Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, fountains and springs are often depicted as sources of life, sustenance, and divine blessing. They symbolize abundance, refreshment, and the provision of God. However, there are instances in Scripture where fountains and springs are described as drying up, serving as a metaphor for judgment, desolation, or the withdrawal of divine favor.Symbolism and Significance Fountains and springs are frequently mentioned in the Bible as vital sources of water in the arid landscapes of the Near East. They are essential for survival, agriculture, and the flourishing of communities. In a spiritual sense, they represent the life-giving presence of God and His provision for His people. For example, in Isaiah 41:18 , God promises, "I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs." Instances of Drying Up The drying up of fountains and springs is often portrayed as a sign of divine judgment or a consequence of sin. In Jeremiah 51:36 , the Lord declares judgment upon Babylon, saying, "Therefore this is what the LORD says: 'Behold, I will plead your case and take vengeance for you; I will dry up her sea and make her springs run dry.'" This imagery underscores the severity of God's judgment, leading to desolation and the cessation of life-sustaining resources. Similarly, in Hosea 13:15 , the prophet speaks of Ephraim's impending judgment: "Although he flourishes among his brothers, an east wind will come—a wind from the LORD rising up from the desert. His fountain will fail, and his spring will run dry. The wind will plunder his treasury of every precious article." Here, the drying up of the fountain and spring signifies the loss of prosperity and divine favor due to the people's unfaithfulness. Metaphorical Usage Beyond the literal drying up of water sources, the Bible uses this imagery metaphorically to describe spiritual barrenness and the consequences of turning away from God. In Jeremiah 2:13 , God laments the spiritual state of Israel: "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water." The rejection of God, the true source of life, leads to spiritual drought and emptiness. Restoration and Hope Despite the instances of drying up, the Bible also offers hope for restoration and renewal. God's promise to restore and provide springs of water is a recurring theme, symbolizing His mercy and the renewal of His covenant with His people. In Isaiah 35:6-7 , the prophet envisions a future restoration: "Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the mute tongue will shout for joy. For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground will become a pool, the thirsty land springs of water." In conclusion, while fountains and springs sometimes dry up as a sign of judgment or spiritual desolation, the biblical narrative consistently points to God's desire to restore and renew, offering living water to those who seek Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 58:11And the LORD shall guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and make fat your bones: and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Shortest of the Seven Cries Come and Welcome The Great Reservoir The Great Reservoir Interpretation of Prophecy. Letter Lx. To Heliodorus. La Brea Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Reaction against Egypt The Life of S. Hilarion. Resources Is there any evidence for the Bible's view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fountains and Springs in the Way to Shur Fountains and Springs of a Good Wife Fountains and Springs of a Numerous Posterity Fountains and Springs of Christ Fountains and Springs of Constant Supplies of Grace Fountains and Springs of Eternal Life Fountains and Springs of Godly Fear Fountains and Springs of Jezreel Fountains and Springs of Pisgah Fountains and Springs of Spiritual Wisdom Fountains and Springs of the Holy Spirit Fountains and Springs of the Law of the Wise Fountains and Springs of the Means of Grace Fountains and Springs of the Waters of Nephtoah Fountains and Springs: (Always Flowing) of Unceasing Wickedness of the Jews Fountains and Springs: (Corrupt) of the Natural Heart Fountains and Springs: (Not Failing) of the Church Fountains and Springs: (Sealed Up) the Church Fountains and Springs: (Troubled) Saints Led Astray Fountains and Springs: Abound in Canaan Fountains and Springs: Afford: Drink to the Beasts Fountains and Springs: Afford: Fruitfulness to the Earth Fountains and Springs: Afford: Refreshment to the Birds Fountains and Springs: Come from the Great Deep Fountains and Springs: Constantly Flowing: Could not be Ceremonially Defiled Fountains and Springs: Constantly Flowing: Especially Esteemed Fountains and Springs: Created by God Fountains and Springs: Drying up of, a Severe Punishment Fountains and Springs: Found in Hills and Valleys Fountains and Springs: Frequented by Travellers Fountains and Springs: God to be Praised For Fountains and Springs: Send Forth Each But One Kind of Water Fountains and Springs: Sometimes Dried Up Fountains and Springs: Sometimes Stopped or Turned off to Distress Enemies Fountains and Springs: Upper and Nether Springs Related Terms |