Topical Bible: Fish: Appointed for Food

◄ Fish: Appointed for Food ►

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In the biblical narrative, fish hold a significant place as a source of sustenance and are explicitly appointed for food. The consumption of fish is first implied in the broader context of God's provision for humanity. In Genesis 1:28-29 , God blesses humanity and grants dominion over the fish of the sea, along with other creatures, and provides every seed-bearing plant and tree for food. While fish are not explicitly mentioned as food in this passage, the dominion over them suggests their availability for human use, including consumption.

The explicit appointment of fish as food is more clearly articulated after the Flood. In Genesis 9:3 , God expands the dietary provisions to Noah and his descendants, stating, "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things." This declaration includes fish, affirming their role as a divinely sanctioned source of nourishment.

The dietary laws given to the Israelites further clarify the consumption of fish. In Leviticus 11:9-12 , God provides specific guidelines regarding which aquatic creatures are permissible to eat: "Of all the creatures that live in the water, whether in the seas or the streams, you may eat any that have fins and scales." This regulation distinguishes clean fish, which are suitable for consumption, from unclean aquatic creatures, which are prohibited. The emphasis on fins and scales serves as a criterion for identifying fish that align with the dietary standards set by God for His people.

Fish also play a role in the New Testament, where they are depicted as a common and accepted food source. Jesus Christ Himself partakes of fish, as seen in Luke 24:42-43 , where, after His resurrection, He eats a piece of broiled fish in the presence of His disciples. This act not only demonstrates the normalcy of fish consumption but also serves as a testament to His physical resurrection.

Moreover, fish are central to several of Jesus' miracles, underscoring their importance in daily life and spiritual lessons. In the feeding of the five thousand, as recorded in Matthew 14:17-21 , Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude, illustrating God's provision and abundance. Similarly, in John 21:9-13 , the resurrected Christ prepares a breakfast of fish and bread for His disciples, reinforcing the communal and sustaining nature of fish as food.

Throughout the biblical text, fish are consistently portrayed as a legitimate and divinely appointed source of nourishment. They are integrated into the dietary practices of God's people, both under the Old Covenant with its specific regulations and in the New Testament, where they continue to be a staple of the diet. The biblical endorsement of fish as food reflects God's provision and care for humanity, allowing for sustenance from the bounty of the seas and waters.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 9:2,3
And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, and on every fowl of the air, on all that moves on the earth, and on all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The System of the Egyptians, which is Appointed for the Daily ...
... The system of the Egyptians, which is appointed for the ... make use of dried and uncooked
food, [780] and ... salt, [781] olives, tiny little salt fish which they ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xxii the system of.htm

The Fast must not be Broken on the Fifth Day of the Last Week In.. ...
... Had he appointed that the sacrament should be always partaken of after other food,
I believe ... without being ill, fast on oil and shell-fish, do contrary ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon l the fast must.htm

Love is the Touchstone by which the Reality of Truth is Perceived. ...
... his clothes some barley cakes and dried fish, enough for ... blessing the multitude was
fed with the choicest food. ... the service to which I have appointed them, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section ii 1 love is.htm

The Testament of Zebulun Concerning Compassion and Mercy.
... in order that Joseph might be preserved; and the Lord appointed it so ... [133] And Reuben
ate no food on that day ... by the sea-coast, I caught spoil of fish for Jacob ...
/.../vi the testament of zebulun concerning.htm

By the Sea once More
... Jesus had appointed to meet His disciples in Galilee; and soon ... to join; they were
in need of food and clothing ... saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 85 by the sea.htm

In Galilee.
... 6). The apostles, having arrived at the appointed place, engaged ... the inquiry was
made by one wishing to purchase fish. ... is a general term applied to food of any ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/in galilee.htm

Life Amongst the Upper Ten Thousand
... our cart and follow the man appointed to conduct ... ladies who manipulated the difficult,
slippery food with such ... mass compounded of seaweed and small fish into a ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xviii life amongst the.htm

On Creation
... messengers from God to man; and are also appointed our guardians. ... guide told him
to take hold of the fish and drag ... and kept part of its flesh for food and part ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 4 on creation.htm

On Eating.
... gave Him a piece of broiled fish;" and having ... but a few were left appropriate for
their food. ... to abstain from partaking of them, he appointed the opposite mode ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the instructor paedagogus/chap i on eating.htm

Psalm 104 the Glory of God in Creation and Providence.
... He thundered, and the ocean fled,. Confined to its appointed bed. ... He makes the
grassy food arise,. ... Where fish in millions swim and creep. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/psalm 104 the glory of.htm