2. Water in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, we see water rightly at the creation story. The first mention of water is found in Genesis, where it is said: “the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the water”. Furthermore, in Genesis, it says: “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures”. There are many more examples of water mentioned in the Old Testament which remind of life.
In the account of the great flood, water is connected to the danger of death. The account tells us that every species died except those that were in the ark with Noah. After the flood life begins again, new and fresh. The flood cleansed and washed away the unwanted things. It purified and brought new life. It was seen as punishment for the wicked but a blessing for those chosen who continue to live. In this great Biblical story, we see water as the symbol of life. This is not the only evidence of water as a life-giving found in the Old Testament.
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You shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it”. Here we see water is for the purpose of purification for those who are going to enter into the Temple. This is an indication of the Church and the ritual of Baptism. One becomes a member of the Church through the sacrament of baptism. Here one can enter into the tent of meeting only after washing themselves with the water that has been placed there in between the tent and the altar. The connection to Baptism is