Topical Bible: Ark of the Covenant: Miracles Connected With: Jordan Divided

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest built by the Israelites under the guidance of Moses, is central to several miraculous events recorded in the Bible. One of the most significant miracles associated with the Ark is the parting of the Jordan River, which allowed the Israelites to enter the Promised Land.

Biblical Account

The event is detailed in the Book of Joshua, specifically in Joshua 3:14-17. As the Israelites, led by Joshua, approached the Jordan River, they faced the challenge of crossing its waters during the flood season. The Lord instructed Joshua to have the priests carry the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people. The Ark, representing God's presence among His people, was to lead the way.

According to the Berean Standard Bible, Joshua 3:15-16 states: "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."

Significance of the Miracle

This miraculous event underscored several key theological themes:

1. Divine Presence and Power: The Ark of the Covenant symbolized God's presence with the Israelites. The miracle of the Jordan's division demonstrated God's power and His active role in fulfilling His promises to His people.

2. Leadership and Obedience: Joshua's leadership and the obedience of the priests and the people were crucial. Their faith in God's instructions, despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacle, was rewarded with a miraculous path forward.

3. Covenant Fulfillment: The crossing of the Jordan marked the beginning of the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan. The miracle served as a divine confirmation of God's faithfulness to His covenant.

4. Preparation for Conquest: The miraculous crossing prepared the Israelites for the conquest of Jericho and the subsequent battles in the Promised Land. It instilled confidence and faith in God's continued support and guidance.

Theological Reflections

The parting of the Jordan River is often seen as a parallel to the earlier crossing of the Red Sea, reinforcing the continuity of God's salvific acts from the Exodus to the conquest of Canaan. It highlights the importance of faith and obedience in the life of believers, encouraging them to trust in God's promises and His ability to overcome obstacles.

The Ark's role in this miracle also emphasizes the centrality of God's presence in the life of His people. It serves as a reminder that, just as the Israelites were led by the Ark, believers today are called to be led by the presence and guidance of God in their spiritual journey.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 4:7
Then you shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel for ever.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... of demons, [71]177; the love of, which prompts them to desire that we should worship
God alone, [72]184; miracles wrought by ... Ark of the covenant, the, [154 ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

The Historical Books.
... the capture and restoration of the ark; Samuel's administration ... But as the history
of the covenant people went ... But, although the age of miracles ceased after ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... others more to the north, and in the central valley of the Jordan as far ... Shiloh,
and it was at the latter spot that they deposited the ark of the covenant. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... the part of Ararat on which the ark grounded, and ... Tanis was built, and receives the
covenant of circumcision ... It may be that the teaching, miracles, and example ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... observe the [4723] rites of abstinence connected with the ... unclean animals were taken
into Noah's ark by pairs ... he was fasting, had wrought miracles, no sooner ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... of, for the two parties to the covenant had then ... country of Qidi, Qadi, Qodi, has
been connected by Chabas ... from Byblos to the sources of the Jordan and Damascus ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... that has not His fellow. He has two natures in one Person, plain to be
distinguished, impossible to be divided. Unto each of these ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm