Shared by Daniel Taylor – Scribed by the HOPE Team
October 19, 2022

Manama: The Place of Rest

The name Manama, capital of Bahrain, means “the sleepy place” or “the place of rest.” In the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of the oldest writings known to humanity, Bahrain appears as the land of Dilmun, a place believed to be the Garden of Eden. Ancient people considered Dilmun the last place where God was seen, making it the closest location to Paradise. Because of this, they chose to bury their dead here, hoping the island would serve as a gateway back to Him.

Even today, thousands of burial mounds cover the land as you head south across the island. Bahrain, in many ways, is a nation built on a cemetery—a sacred place deeply rooted in the longing for eternal rest.

Bahrain: The Land of the Two Seas

In Arabic, the name “Bahrain” combines “bahr” (sea) and “ain” (two), literally translating to “the Land of the Two Seas.” These “two seas” historically refer to freshwater and saltwater. Remarkably, natural freshwater springs bubble up across the island, even beneath the sea. For this reason, sailors stopped here to refill their water supplies, and divers could access underwater springs for fresh drinking water while out at sea.

Prophetic Significance of the Waters

The blend of these two waters points to something deeper. Bahrain prophetically represents a place where “the second sea”—the living water—will flow abundantly. Therefore, the coexistence of sweet and salt water hints at spiritual life springing up in a desert land.

Bahrain’s Pearls: A Symbol of Value

Before oil reshaped Bahrain’s economy in the 20th century, pearling served as its primary industry. Ancient trade routes brought pearls from here to the known world—including Jerusalem. The unique mix of fresh and salt water created pearls of unmatched luster and value.

When Jesus told the parable of the pearl of great price, this image may well have evoked thoughts of Bahrain’s renowned pearls. People would sacrifice everything for something of such beauty and worth.

From Pearls to Oil

In 1932, Bahrain’s economy collapsed with the rise of cultured pearls from Japan. Soon afterward, oil was discovered on the island. If Eden once existed here, the abundance of oil—fossilized organic material—could reflect the richness of the original garden. Overall, this land holds a history of extravagant abundance, both physical and spiritual.

The Christian Heritage of Bahrain

A Mustard Seed in the Gulf

Often, we call Bahrain “the mustard seed of the Gulf.” Although small and easy to miss on a map, Bahrain remains firmly on God’s radar. Over recent years, God seems to have been highlighting Bahrain in a unique way.

A Nation Welcoming the Church

A landmark moment came when His Majesty King Hamad granted land to the Catholic Church for a new cathedral. Furthermore, the Pope was scheduled to visit and inaugurate the church—another sign of Bahrain’s openness to faith and legacy.

Ancient Trade Routes and Early Christianity

Bahrain’s position on ancient trade networks meant many major dynasties and global merchants left their footprints here. People in Jesus’ time likely knew about its pearls. After His resurrection, the early church spread across the Middle East, including this region.

Evidence from Acts and Archaeology

Acts 2:11 records that Arabs were among the first believers at Pentecost. For the first 600 years after Christ, a vibrant Arab church thrived throughout the region.

In 2019, a team from Exeter University, working with Bahrain’s Ministry of Culture, identified archaeological remains of a church in Samaheej, a village north of the airport. This area also includes Al Dair and Kalali—villages whose names point directly to Christian origins.

• Dair means “monastery.”

• Kalali refers to monk rooms within monasteries.

• Masjid Al Raheb translates to “Mosque of the Monk,” still bearing witness to the past.

Today, businesses like “Al Raheb Sandwich Shop” and “Raheb Contracting” carry on the legacy of Christian heritage. The continued use of the word “Raheb” (monk) signals that Christianity predates Islam in Bahrain—something rare and deeply significant in this region.

Churches and Cemeteries

In the UK and elsewhere, churches often stand in cemeteries—places of remembrance and hope. Here, too, in a land filled with burial mounds, the church once stood at the heart of the resting place.

A View from the Bridge

Crossing the King Fahd Causeway between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia brings us to the midpoint—the furthest point without crossing the border. Half of the island belongs to Saudi Arabia, and the other half to Bahrain. Nearby, partially built towers rise close to the border, where customs and immigration divide the land.

From this vantage point, we gaze over the Gulf—a land filled with mystery, history, and promise. Bahrain isn’t just a tiny island in the sea; it stands as a living testimony of God’s purposes: rest, renewal, and restoration.