Topical Encyclopedia The "Fords of the Jordan" refer to the shallow crossing points along the Jordan River, which served as significant locations in biblical narratives. These fords were crucial for travel and communication in ancient Israel, providing access across the river that otherwise acted as a natural barrier between the eastern and western territories.Geographical and Historical Context The Jordan River, flowing from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, is a central geographical feature in the biblical landscape. The river's fords were strategically important, often serving as military and trade routes. The most notable fords were located near Jericho, a city of great historical and biblical significance. Biblical References 1. Joshua's Crossing: One of the most famous events involving the fords of the Jordan is the crossing by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. As they entered the Promised Land, the waters of the Jordan were miraculously parted, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This event is recorded 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 heap a great distance away at a town called Adam, in the vicinity of Zarethan. The water flowing toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho." 2. Gideon's Pursuit: The fords of the Jordan also played a role in the account of Gideon. After defeating the Midianites, Gideon and his men pursued the fleeing enemy across the Jordan. Judges 7:24-25 states: "Gideon sent messengers throughout the hill country of Ephraim, saying, 'Come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth-barah.' So all the men of Ephraim were called out, and they seized the waters of the Jordan as far as Beth-barah. They also captured Oreb and Zeeb, the two princes of Midian. They killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb and Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb. They pursued the Midianites and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon, who was by the Jordan." 3. David's Flight: During Absalom's rebellion, King David used the fords of the Jordan to escape from Jerusalem. In 2 Samuel 17:22 , it is recorded: "So David and all the people with him set out and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, there was no one left who had not crossed the Jordan." Significance in Biblical Narrative The fords of the Jordan symbolize moments of transition and divine intervention. They are sites where God's power and faithfulness are demonstrated, as seen in the miraculous crossing by the Israelites and the strategic victories of Gideon. These crossings often marked significant turning points in Israel's history, underscoring themes of deliverance, conquest, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Cultural and Theological Implications In the biblical narrative, crossing the Jordan often represents a passage from one stage of life or mission to another, symbolizing spiritual renewal and the fulfillment of divine promises. The fords, therefore, are not just physical locations but also carry deep theological significance, representing moments of faith, obedience, and divine intervention in the lives of God's people. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 32:10I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which you have showed to your servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 2:7 Judges 3:28 Judges 7:24 Judges 8:4 Judges 10:9 Judges 12:5,6 2 Samuel 2:29 2 Samuel 17:22,24 2 Samuel 19:15,31 1 Chronicles 19:17 Strong's Hebrew 6160. arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley ...... desert (7), desert plain (2), desert plains (2), deserts (3), fords (1), plain (1 ... with the article prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the Jordan and its ... /hebrew/6160.htm - 6k Library Crossing the River Jordan The Baptism of Jesus: Its Higher Meaning. The Voice in the Wilderness. In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ... A Battle Without a Sword The Last Journey to Jerusalem. Jesus Christ an Example of Prayer John the Preacher of Repentance The New Leaders Commission The Nativity of Jesus the Messiah. Resources Where was Jesus baptized? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Perea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Shittim 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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