Bible Dictionaries
Ford

Holman Bible Dictionary

A shallow place in a stream or river that permits crossing by foot. The Romans were the first to build bridges in Palestine. Before their time river crossings were generally limited to fords. Fords are mentioned in connection with three rivers in Palestine: the Arnon (literally “rushing torrent” Isaiah 16:2 ), the Jabbok (Genesis 32:22 ), the Jordan. All three rivers have swift currents and offer few fording places. Fords were thus strategic points. To secure the fords meant success in battle (Judges 3:28; Judges 12:5-6 ); their loss meant defeat (Jeremiah 51:32 ).

Bibliography Information
Butler, Trent C. Editor. Entry for 'Ford'. Holman Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​hbd/​f/ford.html. 1991.