What is…
Jabbok

also known as: Nahr ez-Zarqa, Zerka, or Blue River

Hebrew: יַבֹּק —transliteration: Yabboq —meaning: Jabbok —derivation: from baqaq meaning “to pour out” or “to empty”

This is one of the rivers on the east side of the Jordan River, into which it falls about midway between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, or about 45 miles below the Sea of Galilee.

This river is now called the Zarqa, and is still a significant river—the second largest tributary of the lower Jordan River. Among geologists and paleontologists, it is known for its amber deposits which Evolutionists attribute to the Early Cretaceous.

The river is about 40 miles long (65km) and begins at springs near Amman, Jordan. Located at these springs there is a major archaeological site called 'Ain Ghazal.

The Jabbok rises on the eastern side of the mountains of Gilead, and runs a course of about 65 miles in a deep ravine dropping 3,580 feet (1,090 meters) into the Jordan River.

The Jabbok River was the boundary between the territory of the Ammonites and that of King Og of Bashan (Joshua 12:1-5; Numbers 21:24); and also between the Tribe of Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh (Num. 21:24; Deu. 3:16).

In its course westward across the plains it passes underground more than once.

“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.”

Jacob wrestled with God at the Jabbok and was renamed

Returning to the land of Canaan with his 2 wives and 11 children, Jacob crossed the Jabbok River at a ford (Gen. 32:22). After sending them all across, he was left alone on the other side that night and found himself wrestling with God. His hip socket was dislocated. He asked for God’s blessing, and was given the new name of Israel—“for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed” (Gen. 32:28).

Jacob named this place Peniel because, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been delivered.”