Topical Encyclopedia
A raft, in the context of biblical times, refers to a simple flat structure made of buoyant materials, such as logs or reeds, bound together to float on water. While the Bible does not explicitly mention rafts, the concept of using floating structures for transportation or survival can be inferred from various passages and historical contexts.
Biblical Context and Usage1.
Noah's Ark: Although not a raft, Noah's Ark is the most significant biblical example of a floating structure. In
Genesis 6-9, God instructs Noah to build an ark to preserve his family and pairs of every living creature from the Flood. The ark, made of gopher wood and sealed with pitch, was a massive vessel designed to float on the waters that covered the earth. This narrative highlights the use of buoyant materials and divine guidance in constructing a life-preserving structure.
2.
Moses in the Nile: In
Exodus 2:3, Moses' mother places him in a basket made of papyrus reeds and coated with tar and pitch to make it waterproof. She sets the basket among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River. While not a raft in the traditional sense, this basket served a similar purpose, providing a means of flotation and protection for the infant Moses.
3.
Trade and Transportation: The ancient Near East, including the regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea and the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, relied heavily on waterways for trade and transportation. While the Bible does not specifically mention rafts, it does reference ships and boats, such as those used by the Phoenicians and Israelites for commerce and fishing (e.g.,
1 Kings 9:26-28,
Matthew 4:21-22). Rafts, being simpler and more rudimentary, may have been used for short-distance travel or transporting goods along rivers.
4.
Symbolism and Imagery: The concept of floating on water can also be seen symbolically in the Bible. Water often represents chaos or danger, and a raft or similar structure can symbolize God's provision and protection amidst life's turbulent waters.
Psalm 32:6-7 states, "Therefore let all the godly pray to You while You may be found; surely when great waters rise, they will not come near. You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance."
Cultural and Historical InsightsIn ancient cultures, rafts were likely used for various practical purposes, including fishing, transportation, and trade. The simplicity of a raft made it accessible to those who did not have the resources to build more complex vessels. Rafts could be constructed from locally available materials, such as reeds, logs, or bamboo, and were often used in conjunction with other watercraft.
The use of rafts and similar structures in biblical times reflects the ingenuity and adaptability of ancient peoples in navigating their environments. While the Bible does not provide detailed descriptions of rafts, the principles of flotation and survival on water are evident in the narratives and teachings found within its pages.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v.) imp. & p. p. of Reave.
2. (n.) A collection of logs, boards, pieces of timber, or the like, fastened together, either for their own collective conveyance on the water, or to serve as a support in conveying other things; a float.
3. (n.) A collection of logs, fallen trees, etc. (such as is formed in some Western rivers of the United States), which obstructs navigation.
4. (n.) A large collection of people or things taken indiscriminately.
5. (v. t.) To transport on a raft, or in the form of a raft; to make into a raft; as, to raft timber.
6. (p. p.) of Reave
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
RAFTraft.
SeeSHIPS AND BOATS, II, 1, (2).
Strong's Hebrew
7513. raphsodah -- araft... a
raft. Transliteration: raphsodah Phonetic Spelling: (raf-so-daw') Short Definition:
rafts. Word Origin from raphas Definition a
raft NASB Word Usage rafts (1)
...1702. doberah -- floats, rafts
... float. Feminine active participle of dabar in the sense of driving (compare dober);
araft -- float. see HEBREW dabar. see HEBREW dober. 1701, 1702....
Library
The Plagues
... It was an hour after sunrise. Herraft, built of papyrus, was boat-shaped and graceful
as a swan.... A silence fell, and theraft passed below Masaarah....
Things Unknown
... thoroughly sanctified; but when we are in trouble, when affliction and adversity,
sickness and suffering, are trying us, there, is no man-maderaft upon which...
On the Way to Thebes
... the inordinate apprehension of the fugitive, lurked in the shadows, dashed across
open spaces and imagined in every drifting, drowsy fisher'sraft a pursuing...
The Gifts to the Flock
... Suppose two men, two Manchester merchants, made bankrupt by the same commercial
crisis; or two shipwrecked sailors lashed upon araft; or two men sitting side...
Mention of the Heretic Colarbasus; Alliance Between Heresy and the...
... It therefore might be made to designate immaturity of opinion. Schedia means
something hastily put together, viz., araft; schedios, sudden....
Miracle Performed by Silvanus Bishop of Troas Formerly of...
... [1022] platen, a sort ofraft; the word is incorrectly spelled plate according to
Sophocles (Greek Lexic., &c.), and should be plote. [1023] 431 ad....
The Answer to Trust
... If the shipwrecked sailor is not to be washed off theraft he must tie himself on
to it, and must see that the lashings are reliable and the knots tight; and...
The Commandment, Old yet New
... Suppose, for instance, some great ship comes alongside araft with ship-wrecked
sailors upon it, and in the darkness of the night transfers them to the...
The Wailing of Risca
... I would liken the sons of men to a company of South Sea Islanders, whose canoe being
disabled, floated upon araft, and they were attacked by sharks; they...
The Climax of Ecclesiastes' Exercises Seems to have Been Reached...
... Are we left as shipwrecked sailors upon araft, without chart or compass, and know
not whether sunken wreck or cliff-bound coast shall next threaten us?...
Thesaurus
Raft... 5. (vt) To transport on a
raft, or in the form of a
raft; to make into a
raft; as,
to
raft timber. 6. (pp) of Reave. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
RAFT.
raft...Float (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A mass of timber or boards fastened together, and conveyed down a stream
by the current; araft.... flot. SeeRAFT; SHIPS AND BOATS. FLOTE (FLOAT)....
Radiant (14 Occurrences)
Boats (11 Occurrences)
... In The Wisdom of Solomon 14:6 Noah's ark is called a schedia, a "clumsy ship" (the
literal translation "raft" in the Revised Version (British and American) is...
Ships (46 Occurrences)
... In The Wisdom of Solomon 14:6 Noah's ark is called a schedia, a "clumsy ship" (the
literal translation "raft" in the Revised Version (British and American) is...
Vessel (118 Occurrences)
... 14:1, where "vessel" represents ploion, "a boat," while The Wisdom of Solomon
14:5, 6 the King James Version has "weak vessel" for schedia, "raft" (so the...
Flote
... 1. (vt) To fleet; to skim. 2. (n.) A wave. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
FLOAT (FLOTE). flot. SeeRAFT; SHIPS AND BOATS. FLOTE (FLOAT)....
Tow (3 Occurrences)
... 5. (vt) That which is towed, or drawn by a towline, as a barge,raft, collection
of boats, etc. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. TOW....
Rafter (1 Occurrence)
Resources
What are the religious / spiritual beliefs of Native Americans? | GotQuestions.orgRaft: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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