Topical Encyclopedia The River Jordan holds significant historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative, serving as a geographical and symbolic boundary for the Israelites. It is notably the river that the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey, as promised by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, one of the most poignant episodes associated with the River Jordan is the account of Moses being denied entry into the Promised Land, a narrative that underscores themes of obedience, leadership, and divine justice.Biblical Context Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites, had led the people out of Egyptian bondage and through the wilderness for forty years. Despite his pivotal role in the Exodus and his intimate relationship with God, Moses was not permitted to cross the River Jordan into Canaan. This decision by God is recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy, where Moses recounts the events leading to this divine decree. Reason for Denial The primary reason for Moses being barred from entering the Promised Land is found in the incident at Meribah. In Numbers 20:7-12, the Israelites were in the Desert of Zin, and the community was without water. God instructed Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water. However, in a moment of frustration and anger, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff. This act of disobedience and lack of trust in God's word was met with a stern response. The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust Me enough to honor Me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them" (Numbers 20:12). Moses' Plea and God's Response In Deuteronomy 3:23-27, Moses recounts his plea to God to allow him to cross the Jordan and see the good land beyond. Moses says, "At that time I also pleaded with the LORD: 'O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your greatness and Your strong hand to Your servant. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can perform deeds and mighty acts like Yours? Please let me cross over and see the beautiful land beyond the Jordan—that wonderful hill country and Lebanon.' But the LORD was angry with me on account of you and would not listen to me. 'That is enough,' the LORD said to me. 'Do not speak to Me again about this matter. Go to the top of Pisgah and look to the west and north and south and east. See it with your own eyes, for you will not cross this Jordan'" . Significance The denial of Moses' entry into the Promised Land serves as a profound lesson on the holiness of God and the seriousness of obedience to His commands. Despite Moses' faithful service and leadership, his moment of disobedience at Meribah had lasting consequences. This narrative highlights the principle that leaders are held to a high standard and that God's justice is impartial. Moses' Legacy Although Moses was not allowed to cross the Jordan, his legacy as a servant of God remained intact. He is honored as a prophet who spoke with God face to face and as a leader who delivered God's law to His people. Before his death, Moses was granted the opportunity to view the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, a testament to God's grace even in judgment. The River Jordan thus stands as a symbol of transition and fulfillment of God's promises, while the account of Moses serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and the consequences of disobedience. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 3:27Get you up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up your eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with your eyes: for you shall not go over this Jordan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 31:2 Library On Our Lord's Passion, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension Looking unto Jesus The Story of the Stranger at the Well The First Galilean Ministry. Letter cviii. To Eustochium. On the Theophany, or Birthday of Christ. Canaan on Earth Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve. Letter cxxv. To Rusticus. The Teacher Come from God and the Teacher from Jerusalem - Jesus ... 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 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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