THEOSISEphraem the Syrian
Upon crossing the Jordan River, you are to construct an altar made of large stones taken from the riverbed. Once Israel has crossed over, they are instructed to create an altar from solid stones, free from any iron tools, and to cover it with chalk. This altar symbolizes Immanuel, who welcomes the baptized following their immersion. The stones signify the tribes and nations, which are united in this altar after Baptism, forming a singular entity in the unity of the Spirit. The chalk represents the pure white garments that those emerging from the sacred waters are adorned with. The fact that these stones were untouched by iron signifies that the righteousness of the baptized is, in itself, insignificant.