In the biblical narrative, water sources such as fountains and springs hold significant strategic and symbolic importance. They are often depicted as life-sustaining resources, essential for the survival of individuals and communities. However, in times of conflict, these vital water sources could be manipulated to distress or weaken enemies, demonstrating the tactical use of natural resources in ancient warfare.

One notable instance of this strategy is found in the account of King Hezekiah of Judah. Facing the imminent threat of an Assyrian invasion under King Sennacherib, Hezekiah took decisive measures to protect Jerusalem. Understanding the critical role of water in sustaining a siege, Hezekiah and his officials stopped the springs outside the city to prevent the Assyrian army from accessing them. This act is recorded in 2 Chronicles 32:3-4 : "he consulted with his officials and military staff about blocking off the water from the springs outside the city, and they helped him. A large number of people gathered, and they stopped up all the springs and the stream that flowed through the land. 'Why should the kings of Assyria come and find plenty of water?' they said."

This strategic move not only deprived the enemy of a crucial resource but also demonstrated Hezekiah's wisdom and foresight in preparing for the siege. By controlling the water supply, Hezekiah effectively leveraged the natural geography to Jerusalem's advantage, showcasing the importance of resource management in ancient warfare.

The manipulation of water sources is not limited to defensive strategies. In 2 Kings 3, the prophet Elisha, at the behest of the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom, intervenes during a campaign against Moab. The coalition army found themselves in dire need of water. Elisha prophesied that the valley would be filled with water without wind or rain, providing for the army and their animals. The next morning, water miraculously flowed from Edom, filling the land. When the Moabites saw the water, it appeared red like blood, leading them to mistakenly believe the allied kings had turned against each other. This misperception led to their defeat. This account illustrates how divine intervention could manipulate natural resources to achieve military victory.

The strategic use of water sources in biblical times underscores the broader theme of reliance on God's provision and wisdom. While human ingenuity and planning play a role, the ultimate success of such endeavors often hinges on divine favor and intervention. The control and manipulation of fountains and springs serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between human effort and divine sovereignty in the biblical worldview.2 Chronicles 32:3,4
He took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city: and they did help him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Pilgrim's Progress
... woods, vineyards, fruit of all sorts, flowers also, with springs and fountains,
very delectable ... Sometimes he had half a thought to go back; then, again, he ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrims progress.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... soon after the apprehensions of wrath.6. The bow is seen sometimes more, sometimes
less; and ... wherefore he will open rivers, fountains, and springs, and all ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1812 to the Death of ...
... and that Methodism was poisoning the fountains of knowledge ... frequent, and fervent,
and sometimes attended with ... and well understood the various springs of human ...
/.../chapter 2 from the close.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... in the fields, sometimes reading, and sometimes praying; and ... beheld things as they
are, I stopped for fear ... and looked again, even till the springs that were in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... Again, I have also sometimes thought, that by this mist ... from thence it was transformed,
or turned into another ... is, lest our minds should be drawn off from the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... Zion become a ploughed field, and Jerusalem turned to heaps ... Isaiah 58:12); and again,
they that sometimes had ashes ... Although I have cast them far off among the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

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