Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, water often symbolizes life, purification, and divine provision. However, the imagery of deep waters frequently conveys themes of severe affliction, turmoil, and overwhelming distress. This dual symbolism reflects the multifaceted nature of water in the biblical narrative, serving as both a source of life and a metaphor for profound trials.Biblical Context and Symbolism The metaphor of deep waters as severe affliction is vividly illustrated in several passages throughout the Bible. In the Psalms, the psalmist often uses the imagery of deep waters to express a sense of being overwhelmed by troubles and adversities. For instance, Psalm 69:1-2 states, "Save me, O God, for the waters have risen to my neck. I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me." Here, the psalmist portrays a desperate cry for deliverance from overwhelming circumstances, using the imagery of rising waters to depict the intensity of his affliction. Similarly, in Psalm 42:7 , the psalmist writes, "Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me." This verse captures the sense of being engulfed by relentless trials, where the deep waters symbolize the psalmist's profound emotional and spiritual distress. Theological Implications The use of deep waters as a metaphor for severe affliction underscores the biblical theme of human vulnerability and dependence on God. In times of overwhelming distress, believers are encouraged to seek refuge in God's steadfast love and faithfulness. The imagery of deep waters serves as a reminder of the trials that believers may face, yet it also points to the hope of divine deliverance and restoration. Isaiah 43:2 offers a promise of God's presence and protection amidst such trials: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you." This assurance highlights the belief that, despite the severity of afflictions symbolized by deep waters, God's presence provides comfort and strength to endure. New Testament Reflections In the New Testament, the theme of deep waters as severe affliction is echoed in the experiences of the early church. The apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 11:25-27 , recounts his own sufferings, including being "shipwrecked, spending a night and a day in the open sea." Such experiences of physical peril and spiritual trials resonate with the Old Testament imagery of deep waters, illustrating the ongoing reality of affliction in the life of a believer. Conclusion The metaphor of deep waters as severe affliction serves as a powerful symbol within the biblical narrative, reflecting the challenges and trials that believers may encounter. It emphasizes the need for reliance on God's presence and promises, offering hope and assurance of His deliverance. Through the imagery of deep waters, Scripture invites believers to trust in God's unfailing love, even amidst the most overwhelming circumstances. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 66:12You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but you brought us out into a wealthy place. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 69:1 Isaiah 30:20 Isaiah 43:2 Library Sorrowful yet Always Rejoicing. Psalm XLII. Labors in a New Field Caring for My Aged Mother Confession and Penance. The Northern Iron and the Steel Visions of Future Glory From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ... Marah; Or, the Bitter Waters Sweetened On the Immeasurable Joys of Heaven. Resources What is the symbolism of water baptism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about holy water? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He spoke of living water? | GotQuestions.org Water: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Water in Times of Scarcity, Sold at an Enormous Price Water of Bitterness or of Jealousy Water of Separation or of Uncleanness Water of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Water was Used by Jews for Culinary Purposes Water was Used by Jews for Legal Purification Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage Water: (Covering the Sea) of the General Diffusion of The Water: (Deep) of Counsel in the Heart Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise Water: (Difficulty of Stopping) of Strife and Contention Water: (Its Instability) of a Wavering Disposition Water: (Its Weakness) of Faintness and Cowardice Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions Water: (Many) of Different Nations and People Water: (Noise of Many) of the Word of Christ Water: (Poured Out) Faintness by Terror Water: (Poured Out) the Wrath of God Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked Water: (Spilled on the Ground) Death Water: (Still) the Ordinances of the Gospel Water: Artificial Mode of Conveying, Into Large Cities Water: Collected in The Clouds Water: Covered the Whole Earth Water: Drops from the Clouds in Rain Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use Water: God Originally: Collected Into One Place Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From Water: God Originally: Created the Firmament to Divide Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Rock Water: Miracles Connected With: Consumed by Fire from Heaven Water: Miracles Connected With: Divided and Made to Stand on Heap Water: Miracles Connected With: Healing Powers Communicated To Water: Miracles Connected With: Iron Made to Swim In Water: Miracles Connected With: Our Lord Walking On Water: Miracles Connected With: Trenches Filled With Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Blood Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Wine Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Jehoshaphat's Army Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Samson Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man Water: Necessary to Vegetation Water: One of the Elements of the World Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds Water: some Plants Particularly Require Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity Water: The World and Its Inhabitants Once Destroyed By Water: The World not to be Again Destroyed By Water: Wearing the Hardest Substances Related Terms Water-springs (12 Occurrences) |
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