Jordan
“The Descender”
Summary
The principal river of Palestine, flowing from the slopes of Mount Hermon through the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea in the deepest depression on earth, serving as Israel's eastern boundary and the site of many significant biblical events.
☩Geography and Name
The Jordan ('Yarden,' meaning 'the Descender') is the chief river of Palestine, flowing through a deep valley from north to south. Its name aptly describes its course, descending from its sources on Mount Hermon (about 1,700 feet above sea level) through the waters of Merom, the Sea of Galilee (650 feet below sea level), and finally into the Dead Sea (1,312 feet below sea level)—the lowest point on earth. The Jordan has three principal sources: the Hasbany from near Hasbeiya, the Leddan from Tell el-Kady (ancient Dan), and the Banias from Caesarea-Philippi. The Leddan is the largest fountain in Syria, bursting forth as a considerable stream from the base of a green hill. These streams unite and flow into the marshy Lake Huleh (ancient Merom) before descending to the Sea of Galilee.
☩Course and Character
Though only about 70 miles in direct distance from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea, the Jordan's winding course covers nearly 200 miles. The river descends through a valley called the Ghor, which is bounded by high plateau on the east and the mountains of Judea on the west. A lower terrace (the Zor) with dense vegetation borders the actual riverbed, creating a jungle of willows, tamarisks, and reeds—the 'swelling' or 'pride' of Jordan mentioned by Jeremiah as the haunt of lions. The river is generally 30 yards wide and 10-12 feet deep, with 27 rapids interrupting navigation. During harvest time (barley harvest in spring), melting snows from Hermon cause the Jordan to overflow its banks, making fords impassable.
☩Israel's Crossing
The first great miracle at the Jordan occurred when Israel crossed into Canaan under Joshua. Unlike the Red Sea crossing where Moses lifted his rod, at the Jordan the waters were cut off when the priests bearing the ark stepped into the flood—demonstrating that possessing the promises required faith's advance. The waters stood in a heap far upstream at the city Adam, while Israel crossed on dry ground opposite Jericho. Twelve stones were taken from the riverbed to form a memorial at Gilgal, and twelve were placed in the river where the priests had stood. This crossing was later recalled in Scripture as proof of God's power and faithfulness. Elijah and Elisha also miraculously crossed the Jordan on dry ground by striking the waters with Elijah's mantle.
☩New Testament Significance
John the Baptist conducted his ministry of repentance and baptism in the Jordan region, baptizing multitudes from Jerusalem and Judea. Jesus Himself came from Galilee to be baptized by John in the Jordan, at which occasion the heavens opened, the Spirit descended as a dove, and the Father's voice declared, 'This is my beloved Son.' The location of Christ's baptism is traditionally identified near the fords opposite Jericho, though John also baptized at Bethabara ('house of passage') further north. Naaman the Syrian was healed of leprosy by dipping seven times in the Jordan at Elisha's command, initially protesting that the rivers of Damascus were better than 'all the waters of Israel.' Spiritually, the Jordan typifies the believer's death and resurrection with Christ—not merely entry into heaven, but present identification with Christ's death to enter the heavenly position of blessing while still on earth.
Related Verses180 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Jordan," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Jordan," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Jordan," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Jordan," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).