Definition and Context: In a biblical context, "tackling" refers to the equipment or gear used on a ship, particularly in relation to its rigging and sails. The term is often associated with the preparation and management of a vessel, ensuring it is ready for navigation and capable of withstanding the challenges of the sea. This concept can be extended metaphorically to describe the preparation and equipping of individuals for spiritual journeys or challenges.

Biblical References:

1. Acts 27:19: "On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands." This passage describes the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome, where the ship he was on encountered a severe storm. In an effort to lighten the ship and improve its chances of survival, the crew discarded the ship's tackle. This act symbolizes the relinquishing of earthly securities in the face of divine providence and the necessity of faith during trials.

2. Isaiah 33:23: "Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder." Here, the prophet Isaiah uses the imagery of a ship with slack ropes and unsecured masts to describe a state of unpreparedness and vulnerability. This serves as a metaphor for spiritual laxity and the consequences of neglecting one's spiritual duties.

Theological Implications:

· Preparation and Readiness: Tackling, in its literal sense, emphasizes the importance of being prepared and equipped for the journey ahead. Spiritually, this translates to the necessity of being grounded in faith, equipped with the knowledge of Scripture, and ready to face the challenges of life with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).

· Trust in Divine Providence: The act of discarding tackle during a storm, as seen in Acts 27, highlights the theme of trusting in God's providence. When human efforts and resources are exhausted, believers are reminded to rely on God's guidance and protection.

· Spiritual Vigilance: The imagery in Isaiah 33:23 serves as a warning against spiritual complacency. Just as a ship requires constant attention to its tackle to remain seaworthy, Christians are called to maintain their spiritual disciplines and remain vigilant in their faith.

Practical Application:

· Equipping for Ministry: Just as a ship's tackle is essential for its operation, believers are encouraged to equip themselves with spiritual gifts and knowledge to effectively serve in ministry and witness to others.

· Facing Life's Storms: In times of trial, Christians are reminded to cast aside reliance on worldly securities and place their trust in God, much like the crew in Acts 27 who discarded their tackle.

· Maintaining Spiritual Discipline: Regular engagement with Scripture, prayer, and fellowship is crucial for maintaining spiritual readiness and ensuring that one's "spiritual tackle" is in good order.

In summary, the concept of tackling in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual preparedness, trust in God, and the importance of maintaining one's faith and discipline in the journey of life.(Isaiah 33:23), the ropes attached to the mast of a ship. In Acts 27:19 this word means generally the furniture of the ship or the "gear" (27:17), all that could be removed from the ship. 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Tackle.

2. (n.) Furniture of the masts and yards of a vessel, as cordage, sails, etc.

3. (n.) Instruments of action; as, fishing tackling.

4. (n.) The straps and fixtures adjusted to an animal, by which he draws a carriage, or the like; harness.

TACKLING

tak'-ling.

See SHIPS AND BOATS, II, 2, (2).

4631. skeue -- equipment
... tackle, equipment. From skeuos; furniture, ie Spare tackle -- tackling. see GREEK
skeuos. (skeuen) -- 1 Occurrence. 4630, 4631. skeue. 4632 . Strong's Numbers
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4631.htm - 6k2256. chebel -- cord, territory, band
... especially of parturition); also ruin -- band, coast, company, cord, country,
destruction, line, lot, pain, pang, portion, region, rope, snare, sorrow, tackling ...
/hebrew/2256.htm - 6k

A Strain of Jonah the Prophet.
... Pounded she reels; 'neath each wave-breaking blow. 60 The forest of her tackling
trembles all; As, underneath, her spinal length of keel,. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/1 a strain of jonah.htm

Tempest and Trust
... they lightened the ship; 19. And the third day we cast out with our own
hands the tackling of the ship.20. And when neither sun ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/tempest and trust.htm

The Voyage and Shipwreck
... There was not a moment's rest for any on board. "The third day," writes Luke,
"we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 42 the voyage and.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the
ship; and the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm

Acts XXVII
... (18) "And being exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day we lightened the vessel,
(19) and on the third day, with our own hands we cast out the tackling of the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxvii.htm

The Call Intensified
... We told him how much we wanted to see the women of the house, but he did not relish
the idea of tackling the vigorous old mother-in-law, so we gave up the ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xviii the call intensified.htm

The Ignatian Epistles and their Claims. The Internal Evidence.
... Is that glorious Being who worketh in us to will and to do according to His own
good pleasure, a mere piece of tackling pertaining to the ecclesiastical ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the ignatian epistles.htm

Tackling (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Furniture of the masts and yards of a vessel, as cordage, sails, etc. 3.
(n.) Instruments of action; as, fishing tackling. ...TACKLING. tak'-ling. ...
/t/tackling.htm - 7k

Furniture (24 Occurrences)
... In Acts 27:19 the word skeue is translated in the King James Version and the Revised
Version (British and American) "tackling," with "furniture" in the Revised ...
/f/furniture.htm - 16k

Tackle (1 Occurrence)

/t/tackle.htm - 7k

Tacklings (1 Occurrence)

/t/tacklings.htm - 6k

Harness (9 Occurrences)
... general, armor. 2. (n.) The equipment of a draught or carriage horse, for
drawing a wagon, coach, chaise, etc.; gear; tackling. 3. (n ...
/h/harness.htm - 12k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... of the gear (Acts 27:17, reducing sail, taking down the mainsail and the main yard),
(4) throwing freight overboard and later casting out the tackling of the ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Ships (46 Occurrences)
... of the gear (Acts 27:17, reducing sail, taking down the mainsail and the main yard),
(4) throwing freight overboard and later casting out the tackling of the ...
/s/ships.htm - 53k

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