Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, ships were not only used for trade and transportation but also played a significant role in warfare. The ancient Near East, with its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and other bodies of water, saw the development of naval capabilities among various peoples, including those mentioned in the Bible.Phoenician Influence The Phoenicians, renowned for their seafaring skills, were among the first to employ ships in warfare. Their expertise in shipbuilding and navigation made them formidable on the seas. While the Bible does not explicitly detail Phoenician warships, their influence is evident in the maritime culture of the region. The Phoenicians' ability to project power across the Mediterranean would have included the use of ships for military purposes. Solomon's Fleet King Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, also had a fleet of ships. While primarily used for trade, these ships could have been adapted for military use if necessary. In 1 Kings 9:26-28 , it is recorded: "King Solomon also built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in the land of Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea. And Hiram sent his servants, men who knew the sea, to serve in the fleet with Solomon’s servants. They sailed to Ophir and imported gold from there—420 talents—and delivered it to Solomon." The collaboration with Hiram of Tyre, a Phoenician king, suggests that Solomon's fleet was influenced by Phoenician maritime practices, which included military applications. Jehoshaphat's Naval Endeavors King Jehoshaphat of Judah also attempted to build a fleet, though his efforts were thwarted. In 1 Kings 22:48 , it is noted: "Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because the ships were wrecked at Ezion-geber." While the primary purpose was trade, the construction of such a fleet indicates an understanding of the strategic importance of naval power, which could be leveraged for defense or military expeditions. The Assyrian and Babylonian Threats The Assyrians and Babylonians, known for their military prowess, also utilized ships in their campaigns. While the Bible does not provide detailed accounts of their naval engagements, historical records and archaeological findings suggest that these empires employed ships to transport troops and supplies, and to exert control over coastal regions. Prophetic Imagery In prophetic literature, ships are often used symbolically to represent military might and the downfall of nations. For instance, in Ezekiel 27, the fall of Tyre is lamented, and its ships are mentioned as part of its vast commercial and military network. Ezekiel 27:25-27 states: "The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea. Your oarsmen brought you onto the high seas, but the east wind will break you to pieces in the heart of the sea. Your wealth, merchandise, and goods, your sailors and captains, your shipwrights and merchants, all your warriors on board, and all the other people within you will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your downfall." Conclusion Throughout the biblical narrative, ships are depicted as instruments of commerce and war, reflecting the dual nature of maritime power in the ancient world. The use of ships in warfare underscores the strategic importance of naval capabilities in the defense and expansion of kingdoms, as well as in the fulfillment of prophetic declarations concerning the rise and fall of nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 24:24And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 11:30,40 Library The Last Few Decades have Been Marked by a Special Cultivation of ... Preparations for the Invasion of Greece. The Story of Histiaeus. Essay vi. "The Way of Ancient Ordinance, Though it Winds, is yet ... India as Carey Found It Egypt Of the Situation of Britain and Ireland, and of their Ancient The Battle of Salamis. The Review of the Troops at Doriscus. The Death of Darius. Resources Is there any truth to the Bermuda Triangle conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Ugaritic, and what does it have to do with the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Do the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.org Ships: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ships: (Wrecked) Departure from the Faith Ships: Antiquity of, Among the Jews Ships: Course of Frequently Directed by the Heavenly Bodies Ships: Course of, Through the Midst of the Sea, Wonderful Ships: Employed in Carrying Passengers Ships: Endangered by Quicksands Ships: Generally Impelled by Sails Ships: Generally Made of the Fir Tree Ships: Governed and Directed by the Helm Ships: Guided in Their Course by Pilots Ships: Often the Property of Individuals Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Anchors Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Boats Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Forepart or Foreship Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Hinder Part or Stern Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Hold or Between the Sides Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Mast Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Oars Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Rudder or Helm Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Rudder-Bands Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Sails Ships: Parts of Mentioned: The Tackling Ships: Probably Originated from the Ark Made by Noah Ships: Solomon Built a Navy of Ships: Sometimes Made of Bulrushes Ships: Soundings Usually Taken For, in Dangerous Places Ships: The Hinder Part of, Occupied by the Passengers Ships: The Seams of, Were Caulked Ships: Usually Distinguished by Signs or Figure Heads Ships: when Damaged Were Sometimes Undergirded With Cables Ships: Worked by Mariners or Sailors Related Terms |
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