Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, wells were vital sources of water, essential for sustaining life in arid regions. The practice of selling water from wells is mentioned in the Scriptures, reflecting the economic and social dynamics of ancient communities. Wells were often located in strategic locations, serving as gathering places and centers of commerce.Genesis 26:18-22 provides an early example of the significance of wells. Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham's death. Isaac's servants also dug new wells, leading to disputes with the herdsmen of Gerar over water rights. This passage highlights the value and contention surrounding water sources. In Numbers 20:17-19, the Israelites, during their wilderness journey, requested permission from the Edomites to pass through their land, promising not to drink from their wells without payment: "Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through any field or vineyard or drink any water from a well. We will stay on the King's Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory." This request underscores the practice of selling water and the respect for property rights. The account of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:7-15 provides a spiritual dimension to the concept of water from wells. Jesus, sitting by Jacob's well, asked the Samaritan woman for a drink, leading to a profound conversation about "living water." While this passage does not directly address the sale of water, it illustrates the well as a place of social interaction and spiritual teaching. In the ancient Near East, wells were often privately owned, and the water could be sold to travelers and locals alike. This practice is reflected in the broader biblical narrative, where water rights and access to wells were crucial for survival and prosperity. The economic aspect of wells is further illustrated in Proverbs 5:15, which metaphorically advises, "Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well." This proverb emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the value of one's resources, including water. Throughout the Bible, wells symbolize not only physical sustenance but also spiritual nourishment and community interaction. The sale of water from wells, while not extensively detailed, is an implicit part of the economic and social fabric of biblical times, reflecting the essential role of water in daily life and the stewardship of God's creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 20:19And the children of Israel said to him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of your water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing anything else, go through on my feet. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Mystery of Iniquity Chapter xxvi Jews. Last Things Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Pagan Cemeteries. The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City. The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Political Constitution of Egypt Resources What is the significance of Dothan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow can the light of stars billions of light years away from the earth have reached us if the earth is only thousands of years old? | GotQuestions.org Who was Isaac in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wells of the Holy Spirit in Saints Wells of the Mouth of the Righteous Wells of the Ordinances of the Church Wells of Wisdom and Understanding in Man Wells were a Frequent Cause of Strife Wells were often Stopped up by Enemies Wells: (A Fruitful Bough By) of Joseph's Numerous Posterity Wells: (Drinking from One's Own) of Enjoyment of Domestic Wells: (Without Water) Hypocrites Wells: Flgurative of Salvation Wells: Flgurative without Water Wells: Frequented by Travellers Wells: Frequented by Women Who Came to Draw Water Wells: Frequently Made in the Courts of Houses Wells: Frequently Made in the Desert Wells: Frequently Made: Near Encampments Wells: Frequently Made: Outside Cities Wells: had Troughs Placed Near for Watering Cattle Wells: Many Supplied from Lebanon Wells: Often Afforded No Water Wells: Often Covered to Prevent Their Being Filled With Sand Wells: Often Deep and Difficult to Draw From Wells: Strangers not to Draw From, Without Permission Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Abraham and Abimelech Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Isaac and Abimelech Wells: Water of, Frequently Sold Related Terms |
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