NET

Generally, a fabric consisting of twine, thread or rope, and woven into meshes. Nets were used for catching fish (Eccl. 9:12; Isa. 19:8; Matt. 4:18-21), birds (Prov. 1:17) and other animals. (Isa. 51:20) Among the main materials used in their construction were flax, palm fiber and papyrus.

Metal nets, however, served completely different purposes. Nets made from copper were used as ornamentation for the capitals of the temple pillars Jachin and Boaz (see CAPITAL), and a copper net or network served as a grating for the altar of sacrifice.—Ex. 27:4, 5; 38:4; 1 Ki. 7:16-18, 41, 42; Jer. 52:22, 23.

FIGURATIVE USE

“Net” is often used figuratively in the Bible to represent means for ensnaring others, encircling them and taking them captive or bringing calamity upon them. (Job 18:8; 19:6; Ps. 66:11; Lam. 1:13; Ezek. 12:13; 17:20; 19:8; 32:3; Hos. 5:1; 7:12; Mic. 7:2) The means used by the Chaldeans to conquer nations as they extended their dominion over a wide area is likened to a dragnet. (Hab. 1:6, 15-17) Also, flattery and the scheming heart of an immoral woman are compared to nets. (Prov. 29:5; Eccl. 7:26) The psalmist expressed the confidence that Jehovah would deliver him from entangling nets (Ps. 25:15; 31:4; 140:5, 12) and that those spreading out such nets would themselves be ensnared thereby.—Ps. 9:15; 35:7, 8; 57:6; 141:10.

Concerning the construction and use of various nets, see BIRDCATCHER; DRAGNET; HUNTING AND FISHING.