Parting of the Jordan River
The miracle of the parting of the Jordan River occurs in 2 Kings 2, where the prophet Elijah strikes the water with his mantle, causing the river to divide so that he and his successor Elisha can cross on dry ground. Shortly after Elijah's ascension to heaven, Elisha repeats the action with the same mantle, again parting the waters as confirmation that a double portion of Elijah's prophetic spirit has passed to him. This event matters because it directly parallels Moses' parting of the Red Sea, affirming God's continued power to deliver His people and validating the transfer of prophetic authority. In Scripture it underscores themes of faith, divine empowerment, and the unbroken line of God's messengers from Moses through Elijah to Elisha.
Details
- Category
- Nature
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Performed by
- God through Elijah/Elisha
Key Passages
Elijah Parts Jordan
2 Kings 2:8
8nd Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.
Did You Know?
Joshua led the people across the Jordan on dry ground, just as Moses had led them through the Red Sea.
The priests carrying the Ark stood in the middle of the riverbed until everyone crossed safely.
Twelve stones from the river were set up as a memorial so future generations would know what God had done.
This miracle marked the transition from Moses' leadership to Joshua's and the beginning of the conquest.