Bashan (2 Nephi 12:13) was a region east of Jordan and lying to the north of Gilead. In the wide sense it was counted as extending north to Mt. Hermon. Its fertility was famous (see Psalms 22;12; Ezekiel 39:18; Isaiah 2:13; Jeremiah 50:19). It formed part of the dominions of David and Solomon, was lost during the Syrian wars, was regained by Jeroboam II (2 Kings 14:25), only to be taken by Tiglath-pileser III (2 Kings 15:29), after which it formed part of the successive Assyrian, Babylonian and Persian Empires. [Tyndale House, The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Vol. 1, p. 177]
2 Nephi 12:13 Bashan ([Illustration]): The Location of Bashan. [Tyndale House, The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Vol. 1, p. 177]
2 Nephi 12:13 The oaks of Bashan ([Illustration]): An oak of Bashan, near Qatzrin, an ancient village from the talmudic period (ca. A.D. 200-500). Bashan was a region north of Gilead and east of the Jordan River. The region was known to be fertile and was celebrated for its oak trees. Photograph by Arnold H. Green. [Donald W. Parry, Visualizing Isaiah, p. 121]
2 Nephi 12:15 Upon every high tower ([Illustration]): Northwest tower of the Ajiloun Castle, Jordan, built by Azz Al Din Ausama in A.D. 1184-85. Large complex towers made of stone were built into the walls of fortified cities. Watchmen and guards stood on these towers ready to warn the city's inhabitants of danger. Photograph by Carrilyn Clarkson. [Donald W. Parry, Visualizing Isaiah, p. 122]
2 Nephi 12:15 Upon every fenced wall ([Illustration]): Throughout the ages, the walls and fortresses of Jerusalem have been built, destroyed, and sometimes rebuilt. The stones reflect the culture and time of those who placed them. The remains of this wall date back to Isaiah's time. Photograph by John W. Welch. [Donald W. Parry, Visualizing Isaiah, p. 122]