What does wade in the water mean?

Answer 1

dear to whom it may concern,

can you tell me what wade in the water mean

The answer I read is a secular one. Where it may mean freedom for the slaves, it is a freedom by receiving the "healing water". This is an allusion to the Holy Spirit of God, that sets people free in their circumstances, not necessarily out of them.

Answer 2

The song became a popular "Negro spiritual" which was about the slaves who were trying to escape, and it was meant to encourage them, by reminding them about how Biblical figures who trusted in God were able to gain freedom. Among its allusions are a reference to Moses, to the children of Israel, and to the parting of the Red Sea.