Topical Encyclopedia A "wadi" is a term used to describe a valley, ravine, or channel that is dry except during the rainy season when it may become a stream or river. In the context of the Bible, wadis are significant geographical features in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Near East, particularly in the land of Israel and its surrounding territories. These natural formations are often mentioned in the Scriptures, serving as both physical landmarks and symbolic elements in biblical narratives.Biblical References and Significance Wadis are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, where they are often referred to as "brooks" or "valleys." One notable example is the Wadi Kidron, also known as the Kidron Valley, which runs between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. This wadi is mentioned in several biblical passages, including 2 Samuel 15:23, where it is described as the route King David took when fleeing from his son Absalom: "Everyone in the countryside was weeping loudly as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the wilderness." Another significant wadi is the Wadi Cherith, where the prophet Elijah was commanded by God to hide from King Ahab. In 1 Kings 17:3-4, the Lord instructs Elijah: "Leave here, turn eastward, and hide yourself by the Brook Cherith, east of the Jordan. You are to drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there." This wadi provided a place of refuge and sustenance for Elijah during a time of drought and persecution. Wadis also appear in prophetic literature, often symbolizing desolation or divine judgment. For instance, in Isaiah 41:18, God promises to transform the barren landscape as a sign of His blessing: "I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys; I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs." Here, the transformation of wadis into flowing streams serves as a metaphor for God's provision and restoration. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, wadis were crucial for survival, as they provided seasonal water sources in otherwise dry regions. The presence of a wadi could determine the location of settlements, agricultural activities, and trade routes. During the rainy season, wadis could become torrents, making them both a blessing and a potential hazard. The unpredictable nature of wadis is reflected in biblical imagery, where they can represent both life-giving water and sudden destruction. The strategic importance of wadis is also evident in military contexts. Armies would often camp near wadis to ensure access to water, and battles were sometimes fought in these areas. The Wadi of Egypt, often identified with the modern-day Wadi El-Arish, is mentioned in the Bible as a border of the Promised Land (Numbers 34:5). Symbolic and Theological Themes Wadis in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings, representing themes of provision, judgment, and transformation. They illustrate the dependence of God's people on His provision, as seen in the account of Elijah at the Wadi Cherith. The imagery of dry wadis being filled with water is used to convey God's power to bring life and renewal to barren places, both physically and spiritually. In a broader theological sense, wadis can symbolize the transient nature of human life and the need for reliance on God's eternal promises. The temporary flow of water in a wadi serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly resources and the enduring faithfulness of God, who provides living water that never runs dry (John 4:14). Overall, wadis in the Bible are more than just geographical features; they are rich in spiritual significance, reflecting the dynamic relationship between God, His people, and the land He has given them. Greek 2748. Kedron -- Kidron, a brook and wadi near Jer. ... Kedron. 2749 . Kidron, a brook and wadi near Jer. ... Word Origin of Hebrew origin Qidron Definition Kidron, a brook and wadi near Jer. NASB Word Usage Kidron (1). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2748.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5158a. nachal -- torrent, torrent-valley, wadi... 5158, 5158a. nachal or nachlah or nachalah. 5158b . torrent, torrent-valley, wadi. Transliteration: nachal or nachlah or nachalah Short Definition: brook. ... /hebrew/5158a.htm - 5k 7071. Qanah -- a wadi between Ephraim and Manasseh, also a city in ... 2218. Zered -- a wadi East of the Dead Sea 6939. Qidron -- perhaps "dusky," a wadi East of Jer. 769. Arnon -- "a roaring stream," a wadi and stream in Moab 7028. Qishon -- a wadi in the plain of Megiddo 7851. Shittim -- a place East of the Jordan, also a wadi perhaps ... 6155. arab -- (a kind of tree) perhaps poplar, also a wadi in Moab 5158. nachal -- torrent, torrent-valley, wadi Library Editor's Preface Chapter xx Chapter xxvi The Nations of the South-East The Israelites Chapter xxxvi Canaan Thesaurus Wadi (11 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Wadi (11 Occurrences). Numbers 21:12 From there they traveled, and encamped in the valley of Zered. (See NAS). ... /w/wadi.htm - 9k Hyena Champaign (1 Occurrence) Geology Palestine (1 Occurrence) Arabia (9 Occurrences) Leopard (6 Occurrences) Wadis (3 Occurrences) Wade (2 Occurrences) Den (19 Occurrences) Resources Who were the Perizzites in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Edom in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the importance of the land of Uz in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Wadi: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wadi (11 Occurrences)Numbers 21:12 Numbers 34:5 Joshua 15:4 Joshua 15:47 1 Kings 8:65 2 Kings 24:7 2 Chronicles 7:8 Job 6:15 Isaiah 27:12 Ezekiel 47:19 Ezekiel 48:28 Subtopics Related Terms |
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