Topical Bible: The Sea: Passed Over in Ships

◄ The Sea: Passed Over in Ships ►

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The sea, a vast and mysterious expanse, holds significant symbolism and practical importance throughout the biblical narrative. It serves as a backdrop for divine intervention, human endeavor, and the unfolding of God's providential plans. The phrase "passed over in ships" captures the essence of maritime travel and commerce in biblical times, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities presented by the sea.

Biblical References and Context

The Bible frequently references the sea as a place of both peril and provision. In the Old Testament, the sea is often depicted as a symbol of chaos and danger, yet it is also a source of sustenance and a means of transportation. The Israelites, though not traditionally a seafaring people, recognized the importance of the sea for trade and exploration.

One of the earliest mentions of maritime activity is found in the account of Solomon's reign. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, expanded Israel's influence through naval expeditions. In 1 Kings 9:26-28 , it is recorded: "King Solomon also built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in the land of Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea. And Hiram sent his servants, men who knew the sea, to serve in the fleet with Solomon’s servants. They sailed to Ophir and imported gold from there—420 talents—and delivered it to Solomon."

The sea also plays a crucial role in the New Testament, particularly in the ministry of Jesus and the travels of the Apostle Paul. Jesus called fishermen as His disciples, and many of His miracles and teachings occurred by the Sea of Galilee. In Matthew 4:18-19 , it is written: "As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 'Come, follow Me,' Jesus said, 'and I will make you fishers of men.'"

Paul's missionary journeys frequently involved sea travel, highlighting the strategic importance of maritime routes in spreading the Gospel. In Acts 27, the account of Paul's perilous voyage to Rome underscores the dangers of the sea, yet also God's sovereign protection. Acts 27:22-24 states: "But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not a single one of you will be lost, only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood beside me and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.'"

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The sea, in its vastness and unpredictability, often symbolizes the unknown and the uncontrollable forces of nature. Yet, it is also a testament to God's creative power and His dominion over all creation. In Psalm 107:23-30 , the psalmist reflects on the experience of those who "go down to the sea in ships," witnessing God's wonders in the deep and His ability to calm the storm: "Others went out to sea in ships, conducting trade on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep. For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. They mounted up to the heavens, then sunk to the depths; their courage melted in their anguish. They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and all their skill was useless. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed."

The sea's role in biblical history and theology underscores the interplay between human agency and divine sovereignty. While humans navigate the seas for trade, exploration, and mission, it is ultimately God who guides and sustains them. The sea, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of God's presence and providence in the midst of life's uncertainties.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 104:26
There go the ships: there is that leviathan, whom you have made to play therein.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 107:23
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Joppa was Taken, and Tiberias Delivered Up.
... But Vespasian passed over this petition concerning him, as offered ... them, they determined
to go off to sea. ... themselves a great many piratical ships, and turned ...
/.../chapter 9 how joppa was.htm

After what Manner the Posterity of Noah Sent Out Colonies, and ...
... There were some also who passed over the sea in ships, and inhabited the islands:
and some of those nations do still retain the denominations which were given ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 after what manner.htm

Argument: Octavius, Displeased at the Act of this Superstitious ...
... own." With this discourse of his we passed over the distance ... them for a promenade;
and as the sea is always ... came to that place where the little ships, drawn up ...
/.../the octavius of minucius felix/chapter iii argument octavius displeased at.htm

The Invasion of Scythia.
... Susa, and also of the troops and ships which the ... his throne reviewing his troops
as they passed over the structure ... nine miles from the bridge to the Euxine Sea. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter viii the invasion of.htm

By the Sea of Galilee - the Final Call of the First Disciples, and ...
... time: As He was passing on by the Sea of Galilee ... What had passed between Jesus and,
first, the sons of Jona ... thrust out a little from the land, and over the soft ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiii by the sea.htm

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ...
... yet was Mucianus afraid of going by sea, because it was ... Tumuis; there he got out
of the ships, and walked ... for two days, and on the third passed over the mouths ...
/.../chapter 11 that upon the.htm

Of the Calling of the Apostles as they were Fishing.
... at a later stage what he has passed over here, although ... the case that Matthew has
but gone over here something ... time, simply, "And walking by the sea of Galilee ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xvii of the calling of.htm

How Titus Exhibited all Sorts of Shows at Cesarea Philippi. ...
... to Rhodes; whence he sailed away in ships with three ... joyfully received by them all,
and so passed over from Ionia ... that Cesarea which lay by the sea-side, and ...
/.../chapter 2 how titus exhibited.htm

Israel at the Red Sea
... of the wilderness of the Red Sea, till they arrived over against Baalzephon ... "Many
days have passed since then,. ... and all would be easy; but here is a sea I cannot ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/israel at the red sea.htm

The Emperor and Empress
... out of it; but he groaned as he passed over the rich ... home would go into this Palace
ten times over; and we ... the river, or the ravines, though we have the sea! ...
/.../chapter xviii the emperor and.htm