Biblical journeys
Map of Abraham's Journey
From Ur in Mesopotamia to settling in the land God promised him in Canaan.
This journey has 7 stages through 7 places. It begins at Ur and ends at Beersheba; joining each stop with a straight line on the map gives about 2,460 km. In today's terms the route crosses Iraq, Turkey, Palestine (West Bank), Egypt, and Israel. The actual route followed roads and terrain, so treat this distance as a sense of scale rather than a measured itinerary.
Abraham's Journey
Step 1/7Ur
Abraham (Abram) receives God's call in Ur of the Chaldees. Genesis 11:31; 15:7
Routes are schematic study guides.
Journey sequence and Bible passages
- 1
Ur
Abraham (Abram) receives God's call in Ur of the Chaldees.
Genesis 11:31; 15:7
Today: Tell el-Muqayyar, Iraq
- 2
Haran
He settles in Haran with his father Terah, then sets out again after Terah's death.
Genesis 11:31-32; 12:1-4
Today: Harran, Turkey
- 3
Shechem
He enters Canaan and reaches the oak of Moreh at Shechem, where God promises him this land.
Genesis 12:6-7
Today: Tell Balata, Palestine (West Bank)
- 4
Bethel
He pitches his tent between Bethel and Ai and builds an altar, calling on the name of the LORD.
Genesis 12:8
Today: Beitin, Palestine (West Bank)
- 5
Egypt
When famine strikes Canaan, he goes down to Egypt for a time.
Genesis 12:10-20
Today: Egypt, Egypt
- 6
Hebron
He settles near the oaks of Mamre at Hebron and builds an altar there.
Genesis 13:18
Today: Hebron / Al-Khalil, Palestine (West Bank)
- 7
Beersheba
At Beersheba he makes a covenant with Abimelech and digs a well.
Genesis 21:31-33
Today: Tel Be'er Sheva, Israel