Topical Bible: Israel: Cross the Jordan River

◄ Israel: Cross the Jordan River ►

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The crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites marks a pivotal moment in biblical history, signifying the transition from the wilderness wanderings to the conquest of the Promised Land. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapters 3 and 4, and holds deep theological and symbolic significance within the narrative of Israel's journey.

Context and Background

After the death of Moses, leadership of the Israelites passed to Joshua, the son of Nun. God commissioned Joshua to lead the people into Canaan, the land promised to their forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The crossing of the Jordan River was the first major challenge Joshua faced as the new leader. The river, at this time, was at flood stage, making the crossing seemingly impossible by natural means.

Divine Instructions and Preparation

God provided specific instructions to Joshua regarding the crossing. The Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people, was to lead the way. The priests carrying the Ark were to step into the Jordan first. Joshua conveyed God's command to the people, emphasizing the need for sanctification and faith in God's power. Joshua 3:5 states, "Then Joshua told the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.'"

Miraculous Crossing

As the priests carrying the Ark stepped into the river, the waters upstream stopped flowing and piled up in a heap, while the waters downstream flowed away, leaving a dry riverbed. This miraculous event allowed the entire nation of Israel to cross over on dry ground. Joshua 3:17 records, "The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until the entire nation had completed the crossing."

Memorial Stones

Following the crossing, God instructed Joshua to have twelve men, one from each tribe, take stones from the middle of the Jordan and set them up as a memorial at their camp in Gilgal. These stones served as a lasting reminder of God's faithfulness and power. Joshua 4:6-7 explains, "In the future, when your children ask, 'What do these stones mean to you?' you are to tell them, 'The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.' Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever."

Theological Significance

The crossing of the Jordan River is rich in theological meaning. It represents God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His power to overcome natural obstacles. The event also prefigures the Christian concept of baptism, symbolizing a passage from the old life of bondage to sin into the new life of freedom and promise in Christ. The Ark's leading role underscores the necessity of God's presence and guidance in the life of His people.

Legacy and Impact

The successful crossing of the Jordan River bolstered the Israelites' faith and prepared them for the subsequent conquest of Jericho and the land of Canaan. It demonstrated to the surrounding nations that the God of Israel was mighty and actively involved in the affairs of His people. Joshua 4:24 concludes, "He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, and so that you might always fear the LORD your God."

The crossing of the Jordan River remains a powerful testament to God's providence and a foundational event in the history of Israel, marking the beginning of their life in the Promised Land.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 4:1
And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan, that the LORD spoke to Joshua, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Passage of the Jordan.
... God told him that the time had come when the people of Israel were to enter Canaan;
to which land ... But the people were now to cross the Jordan and enter ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the old testament/the passage of the jordan.htm

A Nation that was Born in a Day.
... The time had come for the people to cross the river ... was not one of all the thousands
of Israel left behind ... As they filled the valley of the Jordan before Jericho ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xiv a nation that.htm

The Jordan Memorial Stone
... memorial: "And these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel
forever" (Joshua ... Now, dear, seeking soul, as you cross the Jordan of entire ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter three the jordan memorial.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... That the leaders took the lead in Israel, That the ... the motives that led the Hebrews
to cross the Jordan ... connecting the east and the west-Jordan country crosses ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

The Crossing of the Jordan
... When Israel under Joshua arrived at the Jordan River, they were commanded by
the Lord to "sanctify" themselves and prepare to cross over. ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter two the crossing of.htm

The New Leaders Commission
... Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all ... a Samson into a weakling,
and make Israel flee before ... us, we shall be ready to cross Jordan in flood ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new leaders commission.htm

Israel at the Red Sea
... by thee, even as Moses did for the children of Israel. ... that black sea of death, which
thou art compelled to cross. ... Thou art just in the midst of the Jordan. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/israel at the red sea.htm

Psalm LXXX.
... I say, before the nation of the Jews, before the people of Israel. ... of God He is,
let Him come down from the Cross." [3749] Thou ... And as far as the river Jordan. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxx.htm

St. Ambrose Points Out that we must Consider the Divine Presence ...
... this font the proclamation of the Lord's cross, and the ... that he might know there
was a God in Israel. ... he bade him dip himself seven times in the river Jordan. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iii st ambrose points.htm

Preparing to Depart
... addressed the students, the next thing was to cross the Jordan ... may say of them,
"The chariot of Israel, and the ... Well, go to the Jordan as the prophet Elisha did ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/preparing to depart.htm