Topical Encyclopedia The River Jordan holds a significant place in biblical history and theology, serving as a geographical and spiritual landmark in the narrative of God's people. Flowing from the slopes of Mount Hermon, the Jordan River descends through the Sea of Galilee and continues its journey southward to the Dead Sea. This river is not only a physical boundary but also a symbol of transition and divine intervention throughout the Scriptures.Biblical Significance The Jordan River is first mentioned in the context of the patriarchs, with Lot choosing the fertile plains of the Jordan (Genesis 13:10-11). It later becomes a pivotal site during the Israelites' entrance into the Promised Land. Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites miraculously crossed the Jordan on dry ground, a testament to God's power and faithfulness (Joshua 3:14-17). The river also serves as the backdrop for the ministry of John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus in its waters, marking the commencement of His public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17). This event underscores the Jordan's role as a place of spiritual renewal and divine revelation. The Plains Infested With Lions The phrase "plains infested with lions" is derived from the biblical imagery associated with the Jordan River and its surrounding regions. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet speaks of the "thickets of the Jordan," a phrase that evokes the wild and untamed nature of the area (Jeremiah 12:5). This imagery is further expanded in Jeremiah 49:19 and 50:44, where the Lord uses the metaphor of a lion coming up from the thickets of the Jordan to describe impending judgment and the ferocity of His plans against the nations. The presence of lions in the region is not merely metaphorical. Historically, the Jordan Valley and its environs were known to be habitats for lions and other wild animals. These creatures symbolized danger and the need for vigilance, reflecting the spiritual and physical challenges faced by God's people. Spiritual Lessons The imagery of lions in the plains of the Jordan serves as a powerful metaphor for the trials and adversities encountered in the Christian journey. Just as the Israelites faced the literal and figurative challenges of crossing the Jordan, believers are called to navigate the trials of life with faith and reliance on God's strength. The Jordan River, with its associations of transition, purification, and divine encounter, invites reflection on the believer's journey from the wilderness of sin into the promised inheritance of eternal life. The presence of lions reminds Christians of the spiritual warfare that accompanies this journey, urging them to remain steadfast and courageous in the face of adversity. Conclusion The River Jordan, with its rich biblical history and symbolic depth, continues to inspire and instruct believers. Its plains, once infested with lions, serve as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that define the walk of faith. Through the lens of Scripture, the Jordan River remains a testament to God's enduring presence and power in the lives of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 49:19Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan against the habitation of the strong: but I will suddenly make him run away from her: and who is a chosen man, that I may appoint over her? for who is like me? and who will appoint me the time? and who is that shepherd that will stand before me? Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 50:44 Library Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources What is the significance of the Jordan River in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh want to live on the east of the Jordan? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the Jordan crossing? | GotQuestions.org Jordan: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Jordan: Crossed by a Ferry Boat Jordan: Empties Into the Dead Sea Jordan: John the Baptist Immerses In Jordan: John the Baptist Immerses Jesus In Jordan: Naaman Washes In, for the Healing of his Leprosy Jordan: Plain of Israelites Camped In Jordan: Plain of Solomon's Foundry In Jordan: Swelling of, at Harvest Time Jordan: Swelling of, in the Early Spring Jordan: The Waters of, Miraculously Separated for the Passage of Elijah Jordan: The Waters of, Miraculously Separated for the Passage of Elisha Jordan: The Waters of, Miraculously Separated for the Passage of the Israelites the River Jordan: Despised by Foreigners the River Jordan: Eastern Boundary of Canaan the River Jordan: Empties Itself Into the Dead Sea the River Jordan: Ferry Boats often Used On the River Jordan: Fordable in some Places the River Jordan: Moses not Allowed to Cross the River Jordan: Often Overflowed the River Jordan: Overflowing of, Called the Swelling of Jordan the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over in an Appointed Order the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: A Pledge That God Would Drive the Canaanites out of the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Alluded To the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Commemorated by a Pillar of Stones in Gilgal the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Commemorated by a Pillar of Stones Raised in It the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Preceded by Priests With the Ark the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Promised the River Jordan: Passage of Israel Over: Successfully Effected the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Baptism of Multitudes by John the Baptist the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Baptism of Our Lord the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Division of Its Waters to Let Israel Pass Over the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Healing of Naaman the Leper the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Its Division by Elijah the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Its Division by Elisha the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Return of Its Waters to Their Place the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Slaughter of Moabites the River Jordan: Remarkable Events Connected With: Slaughter of the Ephraimites the River Jordan: The Jews had Great Pride In the River Jordan: The Plains of Afforded Clay for Moulding Brass the River Jordan: The Plains of Chosen by Lot for a Residence the River Jordan: The Plains of Exceeding Fertile the River Jordan: The Plains of Infested With Lions the River Jordan: The Plains of Thickly Wooded Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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