Topical Bible: The Sea: Sailing On, Dangerous

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The sea, a vast and often unpredictable expanse, holds a significant place in biblical narratives, symbolizing both the majesty of God's creation and the perilous nature of human endeavors. Throughout Scripture, the sea is depicted as a place of both opportunity and danger, reflecting the dual nature of maritime ventures in the ancient world.

Biblical Accounts of Sea Voyages

The Bible contains numerous accounts of sea voyages, many of which underscore the inherent dangers of sailing. One of the most notable is the journey of Jonah, who attempted to flee from God's command by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish. "But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart" (Jonah 1:4). This narrative highlights the sea as a domain where human plans can be swiftly overturned by divine intervention.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul's journey to Rome is marked by perilous conditions at sea. In Acts 27, Paul warns of the dangers ahead, saying, "Men, I can see that our voyage is going to result in disaster and great loss, not only to the cargo and ship, but also to our own lives" (Acts 27:10). Despite his warning, the ship encounters a violent storm, leading to shipwreck. This account illustrates the unpredictability of sea travel and the reliance on God's providence for deliverance.

Symbolism of the Sea

In biblical literature, the sea often symbolizes chaos and danger. In the creation narrative, God establishes order by separating the waters, demonstrating His sovereignty over the chaotic forces of the sea (Genesis 1:6-10). The sea's tumultuous nature is further emphasized in the Psalms, where it is described as a place of roaring and foaming, yet ultimately under God's control: "The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea" (Psalm 93:4).

The sea also serves as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by believers. In the New Testament, Jesus calms a storm on the Sea of Galilee, showcasing His authority over nature and His ability to bring peace amidst chaos: "Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm" (Matthew 8:26). This miracle reassures believers of Christ's power to protect and guide them through life's storms.

The Sea in Eschatological Context

In eschatological passages, the sea is often depicted as a place of judgment and transformation. The book of Revelation describes a new creation where "there was no more sea" (Revelation 21:1), symbolizing the removal of chaos and danger in the new heaven and earth. This imagery reflects the ultimate triumph of God's order over the forces of disorder and evil.

Practical Considerations for Ancient Mariners

For ancient mariners, the sea presented numerous challenges, including unpredictable weather, navigational difficulties, and the threat of piracy. Mariners relied on their knowledge of the stars, wind patterns, and coastal landmarks to navigate safely. Despite these skills, the sea remained a formidable and often feared element of the natural world.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of the sea as a place of danger serves as a reminder of the limits of human control and the necessity of faith in God's sovereignty. Whether through the literal storms faced by Jonah and Paul or the metaphorical storms of life, the sea's dangers underscore the need for divine guidance and protection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 27:9,20
Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 11:26
In journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brothers;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul's Shipwreck
... As our voyage had taken some time and sailing had become dangerous (for it ... not a
good one in which to winter, most of them advised putting to sea from there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/pauls shipwreck.htm

Introduction.
... Some are sailing out upon the highways of worldly fame ... and your righteousness as
the waves of the sea.". ... you will be towed safely past the dangerous rocks and ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/introduction.htm

Acts xxvi. 30-32
... they may sail safely, He did not let them go out in the (open) sea, but they ... Now
when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily liii acts xxvi 30-32.htm

The Voyage and Shipwreck
... rapidly; "sailing was now dangerous;" and those in charge of the vessel had to give
up hope of reaching their destination before the season for travel by sea ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 42 the voyage and.htm

The Invasion of Scythia.
... It was even dangerous to ask for exemption. ... accordingly, on board a splendid galley,
and, sailing along the Bosporus till he reached the sea, he landed on ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter viii the invasion of.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... of our being now so near the dangerous region ... we were near foundering, for the sea
was exceedingly ... vessel, which was not intended for sailing, laboured terribly ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 16.htm

How the Soldiers, Both in Judea and Egypt, Proclaimed Vespasian ...
... time, by reason of the difficulty of sailing nearer ... handiwork of men, against which,
when the sea dashes itself ... so narrow a passage is rendered dangerous; yet is ...
/.../chapter 10 how the soldiers.htm

The Monk of Thagaste
... The weather became stormy, the sea dangerous. ... From all these reasons, Augustin would
be prevented from sailing before the end of the following summer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iii the monk of thagaste.htm

Gambling, Card-Playing
... and his brave crew for days and days sailing across an ... lived by marauding expeditions,
both by sea and land ... The evil of society gambling is most dangerous of all ...
/.../questionable amusements and worthy substitutes/iii gambling card-playing.htm

The Blessing of Dissatisfaction
... as you are fully satisfied, you are like a sailing-vessel in ... The sea about you may
be very smooth ... may be very delightful and dreamy, but it may be dangerous also ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk two the blessing of.htm