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water


A critical factor in the life of ancient Palestine. Perennial streams were few and located mostly in the highland east of the Jordan, while the wadis (dry streambeds) of western Palestine flowed only with the runoff of winter rains (Job 6:15; Jer 15:18). The earliest towns were established near permanent springs, and elaborate tunnels and conduits were constructed in some cities to ensure continuous and safe access to the water supply within the city walls. Migrating groups had to purchase water (Deut 2:28). A cup of water offered to a guest or stranger was a simple, and expected, sign of hospitality (Job 22:7; Matt 10:42). Water was also used for washing and bathing, serving the needs of hygiene, refreshment, and ritual purification. Jews of Jesus’s time washed their hands before meals in accordance with religious prescription (Mark 7:3), and guests were offered water for foot washing (Luke 7:44). Water is employed in numerous biblical similes and metaphors describing instability (Gen 49:4), loss of strength (being “poured out,” Job 3:24; Ps 22:14), and melting away in fear (Josh 7:5). It vanishes (Ps 58:7) and cannot be gathered again when spilled (2Sam 14:14). But water also conveys ideas of refreshment and power. Good news from afar is “like cold water to a thirsty soul” (Prov 25:25). God is the “fountain of living water” for Israel (Jer 2:13), and Jesus offers water of eternal life (John 4:10-15). Ezekiel envisions water flowing from the threshold of the restored Temple, bringing life to the whole land (Ezek 47:1-2), and the author of Revelation depicts the river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God (Ezek 22:1-2). Amos calls for justice to “roll down like waters” of a perennial stream (Amos 5:24). A person in dire distress feels engulfed by waters, submerged in the deep (Ps 69:1-2; Lam 3:54). Salvation is experienced as being drawn up from the waters of death (Ps 18:16). Baptism recalls this symbolism of salvation as well as cleansing.

  • Powell, Mark Allan, ed. HarperCollins Bible Dictionary. Abridged Edition. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2009.