Description
The Jordan River was one of the most important landmarks in Bible times. It wasn’t just a body of water—it was a symbol of new beginnings, miracles, and even danger.
Crossing Jordan
When Hebrew ancestors of today's Jewish people finally reached the Promised Land, the flooded Jordan River was the last obstacle in their way. But when the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the river, the Bible says the water stopped flowing, letting the people cross on dry ground (Joshua 3). Hundreds of years later, John the Baptist baptized Jesus there, marking the start of his ministry (Matthew 3:13-17).
Baptizing Jesus
But the Jordan wasn’t always a peaceful, holy place. It could be dangerous, especially during flood season when the river swelled and became nearly impossible to cross (Joshua 3:15).
Jordan was a jungle
The area around it, known as the “jungles of the Jordan,” was thick with tangled vegetation, making it a perfect hiding place for wild animals—especially lions. That’s why the prophet Jeremiah used it as a warning. He said that if people couldn’t handle life’s small troubles, how would they survive when real danger—like an invading army—came roaring in like a lion from the river’s thickets (Jeremiah 12:5, 49:19)?
Jordan, a gateway to something new
So, the Jordan River was more than just a crooked blue line on a map. It was a place of miracles and change but also a place of real, physical danger. In the Bible, it became a powerful symbol: sometimes a gateway to something better, sometimes a reminder that bigger challenges were on the way.
