Biblical journeys
Map of Jacob's Journey
Fleeing his brother Esau to Haran, then wrestling with God at the Jabbok before returning to Canaan.
This journey has 7 stages through 7 places. It begins at Beersheba and ends at Hebron; joining each stop with a straight line on the map gives about 1,460 km. In today's terms the route crosses Israel, Palestine (West Bank), Turkey, and Jordan. The actual route followed roads and terrain, so treat this distance as a sense of scale rather than a measured itinerary.
Jacob's Journey
Step 1/7Beersheba
Fleeing Esau's anger, he sets out for Haran, to his mother Rebekah's brother Laban. Genesis 28:10
Routes are schematic study guides.
Journey sequence and Bible passages
- 1
Beersheba
Fleeing Esau's anger, he sets out for Haran, to his mother Rebekah's brother Laban.
Genesis 28:10
Today: Tel Be'er Sheva, Israel
- 2
Bethel
Sleeping with a stone for a pillow, he dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven and names the place Bethel.
Genesis 28:11-19
Today: Beitin, Palestine (West Bank)
- 3
Haran
He reaches his uncle Laban's household, marries Leah and Rachel, and stays twenty years.
Genesis 29
Today: Harran, Turkey
- 4
Peniel (Penuel)
Returning to Canaan, he wrestles with God all night at the ford of the Jabbok and is given the name Israel.
Genesis 32:22-30
Today: Tell edh-Dhahab el-Sharqi (Tulul adh-Dhahab, the eastern tell), Jordan
- 5
Succoth
After reconciling with Esau, he arrives at Succoth and builds a house and shelters for his livestock.
Genesis 33:17
Today: Tell Deir Alla, Jordan
- 6
Shechem
He arrives at Shechem, pitches his tent, buys land, and builds an altar.
Genesis 33:18-20
Today: Tell Balata, Palestine (West Bank)
- 7
Hebron
He finally reaches his father Isaac at Mamre near Hebron.
Genesis 35:27
Today: Hebron / Al-Khalil, Palestine (West Bank)