Topical Bible: the River Jordan: Empties Itself Into the Dead Sea

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Topical Encyclopedia

The River Jordan is one of the most significant and symbolically rich rivers in the biblical narrative. It serves as a geographical and spiritual landmark in the history of Israel and the broader biblical account. The river flows from its sources in the Anti-Lebanon mountains, through the Sea of Galilee, and ultimately empties itself into the Dead Sea, a body of water known for its high salinity and lack of life.

Geographical Significance

The River Jordan stretches approximately 156 miles (251 kilometers) from its sources to its terminus at the Dead Sea. The river's journey begins at the confluence of several tributaries, including the Hasbani, Banias, and Dan rivers, which merge to form the upper Jordan. It then flows southward through the Hula Valley and into the Sea of Galilee, a freshwater lake that plays a crucial role in the New Testament narratives. Exiting the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan continues its descent through the Jordan Valley, a fertile region that has supported agriculture and settlement for millennia, before reaching the Dead Sea.

Biblical Significance

The River Jordan holds profound theological and historical importance in the Bible. It is first mentioned in Genesis 13:10, where it is described as a well-watered region, reminiscent of the Garden of the LORD. The river is perhaps most famously associated with the Israelites' crossing into the Promised Land. Under the leadership of Joshua, the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan on dry ground, as recounted in Joshua 3:14-17 : "So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carried the ark of the covenant ahead of them. Now the Jordan overflows its banks throughout the harvest season. But as soon as the priests carrying the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water flowing downstream stood still, rising up in a mass that extended as far as Adam, a city near Zarethan. The water flowing downstream into the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off, and the people crossed over opposite Jericho."

The Jordan River is also the site of significant New Testament events, most notably the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. This event is recorded in all four Gospels and marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry. In Matthew 3:13-17 , it is written: "At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?' Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'"

Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning

The River Jordan symbolizes transition, purification, and new beginnings. Its waters are emblematic of spiritual cleansing and renewal, as seen in the baptism of Jesus. The crossing of the Jordan by the Israelites represents a passage from the wilderness into the fulfillment of God's promises, a theme that resonates with the Christian journey of faith and salvation.

The river's ultimate destination, the Dead Sea, serves as a stark contrast to the life-giving properties of the Jordan. The Dead Sea, with its inhospitable environment, symbolizes the end of the river's journey and serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and separation from God. Yet, the Jordan's flow into the Dead Sea also underscores the hope of transformation and redemption, as believers are called to bring life and healing to a world marred by sin.

In summary, the River Jordan is a vital element of biblical geography and theology, representing both physical and spiritual transitions. Its role in the biblical narrative continues to inspire and instruct believers in their faith journey.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 34:12
And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Mr. Evil-Questioning Tried and Executed
... and their current is stronger than that of the Jordan, which empties itself into
the Dead Sea. And to my mind," he says "it seems to be but a dead river at the ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/mr evil-questioning tried and executed.htm

On the Theophany, or Birthday of Christ.
... be poured out and go forth beyond Itself to multiply ... is full empties Himself, for
He empties Himself of ... submitting to be purified in the River Jordan for my ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxviii on the theophany.htm

Introduction
... show the temerity of the tourist, for the writer speaks of the Jordan as flowing
at ... 117) into another river, which in its turn empties itself into the sea. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/conybeare/a grammar of septuagint greek/introduction.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... but instead of maintaining it, the river makes a ... of this district forms a little
world in itself, whose inhabitants ... West of the Jordan, a confused mass of hills ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... pebble would draw headlong a whole river, though it ... illustrious life; flashing forth
and presenting itself only to ... tribes within and beyond the Jordan: nor is ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm