Topical Encyclopedia The River Jordan holds a significant place in biblical history and theology, serving as a geographical and spiritual landmark in the narrative of the Israelites and the ministry of Jesus Christ. The river is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, symbolizing transition, purification, and divine intervention.Geographical Context The River Jordan flows from the slopes of Mount Hermon, through the Sea of Galilee, and down to the Dead Sea. It forms a natural boundary on the eastern side of the land of Canaan. The river's course is approximately 156 miles long, and it descends rapidly from its source to the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on the earth's surface. The Plains of Thickly Wooded The phrase "plains of thickly wooded" refers to the lush and fertile areas surrounding the River Jordan, particularly noted for their dense vegetation. This region, often called the "thickets of the Jordan," is mentioned in the context of the prophet Jeremiah: "If you stumble in safe land, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?" (Jeremiah 12:5). The imagery of the thickets conveys a sense of challenge and danger, symbolizing the trials that the people of Israel would face. Biblical Significance 1. Crossing into the Promised Land: The River Jordan is famously known as the site where the Israelites, led by Joshua, crossed into the Promised Land. This event marked the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. As recorded in Joshua 3:15-17 , the waters of the Jordan were miraculously stopped, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. This crossing is a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness and the transition from the wilderness into a land of promise. 2. Elijah and Elisha: The Jordan River is also the setting for the miraculous events involving the prophets Elijah and Elisha. In 2 Kings 2:8-14 , Elijah parts the waters of the Jordan with his cloak before being taken up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha, his successor, performs the same miracle, signifying the transfer of prophetic authority and the continuation of God's work through His chosen servants. 3. Baptism of Jesus: The New Testament highlights the River Jordan as the site of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. This event, described in Matthew 3:13-17 , marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. The baptism in the Jordan signifies Jesus' identification with humanity, His anointing by the Holy Spirit, and the affirmation of His divine sonship by God the Father. Symbolism and Theology The River Jordan serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual renewal and transformation. It represents the boundary between the old life of bondage and the new life of freedom and promise. The river's role in baptism underscores the themes of repentance, cleansing, and the initiation into a new covenant relationship with God. In the broader biblical narrative, the Jordan River is a place where God's presence and power are manifest, where His promises are realized, and where His people are called to faith and obedience. The "plains of thickly wooded" surrounding the river remind believers of the challenges and trials that accompany the journey of faith, yet also of the abundant life and provision found in God's promises. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 6:2Let us go, we pray you, to Jordan, and take there every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Resources Where was Jesus baptized? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Perea in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Shittim 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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