Definition and Significance:
A "water-town" in biblical terms refers to a settlement or city that is strategically located near a significant water source, such as a river, spring, or well. These towns were vital in ancient times for their access to water, which was essential for drinking, agriculture, and trade. Water-towns often became centers of civilization and commerce due to their ability to support larger populations and facilitate transportation and trade routes.

Biblical Context:
Water-towns are not explicitly named as such in the Bible, but many cities and towns mentioned in the Scriptures fit this description due to their proximity to water sources. These locations played crucial roles in biblical narratives and the history of Israel.

Examples in Scripture:

1. Jericho:
Jericho is one of the earliest known water-towns, located near the Jordan River. It is famously known for the miraculous event where the walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites marched around the city (Joshua 6:1-20). The city's proximity to the Jordan River made it a fertile and strategic location.

2. Bethlehem:
While not directly on a major waterway, Bethlehem's access to nearby springs and wells made it a sustainable settlement. It is most renowned as the birthplace of Jesus Christ (Matthew 2:1). The town's water sources supported its agricultural activities, particularly the shepherding of flocks.

3. Shechem:
Situated in a valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, Shechem had access to abundant water sources. It was a significant city in the Old Testament, serving as a place of covenant renewal for the Israelites (Joshua 24:1-25). The presence of water contributed to its role as a gathering place for the tribes of Israel.

4. Samaria:
The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria was built on a hill with access to water from nearby springs. This strategic location allowed it to thrive as a political and economic center. The city is mentioned in various prophetic books, highlighting its importance and eventual downfall due to idolatry (1 Kings 16:24, Amos 3:9).

5. Capernaum:
Located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was a significant water-town during the time of Jesus. It served as a base for His ministry and was the site of many miracles (Matthew 4:13, Mark 2:1-12). The town's access to the sea facilitated fishing and trade, contributing to its prosperity.

Theological Implications:
Water-towns in the Bible often symbolize life, sustenance, and divine provision. Water is a recurring motif representing spiritual nourishment and cleansing. Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:13-14 highlights the spiritual significance of water, where He offers "living water" that leads to eternal life.

Cultural and Historical Insights:
In ancient Near Eastern culture, water was a precious resource, and towns with reliable water sources were highly valued. The presence of water not only supported daily life but also influenced the social, economic, and political dynamics of the region. Water-towns often became centers of power and influence, shaping the history and development of the surrounding areas.

Conclusion:
While the term "water-town" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is evident in the strategic and spiritual significance of towns located near water sources. These towns played pivotal roles in biblical history and continue to offer insights into the cultural and theological landscape of the Scriptures.

Church and State in New England
... and the General Court as authoritative seems to have been in a matter of taxation,
when, in February, 1632, the General Court assessed the church in Watertown. ...
/.../chapter iii church and state.htm

Centenary Commemoration of the Consecration of Bishop Seabury. ...
... Thomas's Church, New Haven, the Rev. Samuel F. Jarvis, Rector of Trinity Church,
Brooklyn, and the Rev. James Stoddard, Rector of Christ Church, Watertown. ...
/.../centenary commemoration of the consecration.htm

Bishop Williams's Address.
... GW Smith, DD, Hartford; James Stoddard, Watertown; Jacob Streibert, West Haven;
Henry Tarrant, Huntington; William Tatlock, DD, Stamford; JA Ticknor ...
/.../the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/bishop williamss address.htm

Brewer
... at Hobart College and General Theological Seminary; ordained in 1866; rector of
Grace Church, Carthage, NY, 1866-72, and of Trinity Church, Watertown, NY, 1872 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/nutter/hymn writers of the church/brewer.htm

Note a the Following Extract of a Letter I Received from the Rev. ...
... Mills was removed to Watertown, where his funeral was attended by a numerous assembly
of soldiers and citizens, where a sermon was preached on Proverbs 22, 1 ...
/.../note a the following extract.htm

Centenary Commemoration
... Samuel Hart, Hartford; JG Jacocks, New Haven; ES Lines, New Haven; RW Micou, Waterbury;
SO Seymour, Litchfield; James Stoddard, Watertown; Hiram Stone, Bantam ...
/.../the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/centenary commemoration.htm

The Struggle in America, 1762-1857.
... Bethell, in Caroll County (1851); New York (1851); Ebenezer, in Wisconsin (1853);
Brooklyn (1854); Utica, in Oneida County (1854); Watertown, in Wisconsin (1854 ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter vi the struggle in.htm

The Cambridge Platform and the Half-Way Covenant
... With the exception of the churches of Plymouth and Watertown, the colonists had
come to America without any definite religious organization. ...
/.../chapter iv the cambridge platform.htm

The Transplanting of Congregationalism
... The Watertown church, whence emigrants were to settle Wethersfield, Connecticut,
also organized with a covenant similar to that of Salem and Boston. ...
/.../chapter ii the transplanting of.htm

Water-town (2 Occurrences)
Water-town. Watertight, Water-town. Water-vessel . Multi-Version
Concordance Water-town (2 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 12 ...
/w/water-town.htm - 6k

Water-vessel (14 Occurrences)
Water-vessel. Water-town, Water-vessel. Water-vessels . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Water-town, Water-vessel. Water-vessels . Reference Bible.
/w/water-vessel.htm - 10k

Watertight (1 Occurrence)

/w/watertight.htm - 6k

Fighting (201 Occurrences)
... RSV). 2 Samuel 12:26 Now Joab was fighting against Rabbah, in the land of
the children of Ammon, and he took the water-town. (BBE). ...
/f/fighting.htm - 37k

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