In Israel, a land that frequently experienced drought, people were keenly aware of water sources and water quality. Springs and rivers that ran all year were few, so the land relied on reservoirs to catch and store the winter rains and wells to tap underground water tables. In Jewish culture, "death water" referred to standing and stored water. "Living Water" referred to moving water, as in rivers, springs, and rainfall. Such water was precious because it was fresh. Secondly, it came directly from God. It was used for ritual washings (Numbers 8:7).

The distinction between "dead" and "living" water explains why the woman of samaria was so preplexed when Jesus offered her living water. Samaria has no river. If Jacob had to dig a well there, how could Jesus offer superior water? The Samarian woman appealed with reverence to the sacred traditions attached to the well rather than to the presence of God before her.

John 4:11-12
11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

Jesus Christ corrected her

John 4:13-14
13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

The notion of a fresh, bubbing spring was a powerful image in the dry climate of Israel. Those who come to God will neither hunger nor thrist.

Isaiah 49:10
10They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.

Jesus mentioned living water again in Jerusalem at the autumn Festival of Shelters

John 7:37-39
37In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

This festival, which fell during a dry time of year, included and emphasis on water. In this setting, Jesus stepped forward and made an extravagant claim; ANYONE looking for living water should come to him and drink. Jesus is the sorce of living water; he came DIRECTLY FROM GOD and brought divine renewal. Brethen, Let us say Hallelyah and Amen to that.

God bless