2. What is the source of the “water,” and only after what event could it flow?

² The apostle John was privileged to see in vision the source from which this “water” issued forth, as he noted at Revelation 22:1: “He showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Yes, the source of this crystal-clear water with life-giving elements is none other than the Life-Giver, Jehovah himself, who makes it available through the Lamb, Jesus Christ. (Compare Revelation 21:6.) Since “the throne of God and of the Lamb” is mentioned, it must be after the establishment of the Messianic Kingdom in 1914, that is, after the Lord’s day began, that the water of life begins to flow.​—Revelation 1:10.

3, 4. What does the “water” represent, and for whom is it to be available?

³ What does this water of life symbolize? It pictures God’s provision for restoring perfect human life, everlasting life in perfection on an earth transformed into a paradise. The water of life represents all the provisions for life through Jesus Christ. Is all of this available now? No, not all of it, for God must first remove the present wicked system of things with its invisible ruler, Satan the Devil. But we can take what is available of this “water” now by hearing and obeying the good news of the Kingdom and conforming our lives thereto.​—John 3:16; Romans 12:2.

This river flows in its fullest sense during the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ. Thus, throughout Christ’s Millennial Rule, humans, including those resurrected from the dead, must drink of the “river of water of life.”​—Compare Ezekiel 47:1-10; Acts 24:15.

7. On what basis is the provision for “water” made?

⁷ Jehovah enjoys his own life, and he also enjoys bestowing the privilege of intelligent life upon some of his creation. The basis of Jehovah’s life-giving provisions is Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. (Mark 10:45; 1 John 4:9, 10) Also involved is God’s Word, which the Bible at times terms “water.” (Ephesians 5:26)