Topical Bible: Fishes of Those Ensnared by the Wicked

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The imagery of fish and fishing is prevalent throughout the Bible, often symbolizing various spiritual truths and moral lessons. One such metaphor is the concept of "fishes of those ensnared by the wicked," which can be understood through the lens of biblical teachings on sin, temptation, and divine justice.

Biblical Context

The metaphor of fish being ensnared is vividly illustrated in the book of Habakkuk. The prophet Habakkuk laments the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, using the imagery of fish to describe the helplessness of people under the oppression of evil. In Habakkuk 1:14-15 , it is written: "You have made men like the fish of the sea, like sea creatures with no ruler. The foe pulls all of them up with a hook; he catches them in his net and gathers them in his dragnet; so he rejoices and is glad."

This passage highlights the vulnerability of people who, like fish, are caught and exploited by those who practice wickedness. The wicked are depicted as fishermen who use deceit and power to ensnare the innocent, rejoicing in their conquests.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The imagery of fish being ensnared by the wicked serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of sin and the moral corruption that can entrap individuals. It underscores the need for vigilance and spiritual discernment to avoid falling prey to the schemes of the unrighteous. The Bible consistently warns against the allure of sin and the deceptive tactics of those who seek to lead others astray.

In Proverbs 1:10-17 , the father warns his son about the enticement of sinners, using the metaphor of a net: "My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them... How futile it is to spread the net where any bird can see it! But they lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush their own lives." This passage emphasizes the self-destructive nature of wickedness and the ultimate justice that awaits those who ensnare others.

Divine Justice and Deliverance

While the wicked may temporarily succeed in ensnaring the innocent, the Bible assures believers of God's ultimate justice and deliverance. The psalmist declares in Psalm 37:12-13 , "The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming." This assurance of divine retribution provides hope and encouragement to those who suffer under the oppression of the wicked.

Furthermore, the New Testament offers the promise of deliverance through Jesus Christ. In Matthew 4:19 , Jesus calls His disciples to become "fishers of men," transforming the imagery of fishing into a mission of salvation and redemption. This call signifies the power of the Gospel to rescue those ensnared by sin and bring them into the light of God's kingdom.

Conclusion

The metaphor of "fishes of those ensnared by the wicked" serves as a poignant reminder of the spiritual battle between good and evil. It calls believers to remain steadfast in their faith, to resist the temptations of the wicked, and to trust in God's ultimate justice and deliverance. Through the redemptive work of Christ, the ensnared are offered freedom and new life, transforming the imagery of entrapment into one of hope and salvation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Habakkuk 1:14
And make men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Book Five a Year of Decision. ...
... own curiosities by which, like the fishes of the ... corporeal categories and very much
ensnared and to ... His eloquent discourse in those times abundantly provided ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book five a year of.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... to a net in which all kinds of fishes are taken ... and therefore proves to be no medicine);
those bad sons who ... or at least to divide, weak brethren ensnared by the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Letter Xciii. (AD 408. )
... net is swimming along with the bad fishes, but is ... Why do you receive those whom you
call heretics?" Mark how ... from the errors by which you have been ensnared. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xciii a d 408.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... the Lord, more than they that watch for the morning, I say, more than they that
watch for the morning.' As who should say, even as it is with those that are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

part i
... Especially do those sin who, during Divine Service in church or during their ... other
elements are diffused in all animals"in birds, fishes, reptiles, beasts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm

part ii
... good and well-principled children, forgive their wicked, capricious, and evil-natured
ones, so also the heavenly Father, at the prayer of those " that are His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm