Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient world, ships were a vital means of transportation, trade, and warfare. The Bible, reflecting the maritime culture of its time, makes several references to ships and their components, including oars. Oars were essential for navigation and maneuvering, especially in the absence of favorable winds. They were used to propel the vessel forward and to steer it in the desired direction.Biblical References to Oars The use of oars is mentioned in the context of seafaring and naval activities. One of the most vivid descriptions can be found in the book of Ezekiel, where the prophet laments over the fall of Tyre, a prominent maritime city. In Ezekiel 27:29, the text states: "All who handle the oars will abandon their ships; the sailors and all the mariners will stand on the shore." This passage highlights the role of oarsmen in the operation of ships and the impact of Tyre's downfall on those who navigated its vessels. Another reference to oars is found in the book of Jonah. When Jonah attempts to flee from the presence of the Lord, he boards a ship bound for Tarshish. During a violent storm, the sailors attempt to save the ship by rowing. Jonah 1:13 states: "Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea was raging against them more and more." This account underscores the reliance on human effort and the use of oars in times of crisis. Symbolic and Practical Significance Oars, as depicted in the Bible, serve both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, they were indispensable for navigation, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, where winds could be unpredictable. Oars allowed ships to travel even when the wind was not favorable, providing a means of control and direction. Symbolically, oars can represent human effort and determination. In the account of Jonah, the sailors' attempt to row back to land despite the storm illustrates human striving against overwhelming odds. It serves as a metaphor for the futility of human efforts when opposed to divine will, as ultimately, it was only through Jonah's obedience to God that the storm was calmed. Cultural Context In the ancient Near East, oars were typically made of wood and were an integral part of ship design. Ships varied in size and function, from small fishing boats to large trading vessels and warships. The construction and use of oars would have been well understood by the original audiences of the biblical texts, who lived in a region where maritime trade and travel were common. The mention of oars in the Bible reflects the historical and cultural realities of the time, providing insight into the daily lives and challenges faced by those who lived in coastal regions. The imagery of oars and ships also serves as a powerful tool for conveying spiritual truths and lessons, illustrating the interplay between human agency and divine sovereignty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 33:21But there the glorious LORD will be to us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 27:6 Library His Journey to South Russia. Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Memphite Empire The Last Days of the Old Eastern World [Endnotes] The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: 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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