The Holy River Jordan is the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Holy River Jordan: A Trip to the Place of the Baptism of Jesus Christ Mentions in the Bible
Jordan River (Israel) - description, history, location. Exact address, phone number, website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.
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One of the most famous rivers on the planet, the Jordan River is the natural border between Israel and Jordan and a popular place of pilgrimage for Christians rushing to undergo the symbolic rite of baptism in the very place where Jesus Christ once received him from John the Baptist. The Jordan is repeatedly mentioned not only in the New, but also in the Old Testament as a place where numerous miracles were performed: the prophets crossed it on dry land, the waters of this river parted before Joshua, who led the Israelites with the Ark of the Covenant, marking the end of their forty years of wanderings in the desert. Today you can see the Jordan and dive into its holy waters from both the Israeli and Jordanian shores.
A little history and geography
The Jordan River stretches 252 km from the foot of Mount Hermon, through Lake Kinneret, flowing into the Dead Sea. This natural border between the modern states of Israel and Jordan once separated the territory of the Promised Land, where, according to the promises of the Almighty, Joshua led the Jews who wandered for 40 years in the desert. Then the waters of the Jordan parted before the procession, and this is far from the only miracle of the river described in religious texts. The prophets Elijah and Elisha crossed the Jordan on dry land, and numerous miracles of healing were performed here. Belief in the healing power of its water was widespread during the Byzantine period.
However, the main reason for Christian pilgrimage to the Jordan River lies in the New Testament. According to the Bible, in the waters of the Jordan, Christ was baptized by John the Baptist, after which the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended to earth in the form of a dove, testifying to the messianic mission of the Savior.
Baptism in the Jordan River
What to see
Like the Dead Sea, the Jordan River can be visited by tourists in both Israel and Jordan. The Israeli side of the Jordan is more comfortable and convenient for visiting, but also more commercialized - this is especially felt at the site of the baptism of Christ. The Jordanian is practically untouched by man, wild and pristine, but also less comfortable.
The most popular place to touch the waters of the Jordan from Israel is the Yardenit tourist complex, located at the river’s exit from Lake Kinneret, a few kilometers from Tiberias. More than 400 thousand tourists and pilgrims visit Yardenit every year, most of them to receive symbolic baptism. Yardenit does not correspond to the exact site of Christ's baptism, but was chosen by Israeli authorities as a symbolic landmark. In a well-equipped bathhouse with a smooth descent into the water, every day (and not for free, for 10 or 25 USD, depending on the set of services), you can undergo the ritual of triple immersion in the Jordan, and in the store you can purchase consecrated objects of Orthodox worship. Prices on the page are for April 2019.
From the Jordanian side, the symbolic place of Christ's baptism looks simple and utilitarian: a wooden platform with three steps along which pilgrims descend into the water. There is no charge for diving, but there are no amenities or services here either.
The Jordan is one of the main waterways in the Middle East.
The Jordan River originates at the foot of Mount Hermon, 14 km north of Lake Hula. Its source is the confluence of three rivers - Snir, Hermon and Dan, flowing from the slopes of Mount Hermon. The mountain receives large amounts of precipitation, both as rain and snow. Its meltwater passes through cracks in the limestone rock of Mount Hermon, and emerges in masses of springs. The largest of the springs is Dan. The amount of water produced by this source is about 30,000 cubic liters per hour!
The Jordan River runs its entire route along the Syrian-African fault. First along the valley of Lake Hula, then the mountainous Jordan begins, then flows into Lake Kinneret, then continues along the Jordan valley all the way to the Dead Sea, where the 251 kilometer path of the Jordan ends. Along the entire length of the river, water from several other smaller streams flows into it seasonally or constantly. The Jordan River is very winding. The soils through which it flows are very soft, and as soon as the river washes away one of the banks, it falls and blocks the channel. The river immediately begins to look for a new channel. She, like a curling snake, slowly crawls towards the Dead Sea. The width of the Jordan River, as well as its depth, varies along its entire route. There are places where the river is 5 meters wide, and there are places where the Jordan overflows 40 meters. The depth of the Jordan River is also variable. In its northern part there are places where the depth reaches 2 meters, but most often it is just over 1 meter deep. When the Jordan River emerges from Lake Kinneret and flows south, it becomes the state border between Israel and Jordan. Before reaching the Dead Sea, part of it flows through the territory that is today called the territory of the Palestinian Authority. For almost two thousand years, people have been coming to the banks of the biblical river with the hope of receiving healing of soul and body after washing. During this time, the course of the river and the borders of the states along which its waters flow changed several times. What remained unchanged was human faith in God's help and the possibility of a miracle for everyone. Once a year, on January 19, on the day of the Epiphany, the waters of the river turn back and flow in the opposite direction. So obviously and undeniably the Lord shows people His power and Divine grace. The event that took place in these waters is of utmost importance for Christians all over the world, so people needed to find a symbolic place of the baptism of Christ. According to an early version, it was generally accepted that the place of baptism was located on the west bank of the Jordan River, in Israel, in the vicinity of Qasr el-Yahud, in the territory of the Palestinian Authority. But since 1967, after the war, this site was closed. The most visited center in Israel by tourists and pilgrims is the Yardenit baptismal center, located in the place where the Jordan flows from Lake Tiberias. In 1981, Yardenit was chosen by the Israeli government as the symbolic site of the baptism of Jesus Christ. From the Jordan side, the place of baptism and ablution can be reached at any time. But there are restrictions on the Israeli side - depending on the military situation, since this is Palestinian territory. On Epiphany and Easter, Jordan opens the border to Israel so that pilgrims can worship the shrines. From the Israeli coast to the Jordan coast is about 10 meters. The border runs along the river and is not marked by anything. The water in the Jordan River is brown and very cloudy due to the fast current, which erodes clay and carries silt. But if you put water in a bottle and let it sit for a while, the impurities settle and the water becomes clear. Before Jesus, whose story is told in the new testament, there was the old testament. It describes the history of the Jewish people from the earliest times, and contains passages including those related to the Jordan River.
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The Baptism of the Lord is one of the most important events in the history of Christianity. It marks the beginning of the mission of Christ, as well as the appearance of Jesus to the entire Christian world. For the Gospel, the Triune God turned to John the Baptist, who performed the ceremony. It is the Jordan River that is the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ.
Holy water
Jordan River
About 2000 years have passed since people from all over the world come to the banks of the sacred river for spiritual and physical recovery. Everyone believes that after bathing, it will be possible to heal the soul and body. The river changed its course more than once, and the borders of neighboring states also moved directly. The only constant thing remained man's faith in God, in his power to give a miracle to everyone.
The Epiphany of the Lord is celebrated annually on January 19th. And on this day, when the patriarchate serves a festive prayer service on the Jordan River, the waters form a circulation, turn around and begin to flow in the opposite direction. The river itself flows from the mountains 400 meters and flows into Lake Kinneret. It does not become salty immediately; due to the power of the flow, it continues to flow for several hundred meters. Then the Jordan flows into the Dead Sea.
When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended on him and the waters turned back. Since then, this has been repeated every year. Before Epiphany, Orthodox Christians place wooden crosses with candles burning on them along the river into the Dead Sea. On January 19, they come back to follow the rip current. Accordingly, on this day the fresh waters of the biblical river are salty.
Since the sacred site is located in Jordan, local authorities allow the water to be blessed only on the feast of Epiphany. Only on this day can the patriarch hold a service.
The current of the Jordan is very strong, so no one dares to attribute the miracle that happens every year to natural phenomena. In addition, more than one thousand people are present at each prayer service.
Many pilgrims come just to take a dip. Some people take the ritual here. It is customary to plunge headlong into the river seven times.
Ceremony center
Yardenit is an area with various structures, which is located on the Jordan River. The complex belongs to the northern part of Galilee, located near the shores of Lake Tiberias.
Note! You can get to it by following road No. 90.
Yardenit names the place where the river leaves the lake. Today, it is here that a symbolic ceremony is held, during which baptism takes place for parishioners of the Greek Orthodox and Catholic churches.
The place of the baptism of Jesus Christ is located downstream of the Jordan. Qasr El Yahud is considered a sacred point, where baptism ceremonies for pilgrims still take place today. But the territory is located on the border of two states, so there is no free access. Since 2011, you can visit it only on the day of the Epiphany; at other times, absolutely everything is closed.
Since 1981, Yardenit was chosen as a conditional baptismal point, and it is here that today ceremonies are held for those who wish. The territory belongs to Kinneret and is managed by members of the kibbutz.
A little history
Baptism ceremony in the Jordan River
The entire territory is described by a famous saying from the Gospel, translated into various languages. It says that the Jordan River is the place of the baptism of Jesus Christ.
Christian historical facts indicate that in reality the ceremony took place in the settlement of Bethawara - today's Qasr El Yahud. Access to the territory was blocked due to the consequences of the Six Day War. Visits were allowed only after a peace treaty with Jordan was signed. This only happened in 1994.
Due to the events that took place, the Ministry of Tourism decided to build a complex that will serve as an additional site. Therefore, since 1981, it was Yardenit that was the only place of the sacrament on the Jordan side, which was subject to regulation, until Qasr El-Yahud was opened in 2011.
Later, excavations were carried out, as a result of which the remains of a Byzantine church were discovered. Therefore, it is believed that the place indicated in the Bible, Bethawara, was the village of Wadi al-Harar in Jordan. Only today there is no river bed there, because over so many years it has changed its route.
Another place of baptism was Lake Kinneret, near the restored Temple of the Twelve Apostles. But still, it is the waters of the Jordan River that carry that innermost spiritual meaning.
Modernity
Yardenit is a complex with all kinds of amenities for visitors: souvenir shops, restaurants, parking. For those wishing to perform ablution, there are locker rooms and shops where you can rent or purchase the clothes necessary for the ceremony. There are paths here, places for plunging, and a center for pilgrims is located nearby. Every year about 400 thousand tourists come to this place.
The border between countries is not visible, it is more conventional. But from the Jordanian side you can always see several armed soldiers. From Jordan, you can get to the place of baptism if you wish, but from Israel, access is open only in a situation of peace (Palestinian territory).
These banks of the river were very popular with various fish, as well as nutria, which used to be found near the Hula Valley. This is due to the fact that due to the constant influx of visitors, they have quite plentiful food.
The entire immersion process will take no more than half an hour. It is advisable to take swimming accessories with you (swimsuit, towel, flip-flops). But if necessary, everything can be purchased, the same applies to a baptismal shirt. No one takes money for bathing in sacred water.
The Jordan River and the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the photo looks small and muddy. The speed of the water flow lifts all the clay from the bottom of the river, so the water here is not very clean. But after you put it in a bottle and let it sit, you can make sure that it becomes transparent.
For every believer, this place is special, so you should not miss the opportunity to go there.
In addition to the sacred waters, it is worth going to see the Dead Sea with its beautiful landscapes.
One of the most popular winter tours, especially in the second half of January, are trips to the Jordan River. This natural stream is considered a natural border between the two Middle Eastern countries. Jordan and Israel are taking advantage of the opportunity to welcome tourists and pious pilgrims, thus capitalizing on their historical and religious attractions. In this article we will look at how to get there, what you must see and visit, as well as which city is located on the Jordan River.
Location
This stream is mentioned in almost all the holy books of Judaism and Christianity. Here, according to legends, numerous miracles took place. The prophets crossed the river without any ford, as if on dry land. As the Jewish commander Joshua walked with the Israelite army and the Ark of the Covenant, the waters parted to allow them through. But most of all this place is known because, as the Gospels say, Christ was baptized here. Therefore, it is hardly possible to find a person who would not know where the Jordan River is. But if we are to be geographically precise, this stream flows from Mount Hermon (the so-called Golan Heights), bypassing Lake Kinneret (the former Sea of Tiberias). It begins at the confluence of three rivers - Khatsbani, Baniasi and Dan. Then, after traveling more than two hundred and fifty kilometers from north to south, it flows into the Dead Sea.
Jordan River. Place of baptism of Jesus Christ
This stream is best known for the fact that the so-called Epiphany took place here. This is what the three synoptic Gospels say, as well as the Scripture from St. John about where exactly the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan, when he received the rite from the hands of John the Baptist. True, the exact location of this place is still unknown. There are even disagreements on this matter. Thus, many Greek manuscripts contain references to the fact that such a place could be the city of Bethavara on the Jordan River. There are other names for this settlement. It is also called Bethany Transjordan. Sources also differ on where exactly this city was located. For example, Origen claims that its location is the west bank of the Jordan River. Other Bible translations state that this city was located beyond the stream.
Other versions
There is an old map from the sixth century called Madaba, which shows the place of Christ's baptism. On it it is marked opposite the city of Jericho. That is, this is actually the western bank of the Jordan River. Some say that the author of the map simply mixed up the cardinal directions. After all, for quite a long time the eastern shore was considered the traditional place of Christ’s baptism. Before the Arab conquest, pilgrims flocked to the city of Jericho on the Jordan River, where, according to travelers of the time, there stood a marble column with an iron cross. Then, after Palestine and the eastern bank became difficult to access, the west of the river began to be considered the place of baptism. Numerous temples were built there. And after subsequent wars, all these churches were destroyed and the exact place of baptism was lost. There are suggestions that the river changed its course many times. Therefore, the historical place of baptism can be located on land.
Modern pilgrimage
Since the Renaissance, it is generally accepted that Christ entered the water ten kilometers from the city of Jericho on the Jordan River. But it is still unclear from which bank exactly. Therefore, both countries - Israel and Jordan - believe that this most important event in religious history took place on their territory. On the western bank of the river this place is called Qasr al-Yahud. It is more comfortable, crowds of people go there, but there is immeasurably more trade and commerce there. The Jordanian side is proud of a place called Wadi al-Harar. It is wilder, more pristine, but not too touristy and not very comfortable to visit. But perhaps it is more authentic. After all, it was there that archaeological excavations were carried out and the foundation of the marble column, which was mentioned in ancient sources, was found.
Yardenit
This is the most popular and famous place for which the modern Jordan River is famous. Israel has built a very popular tourist complex here. It is located near Lake Kinether, near the city of Tiberias. Its location does not even correspond to the place of baptism that tradition places near Qasr al-Yahuda. However, the Israeli authorities chose it as a kind of symbolic landmark. There is a well-equipped swimming pool where services are provided for triple immersion in the water of the Jordan. Such a symbolic baptism costs from ten to twenty-five American dollars. Nearby there is a shop where you can buy various items consecrated in the Orthodox church. Up to four hundred thousand pilgrims come here every year precisely to receive this kind of baptism. The most popular date is the nineteenth of January, when the rite of blessing of water is performed by the Patriarch of Jerusalem.
Wadi al-Harar
This place is opposite Qasr al-Yahuda. There, on the territory of Jordan, the Orthodox Church of John the Baptist was built. Here you can find a small reservoir called Al-Makhtas, which has already lost contact with its bed, and this is no longer the Jordan River. The site of the baptism of Jesus Christ is nevertheless surrounded by the remains of Byzantine buildings dating back to the sixth century, as well as many ancient church foundations. Since two thousand and fifteen, Al-Makhtas has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and pilgrims also flock here. True, on this side everything is simpler, there are no fancy pools, but just a wooden platform with steps. But immersion in water is free.
Jericho
This interesting city on the Jordan River is worth a visit for those going on pilgrimages to holy places. After all, this is the oldest human settlement known to historians. It is already more than ten thousand years old. It is located in territory where the Palestinian Authority operates, fifty kilometers from Jerusalem. True, due to the Arab-Israeli conflict, organized groups no longer come here, but individual tourists can easily get there by local minibuses and then by taxi. Here, on the Tells es-Sultan hill, you can see the ruins of a city that is at least seven thousand years old. In Old Jericho there is a mosaic floor of one of the most ancient synagogues in Israel, and three kilometers from there is the palace of one of the first Arab caliphs of the seventh century. Not far from the city there is a famous mountain where, according to legend, the devil took Jesus Christ and tempted him, and on its top there is a Greek Orthodox monastery.
Jordan Tours
Recently, such trips have become very popular, and many companies organize them. After all, the Jordan Valley itself is very beautiful. Regardless of the political conflict in the Middle East and disputes over which country owns the site of the Epiphany, excursions along this river are offered even to families with children, especially in the summer and autumn seasons. Kayaking or even rafting downstream on inflatable rafts through very picturesque places, among waterfalls, grottoes and quiet creeks where you can swim and swim, is not all that local tourist clubs offer travelers. You can ride along the river on bicycles or jeeps, or walk. There are many comfortable places for recreation and picnics everywhere.
The Jordan River is located in the Middle East. She is revered all over the world, because many important historical events are associated with her. The Jordan River itself begins at Mount Hermon, which is located in the northern part of the Syrian Golan Heights. Thanks to the abundant rainfall, the reservoir is full of water.
Rain and snow fall regularly on the slopes of Hermon, and through its cracks, melt and rainwater find their way out in the form of springs.
A little history of the name
The Jordan River got its name many centuries ago. Most historians and scientists are still arguing about why they called it that way. The main opinion is that the name comes from the Hebrew word "yered". Translated into Russian it means “descent”, “fall”. This is mentioned in Dan.
In general, etymology offers enough options for translating the name of the river. They all come from Semitic languages. Most variations mean "ditch" or "noise." Some scientists are convinced that the name has Indo-European roots. V.V. Ivanov also shares this opinion. Its supporters are convinced that the river was named by the Indo-Iranians, who once visited its sources.
Numbers and river
The Jordan River is 252 km long and its basin area exceeds eighteen thousand square kilometers. It is considered unnavigable.
Source and channel
When asking the question of where the Jordan River is, we first of all have in mind the location of its source. It was located on the Golan Heights, where the territory of Syria is now. Three main sources can be distinguished: Hermon, or Banias, Lejan, or Dan, and Nahr Hasbani, or Snir.
The most impressive source is called Dan. It is believed that it is he who mainly fills the river. The area where it is located is now Tel Dan National Park. It received its name largely due to this spring. And the source itself began to be called so in honor of one of the 12 tribes of Israel.
As soon as three springs join in the Jordan River to form a channel, it flows into Lake Huleh. Very often you can find its other names, for example Meer or Hula. Flowing further, the river flows into Lake Gennesaret. It is also sometimes called Kinneref, Kinneret or Lake Tiberias.
Its area reaches 167 square kilometers, and its volume exceeds four billion cubic meters. The lake itself is quite interesting. Its water is considered suitable for drinking, but its taste is somewhat salty. The lake itself is located approximately 213 m below sea level.
The next body of water on the river's path is the Dead Sea.
Tributaries
When asking the question of where the Jordan River is located, one often refers to the variety of its tributaries. The largest of them are called Yabbok and Yarmouk, which flow from the eastern bank, as well as Harod from the western bank.
The Jordan River feeds and waters Israel. It has always been the main artery of the country. Once upon a time, its basin was distinguished by impressive vegetation and was also rich in fauna. Now, unfortunately, the East has become a desert. The once rich territory of the basin includes exclusively reed groves, with eucalyptus and date palms being less common.
During the hottest days, all vegetation dries out under the scorching rays of the sun. However, despite everything, the Jordan River is extremely important for the entire Middle East.
sacred river
For every believer, the place where the Jordan River carries its waters is sacred. According to legend, the baptism of Jesus Christ took place here, although not all historical sources agree with this statement.
The river itself is regularly mentioned in the Old Testament and in the Torah as a miraculous place where the Jordan River flows. The baptism of Jesus took place on its shores, and history says that the baptizer was John the Baptist. The event itself happened near the city of Jericho.
Where the Jordan River flows, you can constantly meet numerous pilgrims. People believe that the waters contain miraculous powers, so they come from all over the world. Here the ablution procedure is carried out.
History and politics
It should be understood that the Jordan River, a photo of which can be found below, plays an important role in the Middle East. Its value also lies in historical and geopolitical meanings. That is why the desire to seize the right to own its waters often led to numerous conflicts, which sometimes escalated into full-fledged wars.
The first mention of the Jordan River was recorded in the thirteenth century. This document was the Anastasi papyrus. The ancient Roman historian Tacitus also paid special attention to it. He clarified that the Jordan River is extremely important, and its father is Mount Hermon.
In ancient times, the river often represented a kind of natural boundary of Canaan to the east. Somewhat later, such states of the king of Bashan as the kingdoms of Og and Sihon were formed. And then the river began to represent a kind of border between them. After some time, the territory was given to the tribes of Menashe, Reuven and Gad. Thus, the river began to represent not only an interstate, but also a tribal border.
The story goes that the Israelite tribes were given territory on both sides of the river. However, all the bridges and possible crossings across it were important places that often had military significance. Their capture often became decisive in the battle. It was in this way that Gidon defeated the Midianites, Ehud - over the king of Moab, Iphtah - over the tribe of Ephraim.
Many sources that mention the Jordan have survived to this day. One of these was the Mosaic Map. It was created back in the sixth century. It is an image of the river itself, the ferry crossing, the city and numerous details. Now you can see it in Madaba.
Archeology
Interestingly, the Jordan River was not always considered the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Previously, this was Eizaria, which is located nearby. However, archaeological sources have refuted this. It is clarified that Jesus crossed Eizaria and went to the place where he underwent the baptismal ceremony.
He was also mentioned in numerous works written by pilgrims traveling to Holy Places. This was a distant time when the Byzantine Empire was in its heyday. All sources mention a Greek column and a cross on its top. It is she who designates the place where this symbol was installed during early Christianity.
However, the place itself was not discovered immediately. This required numerous archaeological studies. It should be remembered that the Jordan River changed its course somewhat in the fifth century. This happened when it flowed into the Dead Sea. Scientists discovered the baptism site many years later.
The base of the column was also found. It was located near the eastern bank of the river at a distance of about 40 meters, which is fully consistent with historical sources and the writings of pilgrims.
The remains of three churches were also discovered here. All of them were erected at the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the fifth and sixth centuries. They were built by an emperor named Anastasi. All churches received their name in honor of John the Baptist.
Tourists come to the Jordan River not only for pilgrimage purposes. Very often they are driven by simple interest. If you wish, you can go kayaking on the whitewater river. This entertainment cannot be called the cheapest, but it will give a lot of bright emotions.
On the Jordan you can meet wild ducks and sophisticated swans. They are not at all afraid of people, so you can feed them or take a photo of them as a souvenir. In addition, if you visit the banks of the Jordan, you can enjoy amazing scenic views, as well as a variety of cypress groves. The exception is the hottest months of the year.
