In biblical times, the term "gutters" refers to channels or conduits used for directing water, often in the context of urban infrastructure or agricultural practices. The concept of gutters is not extensively detailed in the Bible, but the idea of water management and the use of channels can be inferred from various passages.

Biblical References and Context

1. 2 Samuel 5:8 : "On that day David said, 'Whoever wants to strike down the Jebusites must reach the water shaft to attack those 'lame and blind' who are despised by David.' That is why it is said, 'The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.'" In this passage, the term "water shaft" is often understood to refer to a gutter or conduit used to supply water to the city of Jerusalem. This strategic use of water channels played a crucial role in David's conquest of the city, highlighting the importance of such infrastructure in ancient urban settings.

2. Proverbs 21:1 : "The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases." While not directly mentioning gutters, this verse uses the metaphor of waterways to describe the sovereignty of God over human affairs. The imagery of directing water channels reflects the control and guidance that God exercises, akin to how gutters direct the flow of water.

Historical and Cultural Insights

In ancient Israel, water management was a critical aspect of daily life, especially in urban centers and agricultural communities. Gutters and similar structures were essential for collecting rainwater, preventing flooding, and ensuring a steady water supply. The construction of cisterns, aqueducts, and other water channels was a sophisticated practice that demonstrated the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient engineers.

The significance of water management is further underscored by the arid climate of the region, where efficient use of water resources was vital for survival. The presence of gutters and other water systems in biblical narratives often symbolizes provision, sustenance, and the strategic advantage in military and political contexts.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of gutters and water channels can be seen as a metaphor for divine providence and guidance. Just as gutters direct the flow of water, God directs the course of human history and individual lives. This imagery reinforces the belief in God's sovereignty and His ability to orchestrate events according to His divine will.

Moreover, the use of water channels in biblical narratives often points to themes of cleansing, renewal, and life-giving sustenance. Water, as a symbol of life and purity, is intricately connected to the spiritual truths conveyed throughout Scripture.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly focus on gutters, the concept is woven into the broader tapestry of water management and divine guidance, reflecting both the practical and spiritual dimensions of life in biblical times.7298a. rahat -- a trough
... a trough. Transliteration: rahat Short Definition: gutters. Word Origin from an
unused word Definition a trough NASB Word Usage gutters (2), troughs (1). ...
/hebrew/7298a.htm - 5k

Canaan on Earth
... amongst all eastern nations where the land is irrigated, of letting out a certain
quantity of water into a trench, and then having small gutters dug in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/canaan on earth.htm

Epiphanius Intervenes
... and Isaac the Monk was despatched on the loathly but congenial mission of attempting
to pick up some rag of slander out of the long-putrescent gutters of the ...
/.../chapter xliv epiphanius intervenes.htm

Yet Sometimes in the Midst of These Dreams
... I had heard of Angels, and much admired that here upon earth nothing should be but
dirt and streets and gutters; for as for the pleasures that were in great ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/15 yet sometimes in the.htm

Meditation ii. The Supper-Room.
... Five gutters, under the house, served to convey the refuse to the slope of
the hill, on the upper part of which the house was built. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/meditation ii the supper-room.htm

No Difference
... You would find a princess and some daughter of shame from the gutters; a boor from
the country and a landlord, a count, a marquis, a savant, a philosopher and ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/no difference.htm

The Labours of John Cennick, 1739-1755.
... huge mob stormed the building, stripped some of the women of their clothing, stamped
upon them in the open street, and rolled them naked in the gutters.118 At ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter xi the labours of.htm

Christ's 'little Whiles'
... If men in the city walk the pavements with their eyes fixed upon the gutters, what
does it matter though all the glories of a sunset are dyeing the western sky ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/christs little whiles.htm

The False Prophet
... But the next minute, Philadelphus, who walked alertly, saw people step out into
gutters or press against walls, as if to allow some one to pass. ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xix the false prophet.htm

The Story of God's Mighty Acts
... Irreligion was the rule of the day. The very streets seemed to run with iniquity,
and the gutters were filled full with the iniquity of sin. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the story of gods mighty.htm

The Great Awakening.
... colliers near Bristol listened to the unknown gospel, and their awakened feelings
were revealed to the preacher by his observing the white gutters made by the ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xi the great awakening.htm

Gutters (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Gutters (2 Occurrences). Genesis 30:38 He set the
rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the gutters...
/g/gutters.htm - 7k

Gutter (3 Occurrences)
... In Genesis 30:38, 41 the Hebrew word rendered "gutters" is rahat, and denotes vessels
overflowing with water for cattle (Exodus 2:16); drinking-troughs. ...
/g/gutter.htm - 8k

Troughs (5 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:38 He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the
gutters in the watering-troughs where the flocks came to drink. ...
/t/troughs.htm - 8k

Runnels (2 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:38 He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the
gutters in the watering-troughs where the flocks came to drink. ...
/r/runnels.htm - 7k

Rods (76 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:38 He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the
gutters in the watering-troughs where the flocks came to drink. ...
/r/rods.htm - 27k

Conceive (23 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:38 He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the
gutters in the watering-troughs where the flocks came to drink. ...
/c/conceive.htm - 14k

Branches (103 Occurrences)
... (BBE NIV). Genesis 30:38 He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks
in the gutters in the watering-troughs where the flocks came to drink. ...
/b/branches.htm - 39k

Conceived (66 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:38 He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the
gutters in the watering-troughs where the flocks came to drink. ...
/c/conceived.htm - 26k

Flock (242 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:38 He set the rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the
gutters in the watering-troughs where the flocks came to drink. ...
/f/flock.htm - 39k

Over-against (156 Occurrences)
... Genesis 30:38 and setteth up the rods which he hath peeled in the gutters in the
watering troughs (when the flock cometh in to drink), over-against the flock ...
/o/over-against.htm - 38k

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