Crossing-places in the Bible often refer to locations where individuals or groups traversed bodies of water, such as rivers or seas, typically at fords or through miraculous means. These sites hold significant theological and historical importance, symbolizing moments of divine intervention, faith, and transition.

Jordan River Crossings

One of the most notable crossing-places in the Bible is the Jordan River. The Israelites' crossing of the Jordan under Joshua's leadership marked their entry into the Promised Land. This event is recorded in Joshua 3:14-17, where the waters of the Jordan were miraculously stopped, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground: "So when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan, with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant before the people, and as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water flowing downstream stood still, rising up in a heap a great distance away at a town called Adam, in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho" .

This crossing is a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. It also prefigures Christian baptism, representing a passage from the old life into the new life in Christ.

Red Sea Crossing

Another significant crossing-place is the Red Sea, where Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. This event is detailed in Exodus 14:21-22: "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left" .

The crossing of the Red Sea is a foundational event in Israel's history, demonstrating God's power and deliverance. It serves as a typological foreshadowing of Christ's victory over sin and death, offering believers a path to salvation.

Other Notable Crossings

In addition to these major events, the Bible mentions other crossing-places. For instance, Jacob crossed the Jabbok River, where he wrestled with God and received the name Israel (Genesis 32:22-28). This crossing signifies a transformative encounter with God, marking a pivotal moment in Jacob's life.

The fords of the Jordan are also mentioned in the context of various military campaigns and pursuits, such as in Judges 3:28, where the Israelites, led by Ehud, seized the fords of the Jordan to defeat the Moabites: "Follow me, for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. So they followed him down, took control of the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab, and did not allow anyone to cross over" .

Symbolism and Theology

Crossing-places in the Bible often symbolize transitions, both physical and spiritual. They represent moments of decision, faith, and reliance on God's providence. These events underscore the theme of God's guidance and protection as His people journey through life's challenges and transitions.

In the New Testament, the concept of crossing over is echoed in the spiritual journey of believers, as they move from death to life through faith in Jesus Christ. The imagery of crossing water is thus deeply embedded in the Christian understanding of salvation and transformation.Crossing-places (3 Occurrences)

Judges 3:28
And he said to them, Come after me; for the Lord has given the Moabites, your haters, into your hands. So they went down after him and took the crossing-places of Jordan against Moab, and let no one go across.
(BBE)

Judges 12:5
And the Gileadites took the crossing-places of Jordan against the Ephraimites; and when any of the men of Ephraim who had gone in flight said, let me go over; the men of Gilead said to him, Are you an Ephraimite? And if he said, No;
(BBE)

Judges 12:6
Then they said to him, Now say Shibboleth; and he said Sibboleth, and was not able to say it in the right way; then they took him and put him to death at the crossing-places of Jordan; and at that time forty-two thousand Ephraimites were put to death.
(BBE)

Crossing-places (3 Occurrences)
Crossing-places. Crossing, Crossing-places. Crossings . Multi-Version
Concordance Crossing-places (3 Occurrences). Judges ...
/c/crossing-places.htm - 7k

Crossing (26 Occurrences)

/c/crossing.htm - 14k

Crossings (1 Occurrence)

/c/crossings.htm - 6k

Haters (220 Occurrences)
... your hands. So they went down after him and took the crossing-places of Jordan
against Moab, and let no one go across. (BBE). Judges ...
/h/haters.htm - 37k

Across (172 Occurrences)
... hands. So they went down after him and took the crossing-places of Jordan
against Moab, and let no one go across. (BBE). Continued... ...
/a/across.htm - 35k

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