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As for the nature of the action recorded, it has been variously conceived as a miracle of power controlling the movements of the fish and directing them into a particular course, or of supernatural knowledge of the place where the fish were to be found at a certain moment, or of prophetic clairvoyance in the exercise of a faculty natural to man, but possessed by Jesus in a preternatural degree, or so far as Jesus was concerned a mere act of trust in a special providence of God making itself subservient to His designs. It is not necessary, and the narrative does not enable us, to decide peremptorily between these various views. We arc not even absolutely shut up to the belief that there was a miracle in the case in any form or degree. It is not an impossible supposition that the knowledge possessed by Jesus was such as might be obtained by observation. Traces of such a great shoal of fish might be visible on the surface to any one who might be looking in the proper direction. A well-known writer [Canon Tristram] remarks, "The density of the shoals of fish in the Sea of Galilee can scarcely be conceived by those who have not witnessed them. Frequently these shoals cover an acre or more of the surface, and the fish, as they slowly move along in masses, are so crowded, with their back fins just appearing on the level of the water, that their appearance at a little distance is that of a violent shower of rain pattering on the surface." But, while this description clearly proves the possibility of becoming aware of the presence of a shoal by observation, the supposition that our Lord acquired the knowledge which enabled Him to give directions to the fishermen in this way, is rendered very improbable by the fact that the draught of fish appeared to Peter marvellous not only in itself, but in connection with the agency of Jesus; for that he recognized Jesus as somehow the cause of the extraordinary and utterly unlooked-for success is manifest in his words. Yet it is noticeable that the narrative does not lay stress on that agency in explaining the emotions of Peter and his companions, but simply on the quantity of fish taken (ver. 9). And it may be admitted that the purpose of the transaction did not absolutely demand a miracle. Christ's aim was not merely to attach the disciples to Himself, but to fire them with zeal for their new vocation. For that end what was wanted was not a mere miracle as displaying supernatural power or knowledge, but an experience in connection with their old vocation which, whether brought about miraculously or otherwise, should take possession of their imagination as an emblem of the great future which lay before them in their new career as apostles, or fishers of men. The phenomenal draught of fish, however brought about, fulfilled this purpose better than a small take would have done, even though the fish had been expressly created before the eyes of the disciples. Such a miracle would have filled them with astonishment and wonder, but it would not have awakened in their breasts wondering thoughts and high hopes in reference to the work and progress of the Divine Kingdom.

(A. B. Bruce, D. D.)

All through the long night's mist and rain,

In open sea or near the shore,

They cast their nets, yet still in vain;

They found but failure evermore.

'Twas time to cleanse from tangled weed,

And lay them on the beach to dry:

When lo! in hour of utmost need,

They heard the voice of Jesus nigh.

They cast their nets again, and lo!

So large the haul of fish they take,

The meshes gape, and scarce they know

If they shall land them ere they break.

And then a chill of sudden fear,

As though the veil of sense were rent,

And they, frail men, were brought too near

The scope of some Divine intent.

Oh, could they bear that presence dread,

Before whose keen and piercing sight

Lie bare the hearts of quick and dead,

The world's great Teacher, Light of light

What wonder if from pallid lips

The cry bursts out, "Depart from me"?

Too bright that full apocalypse

For man's sin-darkened eyes to see.

"Sin-stained am I, and Thou art pure

Oh, turn Thy steps some other way;

How shall I dare Thy gaze endure?

How in Thy stainless presence stay."

Yet chiefly when unlooked-for gains

Our skill-less, planless labours bless.

And we, for weary labour's pains,

Reap the full harvest of success;

We wonder at the draught we take,

The latent powers that bud and grow!

Ah, can we dare our work forsake,

And follow where He bids us go?

"Yes, fear ye not," so ran His speech

"Fishers of men ye now must be,

Where'er the world's wide waters reach,

By gliding stream or stormiest sea."

So only can we hope restore,

So only conquer shame and fear,

And welcome, from the eternal shore,

The voice that tells "our Lord is near."

(Dean Plumptre in "Poet's Bible.)

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KJV: And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

WEB: When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking.