Sela, Selah

From: Concise Bible Dictionary: S By: George A. Morrish

• 1 min. read • grade level: 7

The rock city of Edom (2 Kings 14:7⁷He slew of Edom in the valley of salt ten thousand, and took Selah by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day. (2 Kings 14:7); Isa. 16:1¹Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion. (Isaiah 16:1)). The same Hebrew word is that usually translated “rock.” The place was taken by Amaziah, who called it JOKTHEEL. It is judged to be the same as PETRA (which occurs in the margin of Isaiah 16:1¹Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion. (Isaiah 16:1)). Petra is a remarkable place. Though about two thousand feet above the sea, it is shut in by mountain-cliffs, and is entered by a narrow ravine, through which also the river winds. The tombs cut in the rocks are large, especially one called el Khuzneh, which has three rows of columns. The tiers of a theater remain, a triumphal arch, and ruined bridges. There is a sort of awe-inspiring grandeur in the place. The Bedouins are very troublesome, and jealous of visitors entering, supposing they come to search for treasure. Some have with difficulty escaped with their lives after being well fleeced. Petra lies 30° 22' N, 35° 43' E.