Researchers indicate that the waters of Judah is a metaphor and not actual a geographical location.
I NEPHI 6:8 Hearken and hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, who swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel; yet they swear not in truth, nor in righteousness.
Commentary: This verse references the place of the waters of Judah. This verse also occurs in Isaiah 48:1. There is no information provided to locate the waters of Judah. The verse mentions that the house of Jacob 'are come forth out of the waters of Judah' and to expect an entire lineage to come from the water indicates the use of the phrase 'waters of Judah' is a metaphor and not a physical place. The waters of Judah are determined to be a metaphor by using the description in the Bible (Isaiah 48:1) and other sources [
Commentary on Isaiah 48:1].
- Isa 48:1 Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.
- Isa 48:2 For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The LORD of hosts is his name.
