Jordan River

The most important river in Israel’s history. It begins in the mountains north of the Sea of Galilee, runs into the Sea of Galilee, then out and down to the Dead Sea, where it ends. Because it is so winding, it actually travels about two hundred miles to cover its sixty-five-mile route. It is not a river that can be used for shipping; it has too many rapids and is only three to ten feet deep. The nation of Israel had to cross the Jordan to enter Canaan. God miraculously made it possible for them to cross over on dry land. John the Baptist preached in the wilderness along the Jordan River, and Jesus was baptized there by him.