Topical Bible: Water of Persecutors

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The term "Water of Persecutors" is not a direct phrase found in the Bible, but it can be understood as a metaphorical expression representing the trials, tribulations, and sufferings inflicted upon believers by those who oppose them. Throughout Scripture, water is often used symbolically to represent various spiritual truths, including judgment, chaos, and purification. In the context of persecution, water can symbolize the overwhelming and relentless nature of the trials faced by the faithful.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

1. Symbolism of Water: In the Bible, water is a multifaceted symbol. It can represent life and blessing, as seen in Jesus' offer of "living water" (John 4:10), but it can also signify judgment and destruction, as in the flood during Noah's time (Genesis 7:17-24). In the context of persecution, water may symbolize the overwhelming force of adversity that seeks to drown the faith of believers.

2. Persecution in Scripture: The Bible is replete with examples of God's people facing persecution. In the Old Testament, prophets like Jeremiah faced opposition and suffering for their messages (Jeremiah 38:6). In the New Testament, Jesus warned His followers of impending persecution: "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first" (John 15:18). The Apostle Paul also experienced and wrote about persecution, describing it as a common experience for those who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12).

3. Metaphorical Use of Water in Persecution: The imagery of water as a persecuting force can be seen in passages like Psalm 69:1-2 , where David cries out, "Save me, O God, for the waters have risen to my neck. I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me." Here, water represents the overwhelming nature of his distress and the persecution he faces.

4. Deliverance from Persecution: Despite the trials symbolized by the "water of persecutors," Scripture assures believers of God's deliverance. Isaiah 43:2 promises, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you." This assurance highlights God's presence and protection amid persecution.

5. The Faithful Response: Believers are encouraged to respond to persecution with steadfast faith and trust in God. Romans 12:14 instructs, "Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse." This response reflects the teachings of Jesus, who called His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44).

Historical and Theological Insights

Throughout church history, Christians have faced persecution likened to being engulfed by relentless waters. The early church endured severe trials under Roman rule, and many martyrs were celebrated for their unwavering faith. Theologically, persecution is understood as a refining process, akin to the purifying nature of water, which strengthens and purifies the believer's faith.

In summary, while the "Water of Persecutors" is not a direct biblical phrase, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the trials and sufferings faced by believers at the hands of those who oppose them. The Bible provides both the imagery of water as a force of persecution and the assurance of God's deliverance and presence through such trials.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 124:4,5
Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In Reply to Marcellina, who had Asked what Should be Thought of ...
... one side, persecutors suddenly threatened them, and on the other, escape was shut
off by an impetuous river, they said, what do we fear? See the water, what ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vii in reply to.htm

"I do Indeed Live by Preaching!"
... him for some time, ran to the bank and saw his head come up just above the water. ...
How quiet is this country now, since the chief persecutors are no more seen! ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/i do indeed live by.htm

Psalm XXII.
... "I was poured out like water," when My persecutors fell: and through fear, the stays
of My body, that is, the Church, My disciples were scattered from Me. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxii.htm

Letter clxiv. To Ascholius.
... fury despised by men of fearless heart, various tortures of persecutors, and constancy
of the wrestlers through them all, the block and the water whereby the ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter clxiv to ascholius.htm

The Disciple, -- Master, what are Heaven and Hell...
... who repent of their sin and turn to Me fountains of living water gush up ... point of
death after suffering untold agonies at the hands of his persecutors, and was ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 6.htm

Having Thus Attained to the Highest Power, He Bent his Mind to ...
Of the Manner in Which the Persecutors Died. ... Meanwhile cold water was continually
poured on their faces, and their mouths moistened, lest, by reason of their ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap xxi having thus attained.htm

The Life of Mr. Robert M'Ward.
... Thither the rage of his persecutors followed him, even in a strange land; for about ...
which are said to be these;"The poor man's cup of cold water ministred to ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert 8.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... When Moses was born, they concealed him that he might not be slain by his persecutors. ...
on the edge of the river when Moses was floating in the water; and Mary ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

Psalm CIX.
... then, were driven away, that is, were put to flight by persecutors, either the ... But
whether the Holy Spirit be represented by water through the notion of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cix.htm

That Divine Inspirations Leave us in Full Liberty to Follow or ...
... in an instant transformed wolves into shepherds, rocks into waters, persecutors
into preachers. ... have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xii that divine inspirations.htm