Topical Bible: Miracles: Catalogue of Divides the Jordan River

◄ Miracles: Catalogue of Divides the Jordan River ►

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The division of the Jordan River is a significant biblical miracle that underscores God's power and faithfulness to His people. This miraculous event is recorded in the Old Testament and serves as a testament to God's intervention in the natural world to fulfill His promises and guide His chosen people.

1. Joshua Leads Israel Across the Jordan (Joshua 3:14-17)

The first recorded instance of the Jordan River being divided occurs as the Israelites, under the leadership of Joshua, prepare to enter the Promised Land. After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, the Israelites face the formidable barrier of the Jordan River at flood stage. God instructs Joshua to have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant into the river. As soon as the priests' feet touch the water, the river miraculously stops flowing, allowing the entire nation to cross on dry ground.

“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 toward the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) was completely cut off, and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until the entire nation had completed the crossing.” (Joshua 3:14-17)

This event is pivotal in Israel's history, marking the transition from their wilderness wanderings to the conquest of Canaan. It demonstrates God's direct involvement in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

2. Elijah and Elisha at the Jordan (2 Kings 2:7-8, 13-14)

The second notable division of the Jordan River occurs during the ministry of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. As Elijah's time on earth draws to a close, he and Elisha approach the Jordan River. Elijah takes his cloak, strikes the water, and the river parts, allowing them to cross on dry ground.

“Then a company of fifty men from the sons of the prophets went and stood at a distance, facing them as Elijah and Elisha stood by the Jordan. And Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the waters, which parted to the right and to the left, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground.” (2 Kings 2:7-8)

After Elijah is taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elisha retraces their steps. He takes up Elijah's cloak, strikes the water again, and the river divides once more, confirming Elisha as Elijah's prophetic successor.

“Elisha also took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the waters. ‘Where now is the LORD, the God of Elijah?’ he asked. And when he had struck the waters, they parted to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over.” (2 Kings 2:13-14)

These miraculous events at the Jordan River highlight the continuity of God's power and presence with His prophets and His people. They serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to intervene in human history to accomplish His divine purposes.

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2 Kings 2:14
And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the LORD God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted here and thither: and Elisha went over.
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Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... wide and insurmountable is the interval that divides and fences ... the Son of God not
by the miracles alone which ... God, and furnish a sort of catalogue and muster ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm