King Jehosaphat's Use Of Imagery

The next two verses are fascinating and loaded with imagery. In verse 2 the earth gives way, and in verse 3 the waters roar, and the mountains tremble. Seas and waters that roar are a frequent symbol of the chaos from which the world was created and to which it could return. Yet, those who have confidence in God, who brought order to chaos, will have nothing to fear. (Ex. 15:8; Ps 69:2; Ps 69:15; Ps 77:16; Pr 8:29; Zec 10:11; Mat 8:23-27). Raging seas are also likened to threatening nations as described in Isaiah 17:12-13…

Oh, the raging of many nations— they rage like the raging sea!

Oh, the uproar of the peoples— they roar like the roaring of great waters!

Although the peoples roar like the roar of surging waters, when he rebukes

This is the portion of those who loot us, the lot of those who plunder us.

This imagery could represent spiritual and political chaos, as seen earlier with King Jehosaphat, or perhaps even today. Times are not so very different, and we need to be reminded, that no matter what happens, God is for us, and He is our refuge. Now, right in the middle of these verses describing chaos and unrest is verse 4,

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most

This is where things get really interesting and we see just another example of how the O.T. is a pointer, a sign post if you will, to the coming Messiah. So stay with me… Now, in contrast to roaring seas, rivers & streams are clear, cool, abundant, and fresh. They are mostly identified as bringing refreshment, comfort, and peace to believers. In desert regions, such as most of the middle east, water was critical to survival and brings forth life, and played an very important role in one of the Jewish Feast. Sukkot was celebrated in the fall as it commemorated God’s provision and protection while the nation of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. It was also a harvest celebration in thanksgiving to God and for His provision. Sukkot was a weeklong feast and at the climax of the feast, the highlight, the part where all the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all those who travelled to Jerusalem looked forward to… (here on Sanibel, it would be like Luminary Night) anyway, at the most important part of the feast, the water drawing ceremony took place. This tradition was well established by the time of Jesus. The priests would go down to the pool of Siloam, in the City of David, just about ¼ mile south of the Temple Mount. The priests would fill a golden vessel with the water, not just any water, but living water. Remember, water was considering living if