Ships were used for fishing, travel, and foreign commerce in biblical times. Solomon built a navy at Ezion-geber, while the New Testament records merchant voyages and Paul’s journey to Rome.
Definition
Ships were vessels used in foreign commerce, fishing, travel, and military or royal enterprise. Biblical references include Phoenician trade, Solomon’s navy at Ezion-geber, Jehoshaphat’s unsuccessful fleet, fishing boats on the Sea of Galilee, and large merchant ships described in Acts.
Biblical Usage
Ships are mentioned in references to foreign commerce, the ships of Chittim, Solomon’s navy, and Jehoshaphat’s wrecked fleet. In the time of Jesus, fishermen’s boats on the Sea of Galilee were called ships. Acts 27–28 provides information about ancient merchant vessels and navigation.
Historical Background
The Phoenicians used ships early in foreign commerce. Solomon’s navy was built at Ezion-geber with Hiram’s sailors. Jehoshaphat later attempted a fleet at the same port, but the ships were wrecked before sailing.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Early used in foreign commerce by the Phoenicians (Gen. 49:13). Moses (Deut. 28:68) and Job (9:26) make reference to them, and Balaam speaks of the “ships of Chittim” (Num. 24:24). Solomon constructed a navy at Ezion-geber by the assistance of Hiram’s sailors (1 Kings 9:26-28; 2 Chr. 8:18). Afterwards, Jehoshaphat sought to provide himself with a navy at the same port, but his ships appear to have been wrecked before they set sail (1 Kings 22:48, 49; 2 Chr. 20:35-37). In our Lord’s time fishermen’s boats on the Sea of Galilee were called “ships.” Much may be learned regarding the construction of ancient merchant ships and navigation from the record in Acts 27, 28.
