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It will be observed that a more complete explanation is given of the Tares than of the
Net, and that in both cases the section dealing with the wicked receives most attention.
The wheat and the tares are, the one sons of the kingdom, the other sons of the devil. The
good and bad fish are not placed under either heading. Before considering the
dispensational teaching of this parable, let us consider more carefully some of the figures
that are used.
The Net.--Scripture mentions three different nets:--
1. The cast net (diktuon), cf. John 21: 11.
2. The circular net (amphiblestron), cf. Matt. 4: 18.
3. The drag net (sagene), only used in this parable.
The Fish.--There are 40 different kinds of fish in the Sea of Galilee: of these there are
two common kinds, one a good fish, the bream, the other a fish without scales, and
therefore an abomination, having neither fins nor scales (Lev. 11: 10), the flesh of which
was salted and sold to the port of Rome, where it received the name of "stinking sheat
fish."
The Sea.--The sea is continually used as a type of the nations, particularly in a
tumultuous state. "The waters. . . . are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and
tongues" (Rev. 17: 15).
Let us now look at the parable in the light of prophecy. The drawing of the net to
shore at the end of the age is parallel with the gathering of the living nations to the land
of Israel. Note, in the parable and in the prophecy, that the fish and the nations are living
and not dead. This is not dealing with the judgment of those who are raised from the
dead, but that of the living nations, whose relation with the kingdom is to be decided.
Scripture is emphatic upon the fact that towards the end of the age Jerusalem and the
land of Israel shall become a "burdensome stone to the nations." The "Eastern Question"
already gathers around Asia Minor, and the Powers of Europe jealously regard each other
in reference to Jerusalem--the key to the East. Listen to the words of the Prophets:--
"For behold, in those days and in that time, WHEN I shall bring again the captivity of
Judah and Jerusalem, I WILL ALSO GATHER ALL NATIONS, and will bring them
down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for My people and
for My heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted My
land" (Joel 3: 1, 2).
"Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of
thee, for I WILL GATHER ALL NATIONS against Jerusalem to battle" (Zech. xiv.1, 2).
"My determination is to GATHER THE NATIONS, THAT I MAY ASSEMBLE THE
KINGDOMS, to pour upon them My indignation" (Zeph. 3: 8).
"Haste ye and come, ALL YE NATIONS round about, and gather yourselves
together; thither cause THY MIGHTY ONES (i.e. the angels) TO COME DOWN, O
Lord. Let the nations bestir themselves and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat, for
there will I SIT TO JUDGE ALL NATIONS round about" (Joel 3: 11, 12).
"When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then
shall He sit upon the throne of His glory, and before Him shall be gathered ALL
NATIONS, and He shall separate them" (Matt. 25: 31-33).