World Geography

Regions Through a Biblical Lens
Youth Tier 2 | Grades 7-10

Exploring Yahuah's Earth

Geography is the study of the earth - its lands, peoples, and features. As believers, we study geography knowing that Yahuah created this world and placed every nation in its appointed place. This workbook explores the world's major regions while connecting geography to Scripture and history.

Table of Contents

Lesson 1: The Biblical Foundation of Geography
Lesson 2: The Middle East - Cradle of Civilization
Lesson 3: Africa - Land of Ancient Kingdoms
Lesson 4: Europe - From Rome to Reformation
Lesson 5: Asia - Ancient Empires
Lesson 6: North America - The New World
Lesson 7: South America - Diverse Lands
Lesson 8: Australia & Oceania - Island Continents
Lesson 9: The Poles & World Climates
Lesson 10: Nations, Borders & Prophecy

Lesson 1: The Biblical Foundation of Geography

RECEIVE

"And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation."
— Acts 17:26

Geography begins with Yahuah as Creator. He made the earth, divided the waters from the land, and placed mankind upon it. After the Flood of Noah, He scattered the nations across the earth at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11).

Key Geographic Events in Scripture

  • Creation: Yahuah formed the earth, seas, and continents (Genesis 1)
  • The Garden of Eden: The first home of mankind, near four rivers
  • The Great Flood: Dramatically reshaped the earth's geography
  • Tower of Babel: Languages confused, nations scattered
  • Promised Land: Yahuah gave Israel a specific territory

Five Themes of Geography

  1. Location: Where is it? (coordinates, relative position)
  2. Place: What is it like? (physical and human characteristics)
  3. Human-Environment Interaction: How do people affect the land?
  4. Movement: How do people, goods, and ideas travel?
  5. Region: What areas share common characteristics?

REFLECT

If Yahuah "determined the bounds" of where nations would live, what does this mean about borders and peoples today?

RECALL

Fill in the blanks:

  1. Acts 17:26 says Yahuah made all nations of blood.
  2. After the , the earth's geography was dramatically changed.
  3. At the Tower of , Yahuah confused languages and scattered nations.
  4. The five themes of geography are Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, , and Region.

RECITE

"The earth is Yahuah's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."
— Psalm 24:1

Write this verse from memory:

REVIEW

Answer these questions:

  1. How does the biblical worldview differ from the secular view of how nations came to be?
  2. Name the four rivers mentioned near the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:10-14):

RESPOND

Why is it important to study geography from a biblical perspective?

Lesson 2: The Middle East - Cradle of Civilization

RECEIVE

The Middle East is where biblical history unfolded. From the Garden of Eden to the ministry of Yahusha, this region is central to Scripture and world history.

Physical Geography

  • Location: Where Africa, Asia, and Europe meet
  • Climate: Mostly arid (desert) with some Mediterranean areas
  • Key Water Bodies: Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Dead Sea
  • Major Rivers: Tigris, Euphrates, Nile, Jordan
  • Terrain: Deserts, mountains, fertile river valleys

Biblical Significance

  • Mesopotamia: "Land between the rivers" - where civilization began
  • Israel: The Promised Land given to Abraham's descendants
  • Egypt: Where Israel was enslaved and delivered from
  • Jerusalem: The holy city, site of the Temple
  • Babylon: Where Israel was exiled; symbol of world system

Modern Middle East

Today the Middle East includes: Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Turkey, and Egypt.

The region contains about 65% of the world's known oil reserves, making it strategically important.

REFLECT

Why do you think Yahuah chose this specific region for most of biblical history?

RECALL

Fill in the blanks:

  1. Mesopotamia means "land between the ."
  2. The two major rivers of Mesopotamia are the and .
  3. The Middle East is where the continents of , Asia, and Europe meet.
  4. The city of is the holy city where the Temple stood.

RECITE

"In the same day Yahuah made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates."
— Genesis 15:18

Write the key promise from memory:

REVIEW

Match the location to its biblical significance:

Location Significance
Egypt
Babylon
Jordan River
Mount Sinai

RESPOND

Research one modern Middle Eastern country and describe its geography and how it connects to biblical history:

Lesson 3: Africa - Land of Ancient Kingdoms

RECEIVE

Africa is the second-largest continent, home to ancient civilizations, diverse peoples, and rich natural resources. It has deep connections to biblical history.

Physical Geography

  • Size: About 11.7 million square miles (3x the size of USA)
  • Climate Zones: Desert (Sahara), tropical rainforest, savanna, Mediterranean
  • Major Rivers: Nile (world's longest), Congo, Niger, Zambezi
  • Key Features: Sahara Desert, Great Rift Valley, Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Countries: 54 nations

Africa in Scripture

  • Egypt: Major world power, where Israel was enslaved
  • Ethiopia (Cush): Mentioned frequently; Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8)
  • Libya (Put): North African region mentioned in prophecy
  • The Nile: River that sustained Egypt, site of Moses' rescue
  • Refuge: Joseph, Mary, and Yahusha fled to Egypt

Ancient African Kingdoms

  • Egypt: Built pyramids, advanced in medicine and astronomy
  • Kush/Nubia: Powerful kingdom south of Egypt
  • Axum (Ethiopia): One of the first Christian kingdoms
  • Great Zimbabwe: Stone city ruins in southern Africa

REFLECT

How does knowing Africa's biblical connections change how you view this continent?

RECALL

Fill in the blanks:

  1. Africa has countries.
  2. The is the world's longest river.
  3. The Desert is the largest hot desert on Earth.
  4. Ethiopia was called in the Bible.

RECITE

"Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto Elohim."
— Psalm 68:31

Write this verse from memory:

REVIEW

  1. Name three climate zones found in Africa: , ,
  2. Why was Egypt significant in biblical history?

RESPOND

The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40) was reading Isaiah when Philip met him. What does this story teach us about Africa's connection to the faith?

Lesson 4: Europe - From Rome to Reformation

RECEIVE

Europe is the second-smallest continent but has had enormous influence on world history. From the Roman Empire to the Protestant Reformation, Europe shaped the spread of Christianity and world events.

Physical Geography

  • Size: About 3.9 million square miles
  • Climate: Temperate in most areas; Mediterranean in south
  • Mountains: Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians
  • Major Rivers: Danube, Rhine, Volga
  • Countries: About 50 nations

Europe in Scripture and History

  • Rome: The empire that ruled during Yahusha's time
  • Greece: Paul's missionary journeys reached Greek cities
  • Descendants of Japheth: Many Europeans descended from Noah's son Japheth
  • Spread of the Gospel: Early believers spread faith across the Roman Empire

Key European Developments

  • Roman Empire: Provided roads and common language for Gospel spread
  • Medieval Period: Catholic Church dominated; Scripture restricted
  • Protestant Reformation (1517): Luther, Calvin challenged Rome
  • Printing Press: Made the Bible accessible to common people

REFLECT

How did the Roman Empire - often seen as an enemy of early believers - actually help spread the Gospel?

RECALL

Fill in the blanks:

  1. The Empire ruled the known world during Yahusha's time.
  2. Many Europeans are descended from , son of Noah.
  3. The Protestant Reformation began in (year).
  4. The Press made Bibles available to common people.

RECITE

"And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us."
— Acts 16:9

Write this verse from memory:

REVIEW

  1. Name three European mountain ranges: , ,
  2. What was the Macedonian call and why was it significant?

RESPOND

Research one European country and its religious history:

Lesson 5: Asia - Ancient Empires

RECEIVE

Asia is the largest and most populous continent, home to over 4.5 billion people. It includes regions from the Middle East (already covered) to the Far East.

Physical Geography

  • Size: About 17.2 million square miles (largest continent)
  • Population: Over 60% of world's people
  • Climate: Every type - arctic, desert, tropical, temperate
  • Mountains: Himalayas (world's highest), Urals
  • Major Rivers: Yangtze, Ganges, Mekong, Indus

Asia in Scripture

  • The Magi: Wise men came "from the east" to see Yahusha
  • Persia: Empire that freed Israel from Babylon (Cyrus)
  • Seven Churches: Revelation's letters sent to churches in Asia Minor
  • Thomas: Tradition says he brought the Gospel to India
  • Silk Road: Ancient trade route that connected East and West

Major Regions of Asia

  • Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, etc. - Silk Road region
  • South Asia: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh - very populous
  • East Asia: China, Japan, Korea - ancient civilizations
  • Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia - tropical islands

REFLECT

Asia has billions of people who don't know the truth. How should this affect our prayers and missions?

RECALL

Fill in the blanks:

  1. Asia is the and most populous continent.
  2. The are the world's highest mountain range.
  3. The came from the east to worship baby Yahusha.
  4. King of Persia freed Israel from Babylonian captivity.

RECITE

"Now when Yahusha was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem."
— Matthew 2:1

Write this verse from memory:

REVIEW

  1. What percentage of the world's population lives in Asia? %
  2. Name two major rivers of Asia: ,

RESPOND

The Seven Churches of Revelation were in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). List their names and look up one message:

Lesson 6: North America - The New World

RECEIVE

North America includes Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. European explorers called it the "New World," though indigenous peoples had lived there for generations.

Physical Geography

  • Size: About 9.5 million square miles
  • Climate: Arctic in north, tropical in south, varied in between
  • Mountains: Rocky Mountains, Appalachians, Sierra Nevada
  • Major Rivers: Mississippi, Missouri, Colorado, Rio Grande
  • Key Features: Great Plains, Great Lakes, Grand Canyon

Settlement History

  • Indigenous Peoples: Many tribes with diverse cultures
  • European Exploration: Columbus 1492, later English, Spanish, French
  • Colonial Period: Settlements established for religious freedom
  • Pilgrims & Puritans: Sought to worship according to Scripture

A Nation Founded on Biblical Principles?

Many of America's founders referenced Scripture and biblical principles. However, the history is complex - including both godly influence and serious sins like slavery and treatment of native peoples. We must honestly evaluate history while learning from it.

REFLECT

The Pilgrims came seeking religious freedom. How should believers today think about their heritage - both the good and the problematic parts?

RECALL

Fill in the blanks:

  1. The Mountains run along the western part of North America.
  2. The River is one of the longest in North America.
  3. Columbus reached the Americas in (year).
  4. The came seeking freedom to worship according to Scripture.

RECITE

"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
— Proverbs 14:34

Write this verse from memory:

REVIEW

  1. Name the five Great Lakes:
  2. What are three major mountain ranges in North America? , ,

RESPOND

Research your own state or province. What are its physical features and history?

Lesson 7: South America - Diverse Lands

RECEIVE

South America is a continent of incredible diversity - from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains, from tropical beaches to frozen glaciers.

Physical Geography

  • Size: About 6.9 million square miles
  • Countries: 12 independent nations
  • Climate: Mostly tropical, with temperate areas in the south
  • Mountains: Andes (longest continental range)
  • Major Rivers: Amazon (largest by volume), Orinoco, Paraná

Remarkable Features

  • Amazon Rainforest: Largest tropical rainforest - produces 20% of Earth's oxygen
  • Atacama Desert: Driest place on Earth (parts had no rain for 400 years)
  • Angel Falls: World's highest waterfall (Venezuela)
  • Galápagos Islands: Unique wildlife off Ecuador's coast

Faith in South America

Spanish and Portuguese colonizers brought Catholicism in the 1500s, often mixing it with indigenous practices. Today, evangelical Christianity is growing rapidly across the continent. Many indigenous peoples are hearing the Gospel in their own languages for the first time.

REFLECT

The Amazon is sometimes called the "lungs of the Earth." What does biblical stewardship look like regarding such important ecosystems?

RECALL

Fill in the blanks:

  1. The is the longest mountain range in the world.
  2. The River is the largest by water volume.
  3. South America has independent countries.
  4. The Desert is the driest place on Earth.

RECITE

"The heavens declare the glory of El; and the firmament sheweth his handywork."
— Psalm 19:1

Write this verse from memory:

REVIEW

Match the feature to the country:

Feature Country
Amazon Rainforest (majority)
Angel Falls
Galápagos Islands
Machu Picchu

RESPOND

Research a South American country's geography and current spiritual climate:

Lesson 8: Australia & Oceania - Island Continents

RECEIVE

Australia is both a country and a continent - the smallest continent but sixth-largest country. Oceania includes the Pacific islands scattered across the vast Pacific Ocean.

Australia - Physical Geography

  • Size: About 3 million square miles
  • Climate: Mostly arid interior ("Outback"), tropical north, temperate coasts
  • Key Features: Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (Ayers Rock), Great Dividing Range
  • Unique Wildlife: Kangaroos, koalas, platypus - found nowhere else

Oceania - Pacific Islands

  • Three Regions: Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia
  • Major Nations: New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Hawaii (US)
  • Geography: Volcanic islands, coral atolls, scattered across vast ocean
  • Navigation: Ancient Polynesians navigated by stars - remarkable skill

The Gospel in the Pacific

Missionaries brought Christianity to Pacific islands in the 1800s. Many islands became strongly Christian. Today, some Pacific nations have the highest church attendance rates in the world.

REFLECT

Australia and Oceania were among the last regions to hear the Gospel. What does this teach about Yahuah's timing and reaching all peoples?

RECALL

Fill in the blanks:

  1. Australia is the continent.
  2. The three regions of Oceania are Melanesia, Micronesia, and .
  3. The Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system.
  4. Ancient Polynesians navigated across the ocean using the .

RECITE

"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
— Matthew 24:14

Write this verse from memory:

REVIEW

  1. Name two unique animals found only in Australia: ,
  2. What is the "Outback"?

RESPOND

Research one Pacific island nation. What is its geography and spiritual condition?

Lesson 9: The Poles & World Climates

RECEIVE

The Arctic (North Pole) and Antarctic (South Pole) are Earth's coldest regions. Understanding climate zones helps us see how Yahuah designed the earth for diverse life.

Arctic vs. Antarctic

Feature Arctic Antarctic
Location North Pole South Pole
Land/Water Frozen ocean Ice-covered continent
Wildlife Polar bears, seals Penguins, seals
Inhabitants Indigenous peoples Research stations only

World Climate Zones

  1. Tropical: Hot year-round, near equator (rainforest, savanna)
  2. Dry: Little precipitation (desert, semi-arid)
  3. Temperate: Moderate temperatures, distinct seasons
  4. Continental: Large temperature swings, cold winters
  5. Polar: Extremely cold, ice and permafrost

Climate in Scripture

"While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease." (Genesis 8:22)

After the Flood, Yahuah promised the seasons and climate patterns would continue.

REFLECT

How do different climates show Yahuah's design for different types of life to flourish in different regions?

RECALL

Fill in the blanks:

  1. The is frozen ocean, while is an ice-covered continent.
  2. Polar bears live in the , penguins live in the .
  3. The five main climate zones are: tropical, dry, temperate, continental, and .
  4. Genesis 8:22 promises that and harvest will continue.

RECITE

"He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?"
— Psalm 147:16-17

Write this verse from memory:

REVIEW

  1. What climate zone do you live in?
  2. Why can't people live permanently in Antarctica?

RESPOND

How do the polar regions demonstrate Yahuah's power and creativity?

Lesson 10: Nations, Borders & Prophecy

RECEIVE

"When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel."
— Deuteronomy 32:8

Scripture teaches that Yahuah established nations and their boundaries. As we study geography, we see His sovereign hand moving through history and preparing for end-time events.

Nations in End-Times Prophecy

  • Israel: Regathered as a nation (Ezekiel 37) - fulfilled 1948
  • Gog and Magog: Northern coalition attacks Israel (Ezekiel 38-39)
  • Kings of the East: 200 million army from across Euphrates (Revelation 9:16)
  • Babylon: Both literal place and symbolic world system
  • All Nations: Will be gathered for judgment (Matthew 25:32)

The World Today

  • Countries: About 195 recognized nations
  • Languages: About 7,000 languages spoken
  • Unreached Peoples: Thousands of groups still need the Gospel
  • Globalization: World becoming more connected

Key Prophetic Regions to Watch

  • Middle East: Center of end-times events
  • Israel: The prophetic clock - watch Jerusalem
  • Europe: Revived Roman Empire? (Daniel 2, 7)
  • Asia: Rising powers, kings of the east

REFLECT

How does understanding geography help us understand Bible prophecy better?

RECALL

Fill in the blanks:

  1. Israel became a nation again in (year).
  2. There are about recognized countries today.
  3. About languages are spoken in the world.
  4. Gog and Magog refers to a coalition that attacks Israel.

RECITE

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
— Matthew 28:19

Write this verse from memory:

REVIEW

Create a summary chart of what you've learned:

Continent One Key Geographic Feature Biblical Connection
Middle East
Africa
Europe
Asia
North America
South America
Australia/Oceania

RESPOND

How has this study of world geography deepened your understanding of Yahuah's plan for the nations?

Answer Key

Lesson 1: Biblical Foundation

  1. one
  2. Flood
  3. Babel
  4. Movement

Lesson 2: Middle East

  1. rivers
  2. Tigris, Euphrates
  3. Africa
  4. Jerusalem

Lesson 3: Africa

  1. 54
  2. Nile
  3. Sahara
  4. Cush

Lesson 4: Europe

  1. Roman
  2. Japheth
  3. 1517
  4. Printing

Lesson 5: Asia

  1. largest
  2. Himalayas
  3. Magi (or Wise Men)
  4. Cyrus

Lesson 6: North America

  1. Rocky
  2. Mississippi
  3. 1492
  4. Pilgrims

Great Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario

Lesson 7: South America

  1. Andes
  2. Amazon
  3. 12
  4. Atacama

Matching: Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru

Lesson 8: Australia & Oceania

  1. smallest
  2. Polynesia
  3. Great
  4. stars

Lesson 9: Poles & Climates

  1. Arctic, Antarctica
  2. Arctic, Antarctic
  3. polar
  4. seedtime

Lesson 10: Nations & Prophecy

  1. 1948
  2. 195
  3. 7,000
  4. northern