Judg 12:5-6 | TNotes | STEP | 12:5 The Jordan River could only be forded at shallow crossings where tributaries had deposited silt, as was probably the case where the Jabbok flowed into the Jordan.

‏ Judges 12:5-6

12:5 ^a The Jordan River could only be forded at shallow crossings where tributaries had deposited silt, as was probably the case where the Jabbok flowed into the Jordan.
12:6 ^b The term Shibboleth has come to mean any password used to identify imposters. Such linguistic litmus tests have been used by armies throughout history.

• 42,000 Ephraimites: This number could possibly be translated as “42 troops” (see study note on Exod 12:37).