In the context of the Bible, the term "passengers" is not frequently used in the same way it is in modern language, where it typically refers to individuals traveling in a vehicle or vessel. However, the concept of travelers or those journeying from one place to another is present throughout the biblical narrative, often carrying significant theological and moral implications.

Old Testament Context

The idea of being a traveler or sojourner is deeply embedded in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word "ger," often translated as "sojourner" or "stranger," reflects the transient nature of life and the experience of being a foreigner in a land not one's own. This is seen in the lives of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, who was called by God to leave his homeland and journey to a land that God would show him (Genesis 12:1). Abraham's life as a sojourner is emblematic of the faith journey, trusting in God's promises while living as a "passenger" in a foreign land.

The Israelites themselves were passengers in a broader sense during their exodus from Egypt. Their journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land is a central narrative of the Old Testament, symbolizing the spiritual journey of faith and reliance on God. In this context, the Israelites were not merely travelers but were on a divinely ordained pilgrimage, with God guiding them as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21).

Prophetic Literature

In prophetic literature, the concept of passengers can be seen in the warnings and judgments pronounced upon nations. For instance, in Ezekiel 39:11, the term "passengers" is used in the context of those who pass through the land, witnessing the aftermath of God's judgment: "On that day I will give Gog a burial place in Israel, in the Valley of the Travelers east of the Sea. It will block the way of the travelers, because Gog and all his hordes will be buried there. So it will be called the Valley of Hamon Gog." . Here, the "travelers" or "passengers" are those who pass by and witness the consequences of defying God, serving as a somber reminder of divine justice.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of being a passenger or traveler is often spiritualized. The Apostle Peter refers to believers as "foreigners and exiles" (1 Peter 2:11), emphasizing the temporary nature of life on earth and the call to live in holiness as citizens of heaven. This aligns with the broader New Testament theme of Christians being on a spiritual journey, navigating through a world that is not their ultimate home.

The Apostle Paul also uses travel imagery to describe the Christian life. In his missionary journeys, Paul himself was a literal passenger, traveling extensively to spread the Gospel. His travels are documented in the Book of Acts, where he faces various trials and tribulations, yet remains steadfast in his mission. Paul's journeys symbolize the perseverance and dedication required in the Christian walk.

Theological Implications

The concept of passengers in the Bible underscores the transient nature of human life and the call to live with an eternal perspective. Believers are reminded that their true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20), and their time on earth is a journey towards their heavenly home. This perspective encourages a life of faith, obedience, and hope, trusting in God's guidance and provision along the way.

Throughout Scripture, the imagery of travel and journey serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual life, illustrating themes of faith, dependence on God, and the ultimate destination of eternal life with Him.

A Break to Canada
... The first sitting of third-class passengers were seated around the table in the
dining-room for their substantial meal, special tables having been allocated to ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/viii a break to canada.htm

Voyage to Benares.
... A few years previously a River Steam Company had been formed for the transmission
of passengers and goods. ... Our passengers were a motley band. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter ii voyage to benares.htm

Quaker City Excursion
... A very beautiful and substantial side-wheel steamship, the Quaker City, was chartered
for the journey, and the number of passengers was limited to one hundred ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/quaker city excursion.htm

Voyage to India.
... On September 15, 1838, I embarked at Portsmouth with thirty other passengers on
the Duke of Buccleugh, a vessel of 650 tons burthen, and landed in Calcutta on ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter i voyage to india.htm

The Voyage and Shipwreck
... and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives." But "the
master and the owner of the ship," and the majority of passengers and crew ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 42 the voyage and.htm

Seven "I Wills" of Christ.
... There were first, second and third-class passengers. But when he looked into the
coach, he saw all the passengers sitting together without distinction. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/seven i wills of christ.htm

A Total Wreck, all Hands Saved
... This minute narrative is evidently the work of one of the passengers who knew
a good deal about nautical matters. It reads like a log- book. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a total wreck all hands.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... The ship was crowded with passengers, most of whom were poor consumptive individuals
and other invalids, fleeing from the cold blasts of England's winter to ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 16.htm

Strong Christians.
... One night, near the end of their voyage, the girl had seen her charges, two girls
and a boy, safely asleep, and now, when all the other passengers had retired ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lvi strong christians.htm

The Mothering Heart
... A comrade officer tells that once boarding a boat travelling north, she found Adjutant
Lee and her little niece were passengers by the same boat; but Kate ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/vii the mothering heart.htm

Passengers (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Passengers (6 Occurrences). Acts 27:37 There were
276 of us, crew and passengers, all told. (WEY). Job 6 ...
/p/passengers.htm - 8k

Hamongog (2 Occurrences)
... buried (Ezek. 39:11, 15), "the valley of the passengers on the east of the
sea.". Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HAMON-GOG. ha'-mon ...
/h/hamongog.htm - 8k

Noses (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 39:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a
place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of ...
/n/noses.htm - 7k

Ferry (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (n.) A vessel in which passengers and goods are conveyed over narrow
waters; a ferryboat; a wherry. 5. (n.) A franchise or right ...
/f/ferry.htm - 7k

Passer (9 Occurrences)

/p/passer.htm - 9k

Passenger (1 Occurrence)

/p/passenger.htm - 10k

Graves (37 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 39:11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a
place there of graves in Israel, the valley of the passengers on the east of ...
/g/graves.htm - 19k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... Now Caesarea has disappeared; and Joppa has only an open roadstead where vessels
lie without shelter, and receive and discharge cargo and passengers by means ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Ships (46 Occurrences)
... Now Caesarea has disappeared; and Joppa has only an open roadstead where vessels
lie without shelter, and receive and discharge cargo and passengers by means ...
/s/ships.htm - 53k

276 (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance 276 (1 Occurrence). Acts 27:37 There were
276 of us, crew and passengers, all told. (WEY NIV). ...
/num/276.htm - 6k

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