Water carries profound symbolism in Scripture. It often represents judgment, death, or chaos. At the same time, God uses water as a means of deliverance, pointing to Jesus Christ as our path through the waters of judgment into life. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, water consistently demonstrates God’s power to both judge and save.
The Sea as a Symbol of Judgment
The sea in Scripture often symbolizes chaos, judgment, and judgement from God:
Revelation 13:1 describes the beast rising from the sea: “Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns.” This sea represents the world under judgment and turmoil, from which evil arises.
In Hebrew thought, the sea was often associated with the unknown and the powers of chaos.
Water is a powerful agent of judgment, as seen in the flood of Noah and Jonah’s descent into the deep, but it is also a means of salvation when God is involved.
The Splitting of Water: Deliverance from Judgment
The Red Sea – Exodus 14
When Israel fled Egypt, they were trapped by the Red Sea. God split the waters to deliver His people and judge their enemies.
Exodus 14:21-22 says, “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided.”
Israel passed through safely, but the waters closed over the Egyptians, bringing judgment upon them (Exodus 14:28).
This foreshadows Jesus’ work as our Deliverer. We are brought through judgment (symbolized by water) into salvation when we are in Him.
The Jordan River – Joshua 3
When Israel crossed the Jordan to enter the Promised Land, God again stopped the waters.
Joshua 3:16 says, “The waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away.”
This crossing symbolized Israel’s entry into the promises of God, achieved only by His power.
Jesus brings us into the promise of eternal life, stopping the waters of judgment for those who are in Him.
Water in the New Testament
Jesus Walks on Water – Matthew 14
When Jesus walked on water, He demonstrated His authority over the sea (chaos and judgment):
Matthew 14:25-27: “Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.’”
When Peter saw Jesus, he too walked on water. However, when he lost focus, he began to sink.
Matthew 14:30-31: “But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him.”
Here, Peter’s sinking into the sea represents succumbing to judgment when we lose focus on Christ. Jesus alone has the power to lift us above the waters of judgment and chaos.
Jonah and the Water of Judgment
Jonah’s descent into the water is a clear picture of judgment and resurrection:
Jonah 1:15: “So they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging.”
Jonah’s time in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights points to Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus Himself refers to Jonah as a sign in Matthew 12:40: “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Noah’s Flood – Genesis 6-9
The floodwaters were a judgment upon the earth, but God saved Noah and his family through the ark:
1 Peter 3:20-21 connects the flood to baptism: “The ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
The ark represents Christ. He carries us through the waters of judgment into new life.
Baptism and Resurrection
Baptism is a physical act that carries deep spiritual meaning. When we are baptized, we symbolically pass through the waters of judgment and death into new life.
Romans 6:4 explains this beautifully: “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
The act of going under the water symbolizes dying to our old selves, while coming up symbolizes our resurrection in Christ.
Jesus: Our Path Through the Water
In all these examples, Jesus stands as the One who delivers us from the waters of judgment:
He walks on water to demonstrate His authority over judgment.
He lifts Peter out of the sea when Peter cries out for salvation.
He is our Ark, carrying us safely through the flood of judgment (Noah).
He splits the waters, making a path of deliverance (Red Sea and Jordan).
He is the Resurrection and the Life, raising us up out of the waters of death through His own death and resurrection.
When we are in Christ, we are safe from judgment. Just as Israel passed through the Red Sea and the Jordan on dry ground, we are delivered through Him.
John 5:24 says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”
My Final Thoughts
Water in Scripture consistently reveals God’s power to judge and to save. The Red Sea, the Jordan River, Noah’s flood, Jonah’s descent, and Peter’s attempt to walk on water all point to Jesus Christ. He is our deliverer, our ark, and the One who walks on the waters of judgment on our behalf.
When we are baptized, we proclaim that we have died with Christ and have been raised to new life in Him. Jesus lifts us from the waters of judgment, delivers us from death, and gives us the ability to “walk on water” by keeping our eyes fixed on Him.
In Christ, we no longer fear judgment because He has already borne it for us. The waters that once symbolized death and chaos now become a path of deliverance and new life for those who trust in Him.
