Topical Bible: Ship: Equipped With: Tackling

◄ Ship: Equipped With: Tackling ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, ships were essential for trade, travel, and military purposes, and their construction and equipment were of significant importance. The term "tackling" refers to the various equipment and gear necessary for the operation of a ship, including ropes, sails, masts, and other apparatus used for navigation and control.

Biblical References:

1. Acts 27:19 · In the account of Paul's journey to Rome, the ship he was aboard encountered a violent storm. The crew took drastic measures to lighten the ship: "On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands" . This passage highlights the critical nature of tackling in maintaining the ship's buoyancy and stability during adverse conditions.

2. Isaiah 33:23 · The prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of a ship's tackling to convey a message of vulnerability and impending disaster: "Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder" . Here, the inadequacy of the ship's tackling symbolizes a lack of preparedness and strength.

3. Ezekiel 27:5-7 · In a lamentation over Tyre, Ezekiel describes the grandeur of its ships, emphasizing the quality of their construction and equipment: "They made all your timbers of juniper from Senir; they took a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you. Of oaks from Bashan they made your oars; of cypress wood from the coasts of Cyprus they made your deck, inlaid with ivory. Fine embroidered linen from Egypt was your sail and served as your banner; your awnings were of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah" . This passage illustrates the importance of well-crafted tackling in the prosperity and reputation of a maritime power.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, shipbuilding was a sophisticated craft, and the equipment used was a testament to the technological advancements of the time. The materials mentioned in Ezekiel, such as cedar and cypress, were highly valued for their durability and resistance to decay, making them ideal for ship construction. The use of fine linen and dyed fabrics for sails and awnings not only served practical purposes but also displayed wealth and status.

The tackling of a ship was crucial for its operation, allowing it to harness the wind and navigate the seas. The ability to adjust sails and manage the rigging was essential for controlling the ship's speed and direction. In times of peril, as seen in Acts 27, the crew's interaction with the ship's tackling could mean the difference between survival and disaster.

Theological Implications:

The imagery of ships and their tackling in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for spiritual readiness and reliance on God. Just as a ship requires well-maintained equipment to navigate the seas, believers are called to equip themselves with faith and wisdom to withstand the storms of life. The slack ropes and unsecured masts in Isaiah 33:23 symbolize a lack of spiritual preparedness, reminding the faithful of the importance of vigilance and trust in God's provision.

In summary, the concept of a ship equipped with tackling in the Bible underscores the necessity of preparation, the value of skilled craftsmanship, and the spiritual lessons drawn from maritime imagery.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 33:23
Your tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey.
Nave's Topical Index