Topical Bible: Fishes: Made for God's Glory

◄ Fishes: Made for God's Glory ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Fishes, as part of God's creation, hold a significant place within the biblical narrative, symbolizing abundance, provision, and the intricate beauty of God's handiwork. From the earliest chapters of Genesis to the teachings of Jesus Christ, fishes are depicted as integral to the divine order and purpose.

Creation and Purpose

In the account of creation, fishes are among the first living creatures brought into existence by God's command. 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." This passage underscores the intentionality and diversity of aquatic life, reflecting God's glory and creativity.

Symbol of Provision

Fishes are frequently associated with God's provision and sustenance. In the Old Testament, the abundance of fish is often a sign of blessing. For instance, the miraculous catch of fish in the Sea of Galilee, as recounted in the New Testament, serves as a testament to divine provision. In Luke 5:4-6 , Jesus instructs Simon Peter, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." The resulting haul of fish is so great that their nets begin to break, illustrating God's ability to provide beyond human expectation.

Miracles and Teachings of Jesus

The New Testament further highlights the significance of fishes through the miracles and teachings of Jesus. The feeding of the five thousand, as recorded in Matthew 14:17-21 , involves five loaves and two fish, which Jesus blesses and multiplies to feed a multitude. This miracle not only demonstrates Christ's compassion and power but also symbolizes the spiritual nourishment He provides.

Moreover, Jesus uses fish in His parables to convey deeper spiritual truths. In Matthew 13:47-48 , He compares the kingdom of heaven to a net cast into the sea, gathering fish of every kind. This imagery emphasizes the inclusivity and final judgment inherent in God's kingdom.

Symbolism and Christian Life

Fishes have also become a symbol of Christian identity and faith. The ichthys, or fish symbol, was used by early Christians as a secret sign of identification and fellowship. The Greek word for fish, "ichthys," is an acronym for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior," encapsulating core Christian beliefs.

In the broader context of Christian life, fishes remind believers of their call to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19), participating in the mission of spreading the Gospel and drawing others into the fold of faith.

Conclusion

Throughout Scripture, fishes are portrayed as a testament to God's creative power, provision, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. They serve as a reminder of the abundance found in God's kingdom and the call to live out one's faith in service to others.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 12:8,9
Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach you: and the fishes of the sea shall declare to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 69:34
Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moves therein.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A view of God's Glory
... The fishes leap out of their element, and he supplies them; every insect is ... When
Moses said, "I beseech thee, show me thy glory," God made him see that he was ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/a view of gods glory.htm

God's World
... moon, night and day"the great sea, the ships, and the fishes, and all ... that small
holy house, He, God Almighty, appeared visibly"God who made heaven and ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon i gods world.htm

That in God There is but one Only Act, which is his Own Divinity.
... the air with birds, and the sea with fishes, made spring from ... of which the Scripture
having told us that God in the ... that as he spoke and they were made, so the ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii that in god.htm

God's Inheritance in the Saints
... the gain of a loss, if yearnings were made immortal, and ... a heaven of hell, a hell
of heaven.' Fishes die on ... when they have got the knowledge of God he thinks ...
/.../gods inheritance in the saints.htm

The Government of Nature.
... the five thousand with the five loaves and the two fishes. ... St John records also the
use our Lord made of the ... He who loves the glory of God will be very jealous ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/ix the government of nature.htm

Texts Explained; Sixthly...
... was the original formation of the quadrupeds, and of birds, and fishes, and cattle,
and plants; thus too has the race made after God's Image come ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter xix texts explained sixthly.htm

The True Sign
... who had fed thousands with a few fishes and barley ... It was this deceptive teaching
that made it so hard ... Zeal for God's glory is the motive implanted by the Holy ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 44 the true sign.htm

David's Dying Prayer
... "All thy works praise thee, O God," is as ... sin hath stopped their voice, no discord
hath made a jarring ... singing of the birds, the leaping of the fishes, and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/davids dying prayer.htm

Life and Death
... talking all through, not only of men, but of beasts, fishes, trees, and ... for it would
be acting contrary to the law which God's Spirit had made for it ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon iii life and death.htm

The Call of David.
... Saviour feed five thousand persons with a few loaves and fishes? ... power to heal an
incurable disease, and made oil the ... use it, we throw it away; but God is with ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon iv the call of.htm