Topical Encyclopedia The River Jordan, a significant geographical and spiritual landmark in biblical history, is the site of numerous pivotal events. Among these is the remarkable account of the slaughter of the Moabites, which underscores the river's role as a backdrop for divine intervention and military victory.Historical Context The Moabites, descendants of Lot, were often in conflict with the Israelites. Their territory lay east of the Dead Sea, and they frequently posed a threat to the security and peace of Israel. The narrative of the slaughter of the Moabites at the River Jordan is found in the context of the reign of King Jehoram of Israel, who allied with Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and the king of Edom to confront the Moabite rebellion against Israelite dominance. Biblical Account The account of the slaughter of the Moabites is detailed in 2 Kings 3. The coalition of Israel, Judah, and Edom set out to subdue Moab, but they found themselves in a dire situation due to a lack of water in the wilderness. In their desperation, they sought the counsel of the prophet Elisha. Elisha, after seeking the Lord, instructed them to dig ditches in the valley, promising that the Lord would fill them with water without rain or wind. The Berean Standard Bible records Elisha's prophecy and its fulfillment: "For the LORD says, 'You will not see wind or rain, but the valley will be filled with water, and you and your cattle and your animals will drink.' This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD; He will also deliver Moab into your hands" (2 Kings 3:17-18). The next morning, the water miraculously appeared, flowing from the direction of Edom, filling the land. When the Moabites saw the sun shining on the water, they mistook it for blood, assuming that the allied kings had turned against each other. This misinterpretation led them to rush into the Israelite camp, expecting an easy victory. Instead, they were met with a prepared and united force, resulting in a devastating defeat for the Moabites. Significance The slaughter of the Moabites at the River Jordan is a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises through His prophets. It highlights the importance of faith and obedience to divine instruction, as the miraculous provision of water and subsequent victory were contingent upon the Israelites' compliance with Elisha's seemingly illogical command to dig ditches. This event also serves as a reminder of the River Jordan's recurring role as a site of transformation and divine action, from the crossing of the Israelites into the Promised Land to the baptism of Jesus Christ. The slaughter of the Moabites further cements the river's place in biblical history as a symbol of God's power and faithfulness to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 3:28,29And he said to them, Follow after me: for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1). The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire 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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