Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "Water of Hostile Armies" in the Bible often symbolizes the threat and overwhelming force of enemy nations against the people of God. This imagery is used to convey the power and intimidation of invading forces, as well as the divine intervention that can deliver God's people from such threats.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 8:7-8 : "Therefore the Lord is about to bring against them the mighty floodwaters of the Euphrates—the king of Assyria and all his pomp. It will overflow its channels and overrun its banks. It will pour into Judah, swirling and sweeping over it, reaching up to the neck; its spreading streams will cover the breadth of your land, O Immanuel!" In this passage, the Assyrian army is likened to a mighty river overflowing its banks, symbolizing the imminent threat and invasion that Judah faced. The imagery of water here underscores the overwhelming nature of the Assyrian military force. 2. Jeremiah 47:2 : "This is what the LORD says: 'See how the waters are rising in the north; they will become an overflowing torrent. They will overflow the land and everything in it, the towns and those who live in them. The people will cry out; all who dwell in the land will wail.'" Here, the rising waters from the north represent the Babylonian army advancing against the Philistines. The metaphor of water as an invading force highlights the destructive power and the fear it instills in those who are about to be conquered. 3. Revelation 12:15-16 : "Then from the mouth of the serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman and sweep her away in the torrent. But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth to swallow up the river that had poured from the dragon’s mouth." In this apocalyptic vision, the water spewed by the serpent symbolizes the persecution and attempts to destroy the faithful. The earth's intervention to swallow the river signifies divine protection and deliverance from overwhelming threats. Theological Significance: The use of water as a metaphor for hostile armies in the Bible serves to illustrate the formidable challenges faced by God's people throughout history. It emphasizes the might and ferocity of enemy forces, often appearing insurmountable from a human perspective. However, these passages also highlight God's sovereignty and His ability to protect and deliver His people from such overwhelming threats. In the context of biblical prophecy and narrative, the imagery of water as a hostile force serves as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by believers. It underscores the need for reliance on God's power and faithfulness in the face of adversity. The deliverance from such "waters" is a testament to God's covenantal promises and His ultimate victory over evil. Historical Context: The historical backdrop of these passages often involves the geopolitical realities of ancient Israel and Judah, surrounded by powerful empires such as Assyria, Babylon, and Egypt. These nations frequently posed military threats, and their armies were perceived as unstoppable forces, much like a flood. The biblical authors used this imagery to communicate the severity of the threat and the necessity of divine intervention. Practical Application: For contemporary believers, the metaphor of "Water of Hostile Armies" can serve as an encouragement to trust in God's deliverance amidst life's overwhelming challenges. It is a call to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God is capable of turning back the tide of adversity and providing refuge and strength in times of trouble. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 8:7Now therefore, behold, the Lord brings up on them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks: Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 17:13 Library The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals. The Prophet Joel. The Seven Trumpets. The Form of Concord. AD 1577. The Burning of Athens. The City and River of God The Invasion of Greece and the Battle of Marathon. Matt. x. 34 How the Amalekites and the Neighbouring Nations, Made War with the ... To Olympias. Having Risen from the Very Gates of Death I Address ... 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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