Topical Encyclopedia Fountains and springs hold a significant place in the biblical narrative, often symbolizing life, sustenance, and divine provision. In the arid landscapes of the ancient Near East, these sources of water were vital not only for human survival but also for the sustenance of animals. The Bible frequently references fountains and springs as places where beasts of the field find refreshment and life.In the creation narrative, God establishes a world where water is abundant and life-giving. Genesis 2:10 describes a river flowing out of Eden to water the garden, a source of life for all creatures within it. This imagery sets the stage for understanding water as a divine provision for all living beings. The Psalms often reflect on God's provision through natural resources, including water. Psalm 104:10-11 states, "He sends forth springs in the valleys; they flow between the mountains. They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst." Here, the psalmist acknowledges God's care for His creation, ensuring that even the wild animals have access to the life-sustaining water they need. In the prophetic literature, fountains and springs are sometimes used metaphorically to describe God's blessings and the restoration of His people. However, they also maintain their literal significance as sources of sustenance for animals. Isaiah 41:18 promises, "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." This passage not only speaks to the miraculous provision for God's people but also implies the resulting benefit to the animal kingdom. The wisdom literature also reflects on the natural order and God's provision for all creatures. Proverbs 5:15-16 advises, "Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?" While primarily a metaphor for faithfulness, the imagery underscores the importance of water as a shared resource, essential for life. In the New Testament, while the focus shifts more towards spiritual metaphors of living water, the understanding of physical water as a necessity for all living creatures remains implicit. The provision of water, whether through fountains, springs, or wells, continues to be a testament to God's care for His creation, including the beasts of the field. Throughout Scripture, fountains and springs are depicted as essential elements of God's creation, providing drink to the beasts and symbolizing His ongoing provision and care for all life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 104:11They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ... The Pilgrim's Progress Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The First Book An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: The Prophet Amos. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Memoir of John Bunyan Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . Resources Is there any evidence for the Bible's view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fountains and Springs in the Way to Shur Fountains and Springs of a Good Wife Fountains and Springs of a Numerous Posterity Fountains and Springs of Christ Fountains and Springs of Constant Supplies of Grace Fountains and Springs of Eternal Life Fountains and Springs of Godly Fear Fountains and Springs of Jezreel Fountains and Springs of Pisgah Fountains and Springs of Spiritual Wisdom Fountains and Springs of the Holy Spirit Fountains and Springs of the Law of the Wise Fountains and Springs of the Means of Grace Fountains and Springs of the Waters of Nephtoah Fountains and Springs: (Always Flowing) of Unceasing Wickedness of the Jews Fountains and Springs: (Corrupt) of the Natural Heart Fountains and Springs: (Not Failing) of the Church Fountains and Springs: (Sealed Up) the Church Fountains and Springs: (Troubled) Saints Led Astray Fountains and Springs: Abound in Canaan Fountains and Springs: Afford: Drink to the Beasts Fountains and Springs: Afford: Fruitfulness to the Earth Fountains and Springs: Afford: Refreshment to the Birds Fountains and Springs: Come from the Great Deep Fountains and Springs: Constantly Flowing: Could not be Ceremonially Defiled Fountains and Springs: Constantly Flowing: Especially Esteemed Fountains and Springs: Created by God Fountains and Springs: Drying up of, a Severe Punishment Fountains and Springs: Found in Hills and Valleys Fountains and Springs: Frequented by Travellers Fountains and Springs: God to be Praised For Fountains and Springs: Send Forth Each But One Kind of Water Fountains and Springs: Sometimes Dried Up Fountains and Springs: Sometimes Stopped or Turned off to Distress Enemies Fountains and Springs: Upper and Nether Springs Related Terms |