Many have stipulated that the river Sidon flow in a northward direction, finally emptying into the sea east. This conclusion appears to be based on the flow of existing rivers within proposed geographical locations or models. The Book of Mormon is clear, however, that the river Sidon flows by the east of the land of Zarahemla (Alma 2:15; 6:7), and that the land of Zarahemla is in the center of four wilderness areas. The river Sidon appears to also flow on the west of the south wilderness (Alma 16:7) which itself extends “from the sea east even to the sea west” (Alma 22:27). (See The river Sidon flows on the west of the south wilderness in this article for an explanation of the possible textual differences in verses six and seven of Alma 16)

In order to create a north flowing river—respecting the geographical constraints noted above—one would have to place the source of the river Sidon to the south of the south wilderness. As this river flowed west, its course would need to skirt around the west of the south wilderness (Alma 16:7) close to the sea west (Alma 22:27). This would be impossible because another upland wilderness to the west of the south wilderness would be required to force the course of the river back to the center of the land before gravity would cause it to seek the lower level of the adjoining sea west. There is no mention in the Book of Mormon account of another wilderness west of the south wilderness which itself extended to the sea west, nor could there logically be one.

This north flowing river Sidon would then have to flow from its west coast location back to the center of the land and then around to the east of Zarahemla. Finally, this river would be required to flow to either the northeast or northwest around the north wilderness to reach the sea west or the sea east. This serpentine route would miraculously defy gravity by crossing at least one watershed divide somewhere between the sea east and the sea west.

In order for this north flowing river Sidon to reach the northeast segment that flows in a general north direction to the sea east (or to the northwest segment that flows in a general north direction to the sea west) a river Sidon flowing from headwaters in the south would need to flow along the course of the southwest segment by flowing upstream thus defying the downstream course direction of this segment. The only way to not defy gravity is by changing the course direction of this southwest route segment by placing a watershed divide west of the river Sidon, which river is already west of the south wilderness, and which wilderness itself extends “from the sea east even to the sea west.” This would require an unbelievably high cliff as a watershed divide on the far west at the edge of the coast of the west sea to prevent the river water seeking the west sea, the lowest level in the vicinity. It just doesn’t work, and, therefore, a north flowing river Sidon is not feasible given all the constraints and conditions required by our interpretation of the various scriptural accounts. Also the need to prevent visual and biological contamination of the river Sidon at the key locations of Zarahemla and Gideon, which are north of hill Riplah, argues strongly against a north flowing river. (See Casting the dead into the waters of Sidon in this article)

Combining all the scriptural information describing the flow of the river Sidon, it does not appear possible for the river Sidon to flow in a general north direction. It should be noted, however, that rivers often meander over their entire course, and could flow in several directions. But the general flow must follow natural laws and seek the lowest ground as it travels from its source, or highest point, to a sea or a drainage basin. Rivers flow where they have to, not where we wish them to. And merely placing a river on a theoretical map where we wish it to be is not evidence that the river would follow a downward path along its entire course on the actual surface of the earth, or that it would be capable of flowing past the required checkpoints indicated by the Book of Mormon account.