I stumbled across this photo recently and thought that some of my readers might find this map of the Wadi Qilt (Nahal Perat) environs to be helpful. This is a great area for hiking, but I’d avoid it in the hottest part of summer.
Hi Todd, How can I get a print copy of the Wadi Qilt map? Will be in Israel for several months this year and wanted to walk 'down' to Jericho. Then, I have heard Bible teachers say that the "valley of the shaddow of death"in Ps 23 may be a ref.to Wadi Qilt. Possible?
Ed – I don't know of a print copy of this or another map quite like it. For hiking, I highly recommend the 1:50,000 map produced by the Survey of Israel (in Hebrew). For this area, you need #8.
There's a good description of the three sections of the Wadi Qilt in a book now out of print: A Guide to Hiking in Israel, by Joel Roskin. As for the valley of Psalm 23, I don't see any reason why it would be this valley and not one of many others. And the sense I get from reading the psalm is that the valley is a metaphor (as is the shepherd, quiet waters, and paths of righteousness). But that shouldn't take anything away from this beautiful area.
The BiblePlaces Blog provides updates and analysis of the latest in biblical archaeology, history, and geography. Unless otherwise noted, the posts are written by Todd Bolen, PhD, Professor of Biblical Studies at The Master’s University.
4 thoughts on “Wadi Qilt Map”
Regarding the Wadi Qilt hike, with the political situation as it is, is this a safe hike to do with a small group of people?
It would not be wise for me to recommend anything like this for an anonymous person at an unknown time. Many times in the past it has been safe.
Hi Todd, How can I get a print copy of the Wadi Qilt map? Will be in Israel for several months this year and wanted to walk 'down' to Jericho. Then, I have heard Bible teachers say that the "valley of the shaddow of death"in Ps 23 may be a ref.to Wadi Qilt. Possible?
Ed – I don't know of a print copy of this or another map quite like it. For hiking, I highly recommend the 1:50,000 map produced by the
Survey of Israel (in Hebrew). For this area, you need #8.
There's a good description of the three sections of the Wadi Qilt in a book now out of print:
A Guide to Hiking in Israel, by Joel Roskin. As for the valley of Psalm 23, I don't see any reason why it would be this valley and not one of many others. And the sense I get from reading the psalm is that the valley is a metaphor (as is the shepherd, quiet waters, and paths of righteousness). But that shouldn't take anything away from this beautiful area.