Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the term "fleet" typically refers to a group of ships, often used for trade, transportation, or military purposes. The concept of a fleet is mentioned in several instances throughout the Bible, highlighting the significance of maritime activities in ancient times.Solomon's Fleet One of the most notable references to a fleet in the Bible is during the reign of King Solomon. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, established a fleet of ships to enhance trade and acquire valuable resources. 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 highlights the collaboration between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, emphasizing the importance of skilled seamen and the strategic location of Ezion-geber for maritime endeavors. The fleet's journey to Ophir, a region renowned for its wealth, underscores the economic prosperity and international trade relations during Solomon's reign. Jehoshaphat's Fleet Another significant mention of a fleet is during the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. In 1 Kings 22:48 , it is noted: "Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber." This account illustrates the challenges and risks associated with maritime ventures. Despite Jehoshaphat's intentions to emulate Solomon's successful trade expeditions, his fleet was unsuccessful due to the ships being wrecked before they could embark on their journey. Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery In addition to historical accounts, fleets are also used symbolically in prophetic literature. Isaiah 2:16 mentions "against every ship of Tarshish, and against every stately vessel," as part of a broader prophecy against human pride and self-reliance. The ships of Tarshish, known for their grandeur and strength, symbolize human achievements that are ultimately subject to God's judgment. Similarly, Ezekiel 27 provides a lamentation over the fall of Tyre, a prominent maritime city. The chapter vividly describes Tyre's fleet and its extensive trade network, serving as a metaphor for the city's wealth and eventual downfall due to its pride and iniquity. Cultural and Historical Context The presence of fleets in biblical narratives reflects the broader cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where maritime trade was a crucial component of economic and political power. The construction and operation of fleets required significant resources, skilled labor, and strategic alliances, as seen in the partnerships between Israelite kings and neighboring maritime powers like Tyre. In summary, the concept of a fleet in the Bible encompasses both historical accounts of Israelite kings' maritime endeavors and symbolic representations in prophetic literature. These references highlight the importance of maritime trade, the challenges faced by ancient seafarers, and the broader theological themes of reliance on God rather than human strength and achievement. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n. & a.) To sail; to float.2. (n. & a.) To fly swiftly; to pass over quickly; to hasten; to flit as a light substance. 3. (n. & a.) To slip on the whelps or the barrel of a capstan or windlass; -- said of a cable or hawser. 4. (v. t.) To pass over rapidly; to skin the surface of; as, a ship that fleets the gulf. 5. (v. t.) To hasten over; to cause to pass away lightly, or in mirth and joy. 6. (v. t.) To draw apart the blocks of; -- said of a tackle. 7. (v. t.) To cause to slip down the barrel of a capstan or windlass, as a rope or chain. 8. (v. i.) Swift in motion; moving with velocity; light and quick in going from place to place; nimble. 9. (v. i.) Light; superficially thin; not penetrating deep, as soil. 10. (n.) A number of vessels in company, especially war vessels; also, the collective naval force of a country, etc. 11. (n.) A flood; a creek or inlet; a bay or estuary; a river; -- obsolete, except as a place name, -- as Fleet Street in London. 12. (n.) A former prison in London, which originally stood near a stream, the Fleet (now filled up). 13. (v. i.) To take the cream from; to skim. Greek 5036. tachus -- quick, swift ... swift. Of uncertain affinity; fleet, ie (figuratively) prompt or ready -- swift. (tachus) -- 1 Occurrence. 5035, 5036. tachus. 5037 . Strong's Numbers. //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5036.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 590. oni -- ships, a fleet... 589, 590. oni. 591 . ships, a fleet. Transliteration: oni Phonetic Spelling: (on-ee') Short Definition: ships. Word Origin from ... /hebrew/590.htm - 6k 7031. qal -- light, swift, fleet 554. amots -- strong 2223. zarzir -- girded Library A Coaling Station for Satan's Fleet. The Return of Xerxes to Persia. The Death of Darius. The Advance of Xerxes into Greece. The Burning of Athens. The "Little Knife" Insurrection Preparations for the Invasion of Greece. The Story of Histiaeus. The Invasion of Scythia. The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense. Thesaurus Fleet (7 Occurrences)... 11. (n.) A flood; a creek or inlet; a bay or estuary; a river; -- obsolete, except as a place name, -- as Fleet Street in London. 12. ...Fleet (7 Occurrences). ... /f/fleet.htm - 9k Tarshish-fleet (1 Occurrence) Fleet-footed (2 Occurrences) Roman (26 Occurrences) Antiochus Jehoshaphat (79 Occurrences) Acco (2 Occurrences) Boats (11 Occurrences) Ships (46 Occurrences) Tyre (59 Occurrences) Resources Who was Pliny the Elder? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Solomon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Fleet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fleet (7 Occurrences)1 Kings 9:26 1 Kings 9:27 1 Kings 10:11 1 Kings 10:22 1 Kings 22:48 2 Chronicles 20:36 Daniel 11:40 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |