Matthew Henry Commentary John 7:37-39

"Now on the last day, the great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, from within him shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believed on him were to receive: for the Spirit was not yet [given]; because Jesus was not yet glorified." — John 7:37-39 (ASV)

On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jews drew water and poured it out before the Lord. It is thought that Christ alluded to this. If anyone desires to be truly and forever happy, let them turn to Christ and be ruled by Him. This thirst signifies strong desires for spiritual blessings, which nothing else can satisfy. Therefore, the sanctifying and comforting influences of the Holy Spirit were what Jesus meant by the waters He invited them to come to Him and drink.

This comfort flows abundantly and constantly like a river, and is as strong as a stream to overcome the opposition of doubts and fears. There is a fullness in Christ, of grace for grace. The Spirit dwelling and working in believers is like a fountain of living, running water, from which abundant streams flow, cooling and cleansing like water.

We do not expect the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit, but we may seek His more common and more valuable influences. These streams have flowed from our glorified Redeemer, down to our present age, and to the remote corners of the earth. May we be eager to make them known to others.