Bible Dictionary
Zaretan
Zaretan was a place near the Jordan, probably by Succoth. It is associated with the point where the river’s waters were stopped when Israel crossed into Canaan.
Definition
Zaretan was a place near the Jordan, probably near Succoth and the mouth of the Jabbok.
Biblical Usage
At the crossing of the Jordan, the water was stopped near the city of Adam beside Zaretan, allowing Israel to pass over on dry ground.
Historical Background
The suggested location is about thirty miles up the Jordan from Israel’s encampment. The account describes the water standing in a heap while the riverbed became dry.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
When the Hebrews crossed the Jordan, as soon as the feet of the priests were dipped in the water, the flow of the stream was arrested. The point of arrest was the “city of Adam beside Zaretan,” probably near Succoth, at the mouth of the Jabbok, some 30 miles up the river from where the people were encamped. There the water “stood and rose upon an heap.” Thus the whole space of 30 miles of the river-bed was dry, that the tribes might pass over (Josh. 3:16, 17; comp. Ps. 104:3).