Zaretan (Zarethan) in the Bible
A city near the Jordan where the waters stood up in a heap when Israel crossed into Canaan.
Zaretan (also Zarethan) was a city in the Jordan Valley near where the miraculous crossing of the Jordan took place under Joshua. When the priests carrying the Ark stepped into the river, the waters 'rose up upon an heap' far upstream at the city of Adam near Zaretan, allowing all Israel to cross on dry ground.
Modern Location
Possibly Tell es-Sa'idiyeh or Tell Umm Hamad in the Jordan Valley, near the Jabbok River junction.
Key Biblical Events
- 1The Jordan's waters piled up near here during Israel's crossing
- 2Solomon's bronze vessels for the Temple were cast in clay foundries between Succoth and Zarethan
- 3Located near the city of Adam where the waters stood
Key KJV Scriptures
"That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho."
"In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarthan."
Spiritual Significance
Zaretan marks one of God's greatest miracles — parting the Jordan River so His people could enter the Promised Land. Just as the Red Sea parting began the exodus, the Jordan parting completed it, confirming Joshua's authority and God's faithfulness across generations.
Why Zaretan (Zarethan) Matters
Zaretan (Zarethan) holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands at the crossroads of God's covenant promises to His chosen people. With 3 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Joshua, Solomon linked to its story — Zaretan (Zarethan) is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Rooted in the Old Testament narrative, Zaretan (Zarethan) is referenced in 2 key scriptures that reveal God's faithfulness across generations. Zaretan marks one of God's greatest miracles — parting the Jordan River so His people could enter the Promised Land. Just as the Red Sea parting began the exodus, the Jordan parting completed it, confirming Joshua's authority and God's faithfulness across generations.
For today's believer, studying Zaretan (Zarethan) is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Zaretan (Zarethan), you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Joshua encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened near Zaretan?
The waters of the Jordan River rose up in a heap near Zaretan when Israel crossed into Canaan under Joshua (Joshua 3:16).
What else happened at Zarethan?
Solomon's bronze vessels for the Temple were cast in clay foundries in the Jordan plain between Succoth and Zarethan (1 Kings 7:46).
Explore Related Content
Related Bible Locations
Jericho
The first city conquered in the Promised Land, whose walls fell at God's command.
Jordan River
The river Israel crossed into the Promised Land and where Jesus was baptized.
Gilgal
First camp in the Promised Land — where Israel set up memorial stones after crossing the Jordan.
Gilgal
Israel's first camp in the Promised Land — where circumcision was renewed and manna ceased.
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