The two streams of water and blood which flowed from the Savior's side when pierced by the spear of the Roman soldier is foretold by Zechariah, "* In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Je- rusalem for sin and for uncleanness." Zechariah 13:1.
From this fountain that came from the Saviors side flows the mighty river seen in Ezekiel's vision. "... These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed.' And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come thither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. 12 And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine." Ezekiel 47: 8,9,12.
The river that flowed from the Lord's side was the river of selflessness that flows out into the desert wastes of selfishness. Wherever the river flows it brings with it life and verdure. The trees that grow at the water's edge represent the people of God who grow in selflessness and whose strength are as the trees. Ezekiel's vision pictures the purity of a selfless character that will be revealed by all who follow Christ.