And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim; they shall be a place to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.
The fishers from En-gedi to En-eglaim spreading nets indicates economic revival and abundant provision. Fish represent souls (Matthew 4:19, Luke 5:10), and fishing pictures gospel ministry bringing people into God's kingdom. The fish 'according to their kinds... exceeding many' suggests ethnic diversity—'every kindred, tongue, people, and nation' (Revelation 5:9, 7:9). The phrase 'as the fish of the great sea' (Mediterranean) contrasts Dead Sea's former sterility with new abundance matching the ocean's teeming life. Reformed theology sees this as picturing gospel harvest—seemingly dead religious systems revitalized by Spirit's power. The fishers' activity indicates human cooperation with divine provision: God provides fish (converts), but fishers must spread nets (evangelism, discipleship). This balances divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
Historical Context
En-gedi (meaning 'spring of the young goat') was an oasis on Dead Sea's western shore where David hid from Saul (1 Samuel 23:29, 24:1). Song of Solomon mentions its vineyards (Song of Solomon 1:14). En-eglaim's location is debated (possibly near Qumran or eastern Dead Sea shore). The two locations may represent Dead Sea's north-south extent, indicating comprehensive transformation. Ancient fishing involved casting nets (Matthew 4:18), drawing nets (John 21:6), and spreading nets for drying/repair (Matthew 4:21). Jesus called fishermen as disciples, promising to make them 'fishers of men' (Matthew 4:19). The early church's explosive growth fulfilled this vision—3,000 converts at Pentecost (Acts 2:41), multitudes added daily (Acts 2:47, 5:14), gospel spreading from Jerusalem to Rome (Acts 1:8, 28:30-31).
Questions for Reflection
How actively do you 'spread nets'—engaging in evangelism and discipleship—versus passively hoping others do it?
What does the fish's diversity ('according to their kinds') teach about ethnic diversity in God's kingdom?
How does transforming the Dead Sea (impossible task) encourage faith for seemingly impossible revival in your context?
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Analysis & Commentary
The fishers from En-gedi to En-eglaim spreading nets indicates economic revival and abundant provision. Fish represent souls (Matthew 4:19, Luke 5:10), and fishing pictures gospel ministry bringing people into God's kingdom. The fish 'according to their kinds... exceeding many' suggests ethnic diversity—'every kindred, tongue, people, and nation' (Revelation 5:9, 7:9). The phrase 'as the fish of the great sea' (Mediterranean) contrasts Dead Sea's former sterility with new abundance matching the ocean's teeming life. Reformed theology sees this as picturing gospel harvest—seemingly dead religious systems revitalized by Spirit's power. The fishers' activity indicates human cooperation with divine provision: God provides fish (converts), but fishers must spread nets (evangelism, discipleship). This balances divine sovereignty and human responsibility.