MOUNT HOR, FROM THE CLIFFS ENCIRCLING PETRA
by David Roberts.
This view was taken from a great height. On the evening previous to his entering Petra, the Artist sealed one of the hills, which promised to give him a glimpse of the great object of his journey.
But on reaching the summit, he found himself in the midst of a region of hills. His disappointment was amply repaid by the general scene. The view was magnificent, commanding El Ghor and the Wady Arabah, while above him towered the naked majesty of Mount Hor, and around and beneath lay the rocks of Mount Seir, bathed in the splendours of an Eastern sunset. 1)
But an interest more powerful than any which can arise from mere beauty or grandeur of landscape is connected with the scene. It is impossible to forget, that on this spot was transacted one of the most solemn events of Scripture ; that in the ravines and plains immediately surrounding the spectator, the Camp of Israel was pitched ; that on the wild declivity before the eye, trod the leader of the chosen people, ascending to be present at the death which was so significant of his own : and that on its summit, and in the sight of the assembled nation, the first high-priest of Israel surrendered his office and passed to glory. 2)
1) Roberts’s Journal. 2) Numbers xx.
Source: The Holy Land, Syria, Idumea, Arabia, Egypt, & Nubia, by David Roberts (British, 1796-1864), George Croly, William Brockedon. London: Lithographed, printed and published by Day & Son, lithographers to the Queen. Cate Street, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, 1855.
