What Does Burn the Ships Mean in the Bible? 
When asked what does burn the ships mean in the bible, a Zimbabwean pastor replied with this declaration: “It means that I am going to follow Christ.” The statement is a declaration of discipleship, and is a response to Jesus’ call for disciples to be baptized, or die.
Elisha
In 1 Kings 19, Elisha is introduced to us as a prophet. When Elijah was praying, God spoke to him, telling him to anoint Elisha to be his successor. Elijah went to meet Elisha, who was plowing a field. Elijah told him that he would be the prophet, and Elisha agreed. He kissed his parents goodbye, and burned his plow and his oxen. This sacrifice meant he would be free to nourish others and leave his old life behind him.
Cortes
Many people think that Hernan Cortes burned the ships in the Bible, but it’s not true. The Spanish explorer arrived in Mexico and conquered vast parts of South America. The Bible describes many different examples of ships being burned, and Cortes did not burn the ships. Scholars have studied Cortes and his exploits in the Americas, and they know that he did not burn the ships. They also know that Cortes didn’t remove the possibility of a retreat – he just destroyed the possibility.
Ignatius
The phrase “burn the ships” is a metaphor for a point in time when a decision is made that cannot be reversed. In a postmodern and post-Christian culture where morality isn’t given the same importance as it once did, the concept of “burning the ships” may seem strange. Yet, in a country which had largely disconnected itself from its spiritual heritage, the leaders of Jezebel and Ahab thrived, eroding the nation’s faith with fanaticism and fear.
Tashlish
Some people don’t like Tashlikh because it’s too theologically challenging. However, this small Jewish ritual is not only a practical practice, it also has plenty of metaphors. Some people find Tashlich a powerful way to offload their sins.
Elisha’s oxen
While Elisha was busy working with his twelve teams of oxen, a mountain man appeared off to the side of the field. He had a long scraggly beard and was dressed in animal skins. The people knew that he was Elijah. They had heard of his fire from heaven and how he had defeated the prophets of Baal. The whole nation heard about this strange man from Gilead, who didn’t seem to be afraid of anyone.
Elisha’s plowing equipment
Elisha’s burning of his plowing equipment was an example of his gratitude for God’s call to be a prophet. He was leaving his comfortable and familiar life behind and was willing to risk his future by following Elijah. But, his choice wasn’t an easy one. He had to face many challenges, including the financial ones, which meant that he had to burn his plowing equipment in order to follow Elijah.
Elisha’s friendship with Matthew
Elisha’s friendship with Matthew is a beautiful example of a biblical character being able to reach out to the poor and needy. The two men shared a similar faith in God, and their friendship was a catalyst for change in their town. Elisha’s life changed forever when he received the call of Elijah to deliver the people of Israel. Unlike the prophets of the past, who were often harsh and judgmental, Elisha was more human and friendly. He was able to show them the love of God by giving them a more personal relationship with God.
Rosh Hashanah
This festival is a time for Jews to commemorate God’s creation and its sanctity. The day is also known as the Feast of Trumpets, or the new year. The word ‘rosh’ means “head” and is commonly used to symbolize the new year. In addition to the burning of ships, this holiday also involves a special ceremony of blowing the shofar.