Topical Bible: Fishes: Catching of, a Trade

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Topical Encyclopedia

The catching of fish as a trade is a significant occupation mentioned throughout the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. This trade was not only a means of livelihood but also served as a backdrop for several of Jesus' teachings and miracles.

Old Testament Context

While the Old Testament does not extensively detail fishing as a trade, it does acknowledge the presence of fish and fishing in the region. The Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Chinnereth in the Old Testament (Numbers 34:11), was a well-known fishing area. Isaiah 19:8 mentions fishermen lamenting, indicating the importance of fishing to the economy and sustenance of the people: "The fishermen will mourn; all who cast hooks into the Nile will lament, and those who spread nets on the water will pine away."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, fishing emerges as a prominent trade, especially around the Sea of Galilee. Several of Jesus' disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, were fishermen by trade. This is evident in Matthew 4:18-22 , where Jesus calls Peter and Andrew: "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. 'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'"

Fishing was a labor-intensive trade, often involving the use of nets, as seen in the account of the miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5:4-7 : "When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, 'Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch.' 'Master,' Simon replied, 'we have worked hard all night without catching anything. But because You say so, I will let down the nets.' When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to tear."

Symbolism and Teachings

The trade of fishing is rich with symbolic meaning in the teachings of Jesus. The call to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19) signifies the mission of the disciples to gather people into the kingdom of God, much like fishermen gather fish. This metaphor highlights the transformative power of the Gospel and the active role of believers in spreading the message of Christ.

Furthermore, the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21) involves fish, underscoring God's provision and abundance. Jesus uses five loaves and two fish to feed a multitude, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion.

Cultural and Economic Significance

Fishing was a vital part of the economy in the regions surrounding the Sea of Galilee. The trade required skill and knowledge of the waters, as well as the ability to work collaboratively, often in family units or partnerships. The presence of fish markets and the demand for fish as a staple food item further emphasize the economic importance of this trade.

In summary, the catching of fish as a trade in biblical times was not only a practical occupation but also a profound metaphor for spiritual truths. The narratives involving fishermen and their trade provide insight into the daily lives of the people and the transformative message of Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 4:18
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 5:2
And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

San Josef
... clear brook, beside which a solemn Chinaman sits catching for his dinner strange
fishes, known to ... character, and of the effects of the slave trade, that I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ix san josef.htm

Sunday-School Hymns.
... Catching the chaste fishes,. ... Other voices chimed in, male and female, catching the
air, and sometimes ... For years he worked at the hatter's trade, with Beebe on ...
/.../brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/chapter viii sunday-school hymns.htm

How to Become Fishers of Men
... nets that we may take a great multitude of fishes. ... be bound apprentice to Jesus to
learn the trade of a ... I have talked about catching his spirit, and abiding in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/how to become fishers of.htm

Monos
... may wish to know more of the poisonous fishes of the ... The work of ages of trade-surf
had cut the island ... and bats, too, which have the reputation of catching fish ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm