In biblical times, ships played a crucial role in trade, travel, and warfare, navigating the vast and often treacherous waters of the ocean. The Bible, while primarily focused on the land of Israel and its surrounding regions, does provide glimpses into the maritime activities of ancient peoples, highlighting the significance of ships and ocean navigation.

Biblical References to Ocean Navigation:

1. Solomon's Fleet:
King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom and wealth, established a fleet of ships that ventured into the ocean for trade. 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 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." This passage illustrates the collaboration between Solomon and Hiram of Tyre, emphasizing the importance of skilled seafarers in navigating the ocean.

2. The Ships of Tarshish:
The term "ships of Tarshish" is used in the Bible to denote large, ocean-going vessels capable of long voyages. Isaiah 23:1 mentions, "An oracle concerning Tyre: Wail, O ships of Tarshish, for Tyre is destroyed, without house or harbor. From the land of Cyprus word has come to them." These ships were integral to the trade networks of the ancient world, connecting distant lands and facilitating the exchange of goods and culture.

3. Jonah's Voyage:
The account of Jonah provides insight into the perils of ocean navigation. Jonah 1:3 states, "But Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD." Jonah's attempt to escape God's command by sea underscores the challenges and unpredictability of ocean travel, as he later encounters a great storm.

4. Paul's Journeys:
The Apostle Paul frequently traveled by ship during his missionary journeys, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 27:1-2 describes one such voyage: "When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment. We boarded an Adramyttian ship about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia, and we put out to sea." Paul's experiences, including shipwrecks and storms, highlight the reliance on maritime routes for spreading the Gospel.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, the Phoenicians were renowned for their seafaring skills, and their influence is evident in the biblical narrative. Their expertise in shipbuilding and navigation allowed them to dominate Mediterranean trade routes, and their interactions with Israel are reflected in the biblical accounts of Solomon's reign and the construction of the Temple.

The construction of ships during biblical times involved the use of materials such as cedar and cypress wood, and the design of these vessels was adapted to withstand the challenges of ocean travel. The reliance on wind patterns and the stars for navigation required a deep understanding of the natural world, which was often attributed to divine wisdom.

Symbolism and Metaphor:

Ships and the ocean are also used metaphorically in the Bible to convey spiritual truths. The vastness and depth of the ocean often symbolize the mysteries of God's creation and the unknown. In Psalm 107:23-24 , it is written, "Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep." This passage reflects the awe and reverence for God's power and majesty, as witnessed by those who navigate the ocean.

Overall, the biblical portrayal of ships navigating the ocean serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring quest for exploration and connection across the vastness of God's creation.Psalm 104:26
There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom you have made to play therein.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 107:23
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Draw-Net.
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estuary, and obtain ... before it reaches the navigable portion near the ocean. ...
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Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ...
... more eagerness than that of any modern ocean-steamer ... whom they were dedicated, and
were navigated by Egyptian ... &c.) And yet these were small ships compared with ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v alexandria and rome.htm

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