Topical Bible: Water: Water of Affliction

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The term "Water of Affliction" is a metaphorical expression found in the Bible, often symbolizing hardship, suffering, or divine discipline. This concept is rooted in the broader biblical theme of water as a life-sustaining element, which, when withheld or altered, becomes a tool for testing and refining God's people.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 30:20 : "Though the Lord has given you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will see your Teacher." In this passage, the "water of affliction" is paired with the "bread of adversity," suggesting a period of trial and hardship. The context is one of divine discipline, where God allows His people to experience difficulties as a means of instruction and correction. The promise that follows is one of hope and restoration, as God assures His presence and guidance.

2. 1 Kings 22:27 : "and say, ‘This is what the king says: Put this man in prison and feed him only bread and water until I return safely.’” Here, the phrase is used in a literal sense, where the prophet Micaiah is imprisoned and given only bread and water, symbolizing deprivation and suffering. This reflects the broader biblical theme of prophets enduring hardship for the sake of delivering God's message.

3. Psalm 80:5 : "You fed them with the bread of tears and made them drink a full measure of tears." While not using the exact phrase "water of affliction," this verse conveys a similar idea, where tears are likened to water, representing sorrow and distress. The imagery underscores the experience of suffering as part of the human condition and the spiritual journey.

Theological Significance:

In the biblical narrative, water is often a symbol of life, purity, and blessing. However, when associated with affliction, it takes on a role of purification and testing. The "water of affliction" serves as a metaphor for the trials that believers may face, which are permitted by God for the purpose of spiritual growth and maturity. This concept aligns with the broader biblical teaching that God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6).

The use of water in this context also highlights the transient nature of suffering. Just as water flows and changes, so too do the seasons of affliction in a believer's life. The promise of God's presence and eventual deliverance is a recurring theme, offering hope and encouragement amidst trials.

Practical Application:

For believers, the "water of affliction" is a reminder of the refining process that God allows in their lives. It calls for a response of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances are challenging. The assurance of God's presence and the ultimate purpose of trials—to draw believers closer to Him and to conform them to the image of Christ—provides comfort and strength.

In times of affliction, Christians are encouraged to seek God's guidance, remain steadfast in prayer, and rely on the community of faith for support. The metaphor of the "water of affliction" serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of suffering when surrendered to God's will.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 22:17
He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;
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Psalm 69:1
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in to my soul.
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Isaiah 30:20
And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not your teachers be removed into a corner any more, but your eyes shall see your teachers:
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Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle on you.
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Library

As the Foam Upon Water
... Chapter XX AS THE FOAM UPON WATER. ... Draw nigh and have your recompense. Laugh, you
whose eyes have trickled down with the waters of affliction! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter xx as the foam.htm

The Duty of Remembering the Poor
... thee an opportunity of trying thy skill: one of my children is very poor; I will
cut off his bread and water, I will give him the water of affliction to drink ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the duty of remembering the.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... of the Lord, have, by being wrested out of their place, been a great affliction
to the ... What work did he make by the abuse of the ordinance of water baptism? ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

The Holy Nation
... 'Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you ... fields and vineyards, and, best of all,
the people were cleansed 'from all their idols' by the furnace of affliction. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the holy nation.htm

Visions of Future Glory
... "The bread of adversity," "the water of affliction" (Isaiah 30:20), these are the
common lot of all; but none who put their trust in the One mighty to deliver ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 60 visions of future.htm

Psalm 107
... The ground that was dry'd up before. he turns to water-springs: ^36And there, for
dwelling, he a place. ... Through sorrow and affliction,. and great oppression. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 107.htm

The Rivers of God
... about by God, has to go through fiery trial and sorrow and affliction. ... that money
bewitched was cleansed if it was handed across running water, our sorrows ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the rivers of god.htm

How Moses Fled Out of Egypt into Midian.
... well, and rested himself there after his laborious journey, and the affliction he
had ... 2. For that country having but little water, the shepherds used to seize ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how moses fled.htm

Letter xix. --(For 347. ) Coss. Rufinus, Eusebius; Pr??f. The Same ...
... The unbelieving therefore when affliction or persecution ariseth is offended [4483] ,'
as ... So, passing through water and fire, they find relief and duly keep ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xix for 347 coss rufinus.htm

Jeremiah, a Lesson for the Disappointed.
... And Micaiah, who was appointed the bread of affliction and the water of affliction
by an idolatrous king, is the specimen of those who "had trial of bonds and ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon ix jeremiah a lesson.htm