Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, water was a precious resource, and the collection of water in wells was a common practice essential for survival, agriculture, and daily life. Wells are frequently mentioned in the Bible, serving not only as physical sources of water but also as significant locations for social and spiritual events.Biblical Significance of Wells Wells were vital in the arid regions of the biblical lands, providing a reliable water source for people, livestock, and crops. The construction and maintenance of wells were crucial for sustaining life, and they often became central to the establishment of communities. Wells were typically dug by hand and lined with stones to prevent collapse, ensuring a steady supply of water. Wells in the Patriarchal Narratives The patriarchs of Israel, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, frequently interacted with wells. These encounters often held deeper spiritual and covenantal significance. For instance, in Genesis 21:25-31, Abraham reproves Abimelech over a well of water that Abimelech's servants had seized. This incident leads to a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, and the well is named Beersheba, meaning "Well of the Oath." Isaac, Abraham's son, also had significant experiences with wells. In Genesis 26:18-22, Isaac reopens the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up. Isaac's servants dig new wells, and after disputes over water rights, they finally dig a well at Rehoboth, where there is no contention, symbolizing God's provision and blessing. Jacob's encounter at a well is another pivotal moment. In Genesis 29:1-10, Jacob meets Rachel at a well, where he rolls away the stone covering the well's mouth and waters her flock. This meeting leads to Jacob's marriage to Rachel and Leah, setting the stage for the formation of the twelve tribes of Israel. Wells as Meeting Places Wells often served as communal gathering places, where people would meet and interact. This is evident in the account of Moses in Exodus 2:15-21. After fleeing from Egypt, Moses sits by a well in Midian, where he defends the daughters of Reuel (Jethro) from shepherds and subsequently marries Zipporah, one of Reuel's daughters. The well becomes a place of refuge and new beginnings for Moses. Spiritual Symbolism of Wells In addition to their practical importance, wells carry spiritual symbolism in the Bible. They represent God's provision and sustenance. In John 4:6-14, Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, offering her "living water" that leads to eternal life. This conversation highlights the transition from physical thirst to spiritual fulfillment through Christ. Wells in Prophetic and Poetic Literature Wells are also mentioned in prophetic and poetic literature, often symbolizing abundance and blessing. In Isaiah 12:3, the prophet declares, "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." This imagery conveys the joy and satisfaction found in God's salvation, likening it to drawing life-giving water from a well. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, wells are more than just sources of water; they are places of divine encounter, covenant, and community. They reflect the physical and spiritual sustenance provided by God, serving as enduring symbols of His faithfulness and provision. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 21:19And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Upon the Gathering Together of the Waters. God's Cup of Myrrh Mission Tours. The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Contents, Arrangement and Excellence of Luther's Small Catechism. The Great Power of God On the Article, and in one Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which Spake ... Modern Examples of Prayer The Last Few Decades have Been Marked by a Special Cultivation of ... La Brea Resources Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning of Jesus walking on water? | GotQuestions.org Do the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | 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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