Jordan (river/region)

Pronunciation: DZHAWR-dn

Occurrences: 20

First Reference: Beginnings 20:10

Therefore, Ishmael came to dwell in the borders of Jordan, and when he was 235 years of age, he became the father of Jotham, and after he begat Jotham, Ishmael lived in peace by the banks of the Jordan 175 years.

See: John the Baptizer, Palestine

Summary: The most significant of Palestine’s rivers, the Jordan river runs from north to south, beginning at the foot of Mount Hermon, flowing through Lake Gennesaret (Sea of Galilee), and eventually the Dead Sea. Its length is over 100 miles. The region referred to as “Jordan” extended east from the river to include the first century provinces of Perea, Nabatea and Decapolis.

John the Baptizer often taught along the banks of the Jordan river, baptizing believers in its waters. Yeshua’s ministry began after he was baptized by John in the Jordan river, by the borders of Perea (Y:3:12-13).

See MAP

Notes/References:

In those days did John the Baptizer preach aloud in the wilderness round about Bethabara, beyond Jordan. And he cried aloud unto all who would listen, saying: “Repent! Repent: for the kingdom of Heaven is near at hand. Turn you, turn you, even every one from the wickedness of his ways, for the kingdom of God draws nigh.”

And many spoke of him this saying: “Is this not he of whom Isaiah prophesied: The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”

Thus did many have regard for him, and many went out from Jerusalem and all Judea and the regions round about to hear him. And there were many who were baptized in the waters of the Jordan, having believed in all his words.

Yeshua 1:6-8

10. On the rising of the fourth day did John wash and anoint himself and sitting beside the waters, he looked northward unto Galilee, and when it was noonday he saw in the distance the coming of the Promised One.

11. And John, seeing him, ran and knelt before him, saying: “My Lord.” Now when his disciples saw this thing, they marveled, saying: “What manner of man is this that even John should go and worship him?”

12. But Yeshua spoke unto John, saying: “Arise and let us establish among the people the will of the Father.” And John answered: “Have you come to be baptized of me? Behold, it is John that should be baptized of you.”

13. So Yeshua was baptized of John in the waters of Jordan, by the borders of Perea, and when he was come out of the waters, there descended from above a dove of purest white and it did rest upon him.

Yeshua 3:10-13

Joppa

Joseph