Irrigation
Summary
The artificial watering of land, essential in the ancient Near East for agriculture during dry seasons.
☩Methods of Irrigation
Gardens in the East were typically planted near streams for easy irrigation. Water was distributed through numerous small channels traversing the garden. The phrase 'watering by the foot' refers to the practice of directing water through channels using one's foot to move sandy soil, or to hydraulic machines turned by the feet. Large water-wheels were used at Damascus and elsewhere.
☩Contrast with Egypt
Moses contrasted Canaan with Egypt, where irrigation was essential. Egypt depended entirely on the Nile's waters distributed through canals, requiring constant labor. Canaan, however, was blessed with rainfall: 'a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven.' This made Canaan's inhabitants more dependent on God's provision than on human engineering.
☩Symbolic Use
Paul uses irrigation imagery when describing Christian ministry: 'I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.' This metaphor shows that while human effort is necessary in spreading the gospel, spiritual growth ultimately depends on God's blessing. The faithful teacher waters the seed that has been planted.
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Irrigation," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Irrigation," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).