In the context of the Bible, rowers are individuals who propel a boat or ship by using oars. The imagery and role of rowers are mentioned in various passages, often symbolizing human effort, teamwork, and the challenges faced in navigating life's journey. The concept of rowing is primarily found in the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic and poetic books, where it serves as a metaphor for the struggles and endeavors of nations and individuals.

Biblical References:

1. Ezekiel 27:26 · "Your rowers have brought you onto the high seas. But the east wind has broken you in the heart of the sea." In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a lamentation for Tyre, a prosperous and powerful city known for its maritime prowess. The rowers symbolize the skilled labor and effort that contributed to Tyre's success. However, despite their expertise, the city is ultimately vulnerable to the forces of nature and divine judgment, represented by the east wind.

2. Jonah 1:13 · "Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea was raging against them more and more." Here, the sailors on Jonah's ship are depicted as rowers striving to save themselves and their vessel from a divinely sent storm. Their efforts, though earnest and determined, are ultimately futile against the will of God, highlighting the theme of human limitation and the necessity of divine intervention.

Symbolism and Themes:

· Human Effort and Limitations: Rowers in the Bible often represent human effort and the limitations of human strength. Despite their skill and determination, rowers are frequently depicted as being at the mercy of greater forces, such as the sea or divine will. This serves as a reminder of the need for reliance on God rather than solely on human capabilities.

· Teamwork and Unity: The act of rowing requires coordination and cooperation among the rowers. This imagery can be seen as a metaphor for the importance of unity and collective effort within the community of believers. Just as rowers must work together to navigate the waters, Christians are called to support one another in their spiritual journey.

· Navigating Life's Challenges: Rowing is often used as a metaphor for the journey of life, with its various trials and tribulations. The challenges faced by rowers, such as storms and strong winds, parallel the difficulties encountered by individuals and communities. The biblical narrative encourages believers to persevere through these challenges with faith and trust in God's guidance.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, rowing was a common method of propulsion for ships, especially in the Mediterranean region. Rowers were essential for trade, warfare, and transportation, making them a vital part of ancient maritime culture. The biblical references to rowers would have resonated with contemporary audiences familiar with the significance of seafaring and the labor involved in rowing.

Overall, the depiction of rowers in the Bible serves as a rich metaphorical tool, illustrating themes of human effort, divine sovereignty, and the importance of community and perseverance in the face of life's challenges.7751b. shut -- to row
... to row. Transliteration: shut Short Definition: rowers. Word Origin denominative
verb from shayit Definition to row NASB Word Usage rowers (2). 7751a, 7751b. ...
/hebrew/7751b.htm - 5k

Ezekiel's Discourse
... thine awning. The inhabitants of Zidon and Arvad were thy rowers: thy
wise men, O Tyre, were in thee, they were thy pilots. The ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/vii ezekiels discourse.htm

The King's Highway
... people till the end. He is on the mountain in prayer, and He sees the
labouring boat and the distressed rowers. The contrast is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the kings highway.htm

Light and Shade.
... dragon boat-racing. Several dragon boats filled with rowers, rather paddlers,
were contesting this afternoon in the harbor. The water ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/iv light and shade.htm

"Confido"
... the verge of despair, and that the malady from which he suffered had been caused
by the heavy fetters with which his legs had been chained to the rowers' bench ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 11 confido.htm

Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near ...
... "Of me?" said her brother. "Nay, but of that groaning of the rowers. It tells me
of aching arms in the galley. I cannot sleep at night, hearing it.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 21 arria and her.htm

As Therefore the Apostle, Nay Rather the Spirit of God Possessing ...
... As for divine songs, however, they can easily, even while working with their hands,
say them, and like as rowers with a boat-song, [2541] so with godly melody ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 19 as therefore the.htm

Conflagration
... As the little boat which carried Chrysostom to the Bithynian shore furrowed its
way through the starlit waves the rowers and soldiers raised a sudden ...
/.../chapter lii conflagration.htm

Constantinople
... purple silk. It was manned by five rowers in the imperial livery, who speedily
conveyed them across the sparkling waters. To the ...
/.../chapter xvii constantinople.htm

The History of the Spurious Alexander. Archelaus is Banished and ...
... Caesar laughed at the contrivance, and put this spurious Alexander among his rowers,
on account of the strength of his body, but ordered him that persuaded him ...
/.../chapter 7 the history of.htm

On the Overthrow of Petrus and the Introduction of Lucius the ...
... of the priest. She was driven in her inspired fury to the shore where the
rowers were bringing the ship to land. Making the tongue ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xviii on the overthrow of.htm

Rowers (2 Occurrences)
...Rowers (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 27:8 The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your
rowers: your wise men, Tyre, were in you, they were your pilots. ...
/r/rowers.htm - 6k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... Version (British and American)); "mariners," mallachim (Jonah 1:15 Ezekiel 27:9,
27, 29), shaTim (Ezekiel 27:8 the King James Version, "rowers" the Revised ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Ships (46 Occurrences)
... Version (British and American)); "mariners," mallachim (Jonah 1:15 Ezekiel 27:9,
27, 29), shaTim (Ezekiel 27:8 the King James Version, "rowers" the Revised ...
/s/ships.htm - 53k

Oarsmen (1 Occurrence)
... Oarsmen (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 27:8 The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your
rowers: your wise men, Tyre, were in you, they were your pilots. (See NIV). ...
/o/oarsmen.htm - 6k

Wrecked (4 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Ezekiel 27:26 Your rowers have brought you into great waters: the
east wind has broken you in the heart of the seas. (See RSV). ...
/w/wrecked.htm - 7k

Rowing (2 Occurrences)

/r/rowing.htm - 7k

Rower

/r/rower.htm - 6k

Pilots (4 Occurrences)
... Pilots (4 Occurrences). Ezekiel 27:8 The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your
rowers: your wise men, Tyre, were in you, they were your pilots. ...
/p/pilots.htm - 7k

Bank (28 Occurrences)
... 11. (vt) To pass by the banks of. 12. (n.) A bench, as for rowers in a galley; also,
a tier of oars. 13. (n.) The bench or seat upon which the judges sit. 14. ...
/b/bank.htm - 26k

Arvad (2 Occurrences)
... Arvad (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 27:8 The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your
rowers: your wise men, Tyre, were in you, they were your pilots. ...
/a/arvad.htm - 11k

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