Topical Bible: Month: Abib (April): The Israelites Cross the Jordan River In

◄ Month: Abib (April): The Israelites Cross the Jordan River In ►

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Introduction:
Abib, also known as Nisan in later texts, is the first month of the Hebrew calendar, marking the beginning of the religious year. It corresponds to March-April in the Gregorian calendar. This month holds significant historical and spiritual importance for the Israelites, particularly as the time when they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land, an event that marked the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants.

Biblical Context:
The crossing of the Jordan River is a pivotal event recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapters 3 and 4. After the death of Moses, Joshua was appointed as the leader of the Israelites. Under his leadership, the Israelites prepared to enter Canaan, the land promised to them by God. The crossing of the Jordan River symbolized a new beginning and the realization of God's covenant with His people.

The Crossing of the Jordan:
As the Israelites approached the Jordan River, it was at flood stage, making the crossing seemingly impossible. However, God instructed Joshua to have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant into the river. As soon as the priests' feet touched the water, the river stopped flowing, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This miraculous event is described in Joshua 3:15-17 :

"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 downstream into the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until the entire nation had completed the crossing."

Significance:
The crossing of the Jordan River during the month of Abib is rich in theological and symbolic meaning. It represents God's faithfulness and power, as He intervened in nature to fulfill His promises. The event also signifies a transition from the wilderness wanderings to the establishment of Israel in the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Moreover, the crossing prefigures Christian baptism, symbolizing the believer's passage from the old life of sin into the new life in Christ. Just as the Israelites left behind the wilderness and entered a new land, Christians leave behind their old selves and enter into a new covenant relationship with God.

Memorial Stones:
To commemorate this miraculous event, God commanded Joshua to have twelve stones taken from the middle of the Jordan River, where the priests stood with the Ark. These stones were set up at Gilgal as a memorial for future generations. Joshua 4:6-7 states:

"In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever."

Conclusion:
The crossing of the Jordan River in the month of Abib is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises. It serves as a powerful reminder of His ability to make a way where there seems to be none and His unwavering commitment to His people. This event continues to inspire faith and trust in God's promises for believers today.

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Joshua 4:19
And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.
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