Jabbok

The Jabbok, a river east of the Jordan, where Jacob wrestled with God.

The Jabbok is a river located east of the Jordan River, in the region of Gilead. It is first mentioned in the Bible when Israel (or 'Jacob') crossed it on his way back to Canaan after his time with Laban (Genesis 32:22). It was at the Jabbok that Jacob wrestled with God and was given the name Israel (Genesis 32:24-30). The Jabbok served as a boundary between the territories of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan (Numbers 21:24; Deu.2.37; 3:16; Joshua 12:2). During the time of the judges, the Ammonites accused Israel of taking their land between the Arnon and the Jabbok (Judges 11:13, 22). The Jabbok River flows westward into the Jordan River and is known today as the Zarqa River in Jordan.

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 Palestine; 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.