By contrast, the Israelites never worshipped the Jordan River. They saw it as a barrier to overcome. As they gazed into Canaan from the eastern side, the Jordan stood as an obstacle to their entry into the Promised Land.
Sometimes ancient Israelites used the barrier to their advantage by crossing the river and gaining protection from enemies who lived on the other side. Elijah crossed to the east side of the Jordan to hide from King Ahab. David also found protection by crossing the Jordan when his son Absalom schemed against him.
Whether running from enemies or trying to enter the Promised Land, the Israelites' perspective of the river was the same: It was an obstacle to overcome before moving forward in their calling. Their perspective became the source of the expression ?to cross the Jordan,? which meant to pass through something that stands in the way.
