These posts will give you tips on how to get the most out of your Bible study

STT: Water, Water Everywhere: Rivers

Studt tip Tuesday Water Water everywhere Rivers title graphic

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.” – Psalm 46:4

Throughout Scripture, rivers serve as more than mere geographical features—they are powerful symbols that help tell God’s story of redemption. By understanding the significance of these waterways, we gain deeper insight into biblical narratives and their theological meaning.

The Jordan River: A Boundary of Promise

The Jordan River stands as perhaps the most significant waterway in Scripture. When Joshua led the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land, the Jordan represented the final barrier between their wilderness wandering and their inheritance. As the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the water, “the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap” (Joshua 3:16), allowing God’s people to cross on dry ground.

This miraculous crossing echoed the Red Sea deliverance and demonstrated God’s faithfulness to His promises. The twelve memorial stones taken from the riverbed served as a lasting reminder that “the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan for you until you passed over” (Joshua 4:23).

The Jordan as Symbol of Transition

Throughout Scripture, the Jordan consistently marks significant transitions:

For Israel, crossing the Jordan represented the transition from nomadic wilderness life to settlement in the Promised Land (Joshua 3-4)
For Elijah, the Jordan marked his transition from earthly ministry to heavenly reward as he crossed it before being taken up in the chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:6-8)
For Elisha, crossing back over the Jordan using Elijah’s mantle symbolized his transition into the prophetic office (2 Kings 2:13-14)
For Jesus, his baptism in the Jordan marked the transition from his private life to public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17)

The Jordan as Symbol of Cleansing

The Jordan’s waters are repeatedly associated with cleansing:

Naaman the Syrian was instructed to wash seven times in the Jordan to be cleansed of leprosy, symbolizing both physical and spiritual purification (2 Kings 5:10-14)
John the Baptist conducted his ministry of repentance at the Jordan, where people were “baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins” (Mark 1:5)
Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan established it as the archetypal location for Christian baptism, which Paul later describes as washing away sins (Acts 22:16)

The Jordan as Symbol of New Beginnings

The Jordan consistently appears at moments of new beginnings in biblical narrative:

Israel’s new beginning as a nation in their own land commenced with crossing the Jordan (Joshua 3)
Elisha’s new ministry began after crossing the Jordan (2 Kings 2)
The Gospels present Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan as inaugurating a new covenant, marked by the voice from heaven and descent of the Spirit (Luke 3:21-22)

Other Rivers That Tell God’s Story

The Nile River: Symbol of Both Provision and Judgment

The Nile River features prominently in Egypt’s relationship with God’s people:

It became the cradle of protection for baby Moses when his mother placed him in a basket among the reeds (Exodus 2:3-5)
God demonstrated His sovereignty over Egypt’s most revered resource by turning the Nile to blood as the first plague (Exodus 7:17-21)
The Nile represented Egypt’s agricultural prosperity and false security, which Isaiah prophesied would dry up as judgment (Isaiah 19:5-7)
In Egyptian culture, the Nile was worshipped as a god, making God’s control over it a powerful statement about His supremacy over false deities

The Euphrates and Tigris: Boundaries of Civilization and Empire

These rivers defined the cradle of civilization and played significant roles in biblical history:

Both are mentioned in the Garden of Eden narrative, establishing them as part of God’s original creation (Genesis 2:14)
The Euphrates marked the northeastern boundary of God’s territorial promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:18)
Babylon, situated on the Euphrates, became the place of Israel’s exile and captivity (2 Kings 24:10-16)
The prophets used the Euphrates symbolically in their messages about coming judgment and restoration (Jeremiah 13:1-11)
Revelation depicts the Euphrates drying up to prepare the way for the kings from the east in end-time events (Revelation 16:12)

The Jabbok River: Site of Spiritual Transformation

Though smaller, the Jabbok River marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s spiritual history:

Jacob wrestled with God at the ford of the Jabbok, experiencing profound spiritual transformation (Genesis 32:22-32)
After crossing this river and encountering God, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel (“he struggles with God”)
This river crossing represents the spiritual struggle that precedes blessing and the intimate encounter with God that transforms identity

The Kishon River: Instrument of Divine Victory

The Kishon demonstrates how God uses natural features in His deliverance:

This river became the site of Deborah and Barak’s victory over Sisera’s army when God sent a flood that immobilized the enemy’s chariots (Judges 4:7, 5:21)
The Kishon is celebrated in Deborah’s song as having “swept them away,” showing how God uses creation itself to accomplish His purposes

Rivers in Prophetic Vision: Future Hope and Restoration

Rivers feature prominently in prophetic literature as symbols of God’s future restoration:

Ezekiel’s vision of the river flowing from the temple (Ezekiel 47:1-12) grows deeper and wider, bringing healing and life wherever it flows
This imagery finds its fulfillment in Revelation 22:1-2, where “the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb” sustains the tree of life whose leaves are “for the healing of the nations”
Isaiah speaks of God making “rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19), symbolizing the miraculous provision and restoration God promises His people

Each of these rivers carries not just water but profound theological significance, helping us understand God’s character, His dealings with humanity, and His ultimate purposes for creation.

When you encounter rivers in your Bible reading, consider:
Historical context: How did this river impact the geography and history of God’s people?
Symbolic meaning: What might this river represent in the spiritual narrative?
Connections: How does this river connect to other biblical passages and themes?
Personal application: What spiritual lessons can you draw from this river narrative?
Rivers in Scripture often mark boundaries between promise and fulfillment, slavery and freedom, death and life. They remind us that God often leads us through barriers that seem impossible to cross, making a way where there seems to be no way.
For reflection: What “Jordan River” stands between you and God’s promises in your life? How might God be calling you to step into those waters in faith, trusting Him to make a way?

Study Tip: So?

By Paula Wiseman

When we read Scripture, we tend to spend the most time on the major themes, or the narrative, or the beauty of the promises. However, if we pay attention to the little transition words, we can gain a little more insight into the passage as a whole.

Consider these opening verses in Luke 15:

Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him (2) And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” (3) So He spoke this parable to them, saying:

Jesus goes on to tell the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin and lost son. The ‘So’ in verse 3, reveals the purpose for the parables. Jesus was illustrating the grace of God in receiving sinners, which was in stark contrast to the contempt the religious establishment showed them.

Another important little word is found in verses 6 and 9. ‘For’ tells us the reason for the joy. “I have found what was lost.” The restoration of the lost possessions is a metaphor for repentance. Jesus’s parables illustrate the joy at the restoration of the broken fellowship. It also shows how badly the Pharisees and scribes had misread the heart of God.

Other ‘why’ words include because, therefore (and its twin, wherefore), and occasionally ‘so’ is teamed up with ‘that’. I mark these words orange in my Bible to help them stand out. Pay attention to them and you’ll gain added insight into God’s purposes and ways.

(Bonus points if you noticed it all started with “then” which means we’re starting in the middle of the story. We really need to go back to chapter 14 to get the full context.)

Here’s another tip for you: Study Tip: Parables

Study Tip: Names of God

By Paula Wiseman

One of the things we miss out on in our English Bibles is the variety of names for God used in the original Hebrew. Each one points to an intensely personal encounter with Him. The English doesn’t leave the names out, you just have to learn to recognize them. I’ll touch on four of the most used names.

God – This is Elohim, the most commonly used name. The ‘im’ ending means it’s plural, but it takes a singular verb, indicating the three-in-one God. It’s the name used in Genesis 1:1. The first part of the word “El” is used in other names for God like El Elyon, the

The first part of the word “El” is used in other names for God like El Elyon, the most high God, and El Shaddai, Almighty God. (Interesting side note: When Jesus cries out from the cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” He uses a singular form.) “El” appears in proper names too, like Daniel- God is my judge, Ezekiel – God will strengthen, and Samuel – asked of God.

LORD or GOD – (Usually appears in all caps or small caps) This is Jehovah, the covenant name God gave to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14. He called Himself the I AM, highlighting His eternal, self-existent nature. He is the covenant-maker, and the promise-keeper. This name is also used in proper names

This name is also used in proper names too, and shows up as “jah” or “iah” at the end of a name, like Isaiah – Jehovah has saved. It also appears at the beginning of names as “Jo” like in Jonathan- Jehovah has given or “Je” like the Old Testament kings Jehoshaphat- Jehovah is judge or Jehoiakim- Jehovah raises up.

Lord – This is Adonai. It’s used when the writer is focused on God’s personal rule over him. David uses it in Psalm 51 as he confesses and asks forgiveness. The Hebrews used this name rather than take a chance on misusing God’s covenant name, Jehovah.

LORD of hosts – This is a special one, translating the Hebrew name Jehovah Sabaoth. That word looks a lot like sabbath, but it’s the word for army. This is the vision Isaiah sees in chapter 6, Jehovah the Warrior King.

There are many others including El Roi: God Who Sees (Genesis 16:12), Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord Will Provide (Genesis 22:13-14), and Jehovah-Rohi: The Lord My Shepherd (Psalm 23:1).

As you read, notice which names are used in the verses that stand out to you.

Which name is most meaningful to you?

Study Tip: 3 Keys to Interpreting Scripture

By Paula Wiseman

This week, I have another guide for you. This one deals with how to interpret Scripture. Wars, schisms and local church splits have all happened as a result of disagreements over the interpretation of Scripture, so it can be a tricky business. But it doesn’t have to be. This guide will help you discover not just what the Bible says, but what it means.

In the guide, you’ll find:

The single most important consideration for correctly interpreting Scripture.
The 4 types of context and how each of them affects interpretation.
How to use cross-references to deepen your understanding of a passage.
The difference between interpretation and application and why it matters.
How to ensure your interpretation isn’t way off base.

Download it here

STT: Memorize

By Paula Wiseman

Memorize it. That’s it. That’s the tip. Believe it or not, a key component to your Bible study is memorization. I know, we think memory verses are for kids, and we have way too much to remember NOW. Adding Bible verses will cause a total system shutdown.

What if it was easy?

Foolproof?

Would you be willing to give it a try?

Kay Arthur has the easiest method to memorize Scripture I’ve ever run across. All you have to do is read. She says read the Scripture three times, out loud, in the morning, at midday and before bed. Just read. Look at it the whole time. Don’t worry about trying to remember it. In seven days, the verse will be locked in your memory.

Give it a try and let me know how it works for you. The benefits are great!

Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You! Psalm 119:11 (NKJV)

If you want more out of your Bible study, this book can help.

Study Tip: Making the Old Stories New

By Paula Wiseman

Making the Old stories new title graphic

This time of year highlights one of the toughest aspects of Bible study. Reruns. Not to take away from the wonder and glory of the Easter story, but I know from teaching my boys on Sunday morning that it’s a challenge to come up with a new angle before they glaze over. My ten-year-olds have studied this lesson at least four times in their young lives, twice with me. So how can we breathe new life into the old, old story?

1. Read it out loud, maybe in a new translation. This forces you to slow down and pay closer attention to what you read. You can’t skip or skim, and your brain stays engaged.

2. Follow the action. Pay attention to what the people do. Often when we read, we key on the conversations, but the Easter story is full of action and movement. Sometimes I even imagine what the bystanders were doing.

3. Details, details. One of my favorite details in the Easter story is a quick sentence in John 13:30. Jesus has just spoken to Judas, “What you do, do quickly.” Judas leaves immediately, and the verse ends with “And it was night.” Not just a report of the time of day, but a statement rich in implication.

How do you keep familiar stories fresh?

My son’s favorite way to revisit favorite stories is to stage them with Legos. Here’s his Lego Good Friday. (He was disappointed that he had to use Persians for the Romans. I told him folks would understand.)