Topical Bible: Water: City Waterworks

◄ Water: City Waterworks ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the provision and management of water were crucial for the survival and prosperity of cities. The ancient Israelites, like other civilizations, developed various methods to ensure a steady supply of water, especially in urban areas. The Bible provides insights into the significance of water and the infrastructure developed to manage it.

Water Sources and Infrastructure

Cities in ancient Israel were often built near natural water sources such as springs, rivers, and wells. However, in areas where these were not readily available, the construction of cisterns and aqueducts became essential. Cisterns were large, underground reservoirs designed to collect and store rainwater. The Bible mentions the use of cisterns in several passages, highlighting their importance. For instance, in 2 Kings 18:31, the Assyrian king Sennacherib, while besieging Jerusalem, promises the people their own cisterns if they surrender: "Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: Make peace with me and come out to me, and each of you will eat from his own vine and fig tree and drink water from his own cistern."

Aqueducts were another significant development in ancient waterworks. These structures transported water from distant sources to cities, ensuring a reliable supply even during dry seasons. While the Bible does not explicitly mention aqueducts, archaeological evidence from sites like Jerusalem indicates their use during the biblical period.

Water in Jerusalem

Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of ancient Israel, faced unique challenges in water management due to its location. The Gihon Spring was the primary water source for the city. To protect and maximize its use, King Hezekiah constructed a tunnel to divert water into the city, ensuring access during sieges. This engineering feat is recorded in 2 Chronicles 32:30: "It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the waters of the Gihon spring and channeled them down to the west side of the City of David."

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Water holds profound symbolic and spiritual significance in the Bible. It is often associated with life, purification, and divine provision. In the context of city waterworks, the availability of water was not only a matter of physical survival but also a reflection of God's blessing and provision. In Isaiah 12:3, the prophet speaks of drawing water from the wells of salvation, symbolizing the joy and sustenance found in God's deliverance: "With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation."

Moreover, the scarcity or abundance of water was frequently seen as a sign of God's favor or judgment. In Deuteronomy 28, the blessings and curses associated with obedience or disobedience to God's commandments include the provision or withholding of rain, which directly impacted water supply and agricultural productivity.

Conclusion

The management of water in ancient cities was a testament to human ingenuity and the necessity of adapting to environmental challenges. The biblical narrative, while focusing on spiritual truths, provides glimpses into the practical aspects of life in ancient Israel, including the critical role of waterworks in sustaining urban centers.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 20:20
And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Israel and the Nations.
... once, which was the formal opening of the waterworks, and could take place but once;
while the distribution of the water in the upper city, altho extraordinary ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvi israel and the nations.htm

Motives to Holy Mourning
... There may be several ways leading to a city; some go ... A weeping eye is the water-pot
to water our graces ... Tears are the best engines and waterworks to quench the ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/8 motives to holy mourning.htm