Biblical Maps

Key regions: Ur and Haran (Abraham’s journey), Canaan (promised land), Egypt (Joseph). Trade routes along the Fertile Crescent frame Genesis narratives.

Reference: Gen 11–50

Major stops: Rameses/Goshen, Reed Sea crossing, Sinai, Kadesh, journey around Edom/Moab, and camping opposite Jericho. The map of the Exodus is also a map of discipleship: slavery → covenant → pilgrimage.

Reference: Ex–Deut

Judah and Benjamin in the south; Ephraim and Manasseh in the center; Galilee tribes in the north; Transjordan tribes (Reuben, Gad, half-Manasseh) east of the Jordan.

Reference: Josh 13–21

United kingdom capital: Jerusalem. After Solomon: Northern Kingdom (Israel/Samaria) and Southern Kingdom (Judah). Assyria destroys Israel (722 BC); Babylon exiles Judah (586 BC).

Reference: 1–2 Sam; 1–2 Kgs

Assyria dominates the 8th–7th centuries; Babylon conquers Judah and destroys the Temple. Prophets interpret these events as judgment and hope.

Reference: 2 Kgs 17–25; Is; Jer

Judah as a Persian province (Yehud). Ezra and Nehemiah restore law and walls. The Second Temple stands until AD 70.

Reference: Ezra; Neh

Political map: Herod the Great’s kingdom later divided among Archelaus, Antipas, and Philip. Pontius Pilate governs Judea. Jesus ministers mainly in Galilee and journeys to Jerusalem.

Reference: Mt–Jn; Josephus (historical context)

A spiritual map of Holy Week: Bethany, Mount of Olives, Temple courts, Praetorium, Golgotha, and the tomb. Walking this geography deepens meditation on the Sorrowful Mysteries.

Reference: Mt 21–28; Jn 12–20

First journey: Cyprus and southern Galatia. Second: Macedonia and Achaia (Philippi, Thessalonica, Corinth). Third: Ephesus as base. Final journey: appeal to Caesar and voyage to Rome.

Reference: Acts 13–28

Major hubs: Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, Alexandria, and Rome. The Catholic Church’s catholicity is already geographic in Acts.

Reference: Acts 1:8; Acts 11–28