In biblical times, masts were an essential component of seafaring vessels, enabling ships to harness the power of the wind through sails. The use of masts is indicative of the advanced maritime technology present in ancient cultures, including those mentioned in the Bible. While the Bible does not provide extensive details on shipbuilding techniques, it does offer glimpses into the nautical practices of the time.

Biblical References:

The most direct reference to masts in the Bible is found in the book of Ezekiel, which provides a vivid description of the wealth and grandeur of the city of Tyre, a prominent maritime power in the ancient world. Ezekiel 27:5-6 states: "They made all your timbers of juniper from Senir; they took a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you. Of oaks from Bashan they made your oars; of cypress wood from the coasts of Cyprus they made your deck, inlaid with ivory."

This passage highlights the use of high-quality materials, such as cedar from Lebanon, for constructing masts, underscoring the importance of durable and sturdy masts for the safety and efficiency of sea voyages. The mention of Tyre's shipbuilding prowess reflects the city's status as a hub of trade and commerce, facilitated by its advanced naval capabilities.

Symbolism and Imagery:

Masts, as part of a ship, often symbolize strength, stability, and the ability to navigate the vast and unpredictable seas. In the biblical context, ships and their components can also serve as metaphors for human life and spiritual journeys. The mast, holding the sails that catch the wind, can be seen as a representation of faith or divine guidance, directing the believer through the challenges and uncertainties of life.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, maritime trade was a crucial aspect of economic and cultural exchange. The construction of ships with masts allowed for longer and more efficient voyages, facilitating the spread of goods, ideas, and cultural practices. The Phoenicians, of whom the people of Tyre were a part, were renowned for their seafaring skills and shipbuilding expertise, which played a significant role in their economic prosperity and influence across the Mediterranean region.

The use of masts in biblical times reflects the broader historical context of seafaring and trade in the ancient world. Ships equipped with masts and sails were vital for connecting distant lands and peoples, contributing to the rich tapestry of interactions that shaped the biblical narrative and the world in which it unfolded.

Call to China and Voyage Hence
... about 8 o'clock, after a very severe blow and heavy dash of rain, 'fire balls,'
as the sailors termed them, were seen upon the tops of the masts, and also on ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/ii call to china and.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... Advantage was taken of the encampment being at the foot of the Lebanon to procure
wood for building purposes, such as beams and planks, masts and yards for ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas.
... And he said: In wood, ploughs, and yokes, and balances, [2316] and boats, and boats'
oars, and masts, and blocks; in stone, slabs, [2317] and temples, and ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostle thomas/acts of the holy apostle.htm

Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas, when He came into India, and ...
... The apostle says: In wood, ploughs, yokes, balances, pulleys, and boats, and oars,
and masts; and in stone, monuments, temples, royal palaces. ...
/.../unknown/acts of the holy apostle thomas/acts of the holy apostle 2.htm

The Saviour's Last Command.
... Ships without number"mighty ships whose masts pierce the clouds, have come for my
teas, my crapes, my silks, my spices and other precious merchandise. ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter iv the saviours last.htm

The High Woods
... On our right, hot mists wandered over the water, blotting out the horizon, till
the coasting craft, with distorted sails and masts, seemed afloat in smoke. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vii the high woods.htm

The Changed Life
... There were five hundred able-bodied men on board the ship. Do you think if we had
gathered together and pushed against the masts we could have pushed it on? ...
/.../the greatest thing in the world and other addresses/the changed life.htm

The Folded Flock
... as they sink from our sight, they are in port, sails furled and anchor dropped,
and green fields round them, even while we watch the sinking masts, and cannot ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/the folded flock.htm

The Coming of the Pharaoh
... Masts, rigging and oars were wrapped with lotus, roses and mimosa. Sails and
canopies were brilliant with dyes and undulant with fringes. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xiii the coming of.htm

The Blood-Shedding
... The storm is raging, the ship is flying impetuous before the gale, the dark scud
moves swiftly over head, the masts are creaking, the sails are rent to rags ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the blood-shedding.htm

Masts (1 Occurrence)
...Masts (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 27:5 They have made all thy ship boards of fir trees
of Senir: they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for thee. ...
/m/masts.htm - 6k

Mast (4 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The vertical post of a derrick or crane. 4. (vt) To furnish with a mast
or masts; to put the masts of in position; as, to mast a ship. Int. ...
/m/mast.htm - 8k

Ship (122 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Specifically, a vessel furnished with a bowsprit and three masts (a mainmast,
a foremast, and a mizzenmast), each of which is composed of a lower mast ...
/s/ship.htm - 36k

Shroud (6 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) The branching top of a tree; foliage. 6. (n.) A set of ropes serving
as stays to support the masts. The lower shrouds are ...
/s/shroud.htm - 9k

Cedar (61 Occurrences)
... 4:11; Hosea 14:6), durable, and therefore much used for boards, pillars, and ceilings
(1 Kings 6:9, 10; 7:2; Jeremiah 22:14), for masts (Ezek. ...
/c/cedar.htm - 37k

Mat (17 Occurrences)

/m/mat.htm - 12k

Grab (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A vessel used on the Malabar coast, having
two or three masts. 2. (vt & i.) To gripe suddenly; to ...
/g/grab.htm - 7k

Galley (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A vessel propelled by oars, whether having
masts and sails or not. 2. (n.) A large vessel for war ...
/g/galley.htm - 7k

Furniture (24 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) The necessary appendages to anything, as to a machine, a carriage,
a ship, etc. 4. (n.) The masts and rigging of a ship. ...
/f/furniture.htm - 16k

Taunt (38 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Very high or tall; as, a ship with taunt
masts. 2. (vt) To reproach with severe or insulting words ...
/t/taunt.htm - 18k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus