What does crossing the Jordan represent?
What is the significance of crossing over the Jordan river before entering the Promised land, and how and why does it apply to us today? Once we look into the Hebrew meaning we are given more insight, and those in His Spirit will see and understand the Gospel has always been the same message. Repent, Believe, Obey ---- That comes by/ through submission to Abba YHVH.
When we look up the Hebrew word for Jordan we have #H3383
Original: ירדּן
Transliteration: yardên
Phonetic: yar-dane'
BDB Definition: Jordan = " descender"
the river of Palestine running from the roots of Anti-Lebanon to the Dead Sea a distance of approx 200 miles (320 kilometers)
Origin: from H3381
TWOT entry: None
Strong's Definition: From H3381; a descender ; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine: - Jordan.
Now let's dig deeper into the root word #H3381
Original: ירד
Transliteration: yârad
Phonetic: yaw-rad'
BDB Definition:
to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down(Qal)to go or come downto sinkto be prostratedto come down (of revelation)(Hiphil)to bring downto send downto take downto lay prostrateto let down(Hophal)to be brought downto be taken down
Origin: a primitive root
TWOT entry: 909
Part(s) of speech: Verb
Strong's Definition: A primitive root; to descend (literally to go downwards ; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively to fall); causatively to bring down (in all the above applications): - X abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come (-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go (-ing) down (-ward), hang down, X indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down
Crossing the Jordan was a sign of humbling for the children of Israel. Today it is imperative that we humble ourselves before Abba YHVH and others at all times, not just when we feel like it. The humbling will come when we seek after Him and His ways. It's not always pleasant, but rest assured it is for our benefit.
Romans 8:28,
And we know that all matters work together for good for those who love Elohim, to those who are called according to His purpose.
No matter what comes our way, allow Him to refine and abide in you when the trials, the refining in the baptism of fire comes. We are to think more highly of others than ourselves, seeking to encourage, edify, and yes in love and humility sometimes exhort one another. There are so many verses that give witness to how we are to be, but for brevity 's sake I'll close with Romans 12
Romans 12
1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
2 And do not a be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.
4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, who are many, are one body in Messiah , and individually members one of another.
6 Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;
7 or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching;
8 or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.
10 In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; outdo one another in showing honor;
11 not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;
13 contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bbless, and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Do not be arrogant, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own conceits.
17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.
19 Do not seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for the wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”
20 Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
May all of us who call on His Great and Holy Name take heed of these words written by Sh'aul - Paul along with all the Instruction Abba YHVH has so mercifully and graciously given us.
Paul's letters are filled with wisdom and instruction according to the Spirit of the Torah, which are to encourage, edify, and exhort us.
Shavua Tov - Good week!