Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical times, ships were essential for trade, travel, and military purposes. The mast, a crucial component of ancient ships, is mentioned in the Bible, highlighting its importance in maritime activities. The mast is the vertical pole or structure on a ship that supports the sails, allowing the vessel to harness the wind for navigation.The Bible references the mast in the book of Isaiah, where it is used metaphorically to describe the desolation and abandonment of a once-thriving city. Isaiah 33:23 states, "Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder." This imagery conveys a sense of vulnerability and helplessness, as a ship without a secure mast is unable to navigate effectively, leaving it adrift and at the mercy of the elements. The mast's significance in biblical times can be further understood by considering the broader context of seafaring in the ancient Near East. Ships were vital for the economic and cultural exchanges between nations, and the mast was central to a ship's functionality. Without a sturdy mast, a ship could not properly set its sails, making it difficult to travel long distances or engage in trade. In the ancient world, the construction and maintenance of a ship's mast required skilled craftsmanship. The mast had to be strong enough to withstand the forces of the wind and the sea, yet flexible enough to allow for maneuverability. This balance of strength and flexibility is reflected in the biblical metaphor, where the inability to secure the mast symbolizes a loss of control and direction. The use of the mast as a metaphor in Isaiah also reflects the broader biblical theme of reliance on God for stability and guidance. Just as a ship depends on its mast to navigate the seas, individuals and nations are called to depend on God for direction and support in their lives. The imagery of a slackened mast serves as a warning against self-reliance and the neglect of divine guidance. In summary, the mast is a significant part of a ship mentioned in the Bible, symbolizing both the practical aspects of ancient seafaring and the spiritual lessons derived from maritime imagery. Through its metaphorical use, the mast underscores the importance of strength, stability, and reliance on God in the journey of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 33:23Your tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the lame take the prey. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 27:5 Library The Close of the Theban Empire Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Memphite Empire Treatise on Christ and Antichrist. The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources Does the Bible say that an increase in technology is a sign of the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the seven trumpets of Revelation? | GotQuestions.org What is cultural translation? Is cultural translation needed to properly understand the Bible? | 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 |
    |