The Jordan is a river of historical importance and has a symbolic meaning. Joshua led the people of Israel through this river near the city of Jericho (Joshua 3:1–17) into the Promised Land. All the Israelites passed the ark of the covenant, which was held aloft by the priests while they were standing in the middle of the riverbed. This symbolic action referred to the kingship of the LORD.
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.