Topical Encyclopedia The account of water being purified by the prophet Elisha is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 2 Kings 2:19-22. This miracle underscores the power of God working through His prophets and serves as a testament to divine intervention in the natural world.Biblical Context The event takes place shortly after Elisha succeeds Elijah as the leading prophet in Israel. Elisha's ministry begins with a series of miracles that affirm his role as God's chosen prophet. The purification of the water at Jericho is one of the first miracles he performs, establishing his authority and the continuation of God's work through him. The Problem The men of the city of Jericho approached Elisha with a pressing concern. Although the location of the city was favorable, the water was bad, and the land was unproductive. The poor quality of the water likely caused agricultural difficulties and health issues for the inhabitants. The situation was dire enough for the people to seek divine intervention through the prophet. The Miracle In response to the city's plea, Elisha requested a new bowl filled with salt. He then went to the spring that supplied the city with water and threw the salt into it. Elisha declared, "This is what the LORD says: ‘I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness.’" (2 Kings 2:21). The water was miraculously purified, and the land became productive once again. Symbolism and Significance The use of salt in this miracle is rich in symbolism. In ancient times, salt was a symbol of purification, preservation, and covenant. By using salt, Elisha demonstrated that the healing was not due to any inherent property of the salt itself but was a sign of God's covenantal faithfulness and power to purify and restore. This miracle also highlights the role of prophets as intermediaries between God and His people. Elisha's actions and words were instrumental in bringing about the divine solution to the city's problem, showcasing the importance of obedience and faith in God's messengers. Theological Implications The purification of the water by Elisha serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation. It illustrates that God is not only concerned with spiritual matters but also with the physical well-being of His people. The miracle reassures believers of God's ability to transform and renew, providing hope in situations that seem beyond human remedy. Furthermore, this event foreshadows the ultimate purification and renewal brought about through Jesus Christ, who offers living water that cleanses and sustains eternally. The miracle performed by Elisha is a precursor to the greater works accomplished through Christ, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture. Historical and Cultural Context Jericho, known as the "City of Palms," was a significant location in biblical history. Its strategic position and fertile surroundings made it an important city, yet the water problem posed a serious threat to its prosperity. The miracle performed by Elisha not only addressed an immediate physical need but also reinforced the city's historical and spiritual significance as a place where God's power was manifest. In summary, the purification of water by Elisha is a profound demonstration of God's intervention in the natural world, His care for His people, and the authority bestowed upon His prophets. This event continues to inspire faith in God's ability to bring healing and restoration. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 2:19-22And the men of the city said to Elisha, Behold, I pray you, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees: but the water is naught, and the ground barren. Nave's Topical Index Library The Healing of the Waters The Kingdom of Samaria. Hymns for the Feast of the Epiphany. Hymn i. To Thee be Praise ... Out of St. Luke's Fifth ChapterAre Found Proofs of Christ's ... Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper. St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles. Introduction. The New Covenant. Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ... Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources What is the symbolism of water baptism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about holy water? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He spoke of living water? | GotQuestions.org Water: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Water in Times of Scarcity, Sold at an Enormous Price Water of Bitterness or of Jealousy Water of Separation or of Uncleanness Water of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Water was Used by Jews for Culinary Purposes Water was Used by Jews for Legal Purification Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage Water: (Covering the Sea) of the General Diffusion of The Water: (Deep) of Counsel in the Heart Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise Water: (Difficulty of Stopping) of Strife and Contention Water: (Its Instability) of a Wavering Disposition Water: (Its Weakness) of Faintness and Cowardice Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions Water: (Many) of Different Nations and People Water: (Noise of Many) of the Word of Christ Water: (Poured Out) Faintness by Terror Water: (Poured Out) the Wrath of God Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked Water: (Spilled on the Ground) Death Water: (Still) the Ordinances of the Gospel Water: Artificial Mode of Conveying, Into Large Cities Water: Collected in The Clouds Water: Covered the Whole Earth Water: Drops from the Clouds in Rain Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use Water: God Originally: Collected Into One Place Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From Water: God Originally: Created the Firmament to Divide Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Rock Water: Miracles Connected With: Consumed by Fire from Heaven Water: Miracles Connected With: Divided and Made to Stand on Heap Water: Miracles Connected With: Healing Powers Communicated To Water: Miracles Connected With: Iron Made to Swim In Water: Miracles Connected With: Our Lord Walking On Water: Miracles Connected With: Trenches Filled With Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Blood Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Wine Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Jehoshaphat's Army Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Samson Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man Water: Necessary to Vegetation Water: One of the Elements of the World Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds Water: some Plants Particularly Require Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity Water: The World and Its Inhabitants Once Destroyed By Water: The World not to be Again Destroyed By Water: Wearing the Hardest Substances Related Terms Water-springs (12 Occurrences) |
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