ARTICLES

By Stephen Faircloth

The Jordan Valley forms one of the most dramatic and defining landscapes in the land of Israel. Stretching from the Sea of Galilee in the north to the Dead Sea in the south, it follows the path of the great Syro-African Rift, a vast geological fracture that runs from Syria to central Africa. This deep scar in the earth creates a narrow corridor marked by extremes of beauty, climate, and history.

Here the Jordan River winds its way southward, leaving the Sea of Galilee and meandering more than two hundred miles over a direct distance of only sixty. The twisting course reflects both the shifting terrain and the powerful pull of gravity as the river descends to the lowest place on the surface of the earth. Today, this valley forms part of the modern boundary between Israel, Jordan, and the West Bank, yet in ancient times it served as a vibrant artery that connected regions, peoples, and cultures.

The Jordan Valley long provided one of the main travel routes between the western hill country and the heights of Transjordan. Merchants, shepherds, armies, and pilgrims crossed this corridor as they moved east and west. It also offered a clear north-south route for those journeying between Galilee and Judea. In the first century, many Jewish pilgrims from Galilee used this very road when traveling to Jerusalem for the festivals. The Gospels describe Jesus Himself walking this route on His final approach to the Holy City, passing through Jericho and teaching along the way (Luke 19:1-11).

The northern section of the valley, stretching from the Sea of Galilee to south of Beth Shean, received generous rainfall in antiquity. This made it one of the most fertile regions in the land, rich with agriculture and dotted with thriving settlements. Further south, however, the climate shifts dramatically. The high ridges of Samaria block the moisture from the Mediterranean, transforming the landscape into a harsh and arid expanse. Yet even here, along the riverbanks, thick vegetation grows, nourished by the flowing waters.

Throughout biblical history, the valley hosted towns and cities of great importance. Beth Shean guarded the northern approach from the Jordan; Jericho, one of the world’s oldest cities, dominated the central valley; and sites like Pella, Deir Alla (biblical Succoth), and Rehov served as key administrative and religious centers. Together they formed a chain of life and culture that tied the eastern and western regions together.

The Jordan Valley also appears again and again in Scripture. It is the place where Israel crossed into the Promised Land, where prophets traveled and taught, where John baptized his followers, and where Jesus began His public ministry at the Jordan River. It is a landscape of passage, transformation, and new beginnings.

To stand in the Jordan Valley today is to sense the weight of this history. The winding river, the shifting climates, and the ancient cities all whisper the stories of those who walked before us. This valley was not only a route on a map. It was, and remains, one of the central lifelines of the biblical world, shaping the journeys of prophets, kings, and the Messiah Himself.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.