Topical Encyclopedia Fishes hold a significant place within the biblical narrative, symbolizing both the creative power of God and His provision for humanity. The creation of fish is first mentioned in the Book of Genesis, where God commands the waters to teem with living creatures. Genesis 1:20-21 states, "And God said, 'Let the waters teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.' So God created the great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters teemed, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good."This passage underscores the divine origin of fish, emphasizing that they were created by God's command and according to their kinds, reflecting the order and intentionality of His creation. The phrase "God saw that it was good" highlights the inherent goodness and purpose of fish within the created order. Fishes also play a role in the narrative of God's provision and sustenance. In the New Testament, Jesus performs miracles involving fish, demonstrating His authority over creation and His compassion for human needs. One notable instance is the feeding of the five thousand, where Jesus multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed a large crowd. Matthew 14:17-21 recounts, "They said to Him, 'We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish.' 'Bring them here to Me,' He said. And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over." This miracle not only illustrates Jesus' divine power but also His role as the provider, using fish as a means to meet the physical needs of the people. Furthermore, fish are used symbolically in the teachings of Jesus. In Matthew 4:19 , Jesus calls His first disciples, saying, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Here, fish symbolize the souls that the disciples will gather into the kingdom of God, indicating the transformative mission they are to undertake. In addition to their symbolic and miraculous roles, fish are also part of the dietary laws given to the Israelites. Leviticus 11:9-10 provides guidelines for clean and unclean aquatic creatures: "Of all the creatures that live in the water, whether in the seas or the streams, you may eat any that have fins and scales. But anything in the seas or streams that does not have fins and scales, among all the swarming things and other living creatures in the water, you are to regard as unclean." These dietary laws reflect the broader theme of holiness and separation that characterizes the covenant relationship between God and His people. Fish with fins and scales are deemed clean, aligning with the order and purity that God desires for His people. Throughout the Bible, fish serve as a testament to God's creative power, His provision, and His call to His followers. They are woven into the fabric of biblical history, illustrating both the physical and spiritual sustenance that God provides. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 1:20,21And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that has life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 20:11 Library Why God Has Blessed Men, Fishes, Flying Creatures, and not Herbs ... Shall God's Nature be Mutable, Sinful, Impious, Even Eternally ... John Chapter vi. 14-Jan The Sovereignty of God in Creation On Creation That all Things were Created for Some Use, Even those Things which ... Whether Irrational Creatures Also Ought to be Loved Out of Charity ... On the Words of the Gospel, John vi. 9, Where the Miracle of the ... The Confessions and Letters of St Are not Praises the Very End for which the World was Created? do ... Resources How does the geologic timescale fit with the view of a young earth? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ? (Part 2) | GotQuestions.org In what ways was Moses like Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Fishes: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fishes of Men Ignorant of Future Events Fishes of the Whole Population of Egypt Fishes of Those Ensnared by the Wicked Fishes used As Food by the Egyptians Fishes used As Food by the Jews Fishes: (Bad) of Mere Professors Fishes: Cannot Live Without Water Fishes: Different in Flesh from Beasts Fishes: Distinction Between Clean and Unclean Fishes: Man Given Dominion Over Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Dressed on the Shore Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Immense Draughts of Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Multiplying a Few Fishes: Miracles Connected With: Procuring Tribute Money From Fishes: Mode of Cooking Alluded To Fishes: No Likeness of, to be Made for Worship Fishes: Sold Near the Fish Gate at Jerusalem Fishes: Solomon Wrote the History of Fishes: Taken With: Often Suffered for Man's Sin Fishes: The People of Tyre Traded In Related Terms |
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