Water-streams in the Bible are significant both in a literal and symbolic sense, representing life, sustenance, and divine provision. They are often depicted as sources of nourishment and refreshment, essential for the survival of both humans and animals. In the arid landscapes of the biblical world, streams were vital for agriculture and daily living, making them a powerful symbol of God's provision and blessing.

Literal Significance

In the physical sense, streams are mentioned throughout the Bible as essential sources of water. In Genesis 2:10, a river flows out of Eden to water the garden, symbolizing the life-giving nature of God's creation: "A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it branched into four headwaters." Streams and rivers are also crucial in the narratives of the Israelites, such as when God provides water from a rock in the desert (Exodus 17:6), demonstrating His ability to sustain His people in times of need.

Symbolic Meaning

Streams often symbolize spiritual nourishment and the presence of God. In Psalm 1:3, the righteous man is compared to "a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does." This imagery conveys the idea that those who delight in the law of the Lord are continually nourished and sustained by His word.

The prophet Isaiah uses streams to depict the transformative power of God's salvation. In Isaiah 35:6-7, the coming of God's kingdom is described with the imagery of water in the desert: "For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground will become a pool, the thirsty land springs of water." This passage highlights the renewal and restoration that accompany God's redemptive work.

Streams in Prophecy and Revelation

In prophetic literature, streams often symbolize the outpouring of God's Spirit and blessings. Joel 3:18 speaks of a future time when "a fountain will flow out of the house of the LORD and water the Valley of Acacias." This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus speaks of the living water that He provides. In John 7:38, Jesus declares, "Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

The Book of Revelation also uses the imagery of water-streams to describe the eternal state. Revelation 22:1-2 presents a vision of the New Jerusalem, where "the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city." This river symbolizes the eternal life and unending blessings that flow from God's presence.

Moral and Ethical Implications

Water-streams in the Bible also carry moral and ethical implications. The prophet Amos uses the imagery of streams to call for justice and righteousness: "But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (Amos 5:24). This verse emphasizes the need for continuous and abundant justice and righteousness in the lives of God's people, reflecting His character and will.

In summary, water-streams in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of life, divine provision, spiritual nourishment, and moral integrity. They remind believers of God's sustaining presence and the abundant life found in Him.

Choked Channels.
... refreshing, and cleansing, and beauty, and vigor everywhere within the circle of
his life, even though, like the red streams and the water streams, he be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/choked channels.htm

The visitation
... Mary and Elizabeth are sitting in the garden on a carpet under a big spreading tree;
behind it is a fountain from which water streams if one pulls at a tap. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ix the visitation.htm

Water-streams (4 Occurrences)
Water-streams. Water-springs, Water-streams. Watertight . Multi-Version
Concordance Water-streams (4 Occurrences). Psalms ...
/w/water-streams.htm - 7k

Streams (80 Occurrences)
... Maschil. Of the sons of Korah.> Like the desire of the roe for the water-streams,
so is my soul's desire for you, O God. (BBE YLT RSV NIV). ...
/s/streams.htm - 30k

Water-springs (12 Occurrences)
Water-springs. Watersprings, Water-springs. Water-streams . Multi-Version
Concordance ... (DBY). Watersprings, Water-springs. Water-streams . Reference Bible
/w/water-springs.htm - 10k

Watertight (1 Occurrence)

/w/watertight.htm - 6k

Reposed (1 Occurrence)
... Reposed (1 Occurrence). Song of Songs 5:12 His eyes are as the eyes of doves by
the waterstreams, washed with milk, and rightly placed. (See NAS). ...
/r/reposed.htm - 6k

Roe (21 Occurrences)
... maker. Maschil. Of the sons of Korah.> Like the desire of the roe for the
water-streams, so is my soul's desire for you, O God. (BBE). ...
/r/roe.htm - 15k

Directs (6 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV). Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart in the hands of the Lord is like the
waterstreams, and by him it is turned in any direction at his pleasure. ...
/d/directs.htm - 7k

Maschil (26 Occurrences)
... Maschil. Of the sons of Korah.> Like the desire of the roe for the water-streams,
so is my soul's desire for you, O God. (BBE JPS WBS). ...
/m/maschil.htm - 15k

Channels (10 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 21:1 The king's heart in the hands of the Lord is like the waterstreams,
and by him it is turned in any direction at his pleasure. (See NAS). ...
/c/channels.htm - 9k

Soul's (12 Occurrences)
... maker. Maschil. Of the sons of Korah.> Like the desire of the roe for the
water-streams, so is my soul's desire for you, O God. (BBE). ...
/s/soul's.htm - 9k

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