Topical Bible: Salt: Often Found in Springs

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Salt, a mineral essential for life and a symbol of covenant and purity in the Bible, is frequently associated with springs in the biblical narrative. The presence of salt in springs is significant both in a literal and symbolic sense, reflecting the dual nature of salt as both a life-sustaining and purifying agent.

Biblical References and Context

One of the most notable references to salt springs is found in the account of the healing of the waters of Jericho by the prophet Elisha. In 2 Kings 2:19-22 , the men of the city said to Elisha, "Please note, our lord, that the city's location is good, as you can see, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful." Elisha responded by requesting a new bowl with salt in it. He then went to the spring, threw the salt into it, and declared, "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. No longer will it cause death or unfruitfulness.'" The waters were healed, and the spring became a source of life and fertility, demonstrating the transformative power of salt when used under divine instruction.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

Salt's presence in springs carries deep symbolic meaning in the biblical context. It represents purification and the removal of corruption, as seen in Elisha's miracle. The act of throwing salt into the spring signifies the intervention of God's holiness and the restoration of creation's intended order. Salt, in this instance, becomes a medium through which God's covenantal promises are enacted, turning barrenness into fruitfulness.

Moreover, salt is emblematic of the covenant between God and His people. In Leviticus 2:13 , the Israelites are commanded, "You are to season each of your grain offerings with salt. You must not omit from your grain offering the salt of the covenant of your God; you are to add salt to each of your offerings." This command underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant, with salt serving as a reminder of His faithfulness and the call to purity and holiness.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, salt was a valuable commodity, often used in trade and as a preservative. Its presence in springs would have been a significant resource for communities, providing not only a means of sustenance but also a symbol of divine blessing. The healing of the waters of Jericho, therefore, would have been understood as a profound act of divine favor, transforming a natural resource into a testament of God's power and provision.

Practical Implications

The biblical portrayal of salt in springs invites believers to reflect on the transformative power of God's word and presence in their lives. Just as salt purifies and preserves, Christians are called to be "the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13), living lives that reflect God's holiness and bring His healing and restoration to a broken world. The imagery of salt in springs serves as a powerful reminder of the believer's role in God's redemptive plan, to be agents of change and vessels of His grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 3:12
Can the fig tree, my brothers, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Situation of Britain and Ireland, and of their Ancient
... also for rivers abounding in fish, and plentiful springs. ... such as mussels, in which
are often found excellent pearls ... It has both salt and hot springs, and from ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap i of the situation.htm

The New Sinai
... Its waves often flow over us like the sea over marshes, leaving them as salt and
barren as it found them. Nor is sorrow always sure of comfort. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the new sinai.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... smell,' and impregnated with 'common salt, a notable ... were break-neck scrambles into
fords often impassable after all ... hills where Moriche palms are found; to see ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

The Woman of Samaria.
... These colonists found the country overrun by wild beasts ... Amazon that penetrated far
into the salt ocean, so ... How often, looking on those who, like this Samaritan ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/ix the woman of samaria.htm

Who is the Greatest?
... who has taken Christ's name, and yet is found doing this ... But if the salt has lost
its savor; if there is ... Often the truth must be plainly spoken to the erring ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 48 who is the.htm

The Two Debtors.
... Conversion in our own day often takes place as secretly, and as ... phial of ointment,
the costliest that she possessed, found an entrance ... Oh, salt, salutary tears ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xvi the two debtors.htm

The Gift and the Giver
... look for it there, where only it can be found, in Him ... Do not drink the salt water
that flashes and rolls by ... all the thirst of her soul, that had often in the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the gift and the giver.htm

The Christian Training of Children.
... If the salt has lost its savour, wherewith shall it ... old peaceful fashion should still
be found, there that ... to gratify us: and therefore they are often only too ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/viii the christian training of.htm

Upon the Gathering Together of the Waters.
... Thus we often see the furious sea raising mighty waves to the ... regions and those that
are to be found in Greece ... are like the great sea, charged with salt and sand ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iv upon the gathering.htm

'A Dew from the Lord'
... as stewards, and the Gospel, as the Apostle found, was not ... The salt is broken up
into many minute particles and ... it is far too often ignored by us professing ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a dew from the lord.htm