Nautical Allegories of Scripture, Chapter Excerpts

The image of a ship on the open sea has captivated imaginations and inspired poetry throughout history. A majestic vessel plowing through the surf symbolizes going beyond the boundaries of terra firma. It evokes pictures of sun-bronzed countenances facing into the wind on a quest for discovery.

As one of the most ancient forms of transportation, boats have served as vehicles to lands afar through past ages. Ships of bygone eras have facilitated trade and travel. Seafaring pilgrims and explorers have used them to seek new horizons. The Viking longship, Mediterranean tartane, Egyptian felucca, Chinese lorcha, and Portuguese carrack are among those that have graced the seas of antiquity.

The mere mention of certain ships brings whole chapters of history to mind: the Niña, Pinta and Santa Maria are synonymous with the discovery of the Americas, the Mayflower with American history. Maritime tales of exploration and commerce follow names such as Leif Eriksson, Vasco de Gama, Hernando de Soto, William Bligh, and Ernest Shackleton.

Whether a trip around the lake or a voyage through unchartered waters, a nautical journey promises adventure and interest. Part of the allure is in being fully surrounded by the elements. Front row seats to open skies and starry nights afford a romance with nature like no other. 

While boating may not be feasible for everyone due to skill, cost, and upkeep, a small watercraft or paddleboard can provide the basic experience. It’s the symbolism that’s intriguing for metaphorical use, especially poignant since boats face some of nature’s greatest challenges. Nautical imagery can illustrate intangible ideas like teamwork and goals. Thus, it inspires countless comparisons in everyday language, often expressed through idioms, such as:

Don’t rock the boat … 

Learning the ropes … 

All hands on deck … 

Run a tight ship … 

Smooth sailing … 

From stem to stern … 

All in the same boat … 

Get everyone on board … 

Ships can portray Christian concepts as well, depicting God’s people traveling through the seas of earthly life. Some of scripture’s most significant stories are told through seafaring narratives. This creates experiential contact points that let you picture the scenes when you think of the glistening waves, the sounds of creaking boards, and the smell of salty air. These accounts are full of symbolic imagery and provide first-hand glimpses into maritime history...

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As we embark on studying nautical allegories and stories in scripture, we’ll soon discover parallels that add deeper meaning to familiar stories. In the process, we’ll explore life’s origins, review Earth’s history, consider pertinent issues, and uncover hidden mysteries. We’ll discover how the ocean holds an exhaustless supply of symbols, placed in its depths by the one whose love its ever-rolling tide displays.

The beauty of the sea’s white horse waves and pounding surf are as the voice of God (Revelation 14:2), its curling crests form his signature. Because principles in both the natural world and the written Word were divinely inspired, they come together to offer insight into unseen realities. In this way, eternal truths echo across the waters of time, like a foghorn in the distance. 

Truth has often been compared to light, and the ocean reflects this concept in its three major zones of light penetration. They correlate to varying degrees of “light” of the knowledge of God’s existence and his love for us. Creatures that inhabit each zone are like those who live within varying degrees of awareness of these truths.

The sunlight zone is 0 to 200 meters (around 660 feet), the twilight zone is from 200 to 1,000 meters (650 to 3,300 feet), and the midnight zone is between 1,000 and 4,000 meters deep (3,300 to 13,100 feet). There is also the abyss at 4,000 to 6,000 meters (13,100 to 19,700 feet), and the trenches at 6,000 to 11,000 meters (19,700 to 36,100 feet), but to keep it simple we’ll include those with midnight as the dark zone.

Creatures living in the sunlight zone are like those who live in the full awareness of God’s love. Many of these rejoice in the light of truth, as if leaping out of the water to soar through Heaven’s atmosphere by faith. Others live in a shadowy zone with just a basic awareness of God’s existence. Still, they gain much benefit from their twilight understanding. 

But many live as if in complete darkness. And while some choose their level, others have simply never known another way. Dwelling in darkness can signify a choice to move away from light, or never having known it. Many don’t dwell in darkness willfully. We live in a world full of mixed messages that can make people unsure of what to believe. And just hearing about the light doesn’t mean they know what it is, if they’ve never truly experienced it. Even some who grew up in the light may not have really comprehended it yet. But regarding the darkness some willfully choose, Romans chapter one comes close to describing the theory of evolution in a nutshell:

For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; so that they are without excuse. 21 Because, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning and their senseless hearts were darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, of birds, four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Romans 1:20-23

Yet even in the pitch darkness of the midnight zone, there are creatures that emit light. And while some use their light as a fishing pole or trap, the luminescence others is beautiful. A passage in Romans 2 helps explain this phenomenon:

(For when the Gentiles who have not the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are the law unto themselves; 15 in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness... and their thoughts... accusing or else excusing them); 16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my Gospel, by Jesus Christ. Romans 2:14-16

The Holy Spirit is constantly moving on our hearts in whispers of common-sense and truth. Many people are setting their moral compasses by an unconscious influence that teaches them sincere kindness (Rom. 13:8-10), and to treat others as they would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). This is why we should be careful not to judge based on external factors, such as religion or lack thereof. There are many who live in darkness but are glowing anyway. Zechariah 13:6 reflects a theme like Romans 2 when it pictures some of the saved who are talking to Jesus and asking him what happened to his hands:

And one will say unto him, “What are these wounds on your hands?” Then he will answer, “Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.” Zechariah 13:6

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The Bedrock of Paradise

These canyons provide a visual resemblance to the foundations of the New Jerusalem, as described in Revelation 21:19-20. They make it easy to envision how the God who made such layers with subtle nuances of minerals and crystals is building a beautiful city for his people, which has “foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). 

In this way, these desolate Flood wastelands are transformed into emblems of eternal redemption by the God who delights in turning tragedy to triumph in grand style. And in this, we see a shining example of how things that may seem random are often by design. From the cosmos to the continents, the atmosphere to the oceans, there is symmetry and order underlying the appearance of randomness. This is not to say every storm or tragedy happens by God’s intent. Most occur because the natural order became imbalanced after our first parents rebelled, compounded by ongoing environmental impacts.

We find more canyon echoes of God’s unending love through the name connection with the Paria region and its “rainbow mountains,” which is one of the most strikingly colorful regions in the US. Paria, or pariah, refers to someone who is despised or outcast from society. This reminds of Bible verses that speak of God’s compassion for such individuals.

In Luke 14:21, Jesus spoke of gathering “the poor and maimed and blind and lame” into the heavenly banquet supper. Isaiah 56 pronounces blessings on strangers and eunuchs who choose the things that please God and take hold of his covenant (verse 4), saying:

Neither let the foreigner, that has joined himself to HWHY, speak, saying, “HWHY will surely separate me from his people,” neither let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree…” 5 Unto them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. Isaiah 56:3, 5

And of outcasts it says: “The Lord HWHY, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, ‘Yet will I gather others to him, besides his own that are gathered,’” (Isaiah 56:8). I can’t help but think such verses are for those who are struggling to find their place in the world. Eunuchs represent those who don’t easily fit within gender categories for various reasons. Genetics, abuse, and mixed messages are among the factors often involved.

To those, God is saying, “Do not despair.” We aren’t defined by externals, but by character. Though God cannot condone a path that will lead to more pain and confusion, he sees your struggles and has compassion on your sorrows. God has a rainbow promise for you. Not the disappointing mirage this world offers, but something so much better.

A group that has been referred to by the word pariah is the Dalits, India’s most subordinated caste. Individuals from this caste have faced ongoing persecution and discrimination, often being forced into dehumanizing and hazardous labor. They face barriers to education, intimidation, and humiliation in many places. 

It’s inspiring to think that providence would arrange for this symbolism of the New Jerusalem to connect with them by name. It sends the message that God is watching human activities with a close eye. He has endowed humanity with a conscience, the Holy Spirit moving upon our hearts, so everyone who mistreats others will have to answer for it someday. Jesus, who will judge the earth, put himself in the place of those who suffer mistreatment:

Then the King will say to them… “Inasmuch as you did it to one of these my brethren, even the least, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:34-36, 40

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The Salvation Ark

The Ark’s perilous voyage, floating as if lost on an endless sea of whitecaps without landmarks or reference points, was a pilgrimage of faith. It epitomizes God’s ability to watch over those in his care and shows how we may trust in him through life’s worst difficulties. As long as we follow his will, he will guide and protect our paths according to his plan.

When you picture that cargo load of moaning animals and seasick passengers riding ocean swells as mayhem churned outside, the trip in the Ark was certainly no pleasure cruise. But it was better than missing the boat, by all means, and at least they lived to tell their grandkids about it.

You can always laugh about something once you’ve made it through, but pity the poor souls who didn’t get on the Ark when they had the chance. Whatever their reasons, whether unbelief or fear of ridicule, once the dark clouds began to gather and heavy raindrops splattered around them, they realized their mistake with terrible foreboding.

Because of God’s attempt to save many through the preaching of Noah, I picture it as quite possible that portions of the Ark were left empty. That has an unfortunate likeness to God’s plan of salvation for lost humanity. His offer of hope for all through the death of his son Jesus, meant to save us from spiritual ruin and grant eternal life, is rejected by many. While souls everywhere are drowning in a sea of trouble and despair, the salvation Ark rides mostly empty. But in this case, it’s not too late to get on board…

… yet. 

What is the history and future of our planet? What is its shape, even? These are questions we should have answers to, in the light of evolutionary theory’s failure to provide a credible paradigm. For these questions, the Bible provides answers that align with observable evidence.

For example, the sea provides evidence that our Earth is young in how shallow its sediments are. Plate tectonics don’t occur nearly fast enough to bury the billions of tons of soil that enter the ocean annually through wind and water erosion. If life has existed on Earth for billions of years, the oceans should be choking full of sediments.

That land masses remain above sea level indicates the earth is young as well, since the annual rate of erosion would have leveled them entirely within 10 million years (62). In practical terms, throughout 4.49 billion of the supposed 4.5 billion years of evolutionary history, there shouldn’t have been any continents.

If we evolved, we should be swimming.

Both the seas and the continents find their best explanation in biblical models. As opposed to the uniformitarianism promoted by many evolutionists, however, biblical descriptions indicate the earth undergoes several stages on the way to its ultimate state. 

This book examines the ocean’s stages through biblical epochs, including relevant stories and symbolism, and considers land masses for context. So far, we’ve covered the earth’s formation as a sea of darkness that was separated into water and the Pangea continent. We’ve also considered the Flood events and their effects on climate and terrain that led to the age of maritime exploration and ever-improving navigational technology.

But we have yet to consider Earth’s future state or what will happen in the intervening time. We also need to confirm some basic concepts about the earth. Understanding its shape, for example, helps form our worldview and is essential to navigation.

Regarding Earth’s future, however, we might be surprised to find how much it will look like the past. So, to get an idea of what that could be, we’ll need to look back in time. And, as with any study of Earth’s history, we’ll continue finding evidence for the Genesis and Flood along the way.

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The idea of dinosaurs coexisting with humans is consistent with prolific examples of ancient artwork from around the world that appears to depict dinosaurs. Cultures where such examples occur include European, Asian, Native American, Central American and Babylonian. Carvings, drawings, sculptures, and paintings portray various dinosaur-like creatures in realistic settings, such as being hunted by humans or together with other common animals (21, 34).

The Nile mosaic of Palestrina is a classic example. This 1st century tile work in central Italy depicts everyday life on the Nile River. Within it is a picture of several men hunting a dinosaur with the words “Crocodile-Leopard” written beside it (23, 69). Some artwork examples reflect anatomical details that match the fossil record, predating the scientific knowledge of them. For example, fossils of a dragon-like creature have been found in China with a similar likeness to “mythical” snake-like Chinese dragons (6, 48). 

Key examples in the United States include cave and cliff drawings in Utah and Colorado depicting dinosaurs, including a petroglyph of what appears to be a sauropod in Utah’s Natural Bridges National Monument. Drawings in the Havasupai Canyon (Grand Canyon area) show men hunting dinosaur-like animals.

As to the fate of the dinosaurs, it could be as with other extinctions. Their numbers may have dwindled when key food sources were reduced by climate changes after the Flood, or they could have been impacted by disease. People could have targeted them out of fear or as a food source (3).

Several biblical descriptions seem to match the likeness of dinosaurs, such as the behemoth and leviathan. The behemoth, described in Job 40:15-23, closely matches the characteristics of a sauropod. The description there indicates it spent time in water, feeding on vegetation in streams and rivers. Its huge tail and the strength of its bones are emphasized, as well as its massive size, with God suggesting it’s the “chief” among animals and only its maker can approach it. Sauropods are the largest terrestrial animals to have ever lived, with some varieties growing up to 120 tons in size...

A visual concept of behemoth’s size in comparison to humans can be seen in the movie “Jurassic Park,” 1993. And when considered as a metaphor for planet Earth, this cultural example offers insights into the relationship between dinosaurs and humans throughout history. At the same time, it may provide glimpses into the past and future of our world in which we see reflections of the ocean’s epochs. The film’s opening scenes showing dinosaurs seem to offer glimpses of Earth’s pristine beginning as well as its renewed future state (Revelation 21:1). 

In the helicopter scene, coming into the island, you see nothing but an expanse of water, like the biblical description of Earth in Genesis 1:1-3. John Hammond seems to represent God, the Father, and also Jesus (Colossians 1:16). We can see different elements of Christ in both Alan Grant and in Ian Malcom. For instance, notice how he’s wearing all black, like Wesley in The Princess Bride.  

Amid conversation, John Hammond pauses and says mysteriously, “There it is….” Then the land immediately rises from the sea, as if by his command. Soon, verdant hills, lush greenery, and streaming waterfalls appear… 

…the Pangea. 

A boat provides safety, rest from trying to stay afloat, and warmth from the cold. Not that being spiritually lost always involves noticeable discomfort, or that those who find salvation never struggle emotionally. Still, the idea depicts how people immersed in the world often feel waves of emptiness and despair until they catch the life preserver of Christ’s love and come into the refuge of his grace.

But this also helps us understand the significance of Jesus’ death. An important clue leading to this conclusion is in how he compared it to the story of Jonah. From that connection, we see how he was cast out of God’s favor, as Jonah was from the ship, and allowed himself to be thrown into the cold waters of condemnation. Not that he deserved it, but he accepted it in place of those who do.

He was not only cast out of God’s favor, but of society’s as well. Not as a passenger but as the captain, in a mutiny. And although that kind of thing might typically raise doubts about the effectiveness of management, his life demonstrated his worthiness for leadership in every way. Thus, the analogy signifies how it’s possible for people to eject Jesus from the ship that bears his name and go on without him. Certainly…

…a few degrees worse than throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Being cast out represents God’s judgment on evil, as we see in the parable of the dragnet Jesus told in Matthew 13:

The kingdom of Heaven is like a net cast into the sea that gathered every kind of creature: 48 which, when it was full, they drew up onto the beach and sat down to gather the good into containers and cast the bad out. 49 So it will be at the consummation of the ages: the angels will come forth and separate the wicked from among the righteous. Matthew 13:47-49

This parable links to the comparison of his death to Jonah’s experience, showing how he became an undesirable thing for God to cast out in judgment. “Him who knew no sin he made to be sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him,” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Verses about the loss of Pharaoh’s chariots during the Exodus confirm the idea that being cast into the sea is a metaphor for judgment:

You divided the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of it on dry land; and you cast their pursuers into the depths, like a stone into the mighty waters. Nehemiah 9:11 

He has cast pharaoh’s chariots and his host into the sea; his chosen captains sank in the Red Sea. Exodus 15:4 

The example Jesus gave in Matthew 18:6 about judgment against those who hurt “little ones” reflects the same theme:

Whoever causes one of these little ones that believe on me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and be sunk into the depths of the sea. Matthew 18:6 

But Micah 7:19 adds a twist to the theme by indicating that God has compassion on us by casting our iniquities into the sea:

You will turn and have compassion on us; you will subdue our iniquities; and you will cast all our sin into the depths of the sea. Micah 7:19

When Jesus died, he allowed himself to be thrown overboard as a substitute for those who deserve judgment. In accepting the penalty of condemnation, he “bore our sins on his own body” (1 Peter 2:24) and carried them into the ocean’s depths. The burdens of the world were heaped on him, like a millstone. When on the Cross, despair and hopelessness flooded his soul as he was being cut off from the Father. Psalm 69, which has several messianic links, portrays his last moments as like being in deep waters:

I have come into deep waters, where floods overflow me. 3 I am weary from crying; my throat is dry, and my eyes fail as I wait for my God.... 15 Let not the flood waters overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up; and let not the pit shut its mouth on me. Psalm 69:2b, 3, 15

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Creature from the Abyss  

 ...But the comparison of Jesus’ experience with Jonah’s also depicts Satan as an abyss-dwelling sea monster. And though many find the existence of such a malicious entity hard to believe, it’s an understanding vital to keep us from falling prey to his devices. Though his presence is unseen, both the scriptural accounts of him and the results of his work confirm his existence. Christ’s death helped unveil his jealousy and hatred toward God, as seen in how he was treated by those under his evil influence. 

The possibility that spiritual beings could exist in an imperceptible realm is entirely plausible. It’s well-known that humans can only perceive a small percentage of the spectrum of light and sound. Beyond this, many previously unknown elements have been found to exist outside of our perceptions. And with human scientific inquiry being relatively recent and limited in scope, we shouldn’t assume we understand all there is to know. 

Yet, an awareness of spiritual entities shouldn’t cause us to live in fear. The scriptures make it clear that there are unseen angels as well who protect humanity (Psalm 91:11). And because God’s mercy is great, he will help and protect anyone who calls on him (Romans 10:13). But it’s important to be aware of some of the deceptive and manipulative tactics that negative entities may take.

... Any predatory sea creature may provide glimpses of what our adversary is like. Perhaps that’s why the old saying warns not to get caught between the Devil and the deep blue sea.

Thinking of Satan as a shark offers insights about his method of operation. He’s the man-eater of Earth’s spiritual waters, the menacing force that’s been terrorizing the beaches of humanity throughout history. This connection is confirmed by the unmistakable likeness of a sinister face that appears on the underside of great white sharks when their mouths are gaping with their chests expanded. 

Its sculpted details of are quite remarkable. Looking at it upside down from beneath (45), its upper body takes the form of a disembodied face with the shark’s nose as the pointed chin and its pectoral fins as the horns. Its sinister smile flaunts chiseled teeth, as if laughing maniacally, under a flat nose and leering eyes. Its eyebrows are raised gleefully, furrowing the brow above. The Devil doesn’t look like that, of course, but it depicts his fiendish character. In reality, he’s a powerful fallen angel who was once very beautiful.

Jesus is the lifeguard who willingly entered shark-infested waters to protect swimmers. Perhaps somewhat like the illustration I once heard of a father trying to warn his children of a shark near where they were swimming. Because they thought he was joking and just kept laughing and playing, he jumped in and allowed himself to be attacked rather than let the shark get to one of his children. This reflects the theme of Christ giving his life for those in his care, to keep them from the jaws of a bloodthirsty predator:

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired servant, who isn’t the shepherd and to whom the sheep don’t belong, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep, fleeing, so the wolf snatches and scatters them. John 10:11-12 

It was a ravenous predatory force that swallowed Jesus, but God let this happen to his son to distract the beast that had set its sights on the children of men. His death brought an end to the reign of terror by exposing the shark’s evil ways, so we can know what’s lurking in the waters.

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Mollusca Metaphors

Another element of the squid provides a remarkable analogy. Its internal shell, called the gladius, or “squid pen,” is the shape of a feather quill pen. And this is quite astonishing when you consider that squids are known for squirting ink. How do you suppose it could be pure coincidence that an ocean-dwelling invertebrate holds within its body the likeness of both…

…feather pen and ink?

Surely, this is no random occurrence. Rather, it’s one of many examples of God showing his playful sense of humor in hiding things for us to discover. But instead of on page 12 of a magazine contest, this pen is hidden in the bottom of the sea...

It’s rare for just one symbolism to come out of God’s handiwork. He packs so much significance into his created works that you can keep finding more meaning as long as you study. This is all part of the evidence for the divine authorship of creation. And, as we’ve been seeing so far, God is clearly up on the issues. Even if it was thousands of years ago that he made these creatures, he placed within them pertinent messages just for our times.

Mysteriously, most cephalopod species are color blind. Because of this, it’s unclear how they make their displays, whether through thermal sensitivity or other means, since they don’t seem capable of perceiving color when tested. But there’s important significance to this as well. It seems to correlate to how, as human beings, we can’t perceive the spiritual realm. Those who know God and radiate his love to others are unaware of just how beautiful they are in his sight.

It also speaks of how Christians should be colorblind toward skin tones. How different are chromatophores from melanocytes, after all? Especially when you consider that the concept of colors links to human skin tones, along with the fact that the “ink” of cephalopods is actually…

…melanin.

There are different elements to the signature of God. As an artist signs the bottom of a canvass, God has placed his signature in these creatures that dwell in the ocean depths, taking credit for his created works. Cephalopods have the golden spiral in the chambered nautilus, as well as the feather pen, ink, and colors that signify God’s creative power and redemptive work. But what we’re also seeing here is that…

…God signed his name with the ink of melanin.

The colors of every living thing on Earth, including the wide variety of human skin tones, are God’s signature artwork. He doesn’t write on paper, the whole world is his canvas. He writes on land, sea, sky, animals, and people. If God cares enough for the mollusk in the sea to endow it with splendid emblems of beauty and significance, how much more does he care for every human being?

The book of Acts traces the development of Christianity through its earliest history. Thus, it seems significant that the eventful account concludes with Paul’s journey by ship to Italy. When seen as an allegory, the story builds on themes of the nautical Gospel and contains insights for God’s people in every era. But the vessel that faces a storm’s unrelenting fury and splinters apart on an island shore may also forewarn of challenges ahead for the Christian ship. 

And though we’ll be focusing on chapter 27, it’s nice to know there’s hope in the next chapter, where the story turns positive. And that’s a metaphor for us too, as we keep our eyes on our eternal hope through the crises of these times. But before diving into the story, let’s first explore shipping in ancient Rome to better understand and picture the expedition.

The Roman empire surrounded the Mediterranean Sea, making nautical travel essential and convenient. Since the Romans lacked a cultural history of seafaring, they had to learn nautical skills gradually from territories they conquered, including the Greeks, Egyptians, and Carthaginians (western Mediterranean). Many of the Carthaginians’ navigational techniques were passed down from the Phoenicians, who received their knowledge from the Chaldeans/ Babylonians (38, 70).

Despite their initial inexperience, the Romans mastered shipping on a monumental scale in terms of established routes and cargo daily entering Ostia, the main Roman seaport on the Tiber River. They used ships to move supplies domestically as well as to import agricultural goods and raw materials. Rome depended on large shipments of grain from Egypt. Warships guarded trade routes, but pirates were not a huge issue for some time after being decimated for kidnapping Julias Caesar.

There were several types and sizes of Roman ships. Their galley warships were shallow-hulled and resistant to sinking due to construction with lightweight materials, mortise and tenon plank joints, tar waterproofing, and copper hull plating. Their merchant vessels had a cargo capacity unequaled until the 16th century. Their grain ships were of Greek origin and could hold up to 1,300 tons of cargo.

Roman ships were powered by sail and oar. Larger vessels had up to three masts, plus a small triangular sail at the bow. Someone beating a mallet or playing an instrument coordinated rowers. Steering oars were placed at the stern of many ships and connected to a handle by a cable system.

They traveled within sight of land masses or relied on celestial navigation, focusing on the North Star or the sun and moon. They also estimated wind and surf direction at times. The trip from Ostia to Alexandria, Egypt, took them six to eight days, but returning could take longer due to contrary winds.

Clues in Acts 27 indicate Paul’s voyage may have taken place on a grain ship going from Egypt to Rome. Verse 6 says, “…the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy; and he put us into it.” And verse 38 speaks of them throwing grain cargo out to lighten the load. 

The ill-fated vessel seems to represent modern society, on a collision course with self-destruction. Principles like those that led to the Titanic’s loss are undermining civilization as we know it. Smoldering fires of social and political unrest are weakening the structure, making it ready to rupture upon impact with a hidden obstacle. Though the Titanic passengers had little power to avert disaster, tragedy could be avoided in the metaphorical parallel if runaway influences can be slowed.

Perhaps we should consider carefully before we live to see our hopes and dreams circle the drain in Titanic style. The things we hold dear are more fragile than we might imagine. Each time we pull hard in opposite directions, we are contributing to cumulative stress on the fabric of society. We shouldn’t fail to realize that irreconcilable differences could lead to shipwreck on a national or even global scale.

It’s not that we can’t have stirring conversations, share convictions with vehemence, or point out glaring inconsistencies. But we should stay focused on the topic, rather than making personal attacks, while seeking to maintain goodwill. Genuine sincerity and respect go a long way toward building trust. As Romans 12:18 teaches, “As far as possible to you, be at peace with all men.”

The implication here, sadly, is that peace may not always be possible, so we’ll have to choose our battles. In things of lesser consequence, there’s more room to concede, but we shouldn’t sacrifice important truths just to make life easier. Liberty of conscience isn’t to be compromised in the pursuit of unity.

And, as the Titanic teaches, we need to prepare for the possibility that there may not always be peace. Yet multitudes downplay the dangers we are facing and, heedless of biblical warnings, are making no spiritual preparations. Never thinking disaster looms, they aren’t ready to be plunged into the icy waters of end-time difficulties. When problems arise, many won’t tolerate hardships well or endure a test of faith.

Although the Titanic doesn’t appear by name in scripture, symbolisms in Revelation 18 seem to link to it, making it a potential key to understanding final events. The ship’s sinking was rife with human error, and clearly not by God’s design, but he foresaw and made use of the event to warn us of dangers that lie ahead.

The ship, whose name meant “gigantic, colossal,” bears the visual appearance of a floating city. Its name and reputation align with “Babylon the great” of Revelation 18:2, of which it was said in verse 18, “What city is like unto this great city.” The claim was made that God himself couldn’t sink the Titanic. This reflects themes of the ancient tower of Babel, a name which is the Hebrew equivalent of the Greek word “Babylon.” The tower was likely a post-Flood effort to build an “unsinkable” refuge from any future flood (Genesis 11)...

Monstrous Obstacle

Though this country was founded on truth and justice, these principles have been eroding. For it to be prophetically depicted as Babylon foretells of a serious fall from grace. This correlates to the Revelation 13 prophecy of the lamb-like power arising from the wilderness that eventually speaks as a dragon.

Babylon is an embodiment of powers that align with darkness in opposition to Heaven. Though there are several key players, it represents a creeping evil of pandemic proportions that is taking over the world. As with biological enemies, the element that stages the initial assault on an innocent party replicates itself within the host until it usurps its identity. Likewise, many ideologies going viral in our land are coming from the abyss beneath. Our broken-down defenses have allowed infection to flood in.

It’s for this reason that we see the purest likeness of Babylon in the Titanic iceberg. Mostly concealed under the surface, icebergs are like the temptations that float menacingly in our path. They may not seem too bad at face value, but what you see is just a fraction of what they are. And, contrary to popular opinion, what you don’t know can hurt you. It’s the nature of evil not to show itself in the light of day. This is why icebergs personify…

…the kingdom of the occult and darkness.

Ever since Lucifer was cast out of Heaven for his rebellion, he began to establish his kingdom on Earth. But he keeps it hidden in obscurity because his principles and purposes are too shameful to acknowledge. He must work in secret, below the surface, behind closed doors, and in the back of your mind. While few believe that a power from beneath could have much influence on society, the archenemy hides himself behind theories that deny his existence.

His primary purpose is to place obstacles in the way of progress for God’s kingdom and attempt to thwart all goodness and truth. He does this under a guise of snowy-white purity as he lies in wait for the unsuspecting. Thinking of it this way, consider how the face on the underside of a shark also looks somewhat like an ice chunk. Even the name “great white” confirms this connection...

  Another illustration that personifies a submerged enemy lurking in the waters, like the iceberg, is an alligator, sea serpent, or sea monster. We could picture it as albino or leucistic, for continuity. This makes you think of biblical descriptions of Satan as the dragon or serpent, such as in Revelation 12:9; “The great dragon was cast out, that ancient serpent who is called ‘the Devil’ and ‘Satan,’ who deceives the whole world, and his angels with him.” 

He is waiting with a ravenous appetite for anything that passes through his territory. And, of course, he claims the world as his territory. The dragon speaks with a forked tongue out of two sides of its mouth. Largely responsible for all the chaos, he’s always trying to divide and conquer by pitting sides against each other. His two monstrous arms have been grasping their gnarled, bloody claws into society throughout human history since the fall of man, when he was released from bonds by human welcome. He uses them to feed lost souls and innocent victims into his gaping mouth.

If you picture the iceberg as a sea monster, cracking the ship open with two hands and emptying the contents into its mouth, you get an idea of what the enemy of souls is doing in society and why. He’s always leading people astray with leftist and rightist extremism as part of his sinister plan to overthrow society and feast upon lost souls.