The answer is: The rivers and fountains of waters became blood

Rev 16 vs 4

In God’s final showdown with chaos and evil, the pouring out of the third vial is quite graphic! The rivers and springs becoming blood strikes a chilling chord. Imagine the fresh waters you rely on transformed into a gruesome imagery — it amplifies the urgency of the message.

This act echoes back to the plagues during the Exodus in Egypt, particularly the first plague when the Nile turned to blood (Exodus 7:14-24). Both instances reflect a divine intervention that underscores the theme of judgment against those who indulge in corrupt and oppressive behaviors. It’s not just about changing water to blood — it’s a raw, unfettered call to reconsider humanity's actions impacting not just the earth but each other.

Trivia alert! Did you know that blood in Biblical symbolism often reflects life and relationship? In ancient Israel, it was the lifeblood of sacrificial practices. So, transforming water, a source of life, into blood could symbolize deprivation, hardship, and absolute loss of sustenance. A deep connection to loss ripples through humanity when facing such despair.

Furthermore, in a broader context, it also symbolizes a divine separation from humanity, like how liquid losses coherence in a glass, unsettling individuals in their comfort zones. While these dire judgments seem extreme, they spark an essential conversation about choices and repentance, hinting at the belief that humanity can cause real spiritual blockages — yet there’s always a path back. It presents a hope that dodges despair, nudging individuals towards deeper reflection on their lives and the impacts they carry, whether intended or not.