Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical literature, the concept of "trickling" is often associated with the gentle and gradual flow of water, symbolizing various spiritual and physical phenomena. The imagery of trickling water can be found in several passages throughout the Bible, where it serves as a metaphor for divine blessings, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, or the subtle workings of God's providence.
Biblical References:1.
2 Samuel 5:8 : "On that day David said, 'Whoever wants to conquer the Jebusites must use the water shaft to reach those 'lame and blind' who are despised by David.' That is why it is said, 'The blind and the lame will never enter the palace.'" In this passage, the "water shaft" or "gutter" is a conduit through which water trickles, and it becomes a strategic point of entry for David's men to capture Jerusalem. The trickling water here symbolizes the subtle yet effective means by which God enables His people to achieve victory.
2.
Psalm 65:11 : "You crown the year with Your bounty, and Your paths overflow with plenty." While the term "trickling" is not explicitly used, the imagery of overflowing paths suggests a gradual and abundant provision from God, akin to the trickling of water that eventually leads to a bountiful harvest. This verse highlights God's continuous and generous provision for His creation.
3.
Isaiah 48:21 : "They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He made water flow for them from the rock; He split the rock, and water gushed out." The miraculous provision of water in the desert for the Israelites can be seen as a divine trickling that sustains life. Though the water "gushed out," the initial act of striking the rock can be likened to the beginning of a trickle that meets the needs of God's people.
Theological Significance:In a spiritual context, trickling water often represents the gentle and persistent work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. Just as water trickles to nourish and sustain, the Holy Spirit works quietly yet powerfully to transform and renew the heart. This imagery is consistent with the biblical theme of God's provision and care, which often comes in unexpected and subtle ways.
The concept of trickling also underscores the importance of patience and faith in the Christian life. Just as a trickle of water can eventually carve a path through rock, persistent faith and trust in God's timing can lead to significant spiritual growth and breakthroughs.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, water was a precious resource, and the imagery of trickling water would have resonated deeply with the original audience of the biblical texts. The gradual flow of water from springs or through irrigation channels was essential for agriculture and survival, making it a powerful symbol of life and blessing.
Overall, the motif of trickling in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's continuous and sustaining presence, His subtle yet profound influence in the world, and the transformative power of His Spirit in the lives of believers.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Trickle.
Strong's Hebrew
6379. pakah -- to trickle... 6378, 6379. pakah. 6380 . to trickle. Transliteration: pakah Phonetic
Spelling: (paw-kaw') Short Definition:
trickling. Word Origin
...5140. nazal -- to flow, trickle, drop, distill
... A primitive root; to drip, or shed bytrickling -- distil, drop, flood, (cause to)
flow(-ing), gush out, melt, pour (down), running water, stream....
Library
Internal Evidence Goes Far to Establish the Credit which Eusebius...
... The blade was thrust into the martyr's left side; and this, opening the heart,
caused the outpouring of a flood, and not a meretrickling....
Fresh Supplies of Power.
... The stream begins with a few strings of watertrickling out from under the
door-step of the temple, and rises gradually but steadily ankle-deep, knee-deep,...
The Gethsemane Prayer
... The flesh is giving out with its fainting and trembling pulsations, like thetrickling
of His heart's blood. His enemies have thus far triumphed....
A Letter from a West Indian Cottage Ornee
... Veritable bamboos; and a bamboo-pipe, too, is carrying thetrickling cool
water into the bath close by. Surely we are in the Tropics....
Love's Logic
... loving him. Our love to him is like atrickling rill, speeding its way
to the ocean because it first came from the Ocean. All the...
Good Friday. Morning. He was Wounded for Our Transgressions, He...
... Ah wounded Head! Must Thou. Endure such shame and scorn! The blood istrickling
from Thy brow. Pierced by the crown of thorn. Thou who wast crowned on high....
"It Will Kill Her. "
... It was one of the most beautiful sights I ever looked on, to see how those little
children used to sit and listen, and to see the tearstrickling down their...
Forgiveness.
... My mother didn't know her boy. He stood there with folded arms and great beard
flowing down his breast, his tearstrickling down his face....
Saved.
... "Your daughter is here," I said; "this is the time to commence your confession."
The father, with tearstrickling down his cheeks, embraced his child, "My dear...
Two Young Men.
... He trembled all over and the tears were alltrickling down his cheeks, but he spoke
out as well as he could and said: "If I tell the world about Jesus, then...
Thesaurus
Trickling (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Trickle. Multi-Version
Concordance
Trickling (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 47:2 Then brought
...Tricks (9 Occurrences)
Jackal's (1 Occurrence)
... today, although it is very probable that a well sunk to the rock in the lower parts
of this valley might strike a certain amount of watertrickling down the...
Trickleth (1 Occurrence)
Reservoir (1 Occurrence)
... The water is then let out in a large stream and conducted where it is needed. (In
this way by patient labor a smalltrickling spring may support much vegetation...
Pond (2 Occurrences)
... The water is then let out in a large stream and conducted where it is needed. (In
this way by patient labor a smalltrickling spring may support much vegetation...
Baca (1 Occurrence)
... Conjecturally the word is, by variant spelling, of the stem which denotes weeping;
the tree is called "weeper" from some habit of thetrickling of its gum or...
Cave (40 Occurrences)
... Just as upon the surface of the land thetrickling streams unite to form brooks
and rivers, so many subterranean streams may come together in a spacious channel...
Well (2882 Occurrences)
... today, although it is very probable that a well sunk to the rock in the lower parts
of this valley might strike a certain amount of watertrickling down the...
Pool (25 Occurrences)
... The water is then let out in a large stream and conducted where it is needed. (In
this way by patient labor a smalltrickling spring may support much vegetation...
Resources
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