Thirst
Summary
Thirst in Scripture refers both to physical need for water and symbolically to the soul's longing for God and spiritual satisfaction.
☩Physical Thirst
Thirst was a serious concern in the arid climate of the ancient Near East. Israel thirsted for water in the wilderness and murmured against Moses. God provided water from the rock. Jesus on the cross said, 'I thirst,' fulfilling Scripture and experiencing the full suffering of human death.
☩Spiritual Thirst
The psalmist cried, 'As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.' Jesus promised that whoever drinks of the water He gives will never thirst, for it will become a spring welling up to eternal life. He invited all who thirst to come to Him and drink. The beatitude pronounces blessing on those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
