Definition and Nature:
Quicksands refer to areas of loose, water-saturated sand that can trap and engulf objects or individuals. In the context of the Bible, quicksands are mentioned as a perilous natural hazard encountered during sea voyages. These areas are characterized by their instability and the danger they pose to ships and sailors.

Biblical Reference:
The term "quicksands" is specifically mentioned in the New Testament in the account of the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome. In Acts 27:17, the Berean Standard Bible states: "After hoisting it up, they used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and were driven along." The "sandbars of Syrtis" refer to the notorious quicksands located off the coast of North Africa, known as the Syrtis Major and Syrtis Minor. These were well-known maritime hazards in the ancient world.

Historical and Geographical Context:
The Syrtis Major and Syrtis Minor were infamous among ancient mariners for their treacherous conditions. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of modern-day Libya, these quicksands were feared for their ability to ensnare ships, leading to shipwrecks. The region's reputation was such that sailors would go to great lengths to avoid it, as evidenced by the actions of the crew in Acts 27.

Symbolic and Theological Implications:
In a broader theological context, quicksands can symbolize the uncertainties and dangers of life, where one can easily become ensnared by worldly troubles and temptations. The Apostle Paul's experience, as recorded in Acts 27, serves as a reminder of God's providence and protection even in the most perilous situations. Despite the threat of the quicksands, Paul and his companions were ultimately delivered safely, illustrating the theme of divine intervention and faith in God's promises.

Lessons and Applications:
The account of the quicksands in Acts 27 provides several lessons for believers. It underscores the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of danger, as well as the necessity of trusting in God's guidance. The narrative also highlights the role of leadership and wisdom in navigating life's challenges, as demonstrated by Paul's calm and decisive actions during the storm.

In summary, the mention of quicksands in the Bible serves as both a literal and metaphorical warning of the perils that can be encountered in life, while also offering assurance of God's steadfast care and deliverance for those who trust in Him.Quicksands

Acts 27:17, probably the dangerous sandbanks and whirlpools in two gulfs on the African coast south of Malta; they were called the Greater and the Lesser Syritis, and were much dreaded by ancient mariners. The course of the wind by which Paul and his companions were driven, threatened to cast them into the Lesser Syrtis.

Found only in Acts 27:17, the rendering of the Greek Syrtis. On the north coast of Africa were two localities dangerous to sailors, called the Greater and Lesser Syrtis. The former of these is probably here meant. It lies between Tripoli and Barca, and near Cyrene. The Lesser Syrtis lay farther to the west. QUICKSANDS

kwik'-sandz.

See SYRTIS.

4950. Surtis -- "shoal," Syrtis, the name of two large sandbanks ...
... quicksands, Syrtis. From suro; a shoal (from the sand drawn thither by the waves),
ie The Syrtis Major or great bay on the north coast of Africa -- quicksands. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4950.htm - 6k

Tempest and Trust
... Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing
lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.18 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/tempest and trust.htm

Preface
... Even if phrases or passages make for orthodoxy, to accept them if condemned by evidence
and history is to alight upon the quicksands of conjecture. ...
/.../burgon/the causes of the corruption of the traditional text/preface.htm

"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... the most perfect provision against both these extremities, that souls are ready
to run upon, the rock of desperate distrust, and the quicksands of presumptuous ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiii my little children.htm

Paul's Shipwreck
... of the ship. As they were afraid that they might run ashore on the African
quicksands, they lowered the sail and drifted. But as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/pauls shipwreck.htm

September 27. "The Glorious Liberty of the Children of God" (Rom. ...
... by them? Are you above sickness and the evil forces around that would drag
down your physical life into the quicksands? These forces ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /september 27 the glorious liberty.htm

The Ride from Pembroke to Swansea
... had been swallowed up. The whole sands are at least ten miles over, with
many streams of quicksands intermixed. But our guide was ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/the ride from pembroke to.htm

Entering Thus Far into the Nature of the Sun
... Were all the earth filthy mires, or devouring quicksands, firm land would be an
unspeakable treasure. Were it all beaten gold it would be of no value. ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/12 entering thus far into.htm

The Common Error which Makes it Difficult to Believe all the World ...
... The common error which makes it difficult to believe all the World to be wholly
ours, is to be shunned as a rock of shipwreck: or a dangerous quicksands. ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/36 the common error which.htm

O Word of God Incarnate
... It is the chart and compass. That o'er life's surging sea,. 'Mid mists and rocks
and quicksands,. Still guides, O Christ, to thee. O make thy Church, dear Savior ...
/.../advent 58 o word of.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... My situation throughout has been a most peculiar one, rocks and quicksands have
surrounded me on every side, and frequently I have been compelled to give ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 65.htm

Quicksands (1 Occurrence)
... west. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. QUICKSANDS. kwik'-sandz. See SYRTIS.
Multi-Version Concordance Quicksands (1 Occurrence). Acts ...
/q/quicksands.htm - 7k

Quicksand (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship;
and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so ...
/q/quicksand.htm - 7k

Quick-tempered (3 Occurrences)
Quick-tempered. Quicksands, Quick-tempered. Quiet . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See NAS). Quicksands, Quick-tempered. Quiet . Reference Bible.
/q/quick-tempered.htm - 7k

Kishon (6 Occurrences)
... "When the Kishon was at its height, it would be, partly on account of its quicksands,
as impassable as the ocean itself to a retreating army." (see DEBORAH.). ...
/k/kishon.htm - 12k

Undergird (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship;
and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so ...
/u/undergird.htm - 6k

Gear (3 Occurrences)
... after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables to undergird the ship, and,
as they were afraid of being driven on the Syrtis quicksands, they lowered ...
/g/gear.htm - 8k

Frapping (1 Occurrence)
... after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables to undergird the ship, and,
as they were afraid of being driven on the Syrtis quicksands, they lowered ...
/f/frapping.htm - 6k

Frapping-cables (1 Occurrence)
... after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables to undergird the ship, and,
as they were afraid of being driven on the Syrtis quicksands, they lowered ...
/f/frapping-cables.htm - 6k

Strake (1 Occurrence)
... Acts 27:17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship;
and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so ...
/s/strake.htm - 7k

Quicksands: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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