In biblical times, the concept and construction of dams were not as advanced as in modern engineering, but the principles of water management and control were certainly present. The Bible, while not explicitly mentioning "dams" as we understand them today, does reference the control and management of water, which is a fundamental aspect of dam construction.

Water Management in Ancient Israel

The ancient Israelites, living in a predominantly arid region, were acutely aware of the importance of water management. They developed various methods to collect, store, and distribute water, which would have included rudimentary forms of dams. These structures were essential for agriculture, sustaining livestock, and providing for the needs of the population.

Biblical References to Water Control

While the term "dam" is not directly used in the Bible, there are several passages that imply the use of water control techniques:

1. Hezekiah's Tunnel: One of the most notable examples of ancient water management is Hezekiah's tunnel in Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 20:20 , it is recorded: "As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he made the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?" This tunnel was a significant engineering feat designed to secure water supply during sieges.

2. The Pool of Siloam: In John 9:7 , Jesus instructs a blind man to wash in the Pool of Siloam, which was fed by the waters from Hezekiah's tunnel. This pool was part of a broader system of water management that would have included elements similar to dams to control and direct water flow.

3. Proverbs and Water Control: Proverbs 21:1 states, "The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases." This metaphor reflects an understanding of water control, akin to the way a dam might direct the flow of a river.

Symbolic Use of Water Control

In addition to practical applications, the Bible often uses water and its control as a metaphor for divine power and providence. The ability to control water is seen as a demonstration of authority and wisdom, both human and divine.

Historical Context

In the broader historical context, ancient Near Eastern civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Mesopotamians, were known for their advanced irrigation systems, which included the use of dams. The Israelites, influenced by these neighboring cultures, would have adopted and adapted similar techniques to suit their own geographical and climatic conditions.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not provide detailed descriptions of dam construction, the principles of water management are evident throughout the text. These practices were crucial for the survival and prosperity of ancient Israel and are reflected in both the historical and metaphorical use of water in the Scriptures.2280. chabash -- to bind, bind on, bind up
... root Definition to bind, bind on, bind up NASB Word Usage bandage (1), bandaged
(1), bind (5), binds (2), bound (3), dams (1), gives relief (1), healer (1 ...
/hebrew/2280.htm - 6k

And Again the Son of Annas, a Priest of the Temple...
... of Annas, a priest of the temple, who had come with Joseph, holding his rod in his
hand in the sight of all, with great fury broke down the dams which Jesus ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 28 and again the.htm

The Destruction that came Upon the Philistines, and Upon
... kine to it [3] but to shut up their calves, and keep them from them, lest, by following
after them, they should prove a hinderance to their dams, and that the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 the destruction that.htm

The Wind Blew Loud, but Diamond Slept a Deep Sleep...
... of all the lambs. that plague their dams. and mother's the whitest. of all the dams.
that feed the lambs. that go crop-cropping. without stop-stopping. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 16 the wind blew.htm

Diamond and his Mother Sat Down Upon the Edge of the Rough Grass ...
... for the frolic in their feet. and the lambs and their dams. are the whitest sheep. ...
sings and they drink it. and the lambs and their dams. are quiet. and white. ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 13 diamond and his.htm

The Savanna of Aripo
... Generally each valley is watered by a silvery stream, tumbling here and there over
rocks and natural dams, ministering in a continuous rain to the strange ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xii the savanna of.htm

Innocent Play.
... 1 Abroad in the meadows to see the young lambs, Run sporting about by the side of
their dams With fleeces so clean, and so white; Or a nest of young doves in a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/divine songs for children/innocent play.htm

Song 2. Innocent Play.
... Innocent play. 11,11,8,11,11,8. Abroad in the meadows, to see the young lambs. Run
sporting about by the side of their dams,. With fleeces so clean and so white ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/divine and moral songs/song 2 innocent play.htm

The Carrion and the Vultures
... So long as there is a possibility of amendment, 'sentence against an evil work is
not executed speedily'; and God dams back, as it were, the flow of His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the carrion and the vultures.htm

Psalm XL.
... Do you not see tender [1088] lambs striking their dams' teats with their heads,
in order that they may get their fill of milk?..."And He took heed unto me, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xl.htm

Plants and Animals.
... And by a certain wonderful dispensation of providence, milk is prepared in the udders
of the dams for the animals before they are born; and as soon as they are ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xxv plants and animals.htm

Dams (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Dams (2 Occurrences). Job 28:11 He binds the streams that
they don't trickle. The thing that is hidden he brings forth to light. ...
/d/dams.htm - 6k

Nile (37 Occurrences)
... The substitution of dams for long canals was reserved for modern engineering
skill. Three great dams have been made: the first a ...
/n/nile.htm - 29k

Damsel (43 Occurrences)

/d/damsel.htm - 20k

Dampness (1 Occurrence)

/d/dampness.htm - 6k

Crib (3 Occurrences)
... shaft. 7. (n.) A structure of logs to be anchored with stones; -- used for
docks, pier, dams, etc. 8. (n.) A small raft of timber. ...
/c/crib.htm - 9k

Sluice
... It reads, "And the pillars of Egypt shall be broken in pieces; all they that work
for hire (margin "that make dams") shall be grieved in soul.". ...
/s/sluice.htm - 7k

Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences)
... He dug several broad, deep canals, and made dams for flooding the country to the
North and South of Babylon, so as to protect it against the attack of its ...
/n/nebuchadrezzar.htm - 29k

Maker (55 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 11:3), 'his delight shall be in"; for "make sluices and ponds for fish"
(Isaiah 19:10), "they that work for hire," margin "or make dams "; for "ye that ...
/m/maker.htm - 35k

Make (12882 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 11:3), 'his delight shall be in"; for "make sluices and ponds for fish"
(Isaiah 19:10), "they that work for hire," margin "or make dams "; for "ye that ...
/m/make.htm - 22k

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