Genesis 2:13-14. Channels of Living Water: Connected and Called by Name

 Genesis 2:13-14 “And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasseth the whole land of Ethiopia. And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates”

    In the original Hebrew, Gihon comes from a root word that means “to gush forth," or "break forth.” Similar to the river Pison that encircled Havilah, the Gihon inclosed the land of Ethiopia. The third river Hiddekel is a name of foreign origin, also used to reference the Tigris River which watered the land of Assyria (see also Daniel 10:4). The name Euphrates comes from an unused root, which like Gihon means “to break forth, or rushing.” This great river of the east later sustained the kingdom of Babylon. Unlike the preceding three rivers, of the Euphrates, no mention at all is made of its movement or direction. 

    Just as Scripture calls by name the four headwaters flowing from the Edenic River of Life, so the Word of God calls you by name to be a channel of life and blessing to the nations. As you drink of Christ’s living water, it will be in you “a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).  So break forth with joy like a river and sing like a brook, for however large or small you or your work may be, it is your privilege to be connected to the Great Source and thus receive to give the Water of Life.