Definition and Etymology:
The name "Jabok" (Hebrew: יַבֹּק, Yabboq) is believed to mean "pouring out" or "emptying." It is a significant river mentioned in the Old Testament, serving as a geographical and historical landmark in biblical narratives.

Geographical Location:
The Jabok River, known today as the Zarqa River, is located in the modern-day country of Jordan. It is a tributary of the Jordan River, flowing westward from its source in the mountains of Gilead and eventually joining the Jordan River. The river's course creates a natural boundary between the regions of Gilead to the north and Ammon to the south.

Biblical Significance:
The Jabok River holds considerable importance in biblical history, particularly in the narratives of the Patriarchs and the Israelites.

1. Jacob's Encounter with God:
The most notable event associated with the Jabok River is Jacob's encounter with God. In Genesis 32:22-32, Jacob crosses the Jabok with his family and possessions. It is here, at the ford of the Jabok, that Jacob wrestles with a mysterious man until daybreak. This encounter results in Jacob's name being changed to Israel, meaning "he struggles with God." The passage reads: "So Jacob was left all alone, and there a man wrestled with him until daybreak" (Genesis 32:24). This event is pivotal, symbolizing Jacob's transformation and the establishment of his covenant relationship with God.

2. Territorial Boundary:
The Jabok River served as a boundary marker in the territorial divisions among the tribes of Israel. In Deuteronomy 3:16, the river is mentioned as the border between the lands given to the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the territory of the Ammonites: "To the Reubenites and Gadites I gave the land extending from Gilead to the Valley of the Arnon, with the middle of the valley as a border, and up to the Jabbok River, the border of the Ammonites" (Deuteronomy 3:16).

3. Military Campaigns:
The Jabok River is also referenced in the context of military campaigns. In Judges 11, Jephthah, a judge of Israel, recounts the history of Israel's journey and conflicts with the Ammonites, highlighting the Jabok as a significant geographical feature in the narrative of Israel's conquest and settlement in the Promised Land.

Cultural and Theological Insights:
The Jabok River is more than a geographical feature; it is a site of profound spiritual significance. Jacob's wrestling at the Jabok symbolizes the struggles and transformations that believers may experience in their walk with God. It serves as a reminder of the personal encounters with the divine that can lead to a deeper understanding of one's identity and purpose in God's plan.

The Jabok River, as a boundary marker, also reflects the themes of divine providence and the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land. It underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness in the life of the covenant community.

Conclusion:
The Jabok River, with its rich historical and spiritual associations, continues to be a symbol of transformation, boundary, and divine encounter in the biblical narrative.Jabok (1 Occurrence)

Joshua 12:2
Sihon, king of the Amorite, who is dwelling in Heshbon, ruling from Aroer which 'is' on the border of the brook Arnon, and the middle of the brook, and half of Gilead, and unto Jabok the brook, the border of the Bene-Ammon;
(YLT)

Jabok (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Jabok (1 Occurrence). Joshua 12:2 Sihon, king of
the Amorite, who is dwelling in Heshbon, ruling from Aroer ...
/j/jabok.htm - 6k

Jabneh (1 Occurrence)

/j/jabneh.htm - 10k

Jacan (1 Occurrence)

/j/jacan.htm - 7k

Bene-ammon (44 Occurrences)
... is dwelling in Heshbon, ruling from Aroer which 'is' on the border of the brook
Arnon, and the middle of the brook, and half of Gilead, and unto Jabok the brook ...
/b/bene-ammon.htm - 20k

Brook (75 Occurrences)
... is dwelling in Heshbon, ruling from Aroer which 'is' on the border of the brook
Arnon, and the middle of the brook, and half of Gilead, and unto Jabok the brook ...
/b/brook.htm - 45k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus