Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man
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Water, a fundamental element of creation, is essential for the sustenance, comfort, and happiness of humanity. Throughout the Bible, water is depicted not only as a physical necessity but also as a symbol of spiritual nourishment and divine provision.

Creation and Provision

From the very beginning, water is integral to God's creation. In Genesis 1:2, the Spirit of God hovers over the waters, indicating the foundational role of water in the formation of the earth. God separates the waters to create the sky and the seas, establishing an environment where life can flourish (Genesis 1:6-10).

Water is portrayed as a divine provision for humanity's physical needs. In Genesis 2:10, a river flows out of Eden to water the garden, illustrating God's provision for Adam and Eve. This imagery underscores the necessity of water for life and comfort, as it sustains the lushness and fertility of the garden.

Sustenance in the Wilderness

The Israelites' journey through the wilderness further highlights the critical role of water. In Exodus 17:6, God instructs Moses to strike the rock at Horeb, miraculously providing water for the thirsty Israelites. This act demonstrates God's care and provision, ensuring the survival and comfort of His people in a barren land.

Similarly, in Numbers 20:8-11, God commands Moses to speak to the rock to bring forth water, again emphasizing the necessity of water for the well-being of the Israelites. These instances reflect God's responsiveness to the physical needs of His people, reinforcing the idea that water is a divine gift essential for life.

Symbol of Spiritual Nourishment

Beyond its physical necessity, water serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual sustenance and renewal. In Isaiah 55:1, the invitation to "come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters" extends beyond physical thirst, offering spiritual satisfaction and joy. This metaphorical use of water highlights its role in the spiritual comfort and happiness of believers.

Jesus further amplifies this symbolism in the New Testament. In John 4:14, He tells the Samaritan woman at the well, "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." Here, water represents the eternal satisfaction and joy found in a relationship with Christ, transcending mere physical necessity.

Eternal Life and Restoration

The imagery of water continues into the eschatological visions of Revelation. In Revelation 22:1, the river of the water of life flows from the throne of God and the Lamb, symbolizing the ultimate restoration and eternal comfort of God's people. This vision assures believers of the perpetual provision and happiness found in God's presence.

Throughout Scripture, water is consistently portrayed as indispensable to human comfort and happiness. It is a tangible reminder of God's provision and care, meeting both physical and spiritual needs. As a symbol of life and renewal, water underscores the abundant blessings available to those who seek God, ensuring their comfort and joy both in this life and in eternity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 41:17
When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue fails for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 9:11
As for you also, by the blood of your covenant I have sent forth your prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Shakers, or the United Society of Believers.
... Yet the little water that is running in small ... adapted to the best interest and happiness
of man ... and maintenance, and to every necessary comfort, whether in ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/shakers or the united society.htm

The Foot-Washing.
... So necessary to comfort was this attention that our Lord ... but the tinkle and plash
of the water in the ... to their happiness at the feast than the comfort of cool ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/vi the foot-washing.htm

Directions How to Lead a Heavenly Life Upon Earth.
... If thou art convinced, reader, that this work is necessary to thy comfort, set upon ...
bread on our tables; and to die for thirst while we draw water for others ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter xii directions how to.htm

Effects of Messiah's Appearance
... Fountains and streams of water burst forth in the ... with healing, with light, power,
and comfort, in His ... it consequences; and holiness, not only necessary by the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xii effects of messiahs.htm

Essay
... and foundation of that decency, which is necessary to be ... As in water, or any other
mirrour, face answers ... it is likely, will secure mutual comfort and happiness ...
/.../an essay on the mosaic account of the creation and fall of man/essay.htm

The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows
... presence of God until the moment of necessary desertion, when we ... heard them roar,
was it not a comfort to the ... The world deluged with water, the plains of Sodom ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the gladness of the man.htm

Letter xvi. Charity.
... a bed of nettles, as to look for comfort in the ... equally dangerous, it might not be
less necessary to chain ... in the land," and weep rivers of water because men ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter xvi charity.htm

"And These Things Write we unto You, that Your Joy May be Full. "
... inward torment and disquiet, because of that necessary and inevitable ... perish, and
leave the soul without all comfort, and with ... Whence shall I draw water of joy ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii and these things.htm

Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm.
... Which of the necessary conditions have I failed to fulfil? ... Word of GOD; it is his
food and comfort; it is ... a tree planted by the rivers of water, "That bringeth ...
/.../taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed prosperity meditations on the.htm

Christ Teaching Humility
... And the thought of the comfort which this lesson gives ... reel, and artificial flies,
and everything necessary to make a ... nipping the fish out of the water about as ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching humility.htm

Resources
What is the water of life? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of bitter water in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be born of water? | GotQuestions.org

Water: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Dowsing

Water

Water Baptism

Water in Times of Scarcity, Sold at an Enormous Price

Water of Bitterness or of Jealousy

Water of Hostile Armies

Water of Jealousy

Water of Persecutions

Water of Persecutors

Water of Separation

Water of Separation or of Uncleanness

Water of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit

Water of the Support of God

Water was Used by Jews for Culinary Purposes

Water was Used by Jews for Legal Purification

Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person

Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage

Water: (Covering the Sea) of the General Diffusion of The

Water: (Deep) of Counsel in the Heart

Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction

Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise

Water: (Difficulty of Stopping) of Strife and Contention

Water: (Its Instability) of a Wavering Disposition

Water: (Its Weakness) of Faintness and Cowardice

Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions

Water: (Many) of Different Nations and People

Water: (Noise of Many) of the Word of Christ

Water: (Poured Out) Faintness by Terror

Water: (Poured Out) the Wrath of God

Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny

Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked

Water: (Spilled on the Ground) Death

Water: (Still) the Ordinances of the Gospel

Water: Artificial Mode of Conveying, Into Large Cities

Water: Carried in Vessels

Water: Changed to Wine

Water: City Waterworks

Water: Cleansing

Water: Collected in Brooks

Water: Collected in Fountains

Water: Collected in Ponds

Water: Collected in Pools

Water: Collected in Rivers

Water: Collected in Springs

Water: Collected in Streams

Water: Collected in The Clouds

Water: Collected in The Sea

Water: Collected in Wells

Water: Congealed by Cold

Water: Covered the Whole Earth

Water: Creation of

Water: Daily Allowance of

Water: Domestic Love

Water: Drops from the Clouds in Rain

Water: Fluid

Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use

Water: God Originally: Collected Into One Place

Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From

Water: God Originally: Created the Firmament to Divide

Water: Jesus Walks Upon

Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots

Water: Libation of

Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass

Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Rock

Water: Miracles Connected With: Consumed by Fire from Heaven

Water: Miracles Connected With: Divided and Made to Stand on Heap

Water: Miracles Connected With: Healing Powers Communicated To

Water: Miracles Connected With: Iron Made to Swim In

Water: Miracles Connected With: Our Lord Walking On

Water: Miracles Connected With: Trenches Filled With

Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Blood

Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Wine

Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Jehoshaphat's Army

Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Samson

Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites

Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man

Water: Necessary to Vegetation

Water: One of the Elements of the World

Water: Penetrating

Water: Purified by Elisha

Water: Red Sea Divided

Water: Reflecting Images

Water: Refreshing

Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds

Water: some Plants Particularly Require

Water: Symbolical

Water: The Jordan River

Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity

Water: The World and Its Inhabitants Once Destroyed By

Water: The World not to be Again Destroyed By

Water: Turned Into Blood

Water: Unstable

Water: Vision of, by Ezekiel

Water: Water of Affliction

Water: Water of Life

Water: Water of Salvation

Water: Wearing the Hardest Substances

Related Terms

Water-spring (16 Occurrences)

Water-vessel (14 Occurrences)

Water-springs (12 Occurrences)

Water-hole (25 Occurrences)

Water-courses (9 Occurrences)

Water-holes (8 Occurrences)

Water-plants (7 Occurrences)

Water-gate (5 Occurrences)

Water-brooks (6 Occurrences)

Water-doorway (4 Occurrences)

Water-streams (4 Occurrences)

Drinking-water (4 Occurrences)

Water-vessels (2 Occurrences)

Water-jugs (2 Occurrences)

Water-town (2 Occurrences)

Water-hen (2 Occurrences)

Water-jug (1 Occurrence)

Water-pipe (1 Occurrence)

Water-door (1 Occurrence)

Water-spouts (1 Occurrence)

Water-flood (1 Occurrence)

Water-skins (1 Occurrence)

Water-pot (1 Occurrence)

Water's (2 Occurrences)

Water-skin (1 Occurrence)

Snow-water (1 Occurrence)

Sail (32 Occurrences)

Springing (16 Occurrences)

Springs (59 Occurrences)

Ablution

Cleansing (37 Occurrences)

Snow (25 Occurrences)

Streaming (16 Occurrences)

Shepherd (76 Occurrences)

Causeth (209 Occurrences)

Swell (9 Occurrences)

Knee-deep (1 Occurrence)

Compacted (3 Occurrences)

Soak (1 Occurrence)

Shoal (2 Occurrences)

Swim (8 Occurrences)

Sooner (21 Occurrences)

Storing (10 Occurrences)

Swamp (1 Occurrence)

Shiloah (1 Occurrence)

Valleys (38 Occurrences)

Siloah (1 Occurrence)

Shelah (18 Occurrences)

Aqueduct (4 Occurrences)

Siloam (4 Occurrences)

Separation (50 Occurrences)

Streams (80 Occurrences)

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

Sprinkling (48 Occurrences)

Crystal (7 Occurrences)

Agitated (9 Occurrences)

Stank (6 Occurrences)

Shihor (5 Occurrences)

Sink (16 Occurrences)

Soap (4 Occurrences)

Sluice

Shrink (10 Occurrences)

Scant (4 Occurrences)

Adultery (49 Occurrences)

Hyssop (12 Occurrences)

Augury (5 Occurrences)

Cistern (21 Occurrences)

Arabah (32 Occurrences)

Sprinkle (37 Occurrences)

Camest (27 Occurrences)

Salim (1 Occurrence)

Siddim (3 Occurrences)

Adullam (10 Occurrences)

Slope (29 Occurrences)

Camped (100 Occurrences)

Ceremonially (38 Occurrences)

Vast (54 Occurrences)

Yields (21 Occurrences)

Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites
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