Geography and the Bible

Initially, I want to acknowledge that I have often glossed over details about geography in the Bible. In general, I have not fully appreciated its contribution to understanding Scripture. This realization came to me as I read pages from the Discovery House Bible Atlas by John Beck. Beck expresses that we don’t think about natural spaces because we are often cut off from them by man-made structures.{1} He is absolutely right! Beyond physical obstacles, modern society definitely thinks less about the natural world and its attributes because of “screens” and technology. Spatial awareness is not a widely shared attribute in 2026.

However, understanding the physical features and locations of events helps us fully comprehend history. The Moody Atlas of the Bible conveys that geopolitical activities are bound to and shaped by geography, and that geographic events, such as earthquakes, have influenced history. Further, when reading Scripture, we must understand the original view of geography when studying the text. For example, the Jewish faith was interlocked with “land” in the Old Testament. Yahweh made a promise to Abraham concerning the actual possession of real estate.{2} Beyond the Old Testament’s human view of land, God used the geographical features and limitations of Canaan to bear witness to the world and foster Israel's faith.

For instance, Canaan was a narrow land bridge between Asia and Africa and contained major trade routes. Trade passed between Egypt and the Near East via this narrow strip of land. As a result, Canaan was highly contested and prone to military aggression from neighboring countries. Because of its location, this piece of land was perfectly situated for Israel to be a witness for God. Yet, the strategic trade importance gave the Israelites enemies, and God’s chosen people would have to rely on Him for protection.

Consequently, comprehending the geographical attributes of Canaan helps us better understand certain passages and verses of Scripture. Its very position on the map and its role as a land bridge help explain how God’s people would be a kingdom of priests among all peoples of the earth (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). In 1 Kings 8:41-43, the Word proclaims foreigners will call upon Israel’s God. And remarkably, God stated through Ezekiel, “This is Jerusalem, I have placed her in the center of the nations, with countries round about her” (Ezekiel 5:5). Thus, Israel’s purpose of shining for God was linked to its strategic location.

However, spatial awareness is not reserved for the Old Testament. Jesus Himself made connections to the environment around Him on occasion. For example, the Lord used the term "living water" at Jacob’s well (John 4:10) and referred to Himself as the bread of life at Capernaum, where basaltic grain mills were produced (John 6:48). This exhibits the importance of surroundings to the culture in which Jesus performed His ministry. The Messiah used this imagery to make connections for His listeners.

So, as we make it through our day, maybe we should think more about the lay of the land and our environment. That might help us “dig in” and seek to appreciate the importance of geography in Scripture. Such knowledge helps our biblical understanding!

1. John A. Beck, Discovery House Bible Atlas (Grand Rapids: Our Daily Bread Ministries, 2015), 8.

2. Barry J. Beitzel, The Moody Atlas of the Bible (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2009), 14-16.

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Deuteronomy 11:11-14

But the land into which you are about to cross to possess it, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of heaven, a land for which Yahweh your God cares; the eyes of Yahweh your God are always on it, from the beginning even to the end of the year. And it will be that, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love Yahweh your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, that I, Yahweh, will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rains, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil.

Deuteronomy 11:29-30

And it will be, when Yahweh your God brings you into the land where you are entering to possess it, that you shall set the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal. Are they not across the Jordan, west of the way toward the sunset, in the land of the

Canaanites who live in the Arabah, opposite Gilgal, beside the oaks of Moreh?

1 Kings 8:41-43

Also concerning the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel, if he comes from a far country for Your name’s sake (for they will hear of Your great name and Your strong hand, and of Your outstretched arm); so if he comes and prays toward this house,  listen in heaven Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name to fear You, as do Your people Israel, and to know that Your name is called upon this house which I have built.

Psalm 125:2

As the mountains surround Jerusalem,

So Yahweh surrounds His people

From now until forever.