What was Zarthan?

Zarthan (also spelled Zaretan or Zarethan) was a place of notable significance in biblical history, particularly during the time of Solomon‘s temple construction and earlier in the time of Joshua. The Hebrew name צָרְתָן (Tsarthan, or Zaretan) may be derived from a root meaning “cooling” or “piercing,” although the exact etymology remains uncertain. It is believed to have been located in the Jordan Valley, north of Jericho and near the Jordan River, within the territory allotted to the tribe of Manasseh.

Biblical References

Zarthan is mentioned in several key Old Testament passages:

• 1 Kings 7:46 – “The king had them cast in clay molds in the plain of the Jordan between Succoth and Zarethan.”

• Joshua 3:16 – “…the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan…”

• 2 Chronicles 4:17 – Repeats the note about the casting of bronze in the Jordan plain between Succoth and Zeredathah (a likely variant of Zarethan).

These passages show Zarthan as a landmark in miraculous and monumental biblical events.

Zarthan in the Bible

A Landmark of God’s Miraculous Power

In Joshua 3:16, Zarthan is referenced during the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land. When the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant stepped into the river, the waters were divinely stopped and “piled up in a heap” at a place near Zarthan. This was a visible demonstration of God’s sovereign power and faithful presence with His people, reminiscent of the Red Sea crossing.

A Center for Temple Construction

Later, in 1 Kings 7:46 and 2 Chronicles 4:17, Zarthan appears again in the context of King Solomon‘s temple construction. This location in the Jordan Valley was used as a casting site for the temple’s massive bronze furnishings—items like the “Sea of cast metal,” pillars, and other implements. The site offered both proximity to natural clay for molds and abundant water, which were essential for such large-scale metalwork.

These references connect Zarthan to the fulfillment of God’s promise to dwell among His people through the temple—a place that foreshadowed Jesus Christ, the true and eternal Temple (John 2:19-21).

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Zarthan may seem like a minor geographical note, but it is tied to critical redemptive events. First, it was the location near which God demonstrated His miraculous power to bring His people into the Promised Land. Second, it became part of the logistical support for constructing the temple, the central place of worship and God’s presence in Israel.

For today’s Christians, Zarthan reminds us that God works through both the miraculous and the mundane. He stops rivers and also uses clay and bronze casting to build a house for His name. God is sovereign over the natural world and involved in the details of worship and craftsmanship. Zarthan underscores the idea that every location and every labor has purpose when it is in service of God’s glory.

Connection to Jesus and the Gospel

The temple articles cast near Zarthan were ultimately used in the worship of God and symbolized His presence among His people. But Jesus declared that He is greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6), and that He is the fulfillment of all the temple represented (John 2:19-21). Just as Zarthan was associated with the first temple’s preparation, Jesus became the cornerstone of the living temple of the New Covenant—His Church.

Moreover, the miraculous halting of the Jordan River near Zarthan in Joshua’s day pointed forward to how Jesus would make a way for sinners to enter the true Promised Land—eternal life—by halting the floodwaters of judgment through His death and resurrection.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. God’s Sovereignty over Nature

The miracle near Zarthan in Joshua emphasizes God’s power to control creation. The physical elements of water and earth serve His purposes.

2. God’s Presence with His People

Zarthan is linked to the crossing into the Promised Land and the building of the temple—both symbols of God‘s dwelling with His people.

3. Preparations for Worship

The detailed mention of bronze casting near Zarthan highlights the importance of preparation, excellence, and dedication in worship.

4. Foreshadowing of Christ

The temple construction process begun in places like Zarthan ultimately points to Christ, who fulfills and replaces the old system with a new and better covenant.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the miracle at the Jordan River near Zarthan encourage you to trust God in difficult transitions?

2. What can we learn from the use of Zarthan in temple preparation about serving God with our skills and labor?

3. In what ways does the story of Zarthan remind you of God‘s faithfulness to fulfill His promises?

4. How does the link between the temple and Christ deepen your understanding of Jesus‘ role as our mediator and high priest?

Zarthan, though obscure, is a testimony to God‘s detailed and sovereign work in redemptive history. Whether halting rivers or preparing bronze, God uses places like Zarthan to remind His people of His power, presence, and plan fulfilled in Jesus Christ.