SHOBAK–PETRA / KEDEM GUIDE
King's Highway
King's Highway
The biblical King's Highway refers to a highland route through Moab and Edom. Modern Highway 35 follows the landscape, but should not be equated with every segment of the ancient road.
Travel and visit times are estimates. Check access and opening arrangements before travel.
Numbers 20:17 · 21:22
The King's Highway follows Jordan's central highlands from south of Amman through Madaba, Wadi Mujib, Karak, and Shobak toward Petra. It is not one monument but a historic corridor that connected kingdoms, towns, traders, and pilgrims; much of the experience now follows Highway 35.
Biblical context
Numbers 20:17 records Israel asking Edom to pass along the King's Highway; Numbers 21:22 repeats the request to Sihon of the Amorites. Scripture does not map a modern road alignment, so the biblical route cannot be equated kilometre for kilometre with Highway 35.
History and tradition
The route served trade and military movement in antiquity and remained important through Nabataean, Roman, and early Christian pilgrimage eras. Madaba's mosaics, the depths of Wadi Mujib, and the fortresses of Karak and Shobak reveal different layers of history along the way.
Pilgrim reflection
Numbers shows that Israel's requested passage was refused and that the people had to turn away. Reflect from the text on how following God does not always mean taking the shortest or easiest road.
On-site notes
The route takes longer than the Desert Highway but offers far richer scenery and historic stops. Drive Wadi Mujib's steep, winding section in daylight, plan fuel and rest stops, and check conditions in winter when fog or snow can affect the highlands.
What to bring
Offline maps, a full fuel tank, water and snacks, motion-sickness medicine, a power bank, seasonal layers, and basic car emergency supplies.