Topical Encyclopedia The fish spear, an ancient tool used for fishing, is mentioned in the context of biblical times as part of the broader practice of fishing, which was a common occupation and means of sustenance in the regions surrounding the Sea of Galilee and the Mediterranean Sea. The use of a fish spear is indicative of the methods employed by fishermen to catch fish, which were a staple in the diet of the people in biblical times.Job 41:7 : "Can you fill his hide with harpoons or his head with fishing spears?" This verse is part of God's discourse to Job, highlighting the might and invulnerability of the Leviathan, a formidable sea creature. The mention of fishing spears here underscores the futility of human efforts to conquer such a creature, emphasizing the power and majesty of God's creation. The reference to fishing spears indicates their use in attempting to capture large sea creatures, illustrating the challenges faced by fishermen. Ezekiel 29:4 : "But I will put hooks in your jaws and make the fish of your streams cling to your scales. I will pull you out from among your streams, with all the fish clinging to your scales." While this passage does not explicitly mention a fish spear, it metaphorically describes the capture of Pharaoh and Egypt, likening them to fish caught and removed from their natural habitat. The imagery of fishing tools, such as hooks and spears, is used to convey the idea of divine judgment and capture. Habakkuk 1:15 : "The Chaldeans pull them all up with a hook; they catch them in their dragnet and gather them in their fishing net; so they rejoice and are glad." This verse describes the Chaldeans' conquest and capture of nations, using the metaphor of fishing. While the primary tools mentioned are hooks and nets, the broader context of fishing would include the use of spears as part of the fishing arsenal. The imagery reflects the thoroughness and efficiency of the Chaldeans' military campaigns. In biblical times, fishing was not only a means of livelihood but also a metaphor for various spiritual and moral lessons. The use of fishing spears, along with other tools, illustrates the skill and effort required in the practice of fishing, as well as the broader themes of provision, judgment, and divine sovereignty found throughout Scripture. Nave's Topical Index Job 41:7Can you fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears? Nave's Topical Index Library On Idolatry The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... The Power of the Holy Ghost Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. A Few Sighs from Hell; The Saints' Privilege and Profit; The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: A Discourse Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . Resources What does the Christian fish symbol mean (ixthus / icthus)? | GotQuestions.orgDid Jonah die while he was in the belly of the fish (Jonah 2)? | GotQuestions.org Were fish and sea creatures also destroyed during the Flood (Genesis 6-8)? | GotQuestions.org Fish: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fish Gate: General Scriptures Concerning Fish Spear: General Scriptures Concerning Fish: Miracles Connected With of the Loaves and Fishes Fish: Miracles Connected With: Coin Obtained from Mouth of Fish: Miracles Connected With: Furnished to the Disciples by Jesus After his Resurrection Fish: Miracles Connected With: Great Draught of Fish: Miracles Connected With: Jonah Swallowed By Related Terms |