Ferryboat

/FAIR-ee-boat/

Summary

A vessel for transporting people and goods across a river, most likely a raft constructed for the occasion when David crossed the Jordan.

☩Biblical Reference

The ferryboat is mentioned only in 2 Samuel 19:18, where it was used to bring David's household across the Jordan River during his return to Jerusalem after Absalom's rebellion. The crossing took place at a ford, with Shimei and others meeting the king to assist in the return.

Key verses:2 Samuel 19:18

☩Construction

This ferry was most probably a raft constructed for the specific occasion rather than a permanent boat. Ancient peoples commonly built temporary rafts for river crossings, especially at fords where the water was relatively shallow. Such rafts could be quickly assembled from available materials and served their purpose for important crossings.