Topical Encyclopedia The "Plain of Jordan" is a significant geographical and historical region mentioned in the Bible, primarily located in the area surrounding the Jordan River. This fertile plain has been the backdrop for numerous biblical events and narratives, serving as a critical setting for the unfolding of God's plan for His people.Geographical Context The Plain of Jordan is situated in the Jordan Valley, which extends from the Sea of Galilee in the north to the Dead Sea in the south. This region is characterized by its rich alluvial soil, making it one of the most fertile areas in the ancient Near East. The Jordan River, which flows through this plain, is a vital water source that has sustained agriculture and supported human settlement for millennia. Biblical Significance 1. Abraham and Lot: The Plain of Jordan is first mentioned in the context of Abraham and Lot. In Genesis 13:10-11 , Lot chooses the Plain of Jordan for its lushness, reminiscent of "the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt." This decision leads to Lot's settlement near Sodom, setting the stage for the subsequent narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah. 2. Conquest and Settlement: The Plain of Jordan was a strategic location during the Israelite conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 3, the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan River on dry ground, entering the Promised Land. This event marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, symbolizing God's faithfulness and power. 3. Cities of the Plain: The region is also associated with the infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19 recounts the destruction of these cities due to their wickedness, highlighting the moral and spiritual lessons drawn from their fate. 4. John the Baptist and Jesus: In the New Testament, the Plain of Jordan is significant as the location where John the Baptist conducted his ministry of baptism. Matthew 3:5-6 describes how people from Jerusalem, Judea, and the region around the Jordan came to John to be baptized. It is also here that Jesus was baptized, marking the beginning of His public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17). Cultural and Theological Themes The Plain of Jordan serves as a symbol of choice and consequence, as seen in the narrative of Lot. It represents both the physical and spiritual crossroads where decisions lead to either blessing or judgment. The region's fertility and beauty contrast with the moral decay of the cities within it, underscoring the biblical theme of God's justice and mercy. Moreover, the crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites is emblematic of transition and new beginnings, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. It signifies the movement from wilderness wandering to the inheritance of God's promises, a motif that is echoed in the believer's journey of faith. In summary, the Plain of Jordan is a multifaceted region that plays a crucial role in biblical history. Its geographical features and the events that transpired there offer rich insights into God's dealings with humanity, illustrating themes of choice, judgment, redemption, and new beginnings. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 13:10-12And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as you come to Zoar. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 7741. Shaveh Qiryathayim -- a plain East of the Jordan... a plain East of the Jordan. Transliteration: Shaveh Qiryathayim Phonetic Spelling: (shaw-vay' kir-yaw-thah'-yim) Short Definition: Shaveh-kiriathaim. ... /hebrew/7741.htm - 6k 8289. Sharon -- a plain on the Mediterranean Sea, perhaps also a ... 6160. arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley ... 3603. kikkar -- a round, a round district, a round loaf, a round ... Library Perea. Beyond Jordan. The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City. How Vespasian Upon Hearing of Some Commotions in Gall, Made Haste ... Of the Words of St. Matthew's Gospel, Chap. Iii. 13, "Then Jesus ... Pamias. Paneas, the Spring of Jordan. A Sight of Judea How Taricheae was Taken. A Description of the River Jordan, and of ... Naaman the Syrian and the Jordan. No Other Stream Has the Same ... Jesus Baptized by John in the Jordan. The Story of Israel Crossing Jordan under Joshua is Typical of ... 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) |