Calkers, also known as caulkers, are individuals skilled in the craft of sealing the seams of ships to make them watertight. This occupation is mentioned in the context of ancient maritime activities, particularly in the construction and maintenance of ships. The role of calkers is highlighted in the Bible, specifically in the book of Ezekiel, which provides insight into the shipbuilding practices of the ancient world.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to calkers is found in Ezekiel 27:9, where the prophet Ezekiel delivers a lamentation over the city of Tyre, a prominent maritime power known for its extensive trade network and shipbuilding expertise. The verse states:

"The elders of Gebal and its skilled workers were within you, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your goods." (Ezekiel 27:9)

In this passage, the "elders of Gebal" are identified as the skilled workers responsible for repairing the leaks of Tyre's ships. Gebal, known in modern times as Byblos, was a city renowned for its craftsmanship and expertise in shipbuilding. The mention of these workers underscores the importance of calkers in maintaining the integrity and seaworthiness of vessels, which were crucial for trade and commerce.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the ancient Near East, shipbuilding was a vital industry, especially for coastal cities like Tyre. Ships were essential for trade, exploration, and military endeavors. The process of calking involved sealing the seams between the planks of a ship's hull to prevent water from entering. This was typically done using materials such as tar, pitch, or other waterproof substances.

The role of calkers was critical, as the safety and efficiency of maritime travel depended on their skill. A well-calked ship could withstand the rigors of long voyages and adverse weather conditions, ensuring the safe transport of goods and people.

Spiritual and Symbolic Significance:

From a spiritual perspective, the mention of calkers in Ezekiel's lamentation over Tyre can be seen as a metaphor for the city's reliance on human skill and craftsmanship rather than on God. Tyre's wealth and power were built on its maritime prowess, yet the city's eventual downfall serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human achievements when they are not grounded in divine wisdom and righteousness.

The imagery of calkers working diligently to maintain the ships of Tyre can also be interpreted as a call for believers to be vigilant in maintaining their spiritual integrity. Just as calkers ensure that a ship remains watertight, Christians are encouraged to guard their hearts and lives against the infiltration of sin and worldly influences, relying on the Holy Spirit to seal and protect their faith.

In summary, calkers played a vital role in the ancient world, ensuring the seaworthiness of ships and facilitating trade and communication. Their mention in the Bible highlights both the practical and symbolic aspects of their work, offering lessons on the importance of skill, vigilance, and reliance on God.Workmen skilled in stopping the seams of the deck or sides of vessels. The inhabitants of Gebel were employed in such work on Tyrian vessels (Ezek. 27:9, 27; marg., "strengtheners" or "stoppers of chinks").

Ezekiel's Discourse
... The ancients of Gebal and the wise men thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the
ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii ezekiels discourse.htm

Calkers (2 Occurrences)
... vessels (Ezek. 27:9, 27; marg., "strengtheners" or "stoppers of chinks").
Multi-Version Concordance Calkers (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 27 ...
/c/calkers.htm - 7k

Call

/c/call.htm - 11k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... She is manned with oarsmen of Sidon and Arvad, pilots of the wise men of Tyre, calkers
from Gebal to stop up the cracks and seams in her timbers, mariners and ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Ships (46 Occurrences)
... She is manned with oarsmen of Sidon and Arvad, pilots of the wise men of Tyre, calkers
from Gebal to stop up the cracks and seams in her timbers, mariners and ...
/s/ships.htm - 53k

Occupiers (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 27:27 Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy
pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of ...
/o/occupiers.htm - 6k

Gebalites (2 Occurrences)
... In Ezekiel 27:9 the men of Gebal are described as the "calkers" of the ships
of Tyre and Sidon. George Rice Hovey. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/g/gebalites.htm - 8k

Fairs (6 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:27 Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy
pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of ...
/f/fairs.htm - 9k

Exchangers (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:27 Thy riches, and thy wares, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy
pilots, thy calkers, and the dealers in thy merchandise, and all thy men of war ...
/e/exchangers.htm - 7k

Calker

/c/calker.htm - 6k

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