Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, water often serves as a symbol of life, purification, and divine provision. However, it also represents a source of trouble and judgment, reflecting the dual nature of water as both a life-sustaining and destructive force. This entry explores instances in the Bible where water is associated with trouble, emphasizing the sovereignty of God over creation and His ability to use natural elements to fulfill His purposes.The Great Flood One of the most significant instances of water as a source of trouble is the Great Flood, as recorded in Genesis 6-9. Due to the wickedness of humanity, God decided to cleanse the earth with a flood, sparing only Noah, his family, and pairs of every living creature. Genesis 7:11-12 states, "On that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened. And the rain fell upon the earth for forty days and forty nights." The floodwaters served as an instrument of divine judgment, demonstrating God's righteousness and His power to renew creation. The Red Sea In the Exodus narrative, water again becomes a source of trouble for the Egyptians. As the Israelites fled from slavery, they found themselves trapped between Pharaoh's advancing army and the Red Sea. God miraculously parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. However, when the Egyptians pursued them, the waters returned, drowning the entire army. Exodus 14:27-28 recounts, "So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal state. As the Egyptians were fleeing toward it, the LORD swept them into the sea. The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived." This event underscores God's deliverance of His people and His judgment upon their oppressors. Bitter Waters of Marah After the Exodus, the Israelites encountered trouble with water at Marah, where the water was too bitter to drink. In Exodus 15:23-25 , it is written, "When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water because it was bitter. (That is why it was named Marah.) So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, 'What are we to drink?' And Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet." This incident highlights the Israelites' dependence on God for provision and His ability to transform sources of trouble into blessings. The Waters of Meribah Another instance of water-related trouble occurred at Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with Moses due to a lack of water. In Numbers 20:10-11 , Moses, in frustration, struck the rock twice with his staff, and water gushed out abundantly. However, because Moses did not trust in God enough to honor Him as holy, he was not permitted to enter the Promised Land. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and obedience to God's commands. Jonah and the Sea The account of Jonah presents another example of water as a source of trouble. When Jonah attempted to flee from God's command to go to Nineveh, a great storm arose, threatening the ship he was on. Jonah 1:15 states, "Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm." The sea, under God's control, served as a means to redirect Jonah back to his divine mission, illustrating God's relentless pursuit of His purposes. Throughout Scripture, water is depicted as a powerful element under God's command, capable of bringing both life and judgment. These instances of water-related trouble reveal God's sovereignty, His justice, and His provision for His people, encouraging believers to trust in His divine plan and care. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 15:23-25And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 17:2,3 Numbers 20:1-13 Greek 5015. tarasso -- to stir up, to trouble ... trouble. Of uncertain affinity; to stir or agitate (roil water) -- trouble. (etaraxan) -- 2 Occurrences. (etaraxen) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5015.htm - 7k 5016. tarache -- a disturbance, stirring up Strong's Hebrew 5916. akar -- to stir up, disturb, trouble... trouble, stir. A primitive root; properly, to roil water; figuratively, to disturb or affict -- trouble, stir. 5915, 5916. akar. 5917 . Strong's Numbers. /hebrew/5916.htm - 6k 7515. raphas -- foul, trouble 1804. dalach -- to make turbid Library Cheer for Despondency How to Keep Out of Trouble Making the Best of Trouble The Time of Trouble The Water of Life (Preached at Westminster Abbey) The Story of a Cup of Water The Two Storms (Jesus Walking on the Water) "The Time of Trouble. " A Picture of Conversion. 2 Kings ii. 19-22. The Prophet of Fire Resources What does it mean that man is few of days and full of trouble (Job 14:1)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the time of Jacob's trouble? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean God is our refuge and strength and an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)? | GotQuestions.org Trouble: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trouble: During the Squall, when Jesus Was Asleep in the Boat Trouble: Elijah, Under the Juniper Tree and in the Cave Trouble: Israelites at the Red Sea Trouble: Mary at the Gravesite of Jesus Trouble: The Disciples, As to How the Multitude Could be Fed Trouble: The People in the Shipwreck Trouble: when Jesus Was Crucified Trouble: when Moses Waited Upon the Mountain Trouble: when the Spies Brought Their Adverse Report Related Terms |
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