Water-holes, also known as wells or springs, are significant features in the biblical narrative, serving as vital sources of water in the arid landscapes of the ancient Near East. These natural or man-made reservoirs are frequently mentioned in Scripture, highlighting their importance for survival, community life, and spiritual symbolism.

Geographical and Cultural Context

In the biblical lands, particularly in regions like Canaan, the Negev, and the Sinai Peninsula, water-holes were essential for sustaining life. The scarcity of water made these sites crucial for the nomadic and agrarian societies of the time. Water-holes were often located along trade routes and in areas where shepherds grazed their flocks, making them central to both economic and social activities.

Biblical References

Water-holes are mentioned throughout the Bible, often in the context of God's provision and the patriarchs' journeys. In Genesis 21:19, God opens Hagar's eyes to a well of water in the wilderness, saving her and her son Ishmael from perishing. This act underscores God's care and provision for those in need.

In Genesis 26, Isaac reopens the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham's death. This passage illustrates the ongoing struggle for resources and the importance of water rights in the ancient world. Genesis 26:18 states, "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, and he gave them the same names his father had given them."

Water-holes also serve as meeting places and sites of divine encounters. In Genesis 24, Abraham's servant finds Rebekah at a well, leading to her becoming Isaac's wife. This event highlights the well as a place of providential meeting and blessing.

Spiritual Symbolism

Water-holes carry rich spiritual symbolism in the Bible. They often represent God's provision and sustenance. In John 4, Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, where He speaks of the "living water" that He offers, which leads to eternal life. This encounter transforms the well from a mere physical necessity to a symbol of spiritual nourishment and salvation.

The imagery of wells and water-holes is also used metaphorically in the Psalms and the Prophets to describe God's refreshing presence and the outpouring of His Spirit. Isaiah 12:3 declares, "With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation," linking the physical act of drawing water to the spiritual act of receiving God's salvation.

Social and Legal Aspects

In ancient Israel, water-holes were often subject to legal agreements and disputes. The control and access to these resources were critical for the survival of families and communities. The conflict over wells between Isaac and the Philistines in Genesis 26 highlights the legal and social tensions surrounding water rights. These disputes were typically resolved through negotiation and treaties, as seen in Genesis 21:25-31, where Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant concerning a well.

Conclusion

Water-holes in the Bible are more than just physical locations; they are integral to the narrative of God's interaction with His people. They serve as reminders of His provision, places of divine encounter, and symbols of spiritual truth. Through the accounts of wells and water-holes, Scripture reveals the deep connection between the physical and spiritual sustenance provided by God.Water-holes (8 Occurrences)

Genesis 26:15
Now all the water-holes, which his father's servants had made in the days of Abraham, had been stopped up with earth by the Philistines.
(BBE)

Genesis 26:18
And he made again the water-holes which had been made in the days of Abraham his father, and which had been stopped up by the Philistines; and he gave them the names which his father had given them.
(BBE)

2 Kings 3:16
And he said, The Lord says, I will make this valley full of water-holes.
(BBE)

2 Kings 19:24
I have made water-holes and taken their waters, and with my foot I have made all the rivers of Egypt dry.
(BBE)

Nehemiah 9:25
And they took walled towns and a fat land, and became the owners of houses full of all good things, water-holes cut in the rock, vine-gardens and olive-gardens and a wealth of fruit-trees: so they had food enough and became fat, and had joy in the good you gave them.
(BBE)

Isaiah 37:25
I have made water-holes and taken their waters, and with my foot I have made all the rivers of Egypt dry.
(BBE)

Jeremiah 2:13
For my people have done two evils; they have given up me, the fountain of living waters, and have made for themselves water-holes, cut out from the rock, broken water-holes, of no use for storing water.
(BBE)

Jeremiah 51:32
And the ways across the river have been taken, and the water-holes ... burned with fire, and the men of war are in the grip of fear.
(BBE)

Water-holes (8 Occurrences)
Water-holes. Water-hole, Water-holes. Watering . Multi-Version
Concordance Water-holes (8 Occurrences). Genesis 26:15 ...
/w/water-holes.htm - 8k

Storing (10 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have done two evils; they have given up me, the fountain
of living waters, and have made for themselves water-holes, cut out from ...
/s/storing.htm - 9k

Dug (45 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have done two evils; they have given up me, the fountain
of living waters, and have made for themselves water-holes, cut out from ...
/d/dug.htm - 20k

Watering (21 Occurrences)

/w/watering.htm - 12k

Water-hole (25 Occurrences)
Water-hole. Water-hen, Water-hole. Water-holes . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Water-hen, Water-hole. Water-holes . Reference Bible.
/w/water-hole.htm - 14k

Olive-gardens (4 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 9:25 And they took walled towns and a fat land, and became the owners of
houses full of all good things, water-holes cut in the rock, vine-gardens and ...
/o/olive-gardens.htm - 7k

Owners (19 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 9:25 And they took walled towns and a fat land, and became the owners of
houses full of all good things, water-holes cut in the rock, vine-gardens and ...
/o/owners.htm - 12k

Wanderings (7 Occurrences)
... will grow and afford pasture, but even early in spring the Arabs begin to suffer
from want of water, which only remains in pits and in waterholes among rocks. ...
/w/wanderings.htm - 40k

Wells (15 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV NIV). Isaiah 37:25 I have made water-holes and taken
their waters, and with my foot I have made all the rivers of Egypt dry. ...
/w/wells.htm - 11k

Crossings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Crossings (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 51:32 And the ways
across the river have been taken, and the water-holes ... ...
/c/crossings.htm - 6k

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