Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, a drinking-place typically referred to a location where water could be drawn or consumed, often a well, spring, or stream. These sites were crucial in the arid regions of the Near East, serving as essential resources for both people and livestock. Drinking-places are frequently mentioned in the Bible, highlighting their importance in daily life, social interactions, and even divine encounters.Old Testament References One of the most notable drinking-places in the Old Testament is the well at Beer-lahai-roi, where Hagar encountered the Angel of the LORD. Genesis 16:14 states, "Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it is located between Kadesh and Bered." This well became a significant landmark, symbolizing God's provision and care. Another significant drinking-place is the well of Jacob, where Jacob met Rachel. Genesis 29:10 recounts, "As soon as Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his uncle Laban, and Laban’s sheep, he went over and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep." This well served as a setting for a pivotal moment in Jacob's life, marking the beginning of his relationship with Rachel. Wells and springs were also sites of conflict and negotiation. In Genesis 26:20-22 , Isaac's servants dug wells that were contested by the herdsmen of Gerar, leading to disputes. Eventually, Isaac's servants dug a well at Rehoboth, where there was no contention, and Isaac declared, "Now the LORD has given us room, and we will be fruitful in the land." New Testament References In the New Testament, drinking-places continue to hold significance. One of the most profound encounters occurs at Jacob's well in John 4, where Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman. John 4:13-14 records Jesus saying, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life." This interaction not only highlights the physical necessity of water but also introduces the spiritual metaphor of living water, representing eternal life through Christ. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Drinking-places in the Bible often symbolize sustenance, life, and divine provision. They are settings for divine encounters and revelations, as seen in the accounts of Hagar, Jacob, and the Samaritan woman. The physical act of drawing water frequently parallels spiritual truths, emphasizing God's provision and the living water offered through faith in Jesus Christ. In biblical narratives, drinking-places are more than mere physical locations; they are imbued with spiritual meaning and serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and the sustenance He provides both physically and spiritually. Library Death of Martha Yeardley, and John Yeardley's Journey to Norway. Thesaurus Drinking-place (1 Occurrence)Drinking-place. Drinking-bouts, Drinking-place. Drinking-places . Multi-Version Concordance Drinking-place (1 Occurrence). ... /d/drinking-place.htm - 6k Drinking-places (2 Occurrences) Drinking-bouts (1 Occurrence) Animals (224 Occurrences) Spring (122 Occurrences) Vessel (118 Occurrences) Quickly (254 Occurrences) Resources What is the Catholic sacrament of Holy Eucharist? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about how to get baptized / how to baptize? | GotQuestions.org What is the Haggadah / Aggadah? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Drinking-place (1 Occurrence)Genesis 24:20 Subtopics Related Terms |
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