Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: Snow-water refers to the water derived from melted snow. In biblical times, snow was a rare and significant phenomenon in the regions of Israel and surrounding areas, primarily due to the generally warm climate. However, snow did fall on higher elevations such as Mount Hermon and occasionally in Jerusalem. The melting of snow provided a vital source of fresh water, symbolizing purity and refreshment. Biblical References: The concept of snow-water is mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing purity, cleansing, and the transient nature of life. One of the key references to snow-water is found in the book of Job. Job, in his discourse on the fleeting nature of life and the pursuit of righteousness, uses snow-water as a metaphor for purity and cleansing: · Job 9:30 : "If I should wash myself with snow and cleanse my hands with lye." In this verse, Job speaks of washing himself with snow-water, highlighting the idea of seeking purity and cleansing. The imagery of snow-water here emphasizes the desire for moral and spiritual cleanliness, which is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures. Symbolism and Theological Significance: Snow-water, due to its association with snow, carries a strong symbolic meaning of purity and cleansing. In the biblical context, snow is often used to represent the purity and holiness of God. For instance, in Isaiah 1:18 , the Lord invites His people to reason together, promising that though their sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. This imagery underscores the transformative power of God's forgiveness and the cleansing from sin. The use of snow-water in Job 9:30 further illustrates the human longing for purity and the recognition of one's own limitations in achieving it through personal effort alone. It points to the need for divine intervention and grace to attain true righteousness. Cultural and Historical Insights: In ancient Israel, snow was not a common occurrence, making it a powerful symbol when it did appear in the biblical text. The melting snow from mountains like Hermon would contribute to the water supply, especially during the dry seasons. This natural process was essential for sustaining life and agriculture, making snow-water a valuable resource. The rarity and purity of snow-water would have made it a fitting metaphor for the cleansing and renewal that comes from God. It serves as a reminder of the refreshing and life-giving nature of God's provision and the spiritual renewal available through His grace. Conclusion: While the Bible does not frequently mention snow-water, its symbolic use in passages like Job 9:30 provides rich theological insights into themes of purity, cleansing, and the human condition. The imagery of snow-water invites believers to reflect on their own need for spiritual cleansing and the transformative power of God's forgiveness. Library Washed to Greater Foulness Of Cleanness of Mind Wesley at Eighty-One Begs 200 Book ii. "Wash You, Make You Clean, Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from ... He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ... Sweet Comfort for Feeble Saints Book I. Article iii: of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law. Another Mode of Justification Thesaurus Snow-water (1 Occurrence)Snow-water. Snowing, Snow-water. Snow-waters . Multi-Version Concordance Snow-water (1 Occurrence). Job 9:30 If I washed ... /s/snow-water.htm - 6k Snow (25 Occurrences) Clean (298 Occurrences) Snowing (1 Occurrence) Soap (4 Occurrences) Snow-waters (1 Occurrence) Purified (44 Occurrences) Cleansed (76 Occurrences) Washed (113 Occurrences) Purity (16 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that the Word of God will not return void? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the Sea of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that our sins are washed away? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Snow-water (1 Occurrence)Job 9:30 Subtopics Related Terms |
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