Topical Bible: Galilee: Sea (Lake) of Galilee: Called Lake of Gennesaret

◄ Galilee: Sea (Lake) of Galilee: Called Lake of Gennesaret ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Sea of Galilee, also known as the Lake of Gennesaret, is a significant geographical and theological feature in the biblical narrative. This freshwater lake is located in the northeastern region of Israel, nestled within the Jordan Rift Valley. It is approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, with a surface area of about 64 square miles, making it the largest freshwater lake in Israel. The lake is fed primarily by the Jordan River, which flows from the north and exits to the south, continuing its journey towards the Dead Sea.

Biblical Significance

The Sea of Galilee holds a prominent place in the New Testament, serving as the backdrop for many events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It is here that Jesus called His first disciples, Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who were fishermen by trade. The Gospel of Matthew recounts this calling: "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" (Matthew 4:18).

The lake is also the setting for several of Jesus' miracles. One of the most well-known is the calming of the storm, where Jesus rebuked the winds and the waves, demonstrating His authority over nature (Mark 4:35-41). Another miracle performed on these waters is Jesus walking on the sea, an event that further revealed His divine nature to His disciples (Matthew 14:22-33).

Additionally, the Sea of Galilee is the site of the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed a large crowd (Mark 6:30-44). This miracle underscores the theme of divine provision and compassion.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the time of Jesus, the Sea of Galilee was surrounded by several important towns and villages, including Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Tiberias. These settlements were bustling centers of trade and fishing, contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The lake's abundant fish resources made it a crucial part of the local economy, and fishing was a common occupation among its inhabitants.

The alternate name, Lake of Gennesaret, is derived from the fertile Plain of Gennesaret, located on the lake's northwestern shore. This area was known for its rich soil and agricultural productivity, often described as a "paradise" by ancient historians.

Theological Reflections

The Sea of Galilee serves as a powerful symbol of Jesus' ministry and His call to discipleship. The lake's serene yet sometimes tumultuous waters reflect the challenges and peace found in following Christ. The miracles performed here illustrate Jesus' compassion, authority, and the transformative power of faith.

In the broader biblical narrative, the Sea of Galilee represents a place of encounter and revelation, where the divine intersects with the ordinary. It is a reminder of God's presence in the everyday lives of His people and His ability to bring calm amidst life's storms.

In conclusion, the Sea of Galilee, or Lake of Gennesaret, is more than a geographical location; it is a testament to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Its waters continue to inspire faith and reflection, drawing believers to consider the profound truths revealed on its shores.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 5:1
And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed on him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

1082. Gennesaret -- Gennesaret, a fertile plain on W. shore of the ...
... Gennesaret, a fertile plain on W. shore of the Sea of Galilee. Part of ... the lake of
Tiberias, which was in consequence sometimes called the Lake of Gennesaret ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1082.htm - 6k

Library

The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
... John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John 6:1 ... from the region of Scythopolis to the
Dead Sea; on that ... writes thus of the lake Gennesaret: "The lake Gennesar is ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 70 the lake of.htm

Within what Tribe the Lake of Gennesaret Was.
... into Judea'; that is, the country without Galilee, which as ... the south; and so to
contain the sea of Gennesaret ... am discoursing of Jordan, and this lake, let me ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 71 within what tribe.htm

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... South of Lake Merom, where the so-called Jacob's bridge ... From the heights of Galilee
the eye would rest on ... with merchant ships, and on the sea, dotted with ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
... then a prosperous trade on the lake of Galilee.] ^b 17 ... souls are fish, the world
is the sea, the gospel ... of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxx jesus calls four fishermen.htm

From the Talmud and Hebraica
... Chapter 70 The lake of Gennesaret; or, the sea of Galilee and Tiberias. ... Chapters
71-80. Chapter 71 Within what tribe the lake of Gennesaret was. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/

Julias-Bethsaida
... The maps place it more remote from the influx of Jordan into the lake of Gennesaret ...
in Galilee, as it is in the maps, but beyond the sea of Galilee in Perea ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 93 julias-bethsaida.htm

Of the Situation of Tiberias.
... certainly cannot consist together, if the whole sea be between ... is, fifteen miles;
but now the lake of Gennesaret ... was the utmost limits of Galilee southward, as ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 73 of the situation.htm

Stories Told by the Lake.
... [Illustration: Jesus teaching by the sea]. His ... separated. This was a wonderful
day by the blue waters of the Lake of Galilee. The ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xx stories told by.htm

The Call by the Sea
... During that sad night on the lake, when they were ... word could gather the fishes from
the sea could also ... and unlearned men, those fishers of Galilee; but Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 25 the call by.htm

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
... Mount of Olives, Nazareth, the Lake of Gennesaret ... modern Sulkhad) to "the great sea,"
the Mediterranean ... and Samaria, under Roman procurators; Galilee and Peraea ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 1 palestine eighteen centuries.htm