Topical Encyclopedia The River Jordan holds a significant place in biblical history and theology, serving as a geographical and spiritual landmark for the people of Israel. Despite its importance to the Israelites, the river was often viewed with disdain by foreigners, particularly those from more affluent and powerful nations.Geographical and Historical Context The River Jordan flows from the slopes of Mount Hermon, through the Sea of Galilee, and down to the Dead Sea. It forms a natural boundary on the eastern side of the land of Canaan. The river is approximately 156 miles long and is characterized by its winding course and varying width. In biblical times, the Jordan was not a mighty river by the standards of the great rivers of Egypt or Mesopotamia, such as the Nile or the Euphrates, which may have contributed to its perception by foreigners. Biblical Significance The Jordan River is central to several key events in the Bible. It was the final barrier the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land, as described in Joshua 3:14-17. The miraculous parting of the Jordan's waters echoed the earlier crossing of the Red Sea, underscoring God's continued provision and faithfulness to His people. The river is also the site of the prophetic ministry of Elijah and Elisha. Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind after he and Elisha crossed the Jordan on dry ground (2 Kings 2:8-11). Elisha later performed miracles at the river, including the healing of Naaman the Syrian, which highlights the river's role in God's redemptive acts. Despised by Foreigners The disdain for the River Jordan by foreigners is most notably illustrated in the account of Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram. Naaman, afflicted with leprosy, sought healing from the prophet Elisha. Elisha instructed him to wash seven times in the Jordan River to be cleansed. Naaman's initial reaction was one of anger and contempt: "Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be cleansed?" (2 Kings 5:12). Naaman's words reflect a common perception among foreigners that the Jordan was inferior to the grander rivers of their homelands. This disdain can be understood in the context of the cultural and political dynamics of the time. The Israelites were often seen as a smaller, less sophisticated nation compared to the empires surrounding them. The Jordan, as a symbol of Israel, was thus subject to the same scorn. However, Naaman's eventual obedience and subsequent healing underscore a recurring biblical theme: God's power and grace often manifest in humble and unexpected ways. Spiritual Symbolism Despite its modest size and the contempt it faced from outsiders, the Jordan River is imbued with profound spiritual symbolism. It represents a place of transition, purification, and divine encounter. The river's role in the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17) further elevates its spiritual significance, marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and symbolizing the new covenant between God and humanity. In summary, while the River Jordan may have been despised by foreigners for its lack of grandeur, its biblical and spiritual significance far surpasses its physical attributes. It stands as a testament to God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His divine plan through the history of Israel and the life of Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 5:12Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord Go Back? Never! The Pilgrim's Longings The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Fellowship with God The Reaction against Egypt The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal 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 The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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