The Galilean accent differed from that of Jerusalem in being broader and
more guttural (Mark 14:70).
- GALILEE, SEA OF (Matthew 4:18; 15:29), is mentioned in the Bible
under three other names. (1.) In the Old Testament it is called the “sea of
Chinnereth” (Numbers 34:11; Joshua 12:3; 13:27), as is supposed from its
harp-like shape. (2). The “lake of Gennesareth” once by Luke (5:1), from
the flat district lying on its west coast. (3.) John (6:1; 21:1) calls it the “sea
of Tiberias” (q.v.). The modern Arabs retain this name, Bahr Tabariyeh.
This lake is 12 1/2 miles long, and from 4 to 7 1/2 broad. Its surface is 682
feet below the level of the Mediterranean. Its depth is from 80 to 160 feet.
The Jordan enters it 10 1/2 miles below the southern extremity of the
Huleh Lake, or about 26 1/2 miles from its source. In this distance of 26
1/2 miles there is a fall in the river of 1,682 feet, or of more than 60 feet to
the mile. It is 27 miles east of the Mediterranean, and about 60 miles
north-east of Jerusalem. It is of an oval shape, and abounds in fish.
Its present appearance is thus described: “The utter loneliness and
absolute stillness of the scene are exceedingly impressive. It seems as if all
nature had gone to rest, languishing under the scorching heat. How
different it was in the days of our Lord! Then all was life and bustle along
the shores; the cities and villages that thickly studded them resounded with
the hum of a busy population; while from hill-side and corn-field came the
cheerful cry of shepherd and ploughman. The lake, too, was dotted with
dark fishing-boats and spangled with white sails. Now a mournful, solitary
silence reigns over sea and shore. The cities are in ruins!”
This sea is chiefly of interest as associated with the public ministry of our
Lord. Capernaum, “his own city” (Matthew 9:1), stood on its shores.
From among the fishermen who plied their calling on its waters he chose
Peter and his brother Andrew, and James and John, to be disciples, and
sent them forth to be “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:18,22; Mark 1:16-20;
Luke 5: 1-11). He stilled its tempest, saying to the storm that swept over
it, “Peace, be still” (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 7:31-35); and here also he
showed himself after his resurrection to his disciples (John 21).
“The Sea of Galilee is indeed the cradle of the gospel. The subterranean
fires of nature prepared a lake basin, through which a river afterwards ran,
keeping its waters always fresh. In this basin a vast quantity of shell-fish
swarmed, and multiplied to such an extent that they formed the food of an