Topical Encyclopedia Fountains and springs hold a significant place in the biblical narrative, symbolizing life, sustenance, and divine provision. Throughout Scripture, these sources of water are often depicted as blessings from God, reflecting His care and provision for His creation.Creation and Provision From the beginning, God established fountains and springs as part of His creation. In Genesis 2:10, a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it divided into four headwaters. This imagery underscores the abundance and life-giving nature of God's provision. Springs and fountains are seen as a direct result of God's creative work, providing sustenance and refreshment to the earth and its inhabitants. Symbol of Divine Blessing In the arid landscapes of the biblical world, fountains and springs were vital for survival, often marking places of settlement and community. In Deuteronomy 8:7, Moses describes the Promised Land as "a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills." This description highlights the abundance and fertility of the land, a direct blessing from God to His people. Spiritual Significance Fountains and springs also carry deep spiritual significance. In Jeremiah 2:13, God laments that His people have forsaken Him, "the spring of living water," and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. Here, God is portrayed as the ultimate source of spiritual life and sustenance, contrasting with the inadequate and temporary solutions sought by humanity. Praise and Worship The psalmists frequently use the imagery of fountains and springs to express praise and worship. Psalm 36:9 declares, "For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light." This verse acknowledges God as the source of both physical and spiritual life, deserving of praise and adoration. The imagery of water as a life-giving force is a powerful reminder of God's sustaining presence. Eternal Life and Salvation In the New Testament, Jesus uses the metaphor of living water to describe the gift of eternal life. In John 4:14, He tells the Samaritan woman at the well, "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life." This promise of eternal satisfaction and salvation through Christ is a profound extension of the Old Testament imagery of fountains and springs. Restoration and Renewal The prophetic literature often speaks of fountains and springs in the context of restoration and renewal. Isaiah 41:18 proclaims, "I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into springs." This promise of transformation and renewal is a testament to God's power to bring life and hope to desolate places. Conclusion Fountains and springs in the Bible are rich symbols of God's provision, blessing, and the spiritual life He offers. They remind believers of the sustaining and life-giving presence of God, who is to be praised for His abundant grace and mercy. Through these natural and spiritual waters, God reveals His character as the ultimate source of life and salvation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 14:7Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library More and More On the Firmament. The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People The Second Theological Oration. General Service to John, Precursor, Prophet and Baptist of the ... Matt. viii. 5 Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs. Rom. x. 14, 15 The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Resources Is there any evidence for the Bible's view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fountains and Springs in the Way to Shur Fountains and Springs of a Good Wife Fountains and Springs of a Numerous Posterity Fountains and Springs of Christ Fountains and Springs of Constant Supplies of Grace Fountains and Springs of Eternal Life Fountains and Springs of Godly Fear Fountains and Springs of Jezreel Fountains and Springs of Pisgah Fountains and Springs of Spiritual Wisdom Fountains and Springs of the Holy Spirit Fountains and Springs of the Law of the Wise Fountains and Springs of the Means of Grace Fountains and Springs of the Waters of Nephtoah Fountains and Springs: (Always Flowing) of Unceasing Wickedness of the Jews Fountains and Springs: (Corrupt) of the Natural Heart Fountains and Springs: (Not Failing) of the Church Fountains and Springs: (Sealed Up) the Church Fountains and Springs: (Troubled) Saints Led Astray Fountains and Springs: Abound in Canaan Fountains and Springs: Afford: Drink to the Beasts Fountains and Springs: Afford: Fruitfulness to the Earth Fountains and Springs: Afford: Refreshment to the Birds Fountains and Springs: Come from the Great Deep Fountains and Springs: Constantly Flowing: Could not be Ceremonially Defiled Fountains and Springs: Constantly Flowing: Especially Esteemed Fountains and Springs: Created by God Fountains and Springs: Drying up of, a Severe Punishment Fountains and Springs: Found in Hills and Valleys Fountains and Springs: Frequented by Travellers Fountains and Springs: God to be Praised For Fountains and Springs: Send Forth Each But One Kind of Water Fountains and Springs: Sometimes Dried Up Fountains and Springs: Sometimes Stopped or Turned off to Distress Enemies Fountains and Springs: Upper and Nether Springs Related Terms |