Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, water is often a symbol of life, purification, and divine intervention. One of the remarkable miracles involving water is the filling of trenches with water, as recorded in the Old Testament. This event is a testament to God's power and His ability to provide for His people in miraculous ways.The Miracle of the Trenches Filled with Water The account of trenches being filled with water is found in 2 Kings 3. This event occurs during the reign of King Jehoram of Israel, who allied with King Jehoshaphat of Judah and the king of Edom to fight against Moab. As the three kings and their armies journeyed through the desert, they found themselves in dire need of water, both for themselves and their animals. In their desperation, they sought the counsel of the prophet Elisha. Elisha, after initially expressing reluctance due to King Jehoram's idolatry, agreed to seek the Lord's guidance because of the presence of King Jehoshaphat, a righteous king. Elisha then delivered the word of the Lord, instructing them to dig trenches throughout the valley. 2 Kings 3:16-17 records Elisha's prophecy: "And he said, 'This is what the LORD says: Make this valley full of ditches. For the LORD says, 'You will not see wind or rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle, and your animals will drink.'" The miracle occurred exactly as Elisha had prophesied. The next morning, water flowed from the direction of Edom and filled the trenches, providing ample water for the armies and their animals. This miraculous provision not only met their immediate physical needs but also set the stage for their victory over the Moabites. Significance and Theological Implications The miracle of the trenches filled with water highlights several key theological themes: 1. Divine Provision: This event underscores God's ability to provide for His people in unexpected and miraculous ways. Despite the absence of natural signs like wind or rain, God supplied water, demonstrating His sovereignty over creation. 2. Faith and Obedience: The miracle required the kings and their armies to act in faith by digging trenches before any sign of water appeared. Their obedience to God's command through Elisha was crucial in receiving the blessing. 3. God's Faithfulness: The event illustrates God's faithfulness to His covenant people. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God honored the presence of a righteous king, Jehoshaphat, and provided for the allied armies. 4. Judgment and Mercy: While the miracle was an act of mercy towards the allied armies, it also served as a judgment against the Moabites. The water, appearing red like blood in the morning sun, deceived the Moabites into thinking the allied armies had turned on each other, leading to their defeat. The miracle of the trenches filled with water is a powerful reminder of God's provision, the importance of faith and obedience, and His ability to work beyond natural means to accomplish His purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 3:17-22For thus said the LORD, You shall not see wind, neither shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, that you may drink, both you, and your cattle, and your beasts. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Waterpots at Cana Canaan on Earth The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued) The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Resources What is the water of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of bitter water in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be born of 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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