TORRENT, or Brook. In Palestine, in Arabia, and in the neighbouring Countries, where Water was scarce, and the Heats excessive, to find a Torrent, Brook, or Rivulet, in the Wilderness, or upon a Journey, was a very agreeable and acceptable thing. God promises his People, that at their Return from the Captivity of Babylon, he would provide them Streams of Waters in the Desarts, through which they Isaiah xxxv. 6.should be obliged to pass: Scissæ sunt in deserto aquæ & torrentes in solitudine. And Jerem. xxx. 9.Jeremiah says, Adducam eos per torrentes aquarum in viâ rectâ. And the Psalmist describes the Messiah to us, as a Conqueror at the Head of his Army, who finds Water Psal. cix. 7.in abundance upon his March: De torrente in viâ bibet.
In a figurative Sense a Torrent generally Lam. ii. 18. Psal. xvii. 5.signifies Plenty and Abundance, whether it be Good or Evil. A Torrent or River of Tears, a Torrent of Iniquity, or Torrents of Belial, according to the Hebrew. My Soul Psal. cxxii. 5.has passed through the Torrent, it has been as it were plunged in the Waters, but God has preserved it. A Torrent of Sulphur, Isai. lxvi. 12. Job xxii. 24. Job xx. 15.&c. and in a contrary Sense, a Torrent or River of Delights, of Peace, Rivers of Gold, of Butter and Honey.