Topical Encyclopedia Water is a fundamental element in the biblical narrative, symbolizing life, purification, and divine provision. It is mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, serving both literal and metaphorical purposes.Creation and the Natural World In the opening verses of Genesis, water is depicted as a primordial element. "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters" (Genesis 1:2). Here, water is part of the chaotic beginnings from which God brings order and life. On the second day of creation, God separates the waters, establishing the sky and the seas (Genesis 1:6-10). Sustenance and Provision Water is essential for life, and the Bible frequently highlights God's provision of water for His people. In the wilderness, God miraculously provides water from a rock for the Israelites, demonstrating His care and power (Exodus 17:6). The Psalmist reflects on God's provision, stating, "He turned the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into flowing springs" (Psalm 107:35). Purification and Cleansing Water is also a symbol of purification and spiritual cleansing. The ritual washings in the Old Testament, such as those prescribed in Leviticus, underscore the importance of water in maintaining ceremonial purity. In the New Testament, baptism emerges as a significant rite of spiritual cleansing and rebirth. John the Baptist calls for repentance and baptizes with water, preparing the way for Jesus (Matthew 3:11). Judgment and Deliverance Water serves as an instrument of both judgment and deliverance. The Great Flood in Genesis 6-9 is a divine judgment upon a sinful world, yet it also becomes a means of deliverance for Noah and his family. Similarly, the parting of the Red Sea is a miraculous deliverance for the Israelites and a judgment upon the pursuing Egyptians (Exodus 14:21-28). Spiritual Symbolism In the New Testament, water takes on profound spiritual symbolism. Jesus refers to Himself as the source of "living water," offering eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 4:10-14). This living water represents the Holy Spirit, who indwells and refreshes believers. In Revelation, the river of the water of life flows from the throne of God, symbolizing eternal sustenance and the fullness of life in God's presence (Revelation 22:1). Eschatological Significance Water also holds eschatological significance, pointing to the ultimate restoration and renewal of creation. The prophets envision a future where water flows abundantly, transforming deserts into fertile lands and symbolizing the fullness of God's kingdom (Isaiah 35:6-7; Ezekiel 47:1-12). Throughout the Bible, water is a multifaceted element, integral to God's creation, provision, and redemptive plan. It serves as a powerful symbol of life, cleansing, and the sustaining presence of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 1:2And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the World, and Its Parts, the Elements and Seasons. Against the Platonists, who Argue from the Physical Weight of the ... Whether the Cleansing of the World Will be Effected by Fire? That Neither the Whole Universe nor the Elements are God, nor are ... What Opinions those have Followed who have Set Divers Gods Over ... On the Work of the Fifth Day (One Article) Of the Origin of the World, and the Nature of Affairs, and the ... Upon the Gathering Together of the Waters. Monoimus on the Sabbath; Allegorizes the Rod of Moses; Notion ... Water Chosen as a Vehicle of Divine Operation and Wherefore Its ... 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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