Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
Deuteronomy 4:21-22 – Crossing the Jordan River
Crossing the Jordan River, is a metaphor for death and entering the spiritual promised land. This is of course associated with Israel crossing the Jordan River, leaving the wilderness after 40 years, finally inheriting the land. Knowing the metaphor, I found Deuteronomy 4.21-22 ironic.
Deuteronomy 4:21-22 HCSB (21) “The LORD was angry with me on your account. He swore that I would not cross the Jordan and enter the good land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance. (22) I won’t be crossing the Jordan because I am going to die in this land. But you are about to cross over and take possession of this good land.
Moses will not being crossing the Jordan River because he is dying, while the Israelites who will live on are said to cross the River Jordan.
The biblical metaphor is more a reference to a new life in a new place than it is a reference to a death and end of life. One of the many problems encountered when a focus is on precise literal detail in a negative manner and possibly missing or downplaying the real message of hope, deliverance and future plenty, pleasure, joy and peace.