What is…
Zoar

Meaning: small or little

also known as: Zoara, Zoora, Bela

This is the name of a town on the southeast of the Dead Sea to which Lot and his daughters fled from Sodom (Genesis 19:22-23). This town was spared when Sodom and Gommorah were destroyed by God.

It was originally called Bela (14:2, 8) and was located in the Valley of Siddim.

It is referred to by the prophets Isaiah (15:5) and Jeremiah (48:34).

“Its ruins are still seen at the opening of the ravine of Kerak, the Kir-Moab referred to in 2 Kings 3, the modern Tell esh-Shaghur.” ——Mathew G. Easton, Easton’s Bible Dictionary

Today, Lot’s Cave museum is located near ancient Zoar. This is the supposed location where Lot and his daughters hid and where

Location of modern “Lot’s Cave” museum in Jordan (satellite view). Nearby is the Lowest Place on Earth Museum
Article Version: November 28, 2018

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