Spiritual Dictionary Section F-1
Fish – A term with multiple meanings in Scripture. First of all a fish is one of the many creatures that live in the waters – fresh and salt waters. Fish is also a symbol of peoples who live in a belief system – waters. In addition it is this collectors belief that fish is a symbol of God’s ability to provide for His children. CO
Fish - literal:
A great fish swallowed Jonah and obeyed God’s commands. Jonah 1:17, 2:10
All the fish of the sea, the fowls of the air, and the animals will dread Noah and his family. All are delivered into Noah’s hands. Genesis 9:1-2
God promised to give mankind dominion over the fish of the sea. Genesis 1:26-28
In the day of the Lord all men, animals, fowls of the air, and fish will be destroyed. Zechariah 1:1-3
In the plague of water into blood in Egypt the fish would die in the rivers, the river would stink, and no one would want to drink of the waters of the River. Exodus 7:18-21
Israel, while in Egypt, ate the fish of Egypt freely. Numbers 11:5
Jesus instructs the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat and they catch a great multitude of fish – 153. John 21:1-13
Men of Tyre brought fish and sold them to the people of Jerusalem on Sabbath. Nehemiah 13:16
Fish spiritual:
All fish and animals will speak to us of God. Job 12:8
God promised to give mankind dominion over the fish of the sea. Genesis 1:26-28
God will dry up the counsels of Egypt, their defense will be gone, all those who hunt for fish(converts/devotees) will mourn. Isaiah 19:1-10
God will punish Israel and send them into the north country. When He has finished His punishment He will call them back. He will also send fishers and hunters to find every lost one so that all will be saved who want it. Jeremiah 16:1-17
Habakkuk wonders why God allows the wicked to prosper and treat all mankind like fish, to be used as they see fit. Habakkuk 1:1-17
In the plague of water into blood in Egypt the fish would die in the rivers, the river would stink, and no one would want to drink of the waters of the River. Exodus 7:18-21
In the rivers of waters(truth) coming from the temple of God will be a very great multitude of fish. Ezekiel 47:1-10
Israel, while in Egypt, ate the fish of Egypt freely. Numbers 11:5
Jesus instructs the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat and they catch a great multitude of fish – 153. John 21:1-13
Pharoah is the great river dragon and all of His people/fish stick to his scales. Ezekiel 29:1-5
The transgressions of the people have turned them away from God. God can redeem. His hand is not shortened for He is all powerful. The rebellions of Israel have caused a famine and at the rebuke of God all the waters are dried up, the fish stink, and people die for lack of water. Isaiah 50:1-2
Fish provision:
If we ask our earthly fathers for a fish(provision) they will not give us a serpent. So our heavenly Father will provide for us. Matthew 7:7-12
Jesus instructs the disciples to cast their net on the right side of the boat and they catch a great multitude of fish – 153. John 21:1-13
Jesus instructs the disciples to cast the net on the right side and they catch a great net full of fish. Peter is convinced that Jesus is God. Luke 5:1-11
Jesus fed the multitude with bread and fish. Matthew 14:13-21; 15:32-39; John 6:1-14; Luke 9:11-17; Mark 6:32-44;
Jesus allowed Peter to get tax money from His fish. Matthew 17:24-27
Fishers of men – Those whom God empowers to catch men like other men catch fish.
God will confound the wise of Egypt and they will no longer be able to catch fish/men. Isaiah 15:1-10
God will send Israel to Babylon for their errors. When He has finished their punishment He will bring them back to Israel/the church. He will send fishers and hunters to find all that want to come to Him. Jeremiah 16:1-21
In the flow of truth from the sanctuary there will be many fish. He will send fishers to catch exceeding many fish. Ezekiel 47:1-10
Jesus instructs the disciples, after His resurrection, how to catch 153 fish. He will help them in life like He provided for them. John 21:1-14
Peter, Andrew, James and John are called from being fishers of fish to be fishers of men. Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-17
Simon Peter is convinced that Jesus is God when He instructs them how to catch a net full of fish. He then promises to make them fishers of men. Luke 5:1-11
Flesh- Christ’s- “He says, “whoso eateth my flesh”, (the word that Christ speaks to us)…” CH 423
Flock – “Thus shalt they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord God, and ye my flock, the flock of my pasture are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” Ezekiel 34:34-31
Flock – “…for the Lord of hosts hath visited His flock the house of Judah…” Zechariah 10:3
Flood – overflowing the banks – Nations, or systems of truth or error, leaving their natural boundaries and attacking other nations, either militarily or spiritually influencing them to bring them into harmony with them. The flood of Noah – a symbol of Christ’s victory over the world. CO. See overflowing and River.
Babylon. Jeremiah 47:2
Babylon is destroyed by a flood. Jeremiah 51:42
Confession and forgiveness delivers from times of floods. Psalms 32:1-6
Egypt. Jeremiah 46:1-10
Error and persecution. Daniel 8:9-12,23-26; 9:26; 11:22,40; Revelation 12:15-16
Evil is equated with a flood. Job 22:15-17; Isaiah 59:19; Psalms 69:1-2
Flood and Euphrates River equated. Joshua 24:2-3,14-15 See Euphrates.
Flood equated with God's Spirit. Isaiah 44:3
Flood of error cannot overcome love. Song of Solomon 8:6-7
God's truth is like a flood. Ezekiel 47; Luke 6:46-49; Matthew 7:24-29
Jesus is in control of all floods. Job 28:11; Psalms 29:10; Isaiah 59:19; Nahum 1:4,8
King of Assyria. Isaiah 8:5-8
Noah's flood - a symbol of Christ's victory over sin by revealing Himself. Genesis 6-11; I Peter 2:4-9. CO
Red Sea. Amos 9:5-8; Psalms 66:6; Exodus 15:8,19
Revealing of God a symbol of floods of light. Isaiah 30:27-28; 28:2,15-18
Rivers equated with floods. Psalms 78:44
Trouble. Luke 6:47-48; Matthew 7:24-29
Ungodly men. II Samuel 22:5; Psalms 18:4
See Rivers, Euphrates, Overflowing.
Flood – worldly – “A worldly flood, flowing into the church, carries “with it its customs, practices, and idols.” GC 385
Folly – “The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly.” Proverbs 14:24
Fool – “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool.” Proverbs 28:26
Foot - out of joint - "Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint." Proverbs 25:19
Forgiveness- God’s- “God’s forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness for sin, but reclaiming from sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart.” MB 114-115
Forehead – Location of confirmed moral decision making. CO Examples of:
Aaron’s crown – “Holiness to the Lord.” Exodus 28:36-38; 39:30-31; Leviticus 8:9
Goliaths rebellion. I Samuel 17:49
Uzziahs rebellion. II Chronicles 26:16-21
Sign of rebellion. Jeremiah 3:3; 17:1,5,9; Revelation 17:5
Firmness of purpose in God’s people. Ezekiel 3:8-9
Place of confirmation in god’s last day people. Revelation 7:3; 14:1; 22:4
One of the places for the mark of the beast. Revelation 13:16; 14:9; 20:4
Foundation – “…but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.” Proverbs 10:25
Foundation of the world. See Salvation – Foundation of the World.
Fountain - A fountain is a source of truth or error. The purity of the fountain is dictated by the relationship with Jesus or the lack of it. God is the primary fountain of life or truth and His people are the secondary fountains that He uses to convey truth. CO.
A manifestation of wickedness in Jerusalem. Jeremiah 6:6-7
A troubled fountain and a corrupt spring is when a righteous man falls down before the wicked. Proverbs 25:26
Connection of fountains, floods, and mighty rivers. Psalms 74:15
Fountain equated with well. Genesis 16:7-14. See John 4:14 & 7:37-38
God can turn flint into a fountain of water. Psalms 114:7-8
God is blest by the fountain of Israel. Psalms 68:26
God is the fountain of life. Psalms 36:9; Jeremiah 2:13; Jeremiah 17:13
In connection with Jesus the woman’s fountain of blood is dried up. Mark 5:25-34
In lack of connection with Jesus the fountains of water are turned to blood, and bitterness. Revelation 8:10-11; 16:4
In the last days a fountain for the cleansing of sin and uncleanness shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Zechariah 13:1
In the last days the river of Judah shall flow and a fountain shall come forth of the house of God. Joel 3:18
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life. Proverbs 14:27
The law of the wise is a fountain of life. Proverbs 13:14
When the poor and needy seek water it is God who provides the fountains in the valley and the rivers in high places. Isaiah 41:17-18
Fountain – troubled – “A righteous man falling down before the wicked is as a troubled fountain and a corrupt spring.” Proverbs 25:26
Fountain of life – “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life…” Proverbs 14:27
Fountain of life – “The law of the wise is a fountain of life…” Proverbs 13:14
Fountain of life - "This woman (Samaritan women of John 4) represents the working of a practical faith in Christ. Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is life a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life." DA 195
Fountain of life - "He who drinks of the fountain of living water becomes a fountain of life." DA 195
Fountain of truth - "In those early times, when the Bible existed only in the ancient language, scholars were enabled to find their way to the fountain of truth, which was closed to the uneducated classes." GC 80
Fowl – Primarily used to describe living creatures made to fly. CO
Any fowl not brought into the ark died in the flood. Genesis 7:21-23
Conveys the idea of fowl being members of the church. Ezekiel 17:22-24
God brought the fowl of the air to Adam to name them. Genesis 2:19-20
God covenants with all the animals, including the fowl, that He will not destroy all the fowl by another flood of water. Genesis 9:8-17
God created the fowl of the air from the ground. Genesis 2:19
God created the fowl of the air. Genesis 1:20-22
God gave man dominion over the fowl of the air. Genesis 1:26-28; Psalms 8:4-8
God gave the green herb for food for the fowl. Genesis 1:30
Man is not to eat the blood of any animal or fowl. Leviticus 7:26
Man is not to make any likeness of any fowl to worship it. Deuteronomy 4:14-19
No unclean fowl is to be eaten by man. Leviticus 11:46; 20:25
Noah offered clean fowl on the altar after the flood. Genesis 8:20
Solomon spoke of animals and fowl to teach the truths of God. I Kings 4:29-34
The fear of man was to be upon all the fowl after the flood. Genesis 9:2
The fowl were brought into the ark before the flood. Genesis 7:14
See Bird
Foxes – A description of people who cause confusion, or desolation to God’s people. CO
False prophets. Ezekiel 13:4 Herod giving false council. Luke 13:32
Samson captures 300 foxes and turns them loose on the Philistines. They destroy the crops. A type of the destruction of false prophets on any religion. Judges 15:1-8
The work of the people is so feeble that it could not hold up to a fox working on it. Nehemiah 4:3; Lamentations 5:18
The fox does small amounts of damage that accumulate to the destruction of the harvest. Song of Solomon 2:15
Freedom of Choice – See Salvation Freedom of Choice.
Friend – “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14
Frogs – Part of the plagues of Egypt in Exodus 8:1-15. Part of the issue of the frogs were that the frogs got into everything that the people did – they came into the house, the bed, into the servants houses, into the food, and into the kitchen. The frogs were everywhere – they were pervasive. The frogs were a plague in that you could see them in every phase of life and they disrupted it at many levels. When the plague was removed the dead frogs remained and even contaminated the air by their decaying odor. In Revelation 16:13-14 we are told that three unclean spirits like frogs came out of the mouths – legislative capacity or speaking of false doctrines and errors, of the dragon – Satan or primary military agent of Satan; beast – Roman Catholic Church System, the false prophet – apostate Protestantism, – they are pervasive in their influence of every facet of life. Like a plague of frogs we need to be protected from their error, their pervasiveness, and their ability to distract from Jesus. CO
Frogs - "Furthermore, a large share of the periodicals and books that, like the frogs of Egypt, are overspreading the land, are not merely commonplace, idle, and enervating, but unclean and degrading. Their effect is not merely to intoxicate and ruin the mind, but to corrupt and destroy the soul." ED 190
Fruit - "God has entrusted to mortals precious treasures of truth. These treasures may be likened to beautiful fruit, which is to be presented to the people in vessels that are clean and pure and holy, so that they will accept this fruit and enjoy it, to the glory of God." EV 346
Fruit of the Spirit - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…" Galatians 5:22-23
Fruit-bearing- “…the object of the Christian life is fruit-bearing – the reproduction of Christ’s character in the believer, that it may be reproduced in others.” COL 67
Furnace – A place, or experience, of intense heat to purify metal, to reveal suffering-or judgment, or to refine the character of God’s people. CO.
Ashes from the furnace of affliction now afflict the Egyptians during the plagues. Exodus 9:8-12
“Egypt the iron furnace.” Jeremiah 11:4; Deuteronomy 4:20
Furnaces in Jerusalem were located in the wall of Jerusalem - a symbol that shows that purification and refinement from sin are a necessary part of protecting the city/church from evil. Nehemiah 3:11; 12:38
God’s furnace is in Jerusalem. Isaiah 31:9
God's people stand true to Him, in times of trouble, and He walks with them through the furnace of affliction. Daniel 3 & Revelation 13
God revealed to Abraham that his people will go through great persecution in the furnace of Egypt. Genesis 15
God uses a furnace for refinement of His people. Proverbs 12:6; 17:3; Isaiah 48:10
Mount Sinai smoked like a furnace in the presence of God. Exodus 19:16-19
The wicked cast into a furnace to consume them, refinement is too late. Matthew 13:42-50
Smoke of a furnace can indicate judgment. Sodom and Gomorrah Genesis 19:27-28; Revelation 9:1-3
See Smoke
Furnace – “Through the symbols of the great darkness and the smoking furnace, God had revealed to Abraham the bondage of Israel in Egypt, and had declared that the time of their sojourning should be four hundred years.” DA 32
Furnace - (In context of Abraham's covenant with God.) "As a pledge of this covenant of God with men, a smoking furnace and a burning lamp, symbols of the divine presence, passed between the severed victims, totally consuming them. And again a voice was heard by Abraham, confirming the gift of the land of Canaan to his descendents, "from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates." PP 137
Furnace - of affliction - "God has always tried His people in the furnace of affliction. It is in the heat of the furnace that the dross is separated from the true gold of the Christian character. Jesus watches the test; He knows what is needed to purify the precious metal, that it may reflect the radiance of His love. It is by close, testing trials that God disciplines His servants. He sees that some have powers which may be used in the advancement of His work, and He puts these persons upon trial; in His providence He brings them into positions that test their character and reveal defects and weaknesses that have been hidden from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit them-selves for His service. He shows them their own weakness, and teaches them to lean upon Him; for He is their only help and safeguard. Thus His object is attained. They are educated, trained, and disciplined, prepared to fulfill the grand purpose for which their powers were given them. When God calls them to action, they are ready, and heavenly angels can unite with them in the work to be accomplished on the earth." PP 129-130