Waterways in the Bible hold significant geographical, historical, and theological importance. They are often depicted as sources of life, symbols of divine provision, and settings for pivotal biblical events. The term "waterways" encompasses rivers, streams, seas, and other bodies of water mentioned throughout the Scriptures.

Rivers

1. The River of Eden: In Genesis, the Garden of Eden is described as being watered by a river that divides into four headwaters: Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates (Genesis 2:10-14). These rivers symbolize the abundance and life-giving nature of God's creation.

2. The Nile River: Central to the narrative of the Exodus, the Nile was both a source of sustenance and a stage for divine judgment. The river turned to blood as one of the plagues against Egypt (Exodus 7:20-21), demonstrating God's power over creation and His deliverance of Israel.

3. The Jordan River: A significant site for Israel's history, the Jordan River was the boundary the Israelites crossed to enter the Promised Land (Joshua 3:14-17). It is also the location of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist, marking the beginning of His public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17).

Seas

1. The Red Sea: The miraculous parting of the Red Sea is one of the most dramatic demonstrations of God's deliverance. As the Israelites fled from Pharaoh's army, God parted the waters, allowing them to cross on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-22). This event is a powerful testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

2. The Sea of Galilee: Known for its role in Jesus' ministry, the Sea of Galilee is where Jesus performed miracles such as calming the storm (Mark 4:39) and walking on water (Matthew 14:25). These acts reveal His authority over nature and His divine identity.

3. The Mediterranean Sea: Often referred to as "the Great Sea" in the Bible, it served as a boundary for the Promised Land (Numbers 34:6) and was a major route for trade and travel. The Apostle Paul traveled extensively across the Mediterranean during his missionary journeys (Acts 27:1-44).

Streams and Springs

1. Streams in the Desert: Prophetic literature often uses the imagery of streams in the desert to symbolize hope and restoration. Isaiah speaks of God making "streams in the wasteland" (Isaiah 43:19), illustrating His ability to bring life and renewal to barren places.

2. The Spring of Gihon: Located in Jerusalem, the Gihon Spring was a crucial water source for the city. King Hezekiah redirected its waters through a tunnel to protect the city during the Assyrian siege (2 Chronicles 32:30), demonstrating wise stewardship and divine guidance.

Symbolism and Theology

Waterways in the Bible are rich with symbolic meaning. Water is often associated with cleansing, life, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus refers to Himself as the "living water" (John 4:10), offering spiritual sustenance and eternal life to those who believe in Him. The imagery of water also appears in eschatological visions, such as the river of life flowing from the throne of God in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:1), symbolizing the ultimate restoration and abundance in God's eternal kingdom.

Throughout Scripture, waterways serve as reminders of God's provision, power, and presence, shaping the narrative of His redemptive work in history.

The Project of French Empire and Evangelization --Its Wide and ...
... men of like boundless enthusiasm and courage"had been crowned by the achievement
of La Salle, who first of men traversed the two great waterways of the ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter iii the project of.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... to exist, the fork of the river gradually wore away the land from age to age, and
is now some nine miles lower down.[*] These three great waterways are united ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

Waterways (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Waterways (5 Occurrences). Exodus 8:5 And the
Lord said to Moses, Say to Aaron, Let the rod in your hand ...
/w/waterways.htm - 8k

Watery (1 Occurrence)

/w/watery.htm - 6k

Water-vessels (2 Occurrences)
Water-vessels. Water-vessel, Water-vessels. Waterways . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(DBY). Water-vessel, Water-vessels. Waterways . Reference Bible.
/w/water-vessels.htm - 6k

Cush (31 Occurrences)
... Though nearer than the Ethiopian Cush, this is still too far West, and therefore
unsatisfactory as an identification-all the streams or waterways of the Garden ...
/c/cush.htm - 25k

Causing (248 Occurrences)
... Exodus 8:5 And the Lord said to Moses, Say to Aaron, Let the rod in your hand be
stretched out over the streams and the waterways and the pools, causing frogs ...
/c/causing.htm - 38k

Stretched (234 Occurrences)
... Exodus 8:5 And the Lord said to Moses, Say to Aaron, Let the rod in your hand be
stretched out over the streams and the waterways and the pools, causing frogs ...
/s/stretched.htm - 38k

Watered (28 Occurrences)
... ones. (BBE NAS NIV). Ezekiel 32:6 And the land will be watered with your
blood, and the waterways will be full of you. (BBE YLT). ...
/w/watered.htm - 16k

Tall (41 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 31:4 It got strength from the waters and the deep made it tall: its streams
went round about its planted land and it sent out its waterways to all the ...
/t/tall.htm - 19k

Streams (80 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 31:4 It got strength from the waters and the deep made it tall: its streams
went round about its planted land and it sent out its waterways to all the ...
/s/streams.htm - 30k

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