Topical Encyclopedia
The journey of the Israelites from Shittim to the Jordan River marks a significant transition in the biblical narrative, as it represents the final stage of their wilderness wanderings before entering the Promised Land. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua and is pivotal in the history of Israel.
Shittim: The Last EncampmentShittim, also known as Abel-Shittim, was the last encampment of the Israelites east of the Jordan River. Located in the plains of Moab, Shittim served as a staging ground for the Israelites as they prepared to cross into Canaan. It was here that Moses delivered his final instructions and blessings to the people, as recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy.
During their stay at Shittim, the Israelites faced challenges, including the incident of idolatry and immorality involving the Moabite women, which led to a plague among the people (
Numbers 25:1-9). Despite these setbacks, Shittim was also a place of divine instruction and preparation for the conquest of Canaan.
Crossing the Jordan RiverThe crossing of the Jordan River is a miraculous event that signifies God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs. Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites were instructed to follow the Ark of the Covenant, which was carried by the Levitical priests. The Ark symbolized God's presence and guidance.
As the priests stepped into the Jordan, the waters were miraculously halted, allowing the entire nation to cross on dry ground. This event is detailed in
Joshua 3:14-17 : "So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water flowing downstream stood still, rising up in a mass that extended as far as Adam, a city near Zarethan. The water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off, and the people crossed over opposite Jericho."
Significance of the CrossingThe crossing of the Jordan River is rich in theological and symbolic meaning. It represents a transition from the old to the new, from the wilderness wanderings to the inheritance of the Promised Land. It is a testament to God's power and faithfulness, as He fulfills His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The event also serves as a typological foreshadowing of Christian baptism, symbolizing the believer's passage from death to life, from the old self to the new creation in Christ. The crossing is commemorated by the erection of twelve stones taken from the riverbed, serving as a memorial for future generations to remember God's mighty acts (
Joshua 4:1-9).
ConclusionThe removal from Shittim to the Jordan River is a defining moment in Israel's history, marking the end of their wilderness journey and the beginning of their conquest of Canaan. It underscores the themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention that are central to the biblical narrative.
Nave's Topical Index
Joshua 3:1And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Water of Life;
... Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim' (Joel 3 ... lusts for pleasure, and of grace
to remove their guilt ... When Israel went out of Egypt, and thirsted by the way ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm
Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... God, shall be its light and glory and temple; within its walls the Israel of God ...
Their land was a type of heaven, their passage over Jordan into it a similitude ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm
Resources
Are Israel and the church the same thing? Does God still have a plan for Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is spiritual Israel? | GotQuestions.orgDid God divorce Israel? | GotQuestions.orgIsrael: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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