Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning Siloa, often referred to as Siloam in the New Testament, is derived from the Hebrew word "Shiloach," meaning "sent" or "sending forth." This name is reflective of the water that flows from the Gihon Spring through the Siloam Tunnel into the Pool of Siloam. Biblical References Siloa is mentioned in several key biblical passages, each highlighting its significance in the religious and cultural life of ancient Israel. 1. Old Testament: The Pool of Siloam is indirectly referenced in Isaiah 8:6, where the prophet speaks of "the gently flowing waters of Shiloah." This passage contrasts the peaceful waters of Siloam with the mighty and destructive waters of the Euphrates, symbolizing the Assyrian threat. The gentle waters of Siloam represent God's provision and peace for His people. 2. New Testament: In the Gospel of John, Siloam is explicitly mentioned in the account of Jesus healing the man born blind. John 9:7 states, "Then He told him, 'Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam' (which means Sent). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing." This miracle underscores the theme of spiritual enlightenment and the transformative power of Jesus' ministry. The Pool of Siloam serves as a physical location where divine intervention and faith intersect. Historical and Archaeological Context The Pool of Siloam was an essential part of Jerusalem's water supply system, particularly during the reign of King Hezekiah. To protect the city's water source from Assyrian invasion, Hezekiah constructed a tunnel to redirect water from the Gihon Spring to the Pool of Siloam (2 Kings 20:20; 2 Chronicles 32:30). This engineering feat, known as Hezekiah's Tunnel, is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the ancient Israelites. Archaeological excavations have confirmed the existence of the Pool of Siloam, with discoveries dating back to the Second Temple period. The pool was a significant site for ritual purification, especially during the Feast of Tabernacles, when water from Siloam was used in the temple ceremonies. Theological Significance Siloa holds profound theological significance within the biblical narrative. It symbolizes God's provision and the promise of spiritual cleansing and renewal. The healing of the blind man at Siloam is emblematic of the light and truth that Jesus brings into a world darkened by sin. The act of washing in the pool signifies obedience and faith, essential components of the Christian journey. In the broader biblical context, Siloa serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. It is a place where the physical and spiritual realms converge, illustrating the holistic nature of God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary SiloaLibrary Again in John v. 2, Etc. , on the Five Porches, Where Lay a Great ... On the Words of the Gospel, John ix. 4 and 31, "We must Work the ... On the Same Lesson of the Gospel, John ix. , on the Giving Sight ... L'envoy L'envoy How a Man's Conduct Comes Home to Him The Hope of Future Bliss Christ a Spring of Living Water, and the Light of the World. (John ... sermons on selected lessons of the new testament The Study of the Bible Recommended; and a Method of Studying it ... Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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