In the biblical context, lakes are significant both geographically and symbolically. While the Bible does not frequently mention lakes by name, they play a role in the narrative and theological themes of Scripture.

Geographical Significance:

1. Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias/Gennesaret): The most prominent lake in the Bible is the Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Tiberias or Lake Gennesaret. This freshwater lake in northern Israel is central to the ministry of Jesus Christ. It is here that Jesus called His first disciples, performed miracles, and delivered teachings. The lake is mentioned in several passages, including Matthew 4:18, "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen."

2. Dead Sea (Salt Sea): Although not a lake in the traditional sense, the Dead Sea is a significant body of water in the biblical narrative. Known for its high salinity and inability to support life, it serves as a geographical marker and a symbol of judgment and desolation. Genesis 14:3 refers to it as the Salt Sea, "All these latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea)."

Symbolic Significance:

1. Judgment and Destruction: Lakes and bodies of water often symbolize judgment in the Bible. The Dead Sea, for instance, is associated with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, serving as a reminder of God's judgment against sin.

2. Provision and Abundance: Conversely, lakes can also symbolize provision and abundance. The Sea of Galilee, with its rich fish stocks, provided sustenance for the people living around it. Jesus' miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, as recorded in Matthew 14:13-21, took place near this lake, highlighting God's provision.

3. Peace and Tranquility: Lakes can also represent peace and tranquility. In Psalm 23:2, the psalmist writes, "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." This imagery evokes a sense of calm and divine care.

Theological Themes:

1. Faith and Trust: The calming of the storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41) is a powerful narrative illustrating Jesus' authority over nature and His call for faith. When the disciples were terrified by the storm, Jesus rebuked the wind and waves, demonstrating His divine power and urging His followers to trust in Him.

2. Discipleship and Mission: The calling of the disciples by the Sea of Galilee underscores the theme of discipleship and mission. Jesus' invitation to Peter and Andrew to become "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19) signifies the transformative call to follow Christ and participate in His mission.

In summary, lakes in the Bible serve as more than just geographical features; they are imbued with rich symbolic and theological meanings that enhance the biblical narrative and convey deeper spiritual truths.Lakes

[PALESTINA AND PALESTINE]

4663. skolex -- a worm
... a worm. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: skolex Phonetic Spelling:
(sko'-lakes) Short Definition: a gnawing worm Definition: a gnawing worm ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4663.htm - 6k

The Northern Mountains
... Haley's well-earned profits. Is it owing to this absence of any ice-action that
there are no lakes, not even a tarn, in the northern mountains? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

Fishing Song: to JA Froude and Tom Hughes
... Oh, Mr. Froude, how wise and good, To point us out this way to glory" They're no
great shakes, those Snowdon Lakes, And all their pounders myth and story. ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/fishing song to j a.htm

The Way to the Sea
... camped. The fugitives had chosen the smoothest path for travel, keeping
along the Bitter Lakes that their cattle might feed. Their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xliv the way to.htm

How Jonathan Took the Government after his Brother Judas; And
... 3. But when Bacchides knew that Jonathan had pitched his camp among the lakes of
Jordan, he observed when their sabbath day came, and then assaulted him, [as ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how jonathan took.htm

The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit as Revealed in his Names.
... cities of the United States are issued, it has been found that the five healthiest
cities in the United States were five cities located on the great lakes. ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter v the person and.htm

Upon the Gathering Together of the Waters.
... Without doubt the lakes as well those of the northern regions and those that are
to be found in Greece, in Macedonia, in Bithynia and in Palestine, are ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iv upon the gathering.htm

Egypt and Greece.
... Ponds and lakes, growing every day more and more extended, spread mysteriously over
the surface of the meadows; and all the time while this deluge of water was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ii egypt and greece.htm

The Life of Cassian.
... The district lies "to the northwest of Cairo, three days' journey in the Libyan
desert," [568] and gains its name of Nitria from the salt lakes which still ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter i the life of.htm

The Flood-Tide of Power.
... the heavenly bodies. In the rivers by the fall of rain and snow swelling
successively the upper streams and lakes. God's highest ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the flood-tide of power.htm

The First Delegated General Conference of 1812
... stations from Maine to Louisiana, and thence along the waters of the Mississippi,
Missouri, and Ohio, and their tributary streams; the shores of lakes Erie and ...
/.../chapter 1 the first delegated.htm

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Lake: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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