Ether 2:17
And they were built after a manner that they were exceedingly tight, even that they would hold water like unto a dish; and the bottom thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the sides thereof were tight like unto a dish; and the ends thereof were peaked; and the top thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the length thereof was the length of a tree; and the door thereof, when it was shut, was tight like unto a dish.
"Tight like unto a dish" is a powerful phrase, especially if we follow
Nephi’s counsel and “…liken all scriptures unto us” (1 Ne 19:23). If we
liken the barges to two homes; our bodies, which house our spirits and
our physical homes which protect us from the world, and the sea to the
influences and temptations of the world, then this scripture is very
powerful.
Notice that the top, bottom, sides and even the door of the barges were “tight like unto a dish” against the fierce, unrelenting sea into which they would be placed.
In order to survive, they were instructed to only open the door to get air when they were not underwater. We as well, should not open our doors to any evil or worldly influences. Many times, once that door is opened, it is very, very difficult to close.
Water has the ability to find its way into any opening no matter how small. We are literally like the barges in the sea. At times we are buried in the depths of the sea and it seems that we will perish, but we see that the Lord will be with us always.
Ether 6:6-7
6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.
7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.
Trusting in the mercy, grace and goodness of our Heavenly Father we will be able to overcome the evils of the “sea”. We must do the things asked of us, which include: prayer, sincere scripture study, Family Home Evening, and being grateful for all we have and will receive, especially during difficult times. We must also actively fight against evil, no matter what form it has and where it arises, and do all in our power to keep it out of our bodies and homes.
These simple things keep us, and our homes “tight like unto a dish” against evil.
On a side note, their journey upon the sea lasted almost a year, but the Lord never abandoned them.
Notice that the top, bottom, sides and even the door of the barges were “tight like unto a dish” against the fierce, unrelenting sea into which they would be placed.
In order to survive, they were instructed to only open the door to get air when they were not underwater. We as well, should not open our doors to any evil or worldly influences. Many times, once that door is opened, it is very, very difficult to close.
Water has the ability to find its way into any opening no matter how small. We are literally like the barges in the sea. At times we are buried in the depths of the sea and it seems that we will perish, but we see that the Lord will be with us always.
Ether 6:6-7
6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.
7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.
Trusting in the mercy, grace and goodness of our Heavenly Father we will be able to overcome the evils of the “sea”. We must do the things asked of us, which include: prayer, sincere scripture study, Family Home Evening, and being grateful for all we have and will receive, especially during difficult times. We must also actively fight against evil, no matter what form it has and where it arises, and do all in our power to keep it out of our bodies and homes.
These simple things keep us, and our homes “tight like unto a dish” against evil.
On a side note, their journey upon the sea lasted almost a year, but the Lord never abandoned them.
