jabbok Summary and Overview

a pouring out, or a wrestling, one of the streams on the east of Jordan, into which it falls about midway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, or about 45 miles below the Sea of Galilee. It rises on the eastern side of the mountains of Gilead, and runs a course of about 65 miles in a wild and deep ravine. It was the boundary between the territory of the Ammonites and that of Og, king of Bashan (Josh. 12:1-5; Num. 21:24); also between the tribe of Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh (21:24; Deut. 3:16). In its course westward across the plains it passes more than once underground. "The scenery along its banks is probably the most picturesque in Israel; and the ruins of town and village and fortress which stud the surrounding mountain-side render the country as interesting as it is beautiful." This river is now called the Zerka, or blue river.

(emptying), a stream which intersects the mountain range of Gilead, comp. #Jos 12:2,5| and falls into the Jordan on the east about midway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. It was anciently the border of the children of Ammon. #Nu 21:24; De 2:37; 3:16| It was on the south bank of the Jabbok that the interview took place between Jacob and Esau, #Ge 32:22| and this river afterward became, toward its western part, the boundary between the kingdoms of Sihon and Og. #Jos 12:2,5| Its modern name is Wady Zurka.

JAB'BOK (emptying), a stream rising about 25 miles east of the north end of the Dead Sea, and flowing east, then northward and westward, and finally south-west, into the Jordan about midway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. It is now called the Zerka or "blue" river. It has a small branch flowing into it past Gerosh, but no branch from the north-east as indicated on most maps. Across this stream Jacob sent his family, and here his wrestling for a blessing occurred. Gen 32:22-24. The Israelites conquered the kingdoms of Og and Sihon, but not the Ammonite country nor the upper Jabbok, which explains Deut 2:37. Compare Num 21:24; Deut 3:16; Josh 12:2; Jud 11:13, Neh 11:22. The Jabbok before it enters the Jordan valley flows through a deep, narrow ravine, the hills being from 1600 to 2000 feet in height. They are covered with verdure and are very picturesque. The stream in most of its course is perennial, swollen, deep, and rapid in winter; it abounds in small fish of excellent flavor.

"pouring out or emptying." A stream which traverses Gilead, and falls into Jordan midway between the sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. Now wady Zerka. The northern bound of Sihon’s kingdom, as the Arnon was the southern bound (Numbers 21:24) The rugged territory of Ammon, the eastern defiles of Gilead, also reached the upper Jabbok. In its early course it flows eastward under Rabbah of Ammon, a strong fortress upon a tributary of the Jabbok. Then northward and westward in a curve to a short distance from Gerasa; it reaches Jordan 45 miles N. of the Arnon. Between Rabbah and Gerasa it formed the Ammonite border. W. of this the territory had been wrested from Ammon by the Amorites (Joshua 13:25), and was still claimed by Ammon after Israel had in turn wrested it from Sihon, whence the Jabbok is still called "the border of the children of Ammon" (Deuteronomy 3:16; <061202> Joshua 12:2; Judges 11:13,21,22). Though now it is one vast pasture, the numerous ruins of cities show how thickly it was once peopled. The eastern territory to which Ammon was confined in Moses’ time is as yet little known to travelers. Sihon the Amorite king was unable to pursue his conquests further E., "for the border of the children of Ammon was strong," Rabbah was too strong for him. Israel was restricted by God’s prohibition from touching the Ammonite land, which He had given to the children of Lot (Deuteronomy 2:19,37). On the southern bank of the Jabbok Jacob met Esau(Genesis 32:22). Its western part was the bound between the kingdoms of Sihon and Og (Joshua 41:2,5). Its lower course is fringed with cane and oleander, the banks above are covered with oaks. The water is perennial toward its mouth, and there are great floods in winter. Paine objects to identifying Jabbok with the Zerka, as there is nothing in that region to correspond with Mahanaim and Penuel; he identifies Jabbok with the Yabis, 13 miles further N. On a tributary of the Yabis is found a ruin, Mahana = Mahanaim. 2 Kings 15:10,13,14. 2. Jabesh Gilead, 1 Chronicles 10:12.