How literally are we to take this verse?

[lekh l'kha]

Yeah, it does seem to me it's literal. I can't see, like Yod says, a literal river drying up "spiritually". Doesn't make sense to me. Thanks, guys.

[Leonard]

I see no epistemological reason to think it was meant other than literally.

[Guest yod]

I see no epistemological reason to think it was meant other than literally.

epistemological?

what a great word

[mizzdy]

Here's an article written this week about the drought, can't remember if this one was posted or not in the news section.

Droughts are not rare in Iraq. But drought is only part of what is choking the Euphrates and its larger, healthier twin, the Tigris.

The most frequently cited culprits are the Turkish and Syrian governments. Iraq has plenty of water, but it is a downstream country. There are at least seven dams on the Euphrates in Turkey and Syria, according to Iraqi water officials, and with no treaties or agreements, the Iraqi government is reduced to begging its neighbors for water.

http://www.star-telegram.com/279/story/1484137.html

[BlindSeeker]

I know it's too early for the sixth bowl of wrath, but it made me wonder about how literally we're supposed to understand "the drying up of the Euphrates".

Mt question is how do you know, or why do you think its too early?

And my position would be "literal."

[lekh l'kha]

I see no epistemological reason to think it was meant other than literally.

epistemological?

what a great word

I only understood the last seven letters

[lekh l'kha]

I know it's too early for the sixth bowl of wrath, but it made me wonder about how literally we're supposed to understand "the drying up of the Euphrates".

Mt question is how do you know, or why do you think its too early?

"And the first (angel) went and poured out his vial (bowl of wrath) on the earth. And a bad and grievous sore fell on the men who had the mark of the beast, and on those who worshiped his image. " (Rev 16:2)

Hasn't happened yet - unless the mark of the beast has already been dished out without me noticing. And if the first bowl hasn't happened yet, I can't see how it isn't too early for the sixth bowl

[Massorite]

I know it's too early for the sixth bowl of wrath, but it made me wonder about how literally we're supposed to understand "the drying up of the Euphrates".

Mt question is how do you know, or why do you think its too early?

And my position would be "literal."

Because the first bowl hasn't been done nor have the seals been broken. When there is a new temple on the temple mount that is when the seven years will begin or there abouts.

[Dougmo60]

I think the dam in turkey will be used to dry up the river. It has the power to stop the flow for over 2 weeks. With Turkey being a muslim country I believe they will stop the flow.

[OneLight]

I see no epistemological reason to think it was meant other than literally.

epistemological?

what a great word

LOL .... that is why I have dictionary.com on my bar for quick reference!