Definition and Context:
In biblical terms, "bad water" refers to water that is undrinkable or harmful due to its bitterness, contamination, or other negative qualities. This concept is often used metaphorically in Scripture to illustrate spiritual truths or divine judgment.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 15:22-25
After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, they traveled through the Desert of Shur for three days without finding water. When they arrived at Marah, they could not drink the water because it was bitter. The people grumbled against Moses, asking, "What are we to drink?" Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. When Moses threw it into the water, the water became sweet. This event highlights God's provision and the transformation from bitterness to sweetness through divine intervention.

2. 2 Kings 2:19-22
The men of the city said to Elisha, "Look, our lord, this town is well situated, as you can see, but the water is bad, and the land is unproductive." Elisha requested a new bowl with salt in it. He went to the spring, threw the salt into it, and declared, "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.'" The water has remained pure to this day, according to the word Elisha had spoken. This passage illustrates the power of God to purify and restore through His prophets.

3. Jeremiah 2:13
"For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water." Here, the metaphor of bad water is used to describe the spiritual state of Israel, who abandoned God, the source of life and purity, for false gods and self-reliance, which are inadequate and ultimately harmful.

Theological Significance:

· Divine Judgment and Mercy: Bad water often symbolizes divine judgment, as seen in the plagues of Egypt where the Nile turned to blood (Exodus 7:14-24). However, it also serves as a backdrop for God's mercy and miraculous provision, as demonstrated in the accounts of Marah and Elisha.

· Spiritual Lessons: The transformation of bad water into good water serves as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and redemption. Just as God can purify physical water, He can cleanse and restore the human soul.

· Symbol of Idolatry and Apostasy: In Jeremiah, bad water represents the futility of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a warning against relying on anything other than God for spiritual sustenance.

Practical Application:

Believers are encouraged to seek God as the true source of "living water" (John 4:10-14), which offers eternal life and spiritual satisfaction. The accounts of bad water in the Bible remind Christians of the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on God's provision and purification.