In biblical times, "soundings" refers to the practice of measuring the depth of water, particularly in the context of navigation and maritime travel. This practice was crucial for ancient mariners to ensure safe passage through potentially hazardous waters. The term is most notably mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the account of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to soundings is found in the Book of Acts, during the narrative of Paul's perilous sea voyage. Acts 27:28 states, "They took soundings and found that the water was twenty fathoms deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was fifteen fathoms deep." This passage describes the crew's efforts to determine their proximity to land as they approached the island of Malta during a storm.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient world, soundings were typically taken using a lead line, a rope or line with a lead weight attached to the end. Mariners would lower the line into the water until it touched the seabed, then measure the length of the line to determine the depth. This method was essential for avoiding underwater hazards and ensuring that ships did not run aground.

The practice of taking soundings reflects the broader theme of divine providence and human responsibility in Scripture. While the sailors took practical measures to ensure their safety, the narrative in Acts 27 emphasizes God's sovereignty and protection over Paul and his companions. Despite the storm and the shipwreck, God's promise to Paul that he would stand trial before Caesar was fulfilled (Acts 27:24).

Theological Significance:

The account of soundings in Acts serves as a metaphor for spiritual discernment and vigilance. Just as mariners must be attentive to the depths and dangers of the sea, believers are called to be discerning and watchful in their spiritual journey. The Apostle Paul's experience underscores the importance of faith and reliance on God's guidance, even amidst life's storms.

Furthermore, the narrative highlights the interplay between human action and divine intervention. While the sailors' skill and experience were vital, it was ultimately God's providence that ensured their survival. This balance between human effort and divine sovereignty is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, reminding believers of their dependence on God while also encouraging responsible action.

Practical Application:

For contemporary Christians, the concept of soundings can serve as a reminder to seek God's wisdom and guidance in navigating the complexities of life. Just as mariners relied on soundings to chart a safe course, believers are encouraged to rely on Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit to discern God's will and direction.

In summary, the biblical account of soundings in Acts 27 provides valuable insights into the practices of ancient navigation, the theological themes of divine providence and human responsibility, and the practical application of spiritual discernment in the life of a believer.SOUNDINGS

sound'-ingz.

See SHIPS AND BOATS, III, 2.

1001. bolizo -- to heave the lead
... Word Origin from bolis Definition to heave the lead NASB Word Usage took
soundings (1), took...sounding (1). to take soundings. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1001.htm - 6k

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... Both of them have soundings of bowels, and healing under their wings. Whence
does mercy spring? Its spring-head rises higher than nature. ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

Paul's Shipwreck
... So they took soundings and found one hundred and twenty feet of water; and
when they had gone a little farther they found ninety feet. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/pauls shipwreck.htm

Memorable Atlantic Storms
... called) any more. Sunday, February 1.--- We spoke with a ship of Carolina;
and Wednesday, 4, came within soundings. About noon, the ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/memorable atlantic storms.htm

On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men.
... As I have mentioned, the soundings from the great Atlantic plain are almost entirely
made up of Globigerinae, with the granules which have been mentioned, and ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/ix on a piece of.htm

Salvation: Grace: Faith
... There was in the papers some time ago an account of some extraordinary deep-sea
soundings that have been made away down in the South Pacific, 29,400 feet and ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/salvation grace faith.htm

The Christ in the Garden
... Then, calming himself, he said to them: "I know you; I know you too well! You are
Desire without hope, the Gulf without soundings that nothing can fill up. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/v the christ in the.htm

The Paradox of Love's Measure
... It is possible to plunge a jar into mid-Atlantic, further than soundings have ever
descended, and to bring it up on deck as dry inside as if it had been lying ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the paradox of loves measure.htm

The Gods of Egypt
... Sometimes they were equipped with a full crew, like that of an Egyptian boat"a pilot
at the prow to take soundings in the channel and forecast the wind, a ...
/.../chapter ii the gods of egypt.htm

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... and when they had gone a little farther, they sounded, and found it fifteen fathoms."
[144:2] "But what," observes a modern writer, "are the soundings at this ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ...
... attracted the compass, and a dense fog hiding all headlands retarded our progress,
making it necessary to lower one of the boats to take the soundings, and go ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vi 1875-1877 mrs ways.htm

Soundings (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia SOUNDINGS. sound'-ingz. ... Multi-Version Concordance Soundings
(1 Occurrence). Acts 27:28 They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms. ...
/s/soundings.htm - 6k

Fifteen (26 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV). Acts 27:28 They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms. After a little
while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms. ...
/f/fifteen.htm - 14k

Fathoms (1 Occurrence)
... Fathoms (1 Occurrence). Acts 27:28 They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms.
After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms. ...
/f/fathoms.htm - 6k

Twenty (282 Occurrences)
... Acts 27:28 They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms. After a little
while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms. ...
/t/twenty.htm - 40k

Later (89 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS). Acts 27:28 They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms. After a little
while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms. (See NIV). ...
/l/later.htm - 31k

Soundness (6 Occurrences)

/s/soundness.htm - 8k

Sounding (99 Occurrences)
... Sounding (99 Occurrences). Acts 27:28 They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms.
After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms. ...
/s/sounding.htm - 37k

Goodly (46 Occurrences)
... might") is employed, the Revised Version (British and American) "cedars of God,"
margin "goodly cedars" (Psalm 80:10); renanim ("joyous soundings or shoutings ...
/g/goodly.htm - 25k

Fathom (5 Occurrences)
... containing six feet; the space to which a man can extend his arms; -- used chiefly
in measuring cables, cordage, and the depth of navigable water by soundings. ...
/f/fathom.htm - 9k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... down the mainsail and the main yard), (4) throwing freight overboard and later casting
out the tackling of the ship (Acts 27:19), (5) taking soundings (Acts 27 ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

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