Topical Encyclopedia The River Jordan holds a significant place in biblical history and theology, serving as a prominent geographical and spiritual landmark. It is the principal river of the Holy Land, flowing from the slopes of Mount Hermon in the north, through the Sea of Galilee, and down to the Dead Sea in the south. The Jordan River is approximately 156 miles long and has been a vital water source and boundary marker throughout biblical narratives.Biblical Significance The River Jordan is first mentioned in the context of the patriarchs. In Genesis 13:10, Lot chooses the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley, which were well-watered "like the garden of the LORD." This choice sets the stage for the subsequent events in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Jordan River's most notable role is as the eastern boundary of the Promised Land, Canaan. In Numbers 34:12, the LORD delineates the borders of the land given to the Israelites, stating, "And the border shall go down to the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, with its borders on every side." The river thus serves as a divinely appointed boundary, marking the edge of the land promised to Abraham's descendants. Crossing the Jordan The crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership is a pivotal event in the Old Testament. As recorded in Joshua 3:14-17, the Israelites miraculously crossed the river on dry ground during the flood season, as the waters were held back by the power of God. This event signified the beginning of the conquest of Canaan and the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Symbolism and Typology The River Jordan is rich in symbolism and typology within the biblical narrative. It represents a transition from the wilderness wanderings to the inheritance of the Promised Land, symbolizing spiritual renewal and the fulfillment of God's promises. The crossing of the Jordan is often seen as a type of baptism, prefiguring the New Testament sacrament of baptism, where believers pass from death to life, from the old self to the new creation in Christ. New Testament References In the New Testament, the Jordan River is the site of John the Baptist's ministry and the baptism of Jesus. In Matthew 3:13-17, Jesus comes to the Jordan to be baptized by John, marking the beginning of His public ministry. This event underscores the river's continued spiritual significance, as it becomes a place of repentance and divine revelation. Cultural and Historical Context Throughout history, the Jordan River has been a critical resource for the inhabitants of the region, providing water for agriculture and sustaining life in an otherwise arid landscape. Its strategic location has made it a site of numerous historical events and conflicts, further embedding it in the cultural and religious consciousness of the people of the region. In summary, the River Jordan is not only a geographical boundary but also a profound symbol of God's faithfulness, the transition from promise to fulfillment, and the transformative power of divine intervention in the lives of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 34:12And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Jesus at the Well of Sychar Jews and Gentiles in "The Land" The Land and the People. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Babylonia and Assyria The Reaction against Egypt Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... 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 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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