A waterspout is a meteorological phenomenon that involves a column of rotating, cloud-filled wind descending from a cumulus cloud to a body of water. In biblical literature, the term "waterspout" is used metaphorically to describe overwhelming and tumultuous experiences, often reflecting the power and majesty of God.

Biblical References:

The term "waterspout" appears in the Bible in Psalm 42:7 : "Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me." While the Berean Standard Bible uses "waterfalls," other translations, such as the King James Version, use "waterspouts." This verse poetically captures the psalmist's sense of being overwhelmed by life's challenges, using the imagery of powerful and cascading waters to convey the depth of his distress and longing for God.

Symbolism and Interpretation:

In the biblical context, waterspouts symbolize the overwhelming nature of divine power and the trials faced by believers. The imagery of waterspouts, waterfalls, and waves is often used to express the intensity of spiritual and emotional experiences. The psalmist's cry in Psalm 42 reflects a deep yearning for God's presence amidst life's tumultuous circumstances. The use of waterspouts in this context underscores the idea that, despite the chaos and challenges, there is a divine order and purpose at work.

Theological Insights:

From a theological perspective, the imagery of waterspouts can be seen as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation. Just as waterspouts are powerful and awe-inspiring natural phenomena, so too is God's presence in the lives of believers. The psalmist's use of this imagery serves to highlight the majesty and authority of God, who is able to bring order out of chaos and provide refuge and strength to those who seek Him.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, water was often associated with chaos and disorder, as seen in various creation myths where gods battle sea monsters or chaotic waters. The biblical use of waterspouts and similar imagery may draw on these cultural understandings to convey the power and control of the God of Israel over all creation. This reinforces the biblical theme of God's dominion over the natural world and His ability to bring peace and stability to His people.

Practical Application:

For believers, the concept of waterspouts can serve as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations encountered in life. Just as the psalmist experienced the overwhelming force of waterspouts, Christians may face situations that seem insurmountable. However, the biblical message encourages believers to trust in God's power and presence, knowing that He is able to calm the storms and provide peace amidst the chaos. This trust in God's sovereignty and care can offer comfort and hope in times of difficulty.(n.) A remarkable meteorological phenomenon, of the nature of a tornado or whirlwind, usually observed over the sea, but sometimes over the land.WATERSPOUT

wo'-ter-spout:

(1) (tsinnor) (Psalm 42:7), the American Standard Revised Version "waterfalls," the King James Version and the English Revised Version "waterspouts," the English Revised Version margin "cataracts."

(2) (tannin) (Psalm 148:7), the American Standard Revised Version "sea-monsters," the King James Version and the English Revised Version "dragons," the English Revised Version margin, "sea-monsters" or "water-spouts."

"Praise Yahweh from the earth, Ye sea-monsters, and all deeps."

See DRAGON; SEA-MONSTER; WATERFALL.

Alfred Ely Day

"A Kind of Waterspout"
... Chapter 12. Wesley's Letter to an Editor; Impositions and Declarations; the
Speaking Statue; Wesley's Pentecost "A Kind of Waterspout". ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/a kind of waterspout.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... "He created the hurricane, the evil wind, the storm, the tempest, the four winds,
the seven winds, the waterspout, the wind that is second to none; then he let ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Freylinghausen
... Franke used to say that his own sermons were like a waterspout, which drenched the
land but soon ran off again, Freylinghausen's like a gentle steady shower ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/freylinghausen.htm

The Journal of John Wesley
... Wesley and the Irish Question. Attack on Wesley's Hat. "A Kind of Waterspout". A
Tinner's Story. Wesley Writes to the London Chronicle. Preaching in the Inn Yard ...
//christianbookshelf.org/wesley/the journal of john wesley/

Psalm CI.
... For whoever is oppressed within his heart by a bad conscience, just as any man in
consequence of the overflow of a waterspout or of smoke goeth out of his house ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ci.htm

What are the Clouds?
... and let the ship be driven along, that wind is my Father's breath let the clouds
gather, they are the dust of my Father's feet; let the waterspout appear from ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/what are the clouds.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... From having been the waterspout which overthrew the forests, he became the gentle
breeze which caresses and refreshes them: with his warm showers he fertilizes ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Waterspout
... over the sea, but sometimes over the land. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
WATERSPOUT. wo'-ter-spout: (1) (tsinnor) (Psalm 42:7), the ...
/w/waterspout.htm - 7k

Waterspouts (1 Occurrence)

/w/waterspouts.htm - 7k

Water-skins (1 Occurrence)
Water-skins. Waterskins, Water-skins. Waterspout . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Waterskins, Water-skins. Waterspout . Reference Bible.
/w/water-skins.htm - 6k

Waterspout: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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