Topical Encyclopedia The River Jordan holds a significant place in biblical history, serving as a backdrop for numerous miraculous events. Among these, the division of its waters by the prophet Elijah stands as a testament to God's power and the authority bestowed upon His prophets.Biblical Account The division of the Jordan River by Elijah is recorded in 2 Kings 2:8. As Elijah and Elisha journeyed from Gilgal, they approached the Jordan. Elijah, aware that his time on earth was drawing to a close, performed a final miracle to demonstrate God's power and to prepare Elisha for his prophetic ministry. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this event: "Then Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground." Significance of the Event 1. Affirmation of Prophetic Authority: Elijah's act of dividing the Jordan River affirmed his role as a prophet of God. This miracle was a visible sign of divine endorsement, showcasing the power of God working through His chosen servant. It also served to validate Elijah's ministry in the eyes of Elisha and the sons of the prophets who witnessed the event from a distance. 2. Symbolism of Transition: The crossing of the Jordan on dry ground symbolized a transition, not only for Elijah, who was soon to be taken up to heaven, but also for Elisha, who would inherit Elijah's prophetic mantle. This event marked the end of one era and the beginning of another, as Elisha was to continue the work of the Lord in Israel. 3. Foreshadowing of Greater Works: The miraculous division of the Jordan by Elijah foreshadowed the greater works that Elisha would perform. It set the stage for Elisha's ministry, which would be characterized by numerous miracles, including his own division of the Jordan River shortly thereafter (2 Kings 2:14). 4. Demonstration of God's Sovereignty: The event underscored God's sovereignty over nature. Just as He had parted the Red Sea for Moses and the Jordan for Joshua, God once again demonstrated His control over the natural world. This miracle served as a reminder to the people of Israel of God's enduring presence and power. Theological Implications The division of the Jordan River by Elijah is rich with theological implications. It highlights the continuity of God's work through His prophets and the importance of faith and obedience. Elijah's actions were not merely for spectacle; they were acts of faith that pointed to the living God who intervenes in human history. This event also emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the passing of spiritual leadership, as seen in the relationship between Elijah and Elisha. In summary, the division of the Jordan River by Elijah is a profound event that illustrates God's miraculous power, the authority of His prophets, and the seamless transition of His divine mission from one generation to the next. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 2:8And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided here and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Growth of the Old Testament Prophetic Histories The Sibylline Oracles. The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements. CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). The Mystery The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus 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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