embarrassment not to finish it. What I don't know is if it will adhere to its original design or if it will ultimately be the tallest building in the world." I guess we'll just have to wait and see. OLD TOWN OF JEDDAH One of the most interesting aspects of Jeddah is its Old Town. We spent the afternoon walking around a maze of narrow streets and traditional homes. This area is a window into the past and it gave us a glimpse of what life was like in Jeddah many years ago. The old town is a mix of architectural styles, including Ottoman and traditional Islamic. The buildings are made of coral stone, which was abundant in the region and has proven to be a durable material for construction. The homes in the old town are typically tall and narrow, with intricate wooden balconies and doors. The narrow streets, with high walls and arches, create a sense of intimacy and mystery. One of the most famous landmarks in the old town is Al-Balad, a historic neighbourhood that is considered the heart of Jeddah. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to many of the city's oldest and most important buildings, including the Shaf'i Mosque, the Ottoman Consulate, and the Red Sea Palace. Al-Balad is also known for its traditional markets, where visitors can buy everything from spices and perfumes to textiles and jewellery. Visiting the old town of Jeddah is a must for anyone interested in the history and culture of Saudi Arabia. Whether you're wandering the narrow streets like we were, admiring the coral stone architecture, or shopping in the local markets, you'll be transported back in time and experience the traditional way of life in this fascinating city. A LOOK IN THE HISTORY BOOK Saudi Arabia has a rich and varied history that stretches back thousands of years, but the modern-day kingdom is not that old. It was founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, who united the various tribes and regions of the Arabian Peninsula under his rule. Before the formation of the kingdom, the region was home to a number of important civilizations, including the Nabateans, who built the city of Petra, and the Ottoman Empire, which controlled the region for centuries. The region also played a key role in the spread of Islam, with the holy cities of Mecca and Medina located in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Throughout the 20th century, Saudi Arabia underwent significant economic and social changes as the country began to modernize. The discovery of oil in the 1930s transformed the kingdom into a major global player, and the country began to invest heavily in infrastructure and education. Overall, the history of Saudi Arabia is a complex and fascinating one, shaped by centuries of cultural, economic, and political change. Today, the kingdom is a modern, prosperous nation that is working to balance its traditional values with the demands of the 21st century. KING ABDULAZIZ CAMEL FESTIVAL We drove the 1,000+ km back to the capital, Riyadh, and on our last day in Saudi Arabia, we went outside Riyadh to look at The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival. It's an annual event – a celebration of the cultural and historical importance of camels in the country. The festival has auctions and various competitions, such as racing and camel beauty contests. Yes, camel beauty contests. More on that a bit later. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Bedouin music and dance performances, as well as traditional handicrafts and clothing exhibitions. The festival is a great opportunity to learn about the significance of camels in Saudi Arabian culture and to experience the country's rich heritage. The festival typically takes place in the desert area of Janadriyah, near Riyadh. It's a big area with a lot of sand. So, dare I say it? We got stuck again. This time a bunch of guys came over and had a lot of fun pushing the car. When that didn't help, the loudest guy came up and told me to get out of the car. I don't think he felt like a Danish guy could handle this. He got in, and I got back with the other guys pushing. When we got unstuck, he took a few laps driving fast around in the sand where I just got stuck, and showed us his driving skills. A lot of fun with some friendly and helpful locals. Unstuck, we returned to the area with the camels in the Camel Beauty Contest. This is something they take very seriously. Maybe a part of that is because the prize for the winner is 66 million US dollars – around 60 million Euros. It's a competition in which camels are judged on their physical appearance, including factors such as fur, head shape, and hump size. The camels are also sometimes decorated with jewelry and painted designs. The competition is a traditional aspect of Bedouin culture and is considered an important cultural event in Saudi Arabia. In an earlier event, 44 camels were disqualified for cosmetic surgery and Botox! We saw some camels with their fur cut in beautiful patterns and a guy showing up his dancing camel. After it the camel came up to him and gave him a hug. END OF THE SAUDI ROAD TRIP  We're almost at the end of this epic road trip across the country and back. Overall, we drove more than 4,000 kilometers in ten days. It's been fantastic to find a travel buddy in Cynthia. And this will not be the last time we have adventures together. A few months after this, we went to Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Sao Tomé & Principe in Africa and a trip to Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia. All of that is coming up in future episodes of The Radio Vagabond. If you like what you hear, please share it with a friend. Thanks for having me in your ears. My name is Palle Bo, and I gotta keep moving. See you.

Al Fadi and Dr Jay continue their discussion about Mecca. This time they discuss Dan Gibson's archeological studies and the two books he wrote; The Nabateans, and The Geography of the Quran.    Next they ask the question ; What language was used in Mecca? They conclude that the Quran was written in Nabatean Aramaic and not in the Sabiac language of Mecca and Medina .  The question is why wasn't it written in the language of the area ( the Hijaz)?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The spice trade episode was an epic undertaking and I am so pleased with it, but sadly we have reached the end!On this final part we are examining a number of other spices -namely black pepper, cardamom and ginger- and we learn about the demise of the Nabateans in the early centuries of our common era. We also see how the clever tribes enhanced the selling of their incense and spices by weaving elaborate stories, with monsters and dangerous birds guarding the valuable trees!The ancient world was highly globalised and the Arabian traders were in the middle of a lucrative route; incense and spices and precious, exotic luxury goods were coming from the East and used in the West, for many millennia. For rituals, for food and seen as items that bestowed power and authority to the person who possessed them. Were the magical tears of Frankinsence, much coveted by the Egyptian Nobility, the thing that kick-started the global race for spices?Enjoy!Music by Epidemic Sound and Motion Array exceptTheme of The Delicious Legacy and end song by Pavlos KapralosFree Mily by Miltos BoumisVoiceover actors appearing in order : Mark Knight, Baron Anastis, Jim Bryden, Rachael Louise Miller.Sources:The Periplous of the Erythraean Sea (ancient unknown author),Roman Arabia by BowersockCumin, Camels and Caravans - A Spice Odyssey by Gary Paul Nabhan Food in the Ancient World from A to Z by Andrew Dalby.Wikipedia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamonhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indo-Roman_trade_relationshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-Islamic_Arabiahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Ocean_tradeSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-delicious-legacy. If you love to time-travel through food and history why not join us at https://plus.acast.com/s/the-delicious-legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

瑪拉基生平不詳，本書應作於尼希米建完耶路撒冷城牆，返巴比倫述職(433BC)到他再回耶城(?BC)之間。所抨擊的問題與尼13同。 1-5神對以色列人的愛。2「愛雅各，惡以掃」：這是希伯來文學的表達方式，表示“最愛雅各，次愛以掃“之意。3：以東背景見俄巴底亞書；因遭巴比倫及拿巴提人(Nabateans)劫掠而荒涼。 6-2:9責備祭司。7「你們說…」：不必真說，從獻祭態度可知。

Who built the ancient city of Petra it? What was it used for? And how is it that an entire city became “lost”? Some of the answers remain elusive even to the most avid historians. Petra is an ancient city carved into red desert cliffs. The city is located in Jordan, 150 miles from Amman (Jordan's capital). It has been deserted for hundreds of years, but thousands of years ago, the city was thriving. Petra was a powerful trading center with a top-notch location for silk and spice trade routes. It was also the capital of the Nabataean Empire. The Nabateans were experts in water technology. They constructed tunnels, dams, cisterns, and water chambers, and Petra was a type of oasis to weary travelers in search of water. This brilliant water engineering allowed the Petrans to stay in the city even in periods of drought and to survive flash floods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to the movies, Petra may be the most recognizable of all of the modern 7 Wonders of the World. If it doesn't ring a bell, think about Indiana Jones entering a crazy looking temple built into the side of a mountain. Yeah, that's real!! We explore the history of Petra, how the Nabateans constructed this intricate city, the various rulers, uses of the trade city, and of course, the engineering behind this marvel.

In the Naqab desert you can find the Nabatean desert cities that were established on the incense and spices route. This was a very important trade route that stretched over about 1800 kilometers from Yemen / Oman until the port in Gaza. The trade was mainly in frankincense and myrrh, but also pearls, gold and cotton were traded. As the camels needed to stop every 35 kilometers to rest and drink, there were about 65 stops on the whole incense route.The Nabateans, a nomadic Bedouin group in the Arabian desert, was very familiar with the area and the places where to find water. They developed cisterns where they collected rainwater that they marked secretly so that only they could find them. This meant that all traders were depending on the Nabateans for water.The Nabateans set up forts and protected resting places on the incense route that grew into cities. When the Romans took over control of the incense route and moved it to go through Egypt, the Nabateans developed desert agriculture and specialized in wine making.They also converted largely to Christianity in the Byzantine time.The excavated cities of Avdat, Mamshit, Shivta and Haluza are on the UNESCO world heritage list since 2005. They are National Parks that you can visit by paying an entrance fee.Connect to Stories from Palestine podcast on social media: https://linktr.ee/StoriesfrompalestineSupport the podcast with a donation: https://ko-fi.com/storiesfrompalestineIf you enjoy listening to Stories from Palestine then you should also check out the podcast Jerusalem Unplugged. You can find it on most podcast players and on social media.

Download   Obadiah We are in the Exile Stream reading the entire book of Obadiah from the New King James Version. 7streamsmethod.com | @7StreamsMethod | @serenatravis | #7Stream | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis Lord, may we learn from these illustrations today - there is no hope for those who fight your Word, your Way, your Chosen Path and People.  Teach us to be a blessing as we follow you.  Amen. This is a judgment prophecy against Edom.  The Edomites were descendants of Esau; brother of Jacob who sold off his birthright for a bowl of soup, lost the blessing and was bitter toward Esau the remainder of his days.  Whenever Esaus' descendants have a clear shot and can be of trouble to Jacob's family, it happens, and we hear about it usually live from Jerusalem. The Edomite people that Obadiah is addressing occupied about a 2,000 square mile region south of the Dead Sea; 100 mi X 20 mi. It is a rocky range of mountains. It was well watered in biblical days. The capital then is an area today known as Petra.  You have seen this rock face city as a befabled place used in modern movies. The famous final city entered in Indiana Jones /The Last Crusade 1989 was filmed in Petra...and can still be visited today. This was home to the Edomites.  The conflict between Esau and Jacob is explained in Genesis 25:23 & 27:41  The hatred was still in full operation 1300 years or so later. Edomites made a habit of raiding caravans passing through and upon cities they could reach.  They would then escape back to their homes in the treacherous terrain they were familiar with. They were obstreperous in their denying passage to Moses in Numbers 20. Edom raided Jerusalem over the centuries so there were not warm feelings for them among the Jews. Between 850 and 586 B.C. the Edomites notably raided Jerusalem four times: II Chr. 21 / 25 / 28 / 36.  The one during II Chr. 36 was when Zedekiah was king and for several other reasons, Obadiah's prophecy likely follows this fourth raid. In Obadiah we hear of Edom being destroyed forever - and of Judah's remnant being saved. The end of their kingdom proper was after 550 B.C. when the Neo-Babylonians stormed through. The Nabateans took over this territory and their prominent centuries were 200 B.C. - 200 A.D.  It was the Nabateans who were prolific traders.  They welcomed commerce and visitors and prominent souls. Three who came through were Gaspar, Balthasar, and Melchior; learned men who counseled Kings and revered the Hebrew scriptures. They were enroute to see a newborn baby in Bethlehem that was prophesied to be God's Son, found under a star. ... 'do you wish YOU were in on that journey?!  This is all what became of the Edomite Kingdom.  Flushed out by Babylonians, kept out by Nabateans, some Edomites remained and were basically quarantined in the south of Judea.  They were rabble that remained hostile to Jews and Jewish culture. In 126 B.C. one of the Maccabean Rulers beat them down for rebellion.  They were absorbed into the Jewish state as what remained of these "cousins" of 17-18 centuries could be overlooked - though they weren't altogether accepted.  The Herods were direct descendants of these Edomites and thus they were particularly assigned to rule over Jews after Rome assumed control in 63 B.C.  We all know of the tension that existed between authentic Jews and the Herods (all four of them).  This was the finale~ of the Edomite people and their lording/harassing of the Jews.  In A.D. 70 Rome destroyed Jerusalem and there was nothing for any Herod to exercise control over. They died out. The last of the Edomites and they were then swept onto the dustbin of history.  Vv. 10,16,18 came true: "you shall be cut off forever / they shall be as though they had never been / no survivor shall remain of the house of Esau.         Just like God said,  "poof" they are gone.

Hi everyone I'm Amanda Borschel-Dan and welcome to Times Will Tell, a weekly podcast from The Times of Israel. This week we're speaking with the Israel Antiquities Authority's senior researcher Dr. Tali Erickson-Gini about the Nabateans' Incense Road, today a World Heritage Site. We'll talk about the fall of the Nabatean trade route — possibly due to an epidemic — and other precious commodities in the ancient Holy Land including how globalization influenced antiquity. For over 20 years, Erickson-Gini was the IAA's Southern Negev sub-district archaeologist and she has conducted numerous archaeological excavations and surveys in many parts of the Negev and even Petra. In 2019, Erickson-Gini excavated in a large area south of Ashkelon's Agamim neighborhood where she discovered evidence of wine and garum production from 2000 years ago. We'll talk about that, too. Erickson-Gini is also an adjunct lecturer at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. If you ever have a chance to hear her speak, it's a thrill. IMAGE: Tourists visiting Al-Khazneh "the Treasury" in the ancient city of Petra, Jordan, November 11, 2016. (Yossi Zamir/Flash90) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing with our theme of less well known civilisations, today we're going to discuss the Nabateans- a Bedouin people who created a kingdom in Arabia and the Sinai peninsula around the time of the Successors, which would last until the eastern conquests of Trajan in 106 CE. Perhaps their most famous monument in the western world is the city carved into the rock at their capital, Petra. However, we've not going to delve very far into their history; as fun as that would be, there's just too much to cover. Instead, we're going to cover their run-in with the former head honchos of the Successors- Antigonus and Demetrius... Sources for this episode: 1) The Editors, Encyclopaedia Britannica (2019), Nabatean (online) [Accessed 26/02/2021]. 2) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Nabatean Kingdom (online) [Accessed 26/02/2021]. 3) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Nabateans (online) [Accessed 26/02/2021]. 4) Author unknown, Wikipedia (date unknown), Petra (online) [Accessed 26/02/2021].

In this episode, Mary & Frost discuss the cities of the Nabatean. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/freshnewhell/support

Meagan and Ben go live on social media to chat with Content Writer, Coretta Lemaitre, about the Nabatean Empire. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion where we learn about the King of the Nabateans and the fascinating influence this civilization had on Petra, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's one of the most misunderstood regions in the world. Some watch the news and decide that the Middle East is not a place they’d ever want to visit. But those of us who are enchanted by ancient cultures, of the Pharaohs and Pyramids in Egypt, of Petra and the Nabateans in Jordan, the colour and flavours of the souks and the still beauty and silence of the desert, will find the Middle East the most fascinating of places. Guest host Ute Junker talks to Traveller writers Sue Williams and Keith Austin on what it’s like to travel to the Middle East, where to go and the things that shocked and surprised them.

Welcome to part two on our series on the greatest lost civilizations in history. Today we are looking at three groups: The Egytian Pyramid Builders, the Nabateans, and the Aksumites. These three groups are particularly beloved by believers in extra-terrestrials and religious myths. They ask questions like these: Did the builders of the pyramids handy craftsmen, whose method of transporting massive stones are still unexplainable, simply disappear or were they part of an advanced alien race? Did the Nabateans hide the Holy Grail? Was the Kingdom of Aksum really the keeper of the Ark of the Covenant, and did this lead to their downfall? Learn why these myths persist today in this episode.

This week we took a closer look at few passages that describe a time in Saul’s first few years as a follower of Jesus—particularly his time in Arabia (Nabatea). This journey is NOT mentioned in Acts at all; however, Paul mentions it in both his letter to the church in Galatia and his second (third?)... The post Acts 9:19b-25 ~ Saul & the Nabateans appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

This week we took a closer look at few passages that describe a time in Saul’s first few years as a follower of Jesus—particularly his time in Arabia (Nabatea). This journey is NOT mentioned in Acts at all; however, Paul mentions it in both his letter to the church in Galatia and his second (third?)... The post Acts 9:19b-25 ~ Saul & the Nabateans appeared first on Laura L. Zielke.

Christians and Jews have long searched for the real Mount Sinai.  But is it the location discovered by Helena, the mother of Constantine in the 4th century AD?  Most people think it is not.  George Potter, an LDS researcher has done a lot of research in the Middle East and thinks he may have stumbled upon the real Mount Sinai. https://youtu.be/RdP_33uQc-I George:  If you open up your Bible maps from the English version of the King James, published by the LDS Church, go to the maps in the back.  You clearly see that Midian was not located in the Sinai Peninsula.  Jethro[1] lived in Arabia.  Even today on maps in Arabia you see the town of Ugabe, which is translated as Jethro in English. Jethro lived in Arabia when Moses fled Egypt, he went to Jethro's, and that was in Arabia.  He was tending his sheep on the back side of the wilderness, it says.  So, in other words, he was probably on the back side of the inter-side of the mountains that run through Midian.  That's where he was herding Jethro's sheep at the time, and that's where we believe Mount Sinai is found.  For him to have been in Jethro's town, Midian, which is still there, the ruins of Midian, to have been in the Sinai Peninsula, he would have been a very lost shepherd, believe me. When you get over there to where Mount St. Catherine's is, anyway there is no evidence whatsoever that place was ever Mount Sinai.  There is no fodder for sheep.  There are no artifacts that have been left there.  The only reason that was ever claimed to be Mount Sinai was that I guess Constantine's mother went down there with some kind of a guru at the time and they said this must be Mount Sinai.  But there is no evidence archaeologically that was ever Mount Sinai. ... We are travelling down this wadi and they said here is where we ended our fourth expedition looking for Mount Sinai.  We're going beyond this.  We didn't go more than a mile until we actually came to the artifacts that were described as being from this candidate for Mount Sinai.  The first one is a natural feature.  It is maybe kind of a circular type of little plateau.  The circumference is probably 200 feet.  On top of this feature, there is a sacrificial—it is not an altar, but it is a place where they would have sacrificed animals.  It is a heathen—it is the same kind of feature you would find at Petra: the Nabateans.  It's a basin.  It is a little kind of canal where the blood would flow into the rocks. So, that is on top of the little natural feature, but all around it are petroglyphs of calves, Egyptian-type calves.  So that has become known as the Golden Calf Altar there.  If you continue down the wadi, there is a mountain in the west and maybe 50-100 yards from that mountain, you will find eleven different piles of stones with holes in them that you would have put maybe a banner in, a flagpole or something.  They separate the main area of the wadi, the valley, where people would have camped.  Then you have these eleven different pole markers.  They stretch maybe a mile and a half down.  Those we believe are the border markers that Moses was told to separate the people from Mount Sinai so they didn't accidentally wander on to the mountain. GT:  Ok. George: So, they are the border markers.  They are still there.  Then if you can get through the antiquity fence, you will find that there is what they call the Altar of Moses, which is kind of an L-shaped feature.  It is maybe 100 feet long. We will also talk about its ties to the Book of Mormon. George:  To give your followers a little bit of a background as to how we came across what is believed to be the Valley of Lemuel.  If you look at any church publication now about the Book of Mormon and Lehi's trail, they are following the photographs of us, or they are making pictures of what we believe to be the Valley of Lemuel. But how did we find that?  It takes us back to Mount Sinai.  When I got there,

How do we separate myth from fact in ancient history? How do we do this when it comes down to one of the most beloved and well-known stories of all time: The Nativity? Fr. Dwight Longenecker, a Catholic priest from Greenville, South Carolina, is attempting to do that. He has set out on a quest to investigate whether there is a kernel of historical truth beneath the many legends of the Magi story. Now he thinks he has found it. The Magi were real, but they weren't from the “Orient.” Nor were they kings. Rather, they were a political delegation from a mostly-forgotten kingdom to the south called the Nabateans. And they set out for Israel for reasons both religious and political. It wasn't an easy project for Fr. Longenecker to research. While he was always fascinated by the nativity story, he knew that plenty of legendary embellishment had filled in the gaps. Matthew's bare bones account only speaks of “wise men from the East” who see a star and journey to Jerusalem, winding up in Bethlehem to pay homage to the newborn Jesus Christ before returning to their country by a different route. There's no mention of three kings, lavish costumes, camels, nor where they came from in the biblical account. No start leads them through the desert to Bethlehem. They aren't even called kings (?!) Furthermore, most Biblical scholars outright reject that the magi were historical at all. The Catholic Bible scholar Raymond Brown in his monumental study, The Birth of the Messiah notes that it was a mark of modernist orthodoxy not to believe in the historicity of the Magi story. Fr. Longenecker found that as it turns out that because of scholars' assumption that the Magi story was a fairy tale very few scholars had taken the time to investigate thoroughly the possible identity of the wise men. His research brought him into contact with new technologies which shed light on the subject. Some fresh archeological findings and new understandings from the Dead Sea Scrolls also contributed to the quest. As it turns out, it is perfectly probable that there were wise men who had the motive, the means and the method to pay homage to Jesus Christ just as Matthew recorded. The simple truth is that Matthew’s account is factual not fictional. His book The Mystery of the Magi—The Quest for the True Identity of the Three Wise Men will be published next Advent by Regnery Press. In this episode we answer the following questions: Did the wise men ride camels? What was the star of Bethlehem? Were they really called Balthasar, Melchoir and Kaspar? Are their relics preserved in Cologne Cathedral? Where do Anthony and Cleopatra fit into the story? Why did they bring gold, frankincense and myrrh? Was there really a magical star that led them across the desert?