In the biblical context, seamen, or sailors, are individuals who navigate and work on ships. The Bible references seamen in various passages, highlighting their roles, experiences, and the symbolic significance of the sea in biblical narratives.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several instances where seamen are mentioned, often in the context of trade and exploration. One notable reference is found in the account of King Solomon's reign. Solomon's wisdom and wealth extended to maritime ventures, as he collaborated with Hiram, king of Tyre, to build a fleet of ships. These ships, manned by experienced seamen, were used for trade and brought back gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks from distant lands (1 Kings 10:22).

The prophet Ezekiel also speaks of seamen in his lamentation over Tyre, a prominent maritime city. In Ezekiel 27, Tyre is depicted as a majestic ship, and its seamen are described as skilled and knowledgeable, contributing to the city's wealth and prestige. "The oarsmen have brought you into great waters. The east wind has shattered you in the heart of the seas" (Ezekiel 27:26). This passage underscores the importance of seamen in the economic and cultural life of ancient maritime cities.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, seamen are most prominently featured in the Acts of the Apostles. The Apostle Paul, during his missionary journeys, frequently traveled by sea. One significant account is Paul's voyage to Rome, where he encountered a severe storm. The seamen on the ship played a crucial role in navigating the treacherous conditions. Despite their expertise, the storm was so severe that they eventually had to rely on divine intervention for survival. Paul reassured the crew and passengers, saying, "But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not a single one of you will be lost, only the ship will be destroyed" (Acts 27:22).

Symbolism and Themes

The sea and those who navigate it often symbolize the vastness and unpredictability of life. In biblical literature, the sea can represent chaos and danger, as well as the unknown. Seamen, therefore, are often seen as figures of courage and resilience, facing the uncertainties of the sea with skill and determination.

The Psalms also reflect on the experiences of seamen, using their journeys as metaphors for spiritual truths. Psalm 107:23-30 describes those who "go down to the sea in ships" and witness the "works of the LORD" in the deep. The passage highlights God's sovereignty over creation, as He calms the storm and brings the seamen to their desired haven, illustrating divine providence and protection.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, seafaring was a vital part of trade and cultural exchange. The Phoenicians, known for their maritime prowess, were among the most skilled seamen of the time. Their expertise in navigation and shipbuilding contributed significantly to the spread of goods, ideas, and cultural practices across the Mediterranean.

The biblical portrayal of seamen reflects this historical context, acknowledging their essential role in the economic and social life of ancient civilizations. The narratives involving seamen also serve to illustrate broader theological themes, such as faith, divine intervention, and the human experience of confronting the unknown.

Conclusion

The biblical depiction of seamen provides insight into the ancient world's maritime activities and serves as a rich source of metaphorical and theological reflection. Through their accounts, the Bible conveys messages of faith, courage, and the omnipotence of God over the natural world.1. (n.) Plural of Seaman.

2. (n.) Plural of Seaman.

Prayer for Seamen.
... SEAMEN'S HYMNS. 835. " Prayer for Seamen. 835. CM Select Hymns. Prayer
for Seamen. 1 We come, O Lord, before thy throne, And ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/835 prayer for seamen.htm

How Bishop Aidan Foretold to Certain Seamen that a Storm Would ...
... BOOK III CHAP. XV. How Bishop Aidan foretold to certain seamen that a storm would
arise, and gave them some holy oil to calm it. [Between 642 and 645 AD.]. ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xv how bishop aidan.htm

Prayer and Science
... No man ought to say that seamen have neglected science. ... For seamen have been
forced, by the nature of their calling, to be scientific men. ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon iii prayer and science.htm

Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near ...
... Suddenly his feet went from under him and he fell head-long; quickly two seamen
leaped upon him, seizing his head and hands. ... He called the seamen to his side. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 21 arria and her.htm

Paul in Malta and Rome.
... If God had determined to save Paul and his companions, should not his purpose have
been accomplished, whether the seamen had left the ship or had remained in it ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxix paul in malta.htm

Disestablishment
... With the embargo lifted, New England commerce revived, and Connecticut seamen,
Connecticut farmers, [b] Connecticut merchants, together with artisans of all ...
/.../chapter xv disestablishment.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... About this time a lively feeling was awakened in the Christian community in behalf
of seamen, a class of men hitherto almost entirely neglected by the church. ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Preparations for the Invasion of Greece.
... more terrible, it was believed to be the haunt of innumerable uncouth and misshapen
monsters of the sea, that lived by devouring the hapless seamen who were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter iv preparations for the.htm

The Advance of Xerxes into Greece.
... The seamen were anxious and afraid, and the commanders of the several ships began
to devise, each for his own vessel, the best means of safety. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter viii the advance of.htm

Sailors' Hymns.
... of the hymn and the musical style of Its age, and on the other hand the wish to
utilize it in the tune-manuals for Manners' Homes and Seamen's Bethels, makes a ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter x sailors hymns.htm

Seamen (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Seamen (6 Occurrences). 1 Kings 9:27 Hiram sent his servants,
who were experienced seamen, in the sea-force with Solomon's men. ...
/s/seamen.htm - 8k

Seam (3 Occurrences)

/s/seam.htm - 8k

Seamew (1 Occurrence)

/s/seamew.htm - 8k

Boards (50 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:9 The responsible men of Gebal and its wise men were in you, making your
boards watertight: all the ships of the sea with their seamen were in you ...
/b/boards.htm - 21k

Board (47 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:9 The responsible men of Gebal and its wise men were in you, making your
boards watertight: all the ships of the sea with their seamen were in you ...
/b/board.htm - 23k

Guiding (69 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:27 Your wealth and your goods, the things in which you do trade, your
seamen and those guiding your ships, those who make your boards watertight ...
/g/guiding.htm - 26k

Kill (310 Occurrences)
... a book. 5. (vt) To cause to cease; to quell; to calm; to still; as, in
seamen's language, a shower of rain kills the wind. 6. (vt ...
/k/kill.htm - 36k

Navigate (2 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) To steer, direct, or manage in sailing; to conduct (ships) upon the
water by the art or skill of seamen; as, to navigate a ship. ...
/n/navigate.htm - 7k

Joppa (14 Occurrences)
... References: The city does not appear in the history as Philistine, so we may, perhaps,
infer that it was held by the Phoenicians, the great seamen of those days ...
/j/joppa.htm - 17k

Watertight (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 27:9 The responsible men of Gebal and its wise men were in you, making your
boards watertight: all the ships of the sea with their seamen were in you ...
/w/watertight.htm - 6k

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