Topical Encyclopedia The Bible, while not a scientific text, provides various references to fish, illustrating their significance in the cultural and economic life of the biblical world. The term "fish" in the Scriptures often symbolizes abundance, sustenance, and divine provision. The number and variety of fish mentioned in the Bible reflect the rich biodiversity of the waters in the ancient Near East.Creation and Abundance In the account of creation, Genesis 1:20-22 describes the creation of sea creatures: "Then 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 highlights the diversity and abundance of aquatic life as part of God's creative work. Symbol of Provision Fish are often depicted as a symbol of God's provision. In the New Testament, the miraculous feeding of the multitudes with loaves and fishes underscores this theme. In Matthew 14:17-21 , Jesus feeds five thousand men, besides women and children, with five loaves and two fish, demonstrating divine abundance and care. Variety in the Sea of Galilee The Sea of Galilee, a significant location in the ministry of Jesus, was known for its variety of fish. The Gospel of John 21:11 records a miraculous catch of fish: "So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many, the net was not torn." The specific number, 153, has intrigued scholars and theologians, suggesting a notable diversity and abundance of fish in the region. Dietary Laws and Cleanliness The Mosaic Law provided guidelines on which fish were permissible to eat. Leviticus 11:9-12 states, "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." This distinction reflects the variety of fish and the importance of dietary laws in maintaining ritual purity. Metaphorical Use Fish also serve as metaphors in biblical teachings. Jesus called His disciples to be "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19), using the imagery of fishing to describe the mission of spreading the Gospel. This metaphor underscores the diversity of people who would be drawn into the Kingdom of God, much like the diverse species of fish in the sea. Economic Importance Fishing was a vital industry in biblical times, providing sustenance and economic stability. The Gospels frequently mention fishermen, such as Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who left their nets to follow Jesus. The economic importance of fish is further illustrated in Matthew 17:27 , where Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish to find a coin in its mouth to pay the temple tax, demonstrating the integration of fish into daily life and commerce. In summary, the Bible's references to fish highlight their abundance, variety, and significance in the ancient world, serving as symbols of God's provision, subjects of dietary laws, and metaphors for spiritual truths. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 104:25So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library That in God There is but one Only Act, which is his Own Divinity. The Miraculous Draught of Fishes. --Effect of the Miracle On Of the Question as to How the Four Evangelists Harmonize with Each ... Our First Proposition Was, that There is Satisfactory Evidence ... Answer to Mr. W's First Objection. The Mystical Meanings in the Proportions of Numbers, Geometrical ... The Power and Wisdom of God in the Creation. Jesus the Bread of Life. Letter iii. To Bassula, his Mother-In-Law. Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional. 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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