Topical Encyclopedia In the context of ancient Israelite culture, water was a vital component of daily life and religious practice. The Bible provides various references to the use of water and the vessels associated with it, reflecting both the practical and spiritual significance of this essential resource.1. Wells and Springs: Wells and springs were primary sources of water in ancient Israel. The patriarchs often dug wells, which became significant landmarks and sometimes points of contention. For instance, Genesis 26:19-22 describes Isaac's servants digging wells in the Valley of Gerar, leading to disputes with the Philistines. Wells were not only practical but also held spiritual symbolism, as seen in the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well (John 4:6-14). 2. Cisterns: Cisterns were man-made reservoirs used to collect and store rainwater, especially in regions where natural water sources were scarce. Jeremiah 2:13 metaphorically refers to God as "the spring of living water" and contrasts this with "broken cisterns that cannot hold water," illustrating the futility of relying on anything other than God for spiritual sustenance. 3. Water Jars and Pitchers: Water jars and pitchers were common household items used for drawing and storing water. In the New Testament, the miracle at the wedding in Cana involved six stone water jars, each holding twenty to thirty gallons, which Jesus used to perform His first miracle of turning water into wine (John 2:6-9). This event highlights the transformative power of Christ and the significance of water in His ministry. 4. Basins and Bowls: Basins and bowls were used for various purposes, including ritual purification. In Exodus 30:18-21, God instructs Moses to make a bronze basin for the priests to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tent of Meeting, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and holiness. This practice foreshadows the spiritual cleansing offered through Christ. 5. Water in Religious Rituals: Water played a crucial role in religious rituals, symbolizing purification and consecration. Leviticus 14:8-9 describes the cleansing process for a person healed of leprosy, which involved washing with water. Similarly, the practice of baptism in the New Testament, as seen in Matthew 3:11, signifies repentance and the washing away of sins. 6. Water as a Symbol of Life and Blessing: Throughout Scripture, water is often used as a symbol of life and divine blessing. In Psalm 23:2, David speaks of God leading him "beside quiet waters," illustrating peace and provision. Isaiah 44:3 promises, "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground," signifying God's abundant provision and the outpouring of His Spirit. In summary, the articles used for water in the diet and daily life of the Jews were not merely utilitarian but carried deep spiritual and symbolic meanings. From wells and cisterns to jars and basins, these vessels and sources of water were integral to both the physical sustenance and spiritual practices of the Israelite people, reflecting their dependence on God for both life and holiness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 21:14And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 10:42 Library The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... He that Doubteth is Damned if He Eat, Because He Eateth not of ... The Puritan Innovations Index i. Of Subjects The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad! Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times A Few Sighs from Hell; From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... Resources Is the paleo diet biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Diet of Worms? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about nutrition? | GotQuestions.org Diet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Diet of the Jews in Patriarchal Age The Diet of the Jews in the Wilderness The Diet of the Jews of the Poor, Frugal The Diet of the Jews of the Rich, Luxurious The Diet of the Jews was Taken in the Evening The Diet of the Jews was Taken in the Morning, Sparingly The Diet of the Jews was Taken with the Hand The Diet of the Jews was Taken: At Noon The Diet of the Jews was Taken: Often Reclining The Diet of the Jews was Taken: Often Sitting The Diet of the Jews: A Hymn Sung After The Diet of the Jews: Articles of, often Sent As Presents The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Bread The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Butter The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Cheese The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Dried Fruit The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Fish The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Flesh The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Fruit The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Herbs The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Honey The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Milk The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Oil The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Parched Corn The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Vinegar The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Water The Diet of the Jews: Articles Used for Wine The Diet of the Jews: Expressed by Bread and Water The Diet of the Jews: Generally Prepared by Females The Diet of the Jews: Men and Women did not Partake of Together The Diet of the Jews: Purification Before The Diet of the Jews: Thanks Given Before Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |