The Value and Symbolism of Water

 

Water brings life; water sustains and refreshes; water cleanses. 2/3 of the earth is water. Water is powerful and essential. Civilisations have been built along rivers or near lakes. The lack of clean water is one of the greatest causes of death in the world. Water sustains life, yet floods bring great destruction. Water is also symbolic of God's salvation and power. God created rivers in the Garden of Eden, sustained His people even during the desert wanderings with water from the rock and provided quiet waters for the shepherd's sheep (Psalm 23). Isaiah 12, although not part of the Book of Psalms, is in some way very much like a psalm. It is prayerful praise unto God. It speaks of God's water of salvation, symbolic of divine life and help. Water is sometimes used symbolic of God's Spirit, refreshing and empowering (see John 7:37-39). Drinking natural water sustains the physical body, yet having access to divine 'water' quenches the thirst of the soul (see John 4:13-14). The risen Messiah who will make all things new, will lead the redeemed to the heavenly 'spring of the water of life' (Revelation 21:5-6). God satisfies His people from the eternal wells of salvation and peace.

 

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God's Promise of Salvation

 

Although Isaiah lived in a time of great sin (Isaiah 1:4-6), among a people of unclean lips (6:5) in need of deep cleansing (1:16) and hearts far away from God (29:13; cf., Matthew 15:7-8), there are beautiful and powerful promises of God's salvation and restoration in these prophetic pages of Isaiah. Throughout Scripture we see the light of God's promises in the midst of the chaos and darkness is sin—the entrance of His Word brings light! Isaiah 12 is such a passage. God is righteous and as such judges sin if people refuse to repent. God's judgments are expression of His justice, yet He is ever the merciful Father who forgives and restores. There comes a time when His anger is turned away and His comfort comes to God's people (Isaiah 12:1; cf., 40:1-2). That is the time to give thanks to the God of salvation and draw joyfully on the wells of salvation (12:2-3). It is a time to give thanks, call on His name and make His deeds know (v 4). God's people are to sing praises of the God who has done excellent things (v 5). There is reason to rejoice in the Holy One of Israel who dwells among His people (v 6). 

 

God is the Giver and Sustainer of life. He is the God of salvation and eternal satisfaction. He would pour out water on a dry and thirsty land (Isaiah 44:2) and make rivers even in the desert (43:19), speaking of bringing life where it was naturally impossible to have it. God has supernatural provisions. Isaiah called on God's people to drink the water He gives and not waste money on what does not satisfy (Isaiah 55:1-2; cf., Revelation 21:5-6). His people are to listen to God and understand the covenant He offers them (Isaiah 55:3-5). They are to seek Him and call on His Name (v 6) and trust in the words of God to fulfil their purpose (vv 10-11). Thus God's people would inherit peace, joy and praise, as well as a fruitful land as an 'everlasting sign' of God and His faithful promises to His people (vv 12-13). God's people are to draw on the wells of salvation.​​

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