Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Wells and springs hold significant importance in the biblical narrative, serving as vital sources of water in the arid landscapes of the ancient Near East. They are frequently mentioned in Scripture, symbolizing life, sustenance, and divine provision. These water sources are often associated with key biblical figures and events, reflecting both physical and spiritual themes. Biblical Significance: In the Bible, wells and springs are not merely physical locations but are imbued with spiritual and covenantal significance. They are often sites of divine encounters, covenants, and revelations. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are frequently associated with wells, which serve as markers of God's promises and blessings. Key Biblical References: 1. Abraham and the Well at Beersheba: Abraham's interaction with Abimelech over a well at Beersheba is a notable event. In Genesis 21:30-31 , Abraham says, "Accept these seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well." This well becomes a symbol of a covenant and a testimony to God's provision and faithfulness. 2. Isaac and the Wells of Gerar: Isaac's experience with wells in Gerar highlights themes of conflict and divine blessing. 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." Isaac's persistence in digging wells despite opposition underscores God's continued blessing and presence with him. 3. Jacob's Well: Jacob's well, located in Sychar, is a significant site in both the Old and New Testaments. In John 4:6 , it is mentioned as the place where Jesus converses with the Samaritan woman, offering her "living water." This encounter transforms the well into a symbol of spiritual renewal and eternal life through Christ. 4. Moses and the Waters of Marah and Meribah: The journey of the Israelites through the wilderness is marked by encounters with water sources. At Marah, God turns bitter water sweet (Exodus 15:25), and at Meribah, He provides water from a rock (Numbers 20:11). These events highlight God's miraculous provision and the testing of faith. 5. Springs of Salvation: Springs are often used metaphorically to describe God's salvation and blessings. Isaiah 12:3 proclaims, "With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation." This imagery conveys the abundance and refreshment found in God's deliverance. Symbolism and Themes: · Life and Sustenance: Wells and springs are essential for survival, symbolizing God's provision of life-giving resources. They are often associated with fertility and prosperity in the land. · Divine Encounter and Covenant: Many biblical figures encounter God at wells, where significant covenants and promises are made. These sites become memorials of God's faithfulness and presence. · Spiritual Renewal: The imagery of water from wells and springs is frequently used to describe spiritual renewal and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' offer of "living water" to the Samaritan woman is a profound example of this theme. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, wells were crucial for sustaining communities and livestock. They were often communal properties, and disputes over water rights were common. The digging and naming of wells were acts of establishing presence and claiming God's promises in the land. Conclusion: Wells and springs in the Bible are rich with meaning, serving as physical necessities and profound spiritual symbols. They remind believers of God's provision, the importance of faith, and the promise of eternal life through Christ. ATS Bible Dictionary Wells and SpringsBy those living in a temperate climate, where the well or the aqueduct furnishes to every house a supply of water practically inexhaustible, no idea can be formed of the extreme distress caused by thirst, and of the luxury of relieving it by drinking pure water-a luxury which is said to excel all other pleasures of sense. One must reside or travel in a Syrian climate to realize the beauty and force of the allusions of Scripture to "water out of the wells of salvation," "cold water to a thirsty soul," "the fountain of living waters," and many others. The digging of a permanent well or the discovery of a spring was a public benefaction, and its possession was a matter of great importance. Its existence at a given spot decided the nightly resting-place of caravans, the encampment of armies, and the location of towns, 1 Samuel 29:1 2 Samuel 2:13. Hence BEER, the Hebrew name for a well or spring, forms a part of many names of places, as Beeroth, Beer-sheba. See also EN. So valuable was a supply of water, that a field containing a spring was a princely dowry, Jude 1:13-15, and a well was a matter of strife and negotiation between different tribes. Thus we read that Abraham, in making a treaty with king Abimelech, "reproved him because of a well of water which Abimelich's servants had violently taken away," and the ownership of the well was sealed to Abraham by a special oath and covenant, Genesis 21:25-31. A similar transaction occurred during the life of Isaac, Genesis 26:14-33. In negotiating with the king of Edom for a passage through his territory, the Israelites said, "We will go by the highway; and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it," Numbers 20:17-19. Still stronger is the expression in La 5:4: "We have drunk our own water for money:" that is, we bought it of our foreign rulers, though we are the natural proprietors of the wells that furnished it. The custom of demanding pay for water of the traveler is still found in some parts of the East; while in many other towns a place is provided where cold water and sometimes bread are offered gratuitously to the stranger, at the expense of the village, or as an act of charity by the benevolent, Mark 9:41. In case of a hostile invasion, nothing could more effectually harass an advancing army or the besiegers of a city, than to fill with stones the wells on which they relied, 2 Kings 3:25 2 Chronicles 32:3. Wells are sometimes found in Palestine furnished with a well-sweep and bucket, or a windlass; and in some cases there were steps leading down to the water, Genesis 24:15,16; but usually the water is drawn with pitchers and ropes; and the stone curbs of ancient wells bear the marks of long use. They were often covered with a large flat stone, to exclude the flying sand and secure the water to its owners, and also for the security of strangers, who were liable to fall into them unawares- a mischance which very often occurs in modern Syria, and against which the beneficent law of Moses made provision, Exodus 21:33-34. This stone was removed about sunset, when the females of the vicinity drew their supply of water for domestic use, and the flocks and herds drank from the stone troughs which are still found beside almost every well. At this hour, the well was a favorite place of resort, and presented a scene of life and gayety greatly in contrast with its ordinary loneliness, Genesis 24:11-28 29:1-10 Exodus 2:16-19 1 Samuel 9:11. Wells, however, were sometimes infested by robbers, Jud 5:11; and Dr. Shaw mentions a beautiful spring in Barbary, the Arabic name of which means, "Drink, and away!" a motto which may well be inscribed over even the best springs of earthly delight. See CISTERN. The cut above given presents a view of "The Fountain of the Virgin" at Nazareth, so called from the strong probability that the mother of our Lord was wont to draw water from it, as the women of Nazareth do at this day. It is a copious spring, just out of the village; and the path that leads to it is well worn, as by the feet of many generations. All travelers in Palestine mention the throngs of females that resort to it, with their pitchers or goat-skins on the shoulder or head and loitering to gossip or gaily returning in companies of two or three. Every day witnesses there what might almost be described in the very words of Genesis 24:11: "And he made his camels to kneel down without the city, by a well of water, at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. And behold, Rebekah came out, with her pitcher upon her shoulder; and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up." It is an uncommon sight to see "a man bearing a pitcher of water," Mark 14:13. Jacob's well, at the eastern entrance of the charming valley of Shechem, is still in existence, though now little used and often nearly dry. It is covered by a vaulted roof, with a narrow entrance closed by a heavy rock. Around it is a platform, and the remains of a church built over the spot by the empress Gelena. Close at hand is mount Gerizim, which the woman of Sychar no doubt glanced at as she said, "Our fathers worshipped in this mountain." On the west is the broad and fertile plain of Mukna, where the fields were "white already to the harvest." The woman intimated that the well was "deep," and had no steps. Actual measurement shows it to be seventyfive feet deep, and about nine feet in diameter. Dr. Wilson, in 1842, sent down with ropes a Jew named Jacob, to explore the well and recover a Bible dropped into it by Rev. Mr. Bonar three years before. This was found, almost destroyed by lying in water. As the traveler stands by this venerated well and thinks of the long series of men of a hundred nations and generations who have drunk of its waters, thirsted again, and died, he is most forcibly affected by the truth of Christ's words to the Samaritan woman, and made to feel his own perishing need of the water "springing up into everlasting life," John 4:1-54. Greek 4223. Potioloi -- Puteoli, a city on the Bay of Naples ... Puteoli. Of Latin origin; little wells, ie Mineral springs; Potioli (ie Puteoli), a place in Italy -- Puteoli. (potiolous) -- 1 Occurrence. 4222, 4223. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4223.htm - 6k Library July the Twenty-Sixth the Wells of Salvation Mr. HG Wells and the Giants The Springs of Social Life. The Water of Life (Preached at Westminster Abbey) Spiritual Religion in High Places --Rous, Vane, and Sterry The Rainbow The Lovliest Rose in the World Happy Pilgrims And Disputes The Pilgrim's Progress Resources What is the river of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened at the Pool of Siloam? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to do good unto all men in Galatians 6:10? | 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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