In biblical times, the term "tacklings" refers to the equipment and gear used for managing and operating a ship. This includes ropes, sails, and other necessary apparatus for navigation and control. The concept of tacklings is mentioned in the context of maritime activities, which were significant in the ancient world due to trade, travel, and military endeavors.

Biblical References:

The term "tacklings" is specifically mentioned in the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 33:23 , the prophet describes a scene of a ship in distress: "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." This imagery is used metaphorically to describe a nation or people in a state of vulnerability and disarray, unable to maintain control or direction.

Symbolic Meaning:

In the biblical context, tacklings can symbolize preparedness, control, and the ability to navigate through life's challenges. The imagery of a ship with slack ropes and unsecured masts serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual and moral laxity. Just as a ship requires well-maintained tacklings to sail effectively, individuals and communities need spiritual discipline and readiness to face the trials and tribulations of life.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the ancient Near East, maritime activities were crucial for economic and cultural exchanges. Ships were vital for transporting goods, people, and ideas across the Mediterranean and other bodies of water. The maintenance of a ship's tacklings was essential for successful voyages, and neglect could lead to disaster. This practical understanding of maritime operations would have been familiar to the original audience of the biblical texts, making the metaphor of tacklings particularly poignant.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the concept of tacklings can be seen as a call to spiritual vigilance and readiness. Just as sailors must be attentive to the condition of their ship's equipment, believers are encouraged to be diligent in their faith and practice. This includes maintaining a strong relationship with God, being grounded in Scripture, and being prepared to act according to His will.

In summary, the biblical mention of tacklings serves as a vivid metaphor for spiritual preparedness and the importance of maintaining one's faith and moral integrity. The imagery of a ship in distress due to neglected tacklings underscores the necessity of vigilance and discipline in the spiritual life.

The Personality of the Holy Ghost
... Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast, they could
not spread the sail." "Now," said the old minister, "you give up the Trinity ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the personality of the holy.htm

The First Sermon in the Tabernacle
... and again the absolute and proper deity of Christ; for without this we are in the
position of those described by the prophet:""Their tacklings are loosed ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/the first sermon in the.htm

"Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?"
... His tacklings are loosed; he cannot well strengthen his mast; his ship leaks; his
sails are rent; his yards are snapped; and he cannot make it out. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/am i a sea or.htm

Tacklings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tacklings (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 33:23 Thy tacklings
are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast ...
/t/tacklings.htm - 6k

Tact (1 Occurrence)

/t/tact.htm - 6k

Tackling (1 Occurrence)

/t/tackling.htm - 7k

Cord (47 Occurrences)
... Job 36:8, etc.); by "line" (2 Samuel 8:2 Micah 2:5 Psalm 16:6; Psalm 78:55 Amos
7:17 Zechariah 2:1); by "ropes" (1 Kings 20:31), and by "tacklings" (Isaiah 33 ...
/c/cord.htm - 27k

Socket (5 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 33:23 Thy tacklings are loosed; they strengthen not the socket of their mast,
they cannot spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided ...
/s/socket.htm - 9k

Spoils (19 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 33:23 Thy tacklings are loosed; they do not hold the stand of their mast,
they do not spread the sail; then is the prey of a great spoil divided; the ...
/s/spoils.htm - 12k

Loosed (41 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 33:23 Thy tacklings are loosed; they could not well strengthen their mast,
they could not spread the sail: then is the prey of a great spoil divided ...
/l/loosed.htm - 19k

Boats (11 Occurrences)
... Thy tacklings (ropes, cables) are loosed; they could not strengthen the foot of
their mast, they could not spread the sail" (Isaiah 33:21, 23). ...
/b/boats.htm - 40k

Ships (46 Occurrences)
... Thy tacklings (ropes, cables) are loosed; they could not strengthen the foot of
their mast, they could not spread the sail" (Isaiah 33:21, 23). ...
/s/ships.htm - 53k

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