Topical Encyclopedia The Jordan River, a significant geographical and spiritual landmark in the biblical narrative, is often mentioned in the context of its seasonal swelling, particularly during the harvest time. This phenomenon is referenced in several biblical passages, highlighting both the natural characteristics of the river and its symbolic implications in the biblical narrative.Geographical and Seasonal Context The Jordan River flows from the slopes of Mount Hermon, through the Sea of Galilee, and down to the Dead Sea. It serves as a natural boundary and plays a crucial role in the history of Israel. The river's swelling during harvest time is primarily due to the melting snow from Mount Hermon and the increased rainfall during the spring season. This results in the river overflowing its banks, making it a formidable barrier. Biblical References One of the most notable references to the swelling of the Jordan is found in the book of Joshua. As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, they faced the challenge of crossing the Jordan at a time when it was overflowing. Joshua 3:15 states, "Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season." This detail underscores the miraculous nature of the Israelites' crossing, as God stopped the waters, allowing them to pass on dry ground. Similarly, in 1 Chronicles 12:15 , the valiant warriors of Gad are described as crossing the Jordan during the first month when it was overflowing its banks, demonstrating their bravery and determination. Symbolic Implications The swelling of the Jordan at harvest time carries significant symbolic weight in the biblical narrative. It represents obstacles and challenges that require divine intervention and faith to overcome. The crossing of the Jordan by the Israelites is often seen as a parallel to the crossing of the Red Sea, both events marking pivotal moments of deliverance and transition for God's people. Furthermore, the overflowing Jordan can symbolize the abundance and provision of God, as the harvest season is a time of gathering and reaping. The river's swelling, while a natural barrier, also signifies the fullness of God's promises and the necessity of relying on His power to achieve what seems impossible. Historical and Theological Insights From a historical perspective, the swelling of the Jordan during harvest time is a testament to the river's dynamic nature and its impact on the surrounding regions. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use natural events to fulfill His purposes. The narrative of the Jordan's swelling and the subsequent crossing by the Israelites is a powerful illustration of faith in action. It encourages believers to trust in God's timing and provision, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. The event is a call to remember that God's promises are sure, and His power is sufficient to lead His people into the inheritance He has prepared for them. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 3:15And as they that bore the ark were come to Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bore the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overflows all his banks all the time of harvest,) Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 12:5 Library The Swelling of Jordan The Murderous Rejection. Prosperity under Persecution Letter Lxxvi. To Abigaus. The Pharisee and the Publican. The Two Sabbath-Controversies - the Plucking of the Ears of Corn ... A Word for the Persecuted Satan's Banquet The Mystery The Prodigal and his Brother. 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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