Topical Encyclopedia The River Jordan holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly in the narrative of the Israelites' journey into the Promised Land. The miraculous crossing of the Jordan River is a pivotal event that symbolizes God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.Biblical Account The account of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River is detailed in the Book of Joshua. As the Israelites, led by Joshua, approached the Promised Land, they faced the formidable barrier of the Jordan River. At that time, the river was at flood stage, making it impassable by natural means. 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's edge, the waters of the Jordan were miraculously cut off, allowing the entire nation to cross on dry ground. This event is recorded in Joshua 3:14-17 : "So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. 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 flowing water stood still. It backed up as far upstream as Adam, a city in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing toward 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." Allusions in Scripture The crossing of the Jordan River is alluded to in various parts of Scripture, serving as a reminder of God's power and faithfulness. In Psalm 114, the psalmist poetically recounts the miraculous events of the Exodus and the crossing of the Jordan, emphasizing the awe-inspiring presence of God: "The sea observed and fled; the Jordan turned back." (Psalm 114:3) This allusion highlights the continuity of God's miraculous interventions on behalf of His people, from the parting of the Red Sea to the crossing of the Jordan. In the New Testament, the crossing of the Jordan is indirectly referenced in the context of baptism. John the Baptist conducted his ministry at the Jordan River, where he baptized Jesus, marking the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. This event is seen as a new beginning, much like the crossing of the Jordan signified a new chapter for the Israelites entering the Promised Land. Theological Significance The passage of Israel over the Jordan River is rich in theological significance. It represents a transition from the wilderness wanderings to the inheritance of the land promised by God. This event underscores themes of faith, obedience, and divine intervention. The crossing is a testament to God's covenantal faithfulness and His ability to overcome natural obstacles to fulfill His promises. Moreover, the crossing of the Jordan is often seen as a typological foreshadowing of spiritual realities. It symbolizes the believer's passage from the old life of bondage and wandering into the new life of promise and rest in Christ. Just as the Israelites followed the Ark of the Covenant into the Promised Land, believers are called to follow Christ, who leads them into the fullness of God's promises. In summary, the crossing of the Jordan River is a foundational event in biblical history, alluded to throughout Scripture as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 74:15You did split the fountain and the flood: you dried up mighty rivers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 114:3,5 Library The Cleansing of the Temple - the Sign,' which is not a Sign. CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Notes The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ... Oration on the Holy Lights. The Immaculate Conception Extracts No. vii. The Mystery 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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