Topical Bible: Adam: A City Near the Jordan

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Topical Encyclopedia

Adam is a city mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. The city is referenced in Joshua 3:16, which states, "The waters flowing downstream stood still, rising up in a heap very far away at Adam, the city beside Zarethan." This event is a significant moment in Israelite history, marking their entry into the Promised Land.

Geographical Context

Adam is described as being located near the Jordan River, close to the city of Zarethan. The exact location of Adam is not definitively known today, but it is generally believed to have been situated on the eastern side of the Jordan River, in the region that is now part of modern-day Jordan. The mention of Zarethan provides a geographical marker, as Zarethan is thought to have been located in the Jordan Valley, north of the Dead Sea.

Historical and Theological Significance

The city of Adam holds historical and theological significance due to its association with the miraculous event of the Jordan River stopping its flow. This miracle allowed the Israelites to cross on dry ground, reminiscent of the earlier crossing of the Red Sea during the Exodus from Egypt. The event at Adam is seen as a divine intervention, affirming God's presence and support for the Israelites as they embarked on the conquest of Canaan.

From a theological perspective, the stopping of the Jordan River at Adam symbolizes God's power over nature and His ability to fulfill His promises to His people. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the continuation of His covenant with the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Cultural and Archaeological Considerations

While there is limited archaeological evidence directly identifying the city of Adam, the broader region of the Jordan Valley has been the subject of numerous archaeological studies. These studies aim to uncover the historical context of the biblical narrative and provide insights into the ancient cultures that inhabited the area.

The city of Adam, like many other locations mentioned in the Bible, serves as a reminder of the rich historical and spiritual heritage of the biblical lands. It underscores the interconnectedness of geography, history, and theology in the biblical narrative, offering a glimpse into the world in which the events of the Bible unfolded.

Conclusion

The city of Adam, though briefly mentioned in the biblical text, plays a crucial role in the narrative of Israel's journey into the Promised Land. Its association with the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River highlights the themes of divine intervention and covenant faithfulness that are central to the biblical account.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 3:16
That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up on an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3
... Adam is a city, and Zaretan is a city, and they ... Adam was in Perea, over-against Jericho;
Zaretan was in the ... 1 Kings 4:12, and is defined to be near Beth-shean ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 92 adam and zaretan.htm

Crossing the River Jordan
... the waters that came down from above stood still and its waters rose in a heap a
long distance up the river at Adam, the city that is near Zarethan. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/crossing the river jordan.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... references in the Old Testament it would appear that the city of Adam, which means ...
day represented by the ruins of Ed-Damieh, which stands near the famous ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

From the Talmud and Hebraica
... Chapter 46 The country of Jericho, and the situation of the City. ... Susitha. Chapter
78 Some other towns near Tiberias. ... Chapter 92 Adam and Zaretan, Joshua 3. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/

'The Waters Saw Thee; they were Afraid'
... rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is ... it; but nothing had been
said as to how Jordan was to ... will part before us as we come near what looked ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the waters saw thee they.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... Enoch, the seventh from Adam, the significance of the translation ... of, who belonged
to the heavenly city, [934]389 ... its course by, [941]459; the Jordan divided by ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

Herod and John the Baptist
... the time God had made the promise to Adam, away back ... Judas must many times have come
near the kingdom, but he ... of the tenement houses in New York city, a doctor ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/v herod and john the.htm

Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee.
... So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the ... Genesis 37:12, 13);
4, here was a city of refuge ... was on the summit of Gerizim; 2, Adam was formed ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxvi jesus sets out from 2.htm

Letter Xlvi. Paula and Eustochium to Marcella.
... us fly about at random with no mother near us ... sins of the buried protoplast, [958]
the first Adam, and thus ... the display, power, and size of the city, the seeing ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xlvi paula and eustochium.htm

The Gospel.
... a Greek named Lysanias, Abilene, in the north, near Mount Hermon ... that He foresaw
for the favoured city where He ... Sacrifice had died; the price of Adam's sin was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xx the gospel.htm