Topical Bible: The Sea: God: Measures the Waters of

◄ The Sea: God: Measures the Waters of ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of God measuring the waters of the sea is a profound theme in the Bible, illustrating His omnipotence, sovereignty, and the meticulous order of His creation. This imagery is used to convey the vastness of God's power and the precision with which He governs the universe.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 40:12 : "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, or marked off the heavens with the span of His hand? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills with a balance?" This verse poetically describes God's ability to measure the waters of the earth, emphasizing His supreme authority over creation. The imagery of God holding the waters in the hollow of His hand suggests both His intimate involvement with creation and His control over the natural world.

2. Proverbs 8:27-29 : "I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep, when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth, when He set a boundary for the sea so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth." Here, the wisdom of God is personified, recounting the creation of the world. The setting of boundaries for the sea underscores God's authority in determining the limits and extents of the natural elements.

3. Job 38:8-11 : "Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’?" In this passage, God speaks to Job, reminding him of His power in creation. The sea, often seen as a symbol of chaos, is shown to be under God's control, with its limits firmly established by His command.

Theological Significance:

The imagery of God measuring the waters serves as a reminder of His infinite wisdom and power. It reflects the belief that God is not only the Creator but also the Sustainer of the universe. The seas, which can appear boundless and uncontrollable to humans, are fully within the grasp of God's sovereign will. This theme reassures believers of God's ability to manage the complexities of the world and their lives.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In biblical literature, the sea often symbolizes chaos and uncertainty. By depicting God as the one who measures and sets boundaries for the sea, the Bible conveys a message of divine order and stability. This portrayal reassures the faithful that no matter how tumultuous life may seem, God is in control, having established the parameters within which creation operates.

Application for Believers:

For believers, the concept of God measuring the waters is a call to trust in His providence and sovereignty. It encourages a perspective of awe and reverence towards God's creation, recognizing His hand in the natural order. This understanding fosters a sense of peace and confidence, knowing that the Creator who measures the seas also cares for His people with precision and purpose.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 40:12
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Israel at the Red Sea
... million troubles, thou wouldst have a million measures of mercy ... and the Father by
him." So shall God see his ... baptized unto Jesus, "in the cloud and in the sea.". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/israel at the red sea.htm

The Waters of Meribah
... by the rod which had parted the sea, yielded water. ... of a poisonous root, needing
drastic measures for its ... does not show any withdrawal of God's favour from him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the waters of meribah.htm

The victory of the God-Beloved Emperors.
... and rider hath he thrown into the sea; a helper ... of the wonderful things done for
them by God, and of ... have likewise been given that no harsh measures should be ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter ix the victory of the.htm

On the Words, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all Things visible ...
... we set before our minds the things of God; and herein we ... For so many measures of
waters lie upon the clouds ... This great and wide sea, therein are things creeping ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture ix on the words.htm

God's Banished Ones
... free himself from the guilt of double measures and inconsistency ... the luxurious islands
of the Southern Sea you will ... to imagine such a thing, God Himself would ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/gods banished ones.htm

The Government of Nature.
... the Evangelists.6. The walking on the sea, given by ... if things are terrible yet they
are God's, and the ... tame a wild beast"for his Father measures the waters ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/ix the government of nature.htm

The Providence of God.
... or ill fortune, rises out of right or wrong measures or schemes ... water fell out of
a cloud into the sea, and finding ... than the least of the works of God." It so ...
/.../sect iii the providence of.htm

The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagating the Gospel.
... to open them a passage through the sea; and afterwards to ... to prove that it is not
from God, who always ... The success of measures in a contest like this, proves ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon ii the wisdom of.htm

The First Last, and the Last First
... God also measures proportions. ... He thought that he was like one of those coral insects
at the bottom of the sea, just making a little bit of coral which ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the first last and the.htm

God Has Everything to do with Prayer
... Prayer makes and measures the approach of God ... There is no vengeance pronounced by
God so dire which does not ... dry ground, with scarce the taste of the sea or the ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/iv god has everything to.htm