Field Notes: Jordan River

When the Israelites led by Joshua reached the Jordan River, it was at flood stage – fast and deep – impossible to cross on their own.

God instructed the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to step into the water. As soon as their feet touched the river, the flow stopped, and the people crossed on dry ground.

This marked Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land and ended the decades of wandering.

Years later, this same river became the place where John the Baptist baptized believers, and this is also where Jesus Himself was baptized. Visitors today can still be baptized in the Jordan River.