Sela
LocationsGeographical Setting
Sela is a geographical feature in the ancient Kingdom of Edom, identified with the rock-cut city of Petra or a specific cliff formation in the Wadi el-Milh region.
What is the meaning of Sela in the Bible?
Sela denotes a fortified location or rock formation in Edom, referenced in biblical texts and archaeologically associated with the Nabataean capital of Petra.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Sela as Petra clarifies the geopolitical landscape of the southern Levant, illustrating the strategic military and trade importance of the Edomite highlands during the biblical period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Sela (located near modern Southern Jordan, near the ancient city of Petra) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sela in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sela clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Sela." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sela/