Topical Encyclopedia The Jordan River and its surrounding plains hold significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative, particularly as the final encampment site of the Israelites before their entrance into the Promised Land. This region, often referred to as the Plains of Moab, is a key geographical and spiritual setting in the Old Testament.Geographical Context The Jordan River serves as a natural boundary between the land of Canaan and the territories east of the river. The plains adjacent to the Jordan, especially those in the region of Moab, are described as fertile and expansive, providing an ideal location for the encampment of the Israelites. This area is situated to the east of Jericho, a city that would later become the first major conquest for the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. Biblical Significance The Plains of Moab are prominently mentioned in the Book of Numbers and Deuteronomy. It is here that the Israelites, after their long journey through the wilderness, camped before crossing the Jordan River into the land promised to them by God. Numbers 22:1 states, "Then the Israelites traveled on and camped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho." This location is not only a physical resting place but also a spiritual and administrative center where significant events occurred. It is in these plains that Moses delivered his final speeches, reiterating the Law and covenant to the people. The Book of Deuteronomy largely consists of these discourses, emphasizing obedience to God's commandments as the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan. Key Events 1. The Balaam Oracles: While the Israelites were encamped in the plains, Balak, the king of Moab, sought to curse them through the prophet Balaam. However, God intervened, and Balaam ended up blessing Israel instead (Numbers 22-24). 2. The Sin of Peor: During their stay, some Israelites were led into idolatry and immorality with Moabite women, resulting in a severe plague. This incident is recorded in Numbers 25 and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God. 3. Moses' Final Acts: In the plains, Moses appointed Joshua as his successor and delivered his farewell address. He also viewed the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, as recorded in Deuteronomy 34:1-4 : "Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land..." 4. Preparation for Crossing the Jordan: The encampment in the plains was the staging ground for the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River. Joshua 3:1 notes, "Early the next morning, Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over." Theological Implications The encampment in the Plains of Moab represents a transitional phase for the Israelites, marking the end of their wilderness wanderings and the beginning of their conquest of Canaan. It underscores themes of faithfulness, obedience, and the fulfillment of God's promises. The events that transpired in this region highlight the importance of covenant fidelity and the consequences of disobedience. The Jordan River itself symbolizes a boundary between the old life of wandering and the new life in the Promised Land, a motif that resonates throughout Scripture as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and divine promise. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 22:1And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 26:3,63 Resources What is the significance of the Jordan River in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh want to live on the east of the Jordan? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the Jordan crossing? | 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) |
    |