Topical Encyclopedia
A ferry-boat, in biblical times, refers to a vessel or means used for crossing bodies of water, such as rivers or lakes. While the term "ferry-boat" itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the concept of crossing water by boat is present in several passages, illustrating the practical and symbolic significance of such journeys in biblical narratives.
Biblical Context and UsageIn the ancient Near East, rivers like the Jordan were significant geographical features that often required crossing. The act of crossing a river could symbolize transition, deliverance, or divine intervention. For instance, the Israelites' crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land is a pivotal event in the Old Testament. Although the Bible does not specify the use of a ferry-boat in this instance, the need for such transportation would have been understood in the context of the time.
2 Samuel 19:18 : "They crossed the ford to bring the king’s household over and to do what was good in his sight. Shimei son of Gera crossed the Jordan, fell down before the king, and said, 'May my lord not hold me guilty.'"
In this passage, the crossing of the Jordan River is facilitated by a ford, a shallow place where the river could be crossed on foot or with the aid of a boat. The mention of crossing suggests the possible use of boats or rafts to transport people and goods across the river, especially when the water levels were high or the current strong.
Symbolic SignificanceThe act of crossing water in the Bible often carries deep symbolic meaning. It can represent a transition from one state of being to another, such as moving from slavery to freedom, from sin to redemption, or from the old life to the new. The crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites, although not involving a ferry-boat, is a prime example of such symbolism, where God miraculously parts the waters to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 14).
Practical ConsiderationsIn biblical times, ferry-boats would have been simple in construction, likely made from wood and designed to carry people, animals, and goods across water. The use of such boats would have been essential for trade, travel, and communication between communities separated by bodies of water.
Cultural and Historical InsightsThe need for ferry-boats in ancient Israel and surrounding regions reflects the geographical and economic realities of the time. Rivers and lakes were both barriers and conduits for interaction, necessitating reliable means of crossing. The presence of ferries would have facilitated the movement of armies, the spread of news, and the exchange of goods, contributing to the cultural and economic development of the region.
In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention ferry-boats, the concept is inherent in the narratives involving water crossings. These crossings are rich in both practical and symbolic significance, underscoring themes of transition, deliverance, and divine providence throughout the biblical text.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
FERRY-BOATfer'-i-bot (2 Samuel 19:18).
SeeSHIPS AND BOATS.
Library
Sincere Seekers Assured Finders
... on as far as I could massa"came to river"couldn't swim across river"very wide
river"couldn't swim across it." "But there is aferry-boat." "Ferry-boat t...
A Prospect of Revival
... back, and said, "Master, I came to a river; and I could not swim across it." "Well,
but was there not aferryboat?" "Yes, there was aferry-boat, but the man...
Prayer Takes in the Whole Man
... Some years ago, on aferry-boat, I met a gentleman who knew him, and I told him
that when I had last seen Dr. Trumbull, a fortnight before, he had spoken of him...
Barzillai
... journey began, the king following the same route by which so shortly before he had
fled, until he came to the banks of the Jordan, where aferry-boat was in...
The Builders
... occasions. For instance, the autumn rains swelling the river necessitate
the use of aferry boat for about two months of the year....
John the Baptist --visit of Jesus to John, and his Abode in the...
... The two words have, moreover, analogous meanings, and seem to indicate
a place where there was aferry-boat to cross the river.]....
The Nile and Egypt
... A group of peasants, crouched upon the shore, in the ancient posture of knees to
chin, patiently awaits the return of theferry-boat. [Illustration: 010.jpg]....
On the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield
... But having been infirm for several weeks, this so exhausted his strength, that when
he came to Newbury he could not get out of theferry-boat without the help...
The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... the terrestrial spot where thou art! Alas, thou goest away to the
ferry-boat in order to cross the stream! O sailors, do not hurry...
The Resurrection
... As he that rows aferry-boat, stays till all the passengers are taken in, and then
rows away, so Christ stays till all the elect are gathered in, and then he...
Thesaurus
Ferryboat (1 Occurrence)...Ferryboat (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 19:18 And there went over a
ferry-
boat to bring
over the king's household, and to do what he thought good.
...Ferry-boat (1 Occurrence)
Ferry-boat.Ferryboat,Ferry-boat. Fertile . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
FERRY-BOAT.... (ASV WBS YLT).Ferryboat,Ferry-boat. Fertile . Reference Bible
Ferry (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible DictionaryFerryboat.... 3. (n.) A place where persons or things are
carried across a river, arm of the sea, etc., in aferryboat....
Ford (3 Occurrences)
... in the account of David's return (2 Samuel 19:18), is rendered "ferry-boat" (the
Revised... 2 Samuel 19:18 And theferryboat passed to and fro to bring over the...
Ziba (13 Occurrences)
... Ziba with his sons and servants, as we are told in a parenthesis in 2 Samuel
19:17, 18 a (Hebrew verses 18, 19a), by means of aferry-boat goes backward and...
Gera (9 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 2 Samuel 19:18 Aferryboat went
to bring over the king's household, and to do what he thought good....
Fro (54 Occurrences)
... NIV). 2 Samuel 19:18 And aferryboat passed to and fro to carry over the
king's household, and to do what he thought good. And Shimei...
Prostrate (25 Occurrences)
... king. (See JPS NAS). 2 Samuel 19:18 Aferryboat went to bring over the
king's household, and to do what he thought good. Shimei...
Back (5096 Occurrences)
... mixing or cooling wort, holding water, hot glue, etc. 2. (n.) Aferryboat.
See Bac, 1. 3. (n.) In human beings, the hinder part...
Resources
What was the meaning of Jesus walking on water? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Jesus calming the storm? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the account of Peter walking on water? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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