Num 4:15, Jos 3:3, 14-17, 6:12, 1Ki 8:3, 1Ch 15:2, 12-15 | TSK | STEP

Jordan overfloweth.The ordinary current of the Jordan, near where the Israelites crossed, is said by Maundrell, to be about twenty yards across, deeper than a man's height, and so rapid, that there is no swimming against it. It has, however, two banks; the first, or inner one, is that of the river in its natural state, and the second, or outer one, about a furlong distant, is that of its overflowings, which it does when the summer's sun has melted the snow on mount Lebanon and Hermon, in the months of March and April. And this was the time which God chose that the Israelites should pass over it; that a miraculous interposition might be necessary; and that, by the miracle, they might be convinced of his omnipotence.

4:18; 1Ch 12:15; Jer 12:5; 49:19

all the time.

5:10-12; Le 23:10-16; De 16:1-9

rose up.

13; Ps 29:10; 77:19; 114:3; Mt 8:26,27; 14:24-33

Zaretan.

1Ki 4:12

Zartanah.

1Ki 7:46

Zarthan. the salt sea.

15:2; Ge 14:3; Nu 34:3; De 3:17The passage through the Red Sea took place in the night, when the Israelites were fleeing from the Egyptians with great trepidation: but they passed Jordan in the day-time, with previous warning, leisurely, directly opposite to Jericho, and with a triumphant defiance of the Canaanites; this passage into the promised land evidently typifying the believer's passage through death to heaven.

the priests.

3-6

stood firm.

4:3; 2Ki 2:8

all the Israelites.

Ex 14:22,29; Ps 66:6; Isa 25:8; Heb 11:29