Topical Encyclopedia The term "whale" in the Bible is often associated with large sea creatures, and its most notable mention is in the account of Jonah. The Hebrew word "dag gadol," translated as "great fish" or "whale," appears in the book of Jonah, where it describes the creature that swallowed the prophet. This event is a significant narrative in the Old Testament, illustrating themes of divine intervention, repentance, and mercy.Jonah and the Great Fish In the book of Jonah, the prophet is commanded by God to go to Nineveh and preach against its wickedness. However, Jonah attempts to flee from God's presence by boarding a ship to Tarshish. A violent storm arises, and Jonah is thrown overboard by the sailors to calm the sea. Jonah 1:17 states, "Now the LORD had appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish." This miraculous event underscores God's sovereignty over creation and His ability to use even the creatures of the sea to fulfill His purposes. Symbolism and Interpretation The account of Jonah and the whale has been interpreted in various ways throughout Christian history. Some view it as a literal historical event, emphasizing God's power to perform miracles. Others see it as a parable or allegory, focusing on the moral and spiritual lessons it conveys. Regardless of interpretation, the account is a powerful testament to God's willingness to pursue His people and offer them a chance for redemption. New Testament Reference The account of Jonah is also referenced in the New Testament by Jesus Christ Himself. In Matthew 12:40 , Jesus says, "For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." Here, Jesus uses Jonah's experience as a typological foreshadowing of His own death, burial, and resurrection, highlighting the significance of Jonah's account in the broader narrative of salvation history. Cultural and Theological Impact The image of the whale or great fish has permeated Christian art, literature, and theology. It serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and His ability to use all of creation to accomplish His divine will. The account of Jonah and the whale continues to inspire believers to trust in God's plan, even when it leads them into the depths of the unknown. Conclusion The whale, as depicted in the Bible, is more than just a creature of the sea; it is a symbol of God's miraculous intervention and a testament to His relentless pursuit of humanity. Through the account of Jonah, believers are encouraged to reflect on their own journeys of faith, repentance, and obedience to God's call. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 1:21And God created great whales, and every living creature that moves, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 12:40 Library "Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?" Thankfulness to God. Even Unburied Bodies Will be Raised Again Whatever Befalls them ... The True Gnostic Exercises Patience and Self-Restraint. The True Sign The Second vision "On Earth" On the Words, and Rose Again from the Dead on the Third Day, and ... The First Bible Pictures Classification. The Host of Heaven and of Earth. 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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