Jordan

the chief river of Palestine. It rises on the slopes of Mount Hermon and flows southward into the Dead Sea. Its length is about half that of the Thames. The lower part of its course is below the level of the sea. Its total descent is 2,300 feet. The Lake of Galilee is simply a widening in the upper course. The river is subject to floods in the winter season, but in the dry season it is not above three feet deep at its mouth. It is crossed by several fords and ferries. The Jordan is celebrated in sacred history. See Galilee; Dead Sea