Topical Bible: Galilee: Lake of Gennesaret, Called the Sea of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Lake of Gennesaret, also known as the Sea of Galilee, is a significant geographical and theological feature in the biblical narrative. This freshwater lake is located in the northeastern region of Israel, nestled within the Jordan Rift Valley. It is approximately 13 miles long and 8 miles wide, making it the largest freshwater lake in Israel. The lake is fed primarily by the Jordan River, which flows from the north and exits to the south, continuing its journey towards the Dead Sea.

Biblical Significance:

The Sea of Galilee holds a prominent place in the New Testament, serving as the backdrop for many events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It is here that Jesus called several of His disciples, who were fishermen by trade, to follow Him. In Matthew 4:18-19 , it is recorded: "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'"

The lake is also the setting for several of Jesus' miracles, demonstrating His divine authority over nature. One of the most notable miracles is Jesus calming the storm, as described in Mark 4:37-39 : "Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped. But Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke Him and said, 'Teacher, don’t You care that we are perishing?' Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. 'Silence!' He commanded. 'Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm."

Another significant event is Jesus walking on water, which further affirmed His mastery over the natural world. In Matthew 14:25-26 , it is written: "During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. 'It’s a ghost!' they said, and cried out in fear."

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the time of Jesus, the Sea of Galilee was surrounded by a number of towns and villages, including Capernaum, Bethsaida, and Tiberias. These settlements were bustling centers of trade and fishing, contributing to the economic vitality of the region. The lake's abundant fish population made it a crucial resource for the local communities, and fishing was a common occupation among its inhabitants.

The Sea of Galilee's strategic location also made it a crossroads of various cultures and peoples, influencing the social and religious dynamics of the area. This diverse environment provided a fertile ground for Jesus' ministry, as He reached out to a wide array of individuals, transcending social and ethnic boundaries.

Theological Implications:

The events that transpired on and around the Sea of Galilee underscore key theological themes in the Gospels. The calling of the disciples highlights the transformative power of Jesus' invitation to follow Him, turning ordinary fishermen into foundational leaders of the early Church. The miracles performed on the lake reveal Jesus' divine nature and His authority over creation, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God.

Moreover, the Sea of Galilee serves as a symbol of the spiritual journey, with its storms and calm waters reflecting the trials and triumphs of faith. The disciples' experiences on the lake illustrate the challenges of discipleship and the necessity of trust in Jesus, who is sovereign over all circumstances.

In summary, the Lake of Gennesaret, or the Sea of Galilee, is not only a geographical landmark but also a profound setting for the revelation of Jesus' ministry and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. Its waters continue to echo the call to faith and the assurance of Christ's presence amidst life's tempests.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 15:29
And Jesus departed from there, and came near to the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 5:1
And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed on him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

1082. Gennesaret -- Gennesaret, a fertile plain on W. shore of the ...
... Gennesaret, a fertile plain on W. shore of the Sea of Galilee. Part of ... lake of Tiberias,
which was in consequence sometimes called the Lake of Gennesaret. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1082.htm - 6k

Library

The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias.
... John 21:1; and 'the sea of Galilee,' John 6:1 ... there lies a plain between, which is
called "the great ... same Josephus writes thus of the lake Gennesaret: "The lake ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 70 the lake of.htm

Within what Tribe the Lake of Gennesaret Was.
... into Judea'; that is, the country without Galilee, which as ... and so to contain the
sea of Gennesaret within its ... am discoursing of Jordan, and this lake, let me ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 71 within what tribe.htm

Jesus Calls Four Fishermen to Follow Him.
... It is here called Gennesaret, from a plain of that name ... name Chinnereth.) It received
its name, Galilee, from the ... saw two boats standing by the lake: but the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxx jesus calls four fishermen.htm

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... But the district in Galilee to which the mind ever reverts, is that around the shores
of its lake. ... The Rabbis derive the name of Gennesaret either from a ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm

From the Talmud and Hebraica
... Chapter 69 The lake Samochonitis [or Semechonitis.]. Chapter 70 The
lake of Gennesaret; or, the sea of Galilee and Tiberias. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/

Julias-Bethsaida
... place it more remote from the influx of Jordan into the lake of Gennesaret than
these ... Julias-Bethsaida was not seated in Galilee, as it is in the maps, but ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 93 julias-bethsaida.htm

Of the Situation of Tiberias.
... twenty furlongs,"that is, fifteen miles; but now the lake of Gennesaret itself was ...
length, and Scythopolis was the utmost limits of Galilee southward, as ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 73 of the situation.htm

The Call by the Sea
... Beside the throng on the shores of Gennesaret, Jesus in His ... During that sad night
on the lake, when they ... and unlearned men, those fishers of Galilee; but Christ ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 25 the call by.htm

Concerning the Multitudes who were Healed. Comparison of the ...
... said before, from the parts of Tyre and Sidon,""and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee,"
[5526] which is commonly called the Lake of Gennesaret, and again ...
/.../18 concerning the multitudes who.htm

Feeding the Multitudes.
... they came back they told Jesus what they had done, and they went with Him across
the sea of Galilee to a ... He saw two ships by the Lake of Gennesaret with the ...
/.../anonymous/wee ones bible stories/feeding the multitudes.htm