Topical Bible: Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions

◄ Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions ►

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In the biblical narrative, water often symbolizes life, purification, and divine provision. However, it also represents a variety of afflictions and challenges that God's people encounter. This dual symbolism underscores the complexity of water as both a source of sustenance and a medium of trial.

1. The Waters of the Flood:

One of the most prominent examples of water as an affliction is the Great Flood in Genesis. God, grieved by humanity's wickedness, decides to cleanse the earth with a deluge. Genesis 7:17-24 describes the overwhelming waters that cover the earth, destroying all life except for Noah, his family, and the animals aboard the ark. This event illustrates water as an instrument of divine judgment and purification.

2. The Red Sea:

In Exodus, the Israelites face the daunting waters of the Red Sea as they flee from Egyptian bondage. Exodus 14:21-22 recounts how God parts the sea, allowing the Israelites to escape on dry ground. However, the waters return to engulf the pursuing Egyptian army, as described in Exodus 14:27-28. Here, water serves as both a barrier and a means of deliverance, highlighting its dual role in God's plan.

3. The Waters of Marah:

After crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites encounter the bitter waters of Marah. In Exodus 15:23-25, the people grumble against Moses because they cannot drink the water. God instructs Moses to throw a piece of wood into the water, making it sweet. This episode demonstrates how God can transform affliction into blessing, using water as a test of faith and obedience.

4. Jonah and the Sea:

The story of Jonah provides another example of water as an affliction. Jonah 1:4-15 describes a violent storm that threatens to destroy the ship carrying Jonah, who is fleeing from God's command. The sailors, recognizing the storm as divine wrath, throw Jonah into the sea, which immediately calms. Jonah's subsequent encounter with the great fish further emphasizes water as a means of divine correction and mercy.

5. The Waters of Baptism:

In the New Testament, water continues to symbolize both affliction and redemption. Baptism, as instituted by John the Baptist and practiced by early Christians, involves immersion in water as a sign of repentance and new life. Romans 6:3-4 explains that through baptism, believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. While the act signifies cleansing and renewal, it also represents a dying to self and the trials of living a life committed to Christ.

6. The Sea of Galilee:

The Sea of Galilee is the setting for several of Jesus' miracles, including calming the storm in Mark 4:35-41. The disciples, terrified by the tempest, witness Jesus' authority over the chaotic waters, reinforcing His divine power and the peace He brings amidst life's storms.

Conclusion:

Throughout Scripture, water serves as a multifaceted symbol of both affliction and divine intervention. It represents the trials and challenges that believers face, as well as the transformative power of God's grace. By understanding the dual nature of water in the biblical context, believers can gain insight into the ways God uses both trials and blessings to accomplish His purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 22:17
He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

(On the Passion, viii. : on Wednesday in Holy Week. )
... their shouts: so that amidst so many signs of ... hands, there is no expiation in
water-besprinkled fingers ... they beheld subjected to such a variety of afflictions. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lix on the passion.htm

The Minute Prescriptions of the Law Meant to Keep the People ...
... prophetic relation, and as abounding in types of almost every variety and sort ... be
like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth ... [2938] "Many are the ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xix the minute prescriptions of.htm

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... his riches that runs through it, to water every man ... bring supply to his doors, that
infinite variety that is ... a worse thing befall us." Doth he make many to fall ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxii my little children.htm

The Service Common to Two and Many Female Martyrs.
... The God-wise ones having one mind in many bodies were ... lambs of Christ went boldly
before every variety of evil ... the troops of demons; they also water the hearts ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxi the service common.htm

Basil -- the Creation of the World
... them both in the literary charm and variety of his ... But we know that we can see many
bodies through ... is impossible for our glance to penetrate under the water. ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/basil the creation of.htm

Article xv (viii): of Human Traditions in the Church.
... God becomes reconciled by a variety in clothing ... instruction.] Among the adversaries,
in many regions [as ... worship of saints [of consecrated water], and similar ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 20 article xv viii .htm

Robert Hall -- Marks of Love to God
... There is an infinite variety of thoughts continually passing through ... As the hart
panteth for the water-brooks, so ... of their mind; they stand apart, many of them ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/robert hall marks of.htm

Christian Morals. Part ii.
... easier way of death; wherein the water, entring the ... Surely many, who have had the
spirit to destroy ... his riotous pontifical supper, the great variety whereat is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part ii.htm

The Wisdom of God
... Behold the earth decked with variety of flowers, which are both ... if it had been all
earth, we had wanted water. ... people that are with thee are too many.' Judges 7 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 the wisdom of god.htm

Would Indeed that Some Profit Might Come to Myself from this ...
... that treads [1351] the floor, or the water that streams ... So many-sided, then, so
strangely different are the ... laws and read there the strange variety of crimes ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter iii would indeed that.htm