Topical Bible: the River Jordan: Often Overflowed

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Topical Encyclopedia

The River Jordan holds a significant place in biblical history and theology, serving as a geographical and spiritual landmark in the narratives of the Old and New Testaments. It is a river that flows through the land of Israel, forming a natural boundary between the regions of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea to the west, and the land of Gilead and Moab to the east. The Jordan River is approximately 156 miles long, originating from the Anti-Lebanon mountain range and flowing southward into the Sea of Galilee, and then continuing to the Dead Sea.

Biblical Significance

The River Jordan is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of its overflowing banks. This characteristic is particularly noted during the harvest season, when the melting snow from Mount Hermon and the surrounding highlands causes the river to swell beyond its usual boundaries. This natural phenomenon is highlighted in the book of Joshua, where the Israelites, led by Joshua, miraculously crossed the Jordan on dry ground as they entered the Promised Land. The Bible records, "Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season" (Joshua 3:15). This miraculous event is a testament to God's power and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to the descendants of Abraham.

Symbolism and Typology

The overflowing of the Jordan River is rich in symbolism and typology within the biblical narrative. It represents a barrier to be crossed, a challenge to be overcome, and a transition from one state of existence to another. For the Israelites, crossing the Jordan marked the end of their wilderness wanderings and the beginning of their life in the Promised Land. It is a symbol of entering into God's rest and receiving His inheritance.

In the New Testament, the Jordan River is the site of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. This event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and is a profound moment of divine revelation, as the heavens open and the voice of God declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). The overflowing waters of the Jordan can be seen as a metaphor for the abundant grace and new life that Jesus brings to humanity.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Jordan River has been a vital water source for the inhabitants of the region throughout history. Its fertile banks have supported agriculture and settlement, making it a crucial element in the sustenance and development of ancient societies. The river's periodic flooding would have been both a blessing and a challenge, providing necessary irrigation while also posing risks of destruction.

In biblical times, the Jordan was also a place of refuge and healing. Naaman, the Syrian commander, was instructed by the prophet Elisha to wash in the Jordan seven times to be cleansed of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:10). This act of obedience and faith resulted in his miraculous healing, further underscoring the river's role as a site of divine intervention and transformation.

Conclusion

The River Jordan, with its often overflowing banks, is a powerful symbol in the biblical narrative. It represents God's provision, the fulfillment of His promises, and the transformative power of faith. As a geographical and spiritual landmark, the Jordan continues to inspire and challenge believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to embrace the new life offered through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 3:15
And 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,)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 12:15
These are they that went over Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all his banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Canaan on Earth
... has lost the beauty of Scripture, in taking Jordan to mean ... you; he has a competency;
he has a river of Egypt ... I have often admired the advice of old Cineas to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/canaan on earth.htm

Christ Teaching Liberality
... Jesus does not tell us here how often we are to ... By and by the waters flow back into
the river. ... Elijah to "the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan," I. Kings ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching liberality.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... are alone with the little Child, I often see them ... at seven o'clock, I saw them crossing
the Jordan. Generally people were ferried across the river on a raft of ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... but instead of maintaining it, the river makes a ... of provinces bordering the valley
of the Jordan. ... weapons and implements, besides pottery, often elegant in ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Water of Life;
... I have often thought, and sometimes said, if God will ... throne, therefore it is that
such a river, with its ... be far higher than ever was the swellings of Jordan. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... revolutions to which the country was often exposed, or ... of Megiddo with the valley
of the Jordan than to ... A single river, the Kishon, cuts the route diagonally ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... extorted tribute to the utmost as often as occasion ... the Tigris, swollen by the rains,
overflowed its banks ... victory until the day when the river should betray ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... of good!" and proceeded to pour libations in honour of the river Dareja, on ... The question
has often been asked whether Zoroaster belongs to the domain of legend ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... for that was her name from the day that she, with her children, betook themselves
to a pilgrim's life), after her husband was gone over the river, and she ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm