In biblical terminology, the term "vessel" is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures. It often refers to containers or objects used for holding liquids or other substances, but it also carries deeper spiritual and symbolic meanings.

Literal Usage:

In the Old Testament, vessels are frequently mentioned in the context of the tabernacle and temple worship. These vessels were crafted with specific instructions and were integral to the rituals and ceremonies of the Israelites. For example, in Exodus 25:29 , God commands Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle: "And you are to make its plates and dishes, as well as its pitchers and bowls, with which to pour out drink offerings. You shall make them of pure gold."

Vessels were also common household items, used for everyday purposes such as cooking, storage, and transport of goods. In 2 Kings 4:2 , the prophet Elisha asks a widow, "What can I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?" She replies, "Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil."

Metaphorical and Symbolic Usage:

The metaphorical use of "vessel" in the Bible often refers to human beings as containers of spiritual content or divine purpose. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the term to describe believers as vessels of God's glory and grace. In 2 Corinthians 4:7 , Paul writes, "Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us."

The concept of being a vessel is also tied to the idea of sanctification and honor. In 2 Timothy 2:20-21 , Paul instructs Timothy, "In a large house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some are for honorable use and some for dishonorable. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work."

Vessels of Wrath and Mercy:

In Romans 9:21-23 , Paul uses the imagery of vessels to discuss God's sovereignty and the distinction between those destined for wrath and those for mercy: "Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath prepared for destruction? What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory?"

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, vessels were essential for daily life and religious practices. The craftsmanship of these vessels often reflected the wealth and status of their owners. In biblical times, the materials used for vessels ranged from clay and wood to precious metals like gold and silver, each serving different functions and symbolizing various levels of purity and honor.

Conclusion:

The concept of vessels in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for understanding human purpose, divine calling, and the relationship between God and His people. Whether in the context of sacred worship or everyday life, vessels illustrate the profound truth that believers are called to be containers of God's presence, set apart for His purposes and glory.

section 3
... Divine. In the earlier stage of the seed-vessel's growth we see the two
lives, the old and the new, practically going on alongside. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/trotter/parables of the christ-life/section 3.htm

Quaker City Excursion
... caps and uniform. They approached the vessel's side with extreme caution,
owing to the heavy sea, which was rolling in. As the boat ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/quaker city excursion.htm

A Figurative Description of the Procedure of Divine Love
... 'Twas my purpose, on a day,. To embark, and sail away. As I climbed the vessel's
side,. Love was sporting in the tide; "Come," he said, "ascend"make haste,. ...
/.../a figurative description of the.htm

The Confidence of Prayer. --Matt. xiv. 22
... Save, Lord, I sink! O save, I die! I grasp thy outstretch'd hand; We climb the vessel's
side; And lo! we touch the land,. The storm is pacified; ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn lxxvi the confidence of.htm

For the Centenary Anniversaries of the Brethren's Eldership, and ...
... And once a year join Britain's shore. To kindred Labrador. Then at the vessel's
glad return,. The absent meet again; At home our hearts within us burn,. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cclxxiii for the centenary.htm

A Total Wreck, all Hands Saved
... It was already lying alongside, and landsmen would not suspect what lay under the
apparently brave attempt to add to the vessel's security, but Paul did so. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a total wreck all hands.htm

In the Next Place, as it is his Object to Slander Our Scriptures.. ...
... She lifts the lid; she scatters griefs in air: Alone, beneath the vessel's rims
detained,. Hope still within th' unbroken cell remained,. ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xxxviii in the next.htm

Tempest and Trust
... I. The consultation between the captain of the vessel and the centurion, at which
Paul assisted, strikes us, with our modern notions of a captain's despotic ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/tempest and trust.htm

The Soul.
... cross the ocean of life, there is to be found a blessed port where you can discharge
your load of sin and sorrow and take on joys to your vessel's full capacity ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter x the soul.htm

A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain
... with our hands in our pockets, when a large barge with an awning, and manned by
many rowers, came dashing through the water and touched the vessel's side. ...
/.../a supplementary chapter to the.htm

Vessel's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Vessel's (1 Occurrence). Exodus 39:40 the hangings
of the court, its pillars, and its bases; and the curtain ...
/v/vessel's.htm - 6k

Vest (11 Occurrences)

/v/vest.htm - 11k

Quarter (33 Occurrences)
... 10. (n.) The after-part of a vessel's side, generally corresponding in extent with
the quarter-deck; also, the part of the yardarm outside of the slings. 11. ...
/q/quarter.htm - 21k

Grave (128 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To clean, as a vessel's bottom, of barnacles, grass, etc., and pay it over
with pitch; -- so called because graves or greaves was formerly used for ...
/g/grave.htm - 37k

Well (2882 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) An enclosure in the middle of a vessel's hold, around the pumps, from the
bottom to the lower deck, to preserve the pumps from damage and facilitate ...
/w/well.htm - 39k

Wear (56 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To cause to go about, as a vessel, by putting the helm up, instead of alee
as in tacking, so that the vessel's bow is turned away from, and her stern ...
/w/wear.htm - 25k

Waist (36 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Hence, the middle part of other bodies; especially (Naut.), that part of
a vessel's deck, bulwarks, etc., which is between the quarter-deck and the ...
/w/waist.htm - 17k

Fair (147 Occurrences)
... The result was that, after a stormy voyage, the vessel was finally wrecked
on the coast of Malta (27:40-44). Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/f/fair.htm - 40k

Flake
... codfish and other things. 3. (n.) A small stage hung over a vessel's side,
for workmen to stand on in calking, etc. 4. (n.) A loose ...
/f/flake.htm - 7k

Rider (26 Occurrences)
... the lower deck, to strengthen her frame. 9. (n.) The second tier of casks
in a vessel's hold. 10. (n.) A small forked weight which ...
/r/rider.htm - 15k

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