David, the second king of Israel, is a central figure in the biblical narrative, known for his leadership, psalms, and deep relationship with God. One significant event in David's life is his crossing of the Jordan River, which marks a pivotal moment in his reign and the restoration of his kingship after the rebellion of his son Absalom.

Context and Background

The crossing of the Jordan River by David occurs during a tumultuous period in his reign. Absalom, David's son, had conspired to overthrow his father and declared himself king in Hebron (2 Samuel 15:10). This rebellion forced David to flee Jerusalem to avoid confrontation and potential bloodshed in the city. David's departure from Jerusalem was marked by sorrow and humility, as he and his loyal followers crossed the Kidron Valley and ascended the Mount of Olives, eventually making their way to the wilderness (2 Samuel 15:23, 30).

The Rebellion and Its Aftermath

Absalom's rebellion was short-lived, as the forces loyal to David, led by Joab, defeated Absalom's army in the forest of Ephraim. Absalom himself was killed during the battle, despite David's explicit instructions to deal gently with him (2 Samuel 18:5, 14-15). With Absalom's death, the immediate threat to David's reign was neutralized, but the kingdom was left in a state of division and uncertainty.

David's Return and Crossing the Jordan

Following the defeat of Absalom, David began the process of returning to Jerusalem and reestablishing his rule. The tribes of Israel were divided in their support, with some expressing loyalty to David and others hesitant to welcome him back. In this context, David sent word to the elders of Judah, urging them to bring him back as king (2 Samuel 19:11-12).

The crossing of the Jordan River symbolizes David's restoration and the reunification of the kingdom. The men of Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and escort him across the Jordan (2 Samuel 19:15). This act of crossing was not merely a physical transition but also a significant political and spiritual event, marking the end of the rebellion and the reaffirmation of David's God-ordained kingship.

Key Figures and Events

Several key figures played roles in the events surrounding David's crossing of the Jordan. Shimei, who had previously cursed David during his flight from Jerusalem, met the king at the Jordan to seek forgiveness, which David granted (2 Samuel 19:18-23). Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, also came to meet David, explaining his absence during the rebellion and reaffirming his loyalty (2 Samuel 19:24-30). Barzillai the Gileadite, who had provided for David during his time in Mahanaim, accompanied the king to the Jordan, where David offered to care for him in Jerusalem, an offer Barzillai graciously declined (2 Samuel 19:31-39).

Spiritual Significance

David's crossing of the Jordan River holds deep spiritual significance. It represents God's faithfulness in restoring His chosen king and the fulfillment of His promises to David. The event underscores themes of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation, as seen in David's interactions with Shimei and Mephibosheth. Moreover, it highlights the importance of unity among God's people, as the tribes of Israel and Judah come together to support David's return.

The crossing of the Jordan also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the divine right of kingship bestowed upon David. Despite the challenges and betrayals he faced, David's reliance on God and his commitment to justice and mercy are evident throughout the narrative. This event, therefore, stands as a testament to the enduring covenant between God and David, a covenant that ultimately points to the coming of the Messiah, the Son of David, who would establish an eternal kingdom.2 Samuel 17:21-29
And it came to pass, after they were departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told king David, and said to David, Arise, and pass quickly over the water: for thus has Ahithophel counceled against you.
Nave's Topical Index

Canaan
... end to all this. David threw off his allegiance to the Philistines,
and was crowned King of Israel. This act of open ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Egypt
... returned to his native country, and the kingdom of David was sundered in ... it was that
intercourse with Egypt was forbidden, and the King of Israel who began ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter v egypt.htm

The Feeding of the Four Thousand - to Dalmanutha - the Sign from ...
... there would not be time to restore it, ere the Son of David came ... God's answer to
the Jews' cry, Away with Him - we have no king but C??sar ... Israel asked for a sign ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvi the feeding of.htm

The Story of the Stranger at the Well
... you, I have not found such faith as this in all Israel!". ... Blessed be the kingdom
of our father David, that cometh in ... of the Jews" to "He said, I am King of the ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the stranger.htm

Jesus at the Well of Sychar
... had been with the learned Master in Israel.' As Nicodemus ... was to be of the seed of
David' [1997] - for ... We refer here especially to Mr. King's Report (Quarterly ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii jesus at the.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... in the neighbourhood of Sulei-manabad, crosses Mount Lara ... of Hamath and masters of
half Israel, were powerful ... presents of the Phoenicians, the king again took ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... captain that shall rule my people Israel."' Then I ... inquired so particularly about
the newborn King, he feigned ... was the former ancestral house of David of which ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
... Israel because he had given them such a king as Solomon ... the Son, "Thou art my servant,
O Israel, in whom ... 6. Ziba, in appearance, came to David much faster than ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Who was David in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Did David rape Bathsheba? | GotQuestions.org

Why was God so angry at David for taking the census? | GotQuestions.org

David: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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