Topical Encyclopedia
The term "maritime" refers to activities, commerce, and navigation related to the sea. In biblical times, maritime activities were crucial for trade, travel, and cultural exchange. The Bible contains numerous references to maritime practices, reflecting the significance of the sea in the ancient Near Eastern world.
Geographical ContextThe Mediterranean Sea, often referred to as the "Great Sea" in the Bible, was the primary body of water influencing the maritime activities of the Israelites and their neighbors. The coastal regions of Israel, including cities like Joppa (modern-day Jaffa) and Tyre, were significant ports for trade and travel. The Sea of Galilee, though smaller, was also a vital body of water for fishing and local commerce.
Maritime Nations and PeoplesSeveral nations mentioned in the Bible were known for their maritime prowess. The Phoenicians, particularly the city of Tyre, were renowned for their seafaring skills and extensive trade networks.
Ezekiel 27 provides a detailed account of Tyre's maritime commerce, describing its ships, sailors, and the vast array of goods traded: "Your oarsmen take you out to the high seas. But the east wind will break you to pieces in the heart of the sea" (
Ezekiel 27:26).
The Philistines, who inhabited the coastal regions of Canaan, were also a maritime people. Their interactions with the Israelites often involved conflicts over coastal territories and access to the sea.
Maritime Imagery and SymbolismThe sea is frequently used in the Bible as a symbol of chaos and danger, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern view of the sea as a place of uncertainty and threat. In
Genesis 1:2, the Spirit of God hovers over the "surface of the waters," indicating God's sovereignty over the chaotic primordial sea.
In the New Testament, Jesus demonstrates His authority over the sea in several instances. In
Matthew 8:23-27, Jesus calms a storm on the Sea of Galilee, showcasing His divine power: "Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm" (
Matthew 8:26).
Maritime Commerce and TradeMaritime trade was essential for the economic prosperity of ancient Israel and its neighbors. Solomon's reign is noted for its extensive trade networks, including maritime ventures.
1 Kings 9:26-28 describes Solomon's fleet, which sailed to Ophir to bring back gold: "King Solomon also built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth in Edom, on the shore of the Red Sea" (
1 Kings 9:26).
The import of goods such as timber from Lebanon, gold, silver, and exotic animals was facilitated by maritime trade routes. These exchanges not only brought wealth but also cultural and technological influences from distant lands.
Fishing and Daily LifeFishing was a common occupation in biblical times, particularly around the Sea of Galilee. The Gospels frequently mention fishermen, including several of Jesus' disciples, such as Peter, Andrew, James, and John. In
Luke 5:1-11, Jesus calls His first disciples from among the fishermen, illustrating the importance of this profession in daily life.
Prophetic and Eschatological ReferencesThe sea also appears in prophetic and eschatological contexts. In Revelation, the sea is depicted as a place of judgment and transformation.
Revelation 21:1 states, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more" . This imagery signifies the removal of chaos and the establishment of God's eternal order.
Overall, maritime activities and symbolism in the Bible reflect the cultural, economic, and spiritual dimensions of life in the ancient world, highlighting the sea's role as both a source of sustenance and a symbol of divine power and judgment.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Bordering on, or situated near, the ocean; as, the Maritime Provinces of Canada; connected with the sea by site, interest, or power; having shipping and commerce or a navy; as, maritime states.
2. (a.) of or pertaining to the ocean; marine; pertaining to navigation and naval affairs, or to shipping and commerce by sea.
Greek
4605. Sidon -- Sidon, amaritime city of Phoenicia... Sidon, a
maritime city of Phoenicia. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
Sidon Phonetic Spelling: (sid-one') Short Definition: Sidon Definition
...4946. Surakousai -- Syracuse, a largemaritime city of Sicily
... Syracuse, a largemaritime city of Sicily. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: Surakousai Phonetic Spelling: (soo-rak'-oo-sahee) Short Definition...
3882. paralios -- by the sea, the sea coast
... sea coast. From para and hals; beside the salt (sea), ieMaritime -- sea coast.
see GREEK para. see GREEK hals. (paraliou) -- 1 Occurrence. 3881, 3882....
3864. parathalassios -- by the sea
... by the sea. From para and thalassa; along the sea, ieMaritime (lacustrine) --
upon the sea coast. see GREEK para. see GREEK thalassa....
4565. Saron -- Sharon, a plain in Palestine
... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Saron Phonetic Spelling:
(sar'-one) Short Definition: Sharon Definition: Sharon, themaritime plain between...
Strong's Hebrew
8219. shephelah -- lowland... low country, low plain, vale. From shaphel; Lowland, ie (with the article) the
maritime slope of Palestine -- low country, (low) plain, vale(-ley).
...Library
TheMaritime Itinerant.
... III. THEMARITIME ITINERANT. The population of Nova Scotia in 1781 numbered
twelve thousand, of whom there were about one hundred...
Last Days and After.
... began to tell upon a strong constitution, so that gradually the physical strength
of the pioneer evangelist and missionary in theMaritime Provinces became so...
Introduction
... of the Atlantic; and just as the Atlantic is the highroad of commerce and trade
for us of to-day, so the Mediterranean was the seat ofmaritime enterprise and...
The Intrepid Pioneer.
... and so successful were his efforts for the conversion of souls, that John Wesley
became more concerned than ever, in the affairs in theMaritime Provinces and...
The Parthians Bring Antigonus Back into Judea, and Cast Hyrcanus...
... the sea-coast, while he ordered Barzapharnes to fall upon the Jews as he went along
the Mediterranean part of the country; but of themaritime people, the...
A Description Op Galilee, Samaria, and Judea.
... As for that Galilee which is called the Lower, it, extends in length from Tiberias
to Zabulon, and of themaritime places Ptolemais is its neighbor; its...
Farewell
... So, when Prince Andreas, came down to Piraeus, the seaport of Athens, to board on
the fashionable French SS Messengerie-Maritime, he was surprised by the...
Black and Wesley.
... at Windsor, and they passed a resolution asking that William Black be allowed to
assume his position as General Superintendent of theMaritime Provinces and...
Of the Origin, Life, Reign, Name and Death of Jupiter, and of...
... for we say that his kingdom resembled that unlimited authority possessed by Mark
Antony, to whom the senate had decreed the power of themaritime coast, that...
The Birth of a Movement.
... It was a period of emigration and revival, and in the great commotion, the present
Maritime Provinces of Canada shared in the blessings of the new movement....
Thesaurus
Maritime (1 Occurrence)... 1. (a.) Bordering on, or situated near, the ocean; as, the
Maritime Provinces of
Canada; connected with the sea by site, interest, or power; having shipping
...Ahaziah (34 Occurrences)
... In his reign the Moabites revolted from under his authority (2 Kings 3:5-7). He
united with Jehoshaphat in an attempt to revivemaritime trade by the Red Sea...
Territory (140 Occurrences)
... JUDAH, TERRITORY OF. (yehudhah): I. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA 1. The Natural Boundaries
2. The Natural Divisions of Judah (1) TheMaritime Plain (2) The Shephelah (3...
Syria (73 Occurrences)
... sir'-ia (Suria (Matthew 4:24 Luke 2:2)): 1. Name and Its Origin 2. Other Designations
3. Physical (1) TheMaritime Plain (2) First MoUntain Belt (3) Second...
Lowland (34 Occurrences)
... LOWLAND. lo'-land (shephelah; compare Arabic sufalat, "the lowest part"): The western
part of Palestine, including themaritime plain and the foothills....
Island (16 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 47:4), but more frequently simply denotes amaritime region or sea-coast
(Isaiah 20:6, RV, " coastland;23:2, 6; Jeremiah 2:10; Ezek....
Canaan (102 Occurrences)
... (2.) The country which derived its name from the preceding. The name as first used
by the Phoenicians denoted only themaritime plain on which Sidon was built....
Trade (33 Occurrences)
... Traders II. HISTORY 1. To David 2. Solomon 3.Maritime Trade 4. To the Exile
5. The Exile and After LITERATURE I. General. 1. Terms...
Judah (802 Occurrences)
... The land assigned to Judah lay in the South of Palestine (see JUDAH, TERRITORY OF),
comprising part of the mountain, the Shephelah, and themaritime plain....
Zeboim (7 Occurrences)
... ten Samein (1 Samuel 13:18)): (1) A Benjamite town mentioned as between HADID (which
see) and NEBALLAT (which see), and therefore in themaritime plain near...
Resources
Who were the Philistines? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Huram / Hiram in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Japheth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgMaritime: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus