Topical Bible: Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds

◄ Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Water, a fundamental element of creation, is intricately woven into the fabric of biblical narrative and theology. Its cycle, particularly the process of evaporation where water rises in vapor to the clouds, is a testament to the divine order established by God. This natural phenomenon is not only a scientific reality but also a spiritual metaphor found throughout Scripture.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The process of water rising as vapor to the clouds is alluded to in several passages, illustrating God's sovereign control over nature. In Job 36:27-28, we read, "For He draws up drops of water which distill the rain from the mist, which the clouds pour out and shower abundantly on mankind." This passage highlights the divine orchestration of the water cycle, emphasizing God's providence and care for His creation.

The rising of water to the clouds is also a symbol of God's majesty and the mystery of His creation. Ecclesiastes 1:7 states, "All the rivers flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full; to the place from which the rivers come, there they return again." This cyclical movement of water reflects the perpetual and sustaining power of God, who maintains the balance of nature.

Theological Implications

The imagery of water rising to the clouds serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and the intricate design of His creation. It underscores the belief that every aspect of the natural world is under His command and serves His purposes. This understanding calls believers to a posture of awe and reverence, recognizing that the natural processes we observe are not random but are orchestrated by a wise and purposeful Creator.

Furthermore, the cycle of water is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual truths. Just as water rises and returns, so too are believers called to rise in spiritual maturity and return to God in worship and obedience. The transformation of water from liquid to vapor and back again can be seen as a metaphor for the believer's journey of sanctification and renewal.

Practical Reflections

In a practical sense, the process of water rising to the clouds invites believers to trust in God's provision and timing. Just as the rain falls in its season, so too does God provide for His people in His perfect timing. This trust is rooted in the assurance that God, who controls the elements, is also intimately involved in the details of our lives.

Moreover, the water cycle serves as a call to stewardship. Recognizing the divine order in creation, believers are encouraged to care for the environment, understanding that the natural world is a gift from God to be preserved and respected.

In summary, the rising of water in vapor to the clouds is a profound testament to God's creative power and sustaining grace. It is a reminder of His sovereignty, a symbol of spiritual truths, and a call to faithful stewardship of His creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 1:7
All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; to the place from where the rivers come, thither they return again.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 104:8
They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys to the place which you have founded for them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Words, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all Things visible ...
... he who was yesterday worn with toils, rises vigorous in ... Water becomes in vines wine
that maketh glad the ... p. 88: "Clouds are produced by aqueous vapour when it ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture ix on the words.htm

Upon the Gathering Together of the Waters.
... deriving warmth from them, and rises boiling, and ... with invisible conduits, where
the water travels everywhere ... of the sun, it escapes in vapour, is attracted ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iv upon the gathering.htm

The Water of Life;
... none, when all the promises seem to be dry, and like clouds that return ... but the river
is deep and broad, full, and abounds, or rises with water, so it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the water of life.htm

Down the Islands
... A single peak, with its Souffriere, rises to some 2000 ... rock of black lava dips sheer
into water several fathoms ... not see where earth ended and vapour began; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ii down the islands.htm

The Rich Man and Lazarus.
... The horizon is dim now, by reason of distance and intervening clouds. ... his own place
as certainly and as necessarily as vapour rises up, and water flows down. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxvi the rich man and.htm

A Pilgrimage to Rome
... in the pilgrimage; but, far from being dazzled thereby, titles seemed to us but
a "vapour of smoke ... Water is changed into wine, and Lazarus rises from the ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter vi a pilgrimage to.htm

a Pilgrimage to Rome
... in the pilgrimage; but, far from being dazzled thereby, titles seemed to us but
a "vapour of smoke ... Water is changed into wine, and Lazarus rises from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter vi - a pilgrimage.htm

The Creation of Luminous Bodies.
... The water had been gathered into the reservoir assigned to it, the ... 1578] In fact,
when the sun rises through a ... be retained by the waves of vapour which exhale ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily vi the creation of.htm

The Last Smile of the Muse
... flowed near the baths, and the slowed water ceased to sing ... and the equal temperature
from the vapour-baths close ... Another time, the sun rises in all its splendour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the last smile of.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... it does not deny the reality of the natural flesh and body when it rises from the ...
of the Greek writers, he scatters their names around him like a vapour or halo ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /