In the agrarian societies of biblical times, agriculture was a central component of daily life and survival. Watering, as a critical operation in farming, is frequently mentioned in the Bible, reflecting its importance in the cultivation of crops and the sustenance of livestock. The practice of watering fields and gardens is depicted as both a divine provision and a human responsibility, illustrating the partnership between God and man in the stewardship of the earth.

Divine Provision and Dependence on God

The Bible often emphasizes the dependence of agricultural success on God's provision of water. In Deuteronomy 11:10-11 , the land of Israel is contrasted with Egypt, highlighting the reliance on rain from heaven: "For the land that you are entering to possess is not like the land of Egypt, from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and irrigated by hand as in a vegetable garden. But the land you are crossing the Jordan to take possession of is a land of mountains and valleys that drinks rain from heaven." This passage underscores the Israelites' dependence on God's blessing for rain, as opposed to the manual irrigation systems of Egypt.

Irrigation Practices

While the Bible often speaks of rain as a blessing from God, it also acknowledges human efforts in irrigation. In Genesis 2:10 , a river watering the garden of Eden is mentioned: "A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it branched into four headwaters." This suggests an early understanding of natural irrigation systems. Additionally, the use of wells and cisterns for watering is evident in various biblical narratives. For instance, Isaac's servants dug wells to provide water for their flocks and fields (Genesis 26:19-22).

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Watering in agriculture is often used metaphorically in Scripture to convey spiritual truths. In Isaiah 55:10-11 , the prophet compares God's word to rain and snow that water the earth, causing it to bud and flourish: "For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it." This imagery illustrates the life-giving and transformative power of God's word.

Human Responsibility and Stewardship

The Bible also highlights the human role in the stewardship of creation, including the responsible management of water resources. Proverbs 21:1 states, "The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases." While this verse primarily speaks of God's sovereignty, it also implies the importance of wise and just management, akin to directing water for productive use.

Challenges and Judgments

Drought and lack of water are depicted as signs of divine judgment and calls to repentance. In 1 Kings 17:1 , Elijah declares a drought as a consequence of Israel's idolatry: "Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, 'As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.'" Such events remind the people of their dependence on God and the need for faithfulness to His covenant.

In summary, the operation of watering in biblical agriculture is a multifaceted theme that encompasses divine provision, human effort, spiritual symbolism, and moral responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between God, humanity, and the natural world.Deuteronomy 11:10
For the land, where you go in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from from where you came out, where you sowed your seed, and watered it with your foot, as a garden of herbs:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 3:6-8
I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Chaldaean Civilization
... Farming and cultivation of the ground: landmarks, slaves, and agricultural
labourers"Scenes of pastoral life: fishing, hunting"Archaic literature; positive ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

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