Topical Encyclopedia The Jordan River holds significant historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative. It serves as a geographical and spiritual boundary in the Scriptures, marking pivotal moments in the history of Israel. One lesser-known aspect of the Jordan River is its crossing by ferry boats, a practical means of transportation that facilitated movement across this vital waterway.Geographical Context The Jordan River flows from the slopes of Mount Hermon, through the Sea of Galilee, and down to the Dead Sea. It forms a natural boundary between the land of Israel to the west and the territories of Ammon, Moab, and Edom to the east. The river's significance is underscored by its frequent mention in biblical events, serving as a backdrop for divine interventions and covenantal milestones. Historical Significance In the biblical narrative, the Jordan River is most famously associated with the miraculous crossing by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. As recorded in Joshua 3:14-17 , the waters of the Jordan were miraculously halted, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground as they entered the Promised Land. This event marked the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. While the miraculous crossing is well-documented, the use of ferry boats for crossing the Jordan is a more practical aspect of daily life in ancient times. The river, with its varying depths and strong currents, would have necessitated the use of ferries at certain points, especially during the flood season when the river was impassable by foot. Biblical References The use of ferry boats is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, but the need for such transportation can be inferred from the geographical and historical context. In 2 Samuel 19:18 , we read about the crossing of the Jordan by David and his men: "They crossed the ford to bring over the king’s household and to do what was good in his sight." While the term "ford" is used, it implies a shallow part of the river where crossing was possible, potentially with the aid of boats or rafts. Cultural and Theological Implications The crossing of the Jordan River, whether by miraculous intervention or by practical means such as ferry boats, symbolizes transition and transformation. It represents the movement from one stage of life to another, from wilderness wandering to the inheritance of God's promises. Theologically, the Jordan River is often seen as a symbol of baptism and spiritual renewal, as exemplified by John the Baptist's ministry and the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17). Conclusion The Jordan River, with its historical crossings and theological symbolism, remains a powerful image in the biblical narrative. Whether crossed by divine intervention or by the practical means of a ferry boat, it stands as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan for His people. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 19:18And there went over a ferry boat to carry over the king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king, as he was come over Jordan; Nave's Topical Index Library Barzillai Drunkenness. The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem The Iranian Conquest Resources What is the importance of the Dead Sea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was the altar in Joshua 22:10 34 such a big deal? | GotQuestions.org Who was Rahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Jordan: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jordan: Crossed by a Ferry Boat Jordan: Empties Into the Dead Sea Jordan: John the Baptist Immerses In Jordan: John the Baptist Immerses Jesus In Jordan: Naaman Washes In, for the Healing of his Leprosy Jordan: Plain of Israelites Camped In Jordan: Plain of Solomon's Foundry In Jordan: Swelling of, at Harvest Time Jordan: Swelling of, in the Early Spring Jordan: The Waters of, Miraculously Separated for the Passage of Elijah Jordan: The Waters of, Miraculously Separated for the Passage of Elisha Jordan: The Waters of, Miraculously Separated for the Passage of the Israelites the River Jordan: Despised by Foreigners the River Jordan: Eastern Boundary of Canaan the River Jordan: Empties Itself Into the Dead Sea the River Jordan: Ferry Boats often Used On the River Jordan: Fordable in some Places the River Jordan: Moses not Allowed to Cross the River Jordan: Often Overflowed the River Jordan: Overflowing of, Called the Swelling of Jordan the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over in an Appointed Order the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: A Pledge That God Would Drive the Canaanites out of the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Alluded To the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Commemorated by a Pillar of Stones in Gilgal the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Commemorated by a Pillar of Stones Raised in It the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Preceded by Priests With the Ark the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Promised the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Successfully Effected the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Baptism of Multitudes by John the Baptist the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Baptism of Our Lord the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Division of Its Waters to Let Israel Pass Over the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Healing of Naaman the Leper the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Its Division by Elijah the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Its Division by Elisha the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Return of Its Waters to Their Place the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Slaughter of Moabites the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Slaughter of the Ephraimites the River Jordan: The Jews had Great Pride In the River Jordan: The Plains of Afforded Clay for Moulding Brass the River Jordan: The Plains of Chosen by Lot for a Residence the River Jordan: The Plains of Exceeding Fertile the River Jordan: The Plains of Infested With Lions the River Jordan: The Plains of Thickly Wooded Related Terms Beth-jeshimoth (4 Occurrences) |
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