Crossing over the Jordan River is a metaphor for entering heaven, the true Promise Land. Later, John baptized Jesus there, marking the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry (Mark 1:9). John the Baptist began his ministry of preaching at the Jordan, proclaiming the coming of the kingdom of heaven. Naaman, the Syrian king, was healed of leprosy by dipping seven times in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:8-14). Elijah was transported into heaven shortly after he and Elisha crossed the Jordan River (2 Kings 2:7-12). Elijah was miraculously fed by ravens at the book Cherith, east of the Jordan (1 Kings 17:2-7). The Jordan also is symbolic of God’s provision. In daily life, as Christians face difficulties, experience doubt, and struggle against sin, they cross many “Jordans.” The Bible teaches we may walk with confidence through them because God is with us to deliver us just as he was with Joshua. The symbolism of crossing the Jordan River does not end with salvation from sin and being born again (John 3:3). Because the Jordan River was the border of the earthly Promised Land, those who through faith in Christ are part of God’s chosen people think of a symbolic Jordan River being the boundary of their eternal Promise Land-heaven. In traditional Christian thought, the final transition from life on earth to life in heaven is symbolized by crossing the Jordan River. The Jordan River is the boundary of the Promised Land and a location that features prominently in many Bible stories.
It becomes a symbol of victory and deliverance: saying good-bye to slavery and hardship, and entering a new life of promise and hope. The actual crossing was the final step of the journey from bondage to freedom. The Jordan thus became associated in the Hebrew imagination with a glorious entry into the Promise Land.īecause the Israelites made a difficult and hazardous journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promise Land, the Jordan also refers to freedom. Both events were signs of God’s miraculous power. The water miraculously “rose up like a dam,” as had the Red Sea at the exodus from Exodus. Joshua led the nation of Israel into the Promised Land by crossing the Jordan “on dry ground” (Josh 3:17). In the Bible, most references to the Jordan treat it as a boundary, with such phrases as “beyond the Jordan,” “on this side of the Jordan,” “on the other side of the Jordan,” and “over Jordan.” Because it is most often seen as the eastern boundary of Israel, the Jordan typically symbolizes crossing into or out of the Promised Land. Elsewhere the Jordan is crossed and is used as a place of baptism and provision. The next time we come upon it, Jacob is wrestling with his adversary at the ford of the Jabbok, one of the major tributaries of the Jordan.
The first mention of the Jordan occurs in the story of Abram and Lot, where Lot chose for himself “all the plan of Jordan” (Gen 13:11 KJV). It is known for being a fertile valley and an important landmark.
The Jordan River played an important role in a number of memorable events from both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
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