Topical Encyclopedia An oar is a tool used for rowing or steering a boat, typically consisting of a long pole with a flat blade at one end. While the Bible does not frequently mention oars explicitly, the concept of rowing and the use of oars can be inferred in several passages that describe maritime activities, particularly in the context of ancient seafaring.Ezekiel 27:29 : "All who handle the oars will abandon their ships. The mariners and all the sailors will stand on the shore." In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a lamentation over the fall of Tyre, a prominent maritime city. The mention of those who "handle the oars" highlights the role of oarsmen in navigating and propelling ships. The imagery of abandoning ships underscores the totality of Tyre's downfall, as even the skilled oarsmen, essential for the operation of the vessels, are depicted as leaving their posts. Jonah 1:13 : "Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea was raging against them more and more." In the account of Jonah, the sailors attempt to row back to land to save themselves from the storm sent by God. The effort to row against the tempestuous sea illustrates the reliance on human strength and skill in the face of divine intervention. The futility of their efforts serves to emphasize the sovereignty of God over nature and human endeavors. Acts 27:17 : "After hoisting it up, they used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along." While this passage does not directly mention oars, it describes the measures taken by sailors to secure a ship during a storm. The context implies the presence of oars as part of the standard equipment on ancient ships, used for steering and maneuvering in conjunction with sails and anchors. Isaiah 33:21 : "But there the Majestic One, our LORD, will be for us a place of broad rivers and streams, where no galley with oars will go, where no mighty ship will pass." Isaiah's prophecy contrasts the peace and security provided by the Lord with the threat of invading ships. The absence of galleys with oars symbolizes a time of divine protection, where the usual instruments of war and commerce are rendered unnecessary. In biblical times, oars were integral to the operation of ships, especially in the Mediterranean region, where maritime trade and travel were common. The use of oars is often associated with human effort and skill, yet the scriptures consistently point to the ultimate authority and power of God over the seas and those who navigate them. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 33:21But there the glorious LORD will be to us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 27:6,29 Library The Bible and the French Revolution. The Bible and the French Revolution The Great Shepherd Confessio Fidei Gallicana. "The Earth was Invisible and Unfinished. " They Shall be Called the Children of God Augustin's Part in the Controversy. Formula Concordi??. Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Resources Oar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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