Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, ships played a significant role in trade, travel, and warfare. The Bible references various types of ships, with large ships being particularly noteworthy for their capacity and the roles they played in historical and prophetic narratives.Old Testament References The construction and use of large ships are mentioned in several Old Testament passages. One of the earliest references to a large vessel is Noah's Ark, described in Genesis 6-9. While not a ship in the traditional sense, the Ark was a massive structure built to preserve Noah's family and the animal species during the Flood. Genesis 6:15 provides specific dimensions: "The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits." King Solomon's era also highlights the use of large ships. In 1 Kings 9:26-28, Solomon is noted for building a fleet of ships at Ezion-Geber, near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea. These ships, manned by Hiram's experienced sailors, were used for trade, bringing back gold from Ophir. This indicates the use of large, sea-worthy vessels capable of long voyages. New Testament References In the New Testament, large ships are primarily mentioned in the context of travel and trade. The Apostle Paul's journeys often involved sea travel, and Acts 27 provides a detailed account of Paul's voyage to Rome. The ship he traveled on was a large Alexandrian grain ship, capable of carrying significant cargo and numerous passengers. Acts 27:37 notes that there were 276 people on board, indicating the ship's considerable size. The perilous journey described in Acts 27 also highlights the challenges faced by large ships, including storms and shipwrecks. Despite their size and strength, these vessels were vulnerable to the forces of nature, as seen when the ship Paul was on ran aground and was broken apart by the surf (Acts 27:41). Symbolic and Prophetic Uses Large ships are also used symbolically in biblical prophecy. In Ezekiel 27, the prophet laments over the fall of Tyre, a powerful maritime city. The chapter poetically describes Tyre as a magnificent ship, laden with goods and manned by skilled sailors, ultimately destined for destruction. This imagery underscores the wealth and influence of Tyre, as well as the vulnerability of human enterprises to divine judgment. Revelation 18:17-19 uses the imagery of large ships to depict the fall of Babylon, symbolizing the collapse of a great commercial empire. The lament of the shipmasters and sailors over the destruction of Babylon highlights the economic impact and the reliance on maritime trade. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, large ships were essential for trade across the Mediterranean and other bodies of water. They facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas between distant lands. The construction of these ships required advanced knowledge of shipbuilding and navigation, reflecting the technological capabilities of the time. The Bible's references to large ships provide insight into the economic and cultural dynamics of the ancient world. They also serve as powerful symbols in biblical narratives, illustrating themes of judgment, salvation, and the transitory nature of human achievements. Torrey's Topical Textbook James 3:4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, wherever the governor wants. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "In the Uttermost Parts of the Sea" The Saviour's Last Command. Voyage to India. Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ... The Story of Noah and the Ark The Ecstasy of Saint Monnica Crossing the Hellespont. His Arrival in his Native Land and the virtues Practised There ... Expedition of Julian into Persia; He was Worsted and Broke The Reconnoitering of Greece. 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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