Topical Encyclopedia The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, is a significant geographical and historical landmark in the biblical narrative. It is located in the Jordan Rift Valley, bordered by modern-day Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west. The Dead Sea is renowned for being one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth, with a salinity of around 30%, which is nearly ten times saltier than most oceans. This high salinity prevents aquatic life, hence the name "Dead Sea."Biblical References and Significance The Dead Sea is mentioned in several biblical passages, often in connection with the surrounding region. In Genesis 14:3, it is referred to as the "Valley of Siddim," which is described as being full of tar pits. This area is associated with the battle of the kings, where the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, among others, fought against Chedorlaomer and his allies. The Berean Standard Bible states: "All these latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea)" (Genesis 14:3). The Dead Sea region is also linked to the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities that were destroyed by divine judgment due to their wickedness. Genesis 19 recounts how God rained down sulfur and fire upon these cities, leading to their complete destruction. The area around the Dead Sea, particularly its southern basin, is traditionally associated with the location of these ancient cities. In Ezekiel 47:8-9, the prophet Ezekiel envisions a future transformation of the Dead Sea. He describes a river flowing from the temple in Jerusalem, bringing life to the barren waters: "Then he said to me, 'These waters go out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah. When they enter the sea, the salty waters there become fresh. And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be many fish, for this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so wherever the river flows, everything will flourish'" (Ezekiel 47:8-9). This prophecy symbolizes the life-giving power of God's presence and the restoration of creation. Geographical and Historical Context The Dead Sea is situated at the lowest point on the earth's surface, approximately 430 meters (1,410 feet) below sea level. Its unique mineral composition and therapeutic properties have made it a place of interest throughout history. The surrounding region, known as the Judean Desert, is characterized by its arid climate and rugged terrain. Historically, the Dead Sea has been a source of valuable minerals, including potash and bromine. In ancient times, it was also known for its bitumen deposits, which were used in embalming and construction. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of ancient settlements and fortifications. Theological Implications The Dead Sea serves as a powerful symbol in biblical theology. Its lifeless waters contrast with the life-giving presence of God, as depicted in Ezekiel's vision. The transformation of the Dead Sea into a place of abundance and life is a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the hope of redemption. Moreover, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah near the Dead Sea serves as a sobering reminder of God's judgment against sin. It underscores the biblical theme of divine justice and the call to righteousness. In summary, the Dead Sea holds a prominent place in biblical history and theology. Its geographical features, historical associations, and symbolic significance contribute to its enduring legacy in the biblical narrative. Smith's Bible Dictionary Dead SeaThis name nowhere occurs in the Bible, and appears not to have existed until the second century after Christ. [See SEA, THE SALT, THE SALT] ATS Bible Dictionary Dead SeaSee SEA. Greek 1116. Gomorra -- Gomorrah, one of the cities near the Dead Sea ... Gomorrah, one of the cities near the Dead Sea. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine; Noun, Neuter Transliteration: Gomorra Phonetic Spelling: (gom'-or-hrhah) Short ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1116.htm - 6k 2410. Hiericho -- Jericho, a city of Pal. Strong's Hebrew 2218. Zered -- a wadi East of the Dead Sea... 2217, 2218. Zered. 2219 . a wadi East of the Dead Sea. Transliteration: Zered Phonetic Spelling: (zeh'-red) Short Definition: Zered. ... /hebrew/2218.htm - 6k 5467. Sedom -- a Canaanite city near the Dead Sea 2510. Chalaq -- "smooth," a mountain South of the Dead Sea 6732. Tsits -- a pass between the Dead Sea and Jer. 8603. Tophel -- a place Southeast of the Dead Sea 8559. Tamar -- daughter-in-law of Judah, also two Israelite women ... 6820. Tsoar -- "insignificance," a city at the SE end of the Dead ... 4586. Meunim -- a people Southeast of the Dead Sea 2688. Chatsatson Tamar -- a place on the W. side of the Dead Sea 5872. En Gedi -- "spring of a kid," a place on W. shore of the ... Library Who the Dead are who are Given up to Judgment by the Sea, and by ... The Sea of Sodom The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals. Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee. The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, the Sea of Galilee and Tiberias. The Lake Samochonitis [Or Semechonitis. ] How Human Actions are Without Worth when they are done Without ... Jesus Raises the Widow's Son. A Path in the Sea The Poison and the Antidote Resources Is Jesus dead? | GotQuestions.orgHow many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What are the Dead Sea Scrolls and why are they important? | GotQuestions.org Dead: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dead (People): Burnings of Incense Made For Dead (People): Jairus' Daughter Dead (People): Prepared for Burial by Washing Dead (People): Raised to Life, (See Dead (People): The Shunammite Woman's Son Dead (People): The Son of the Widow of Zarephath Dead (People): The Widow's Son Dead (People): The Young Man Laid in Elisha's Grave Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Dead (People): Wrapping in Linen The Dead in a House Rendered It Unclean The Dead were Washed and Laid Out The Dead were Wrapped in Lined With Spices The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The Dead: A State of Deep Affliction The Dead: All offerings To, Forbidden The Dead: Characterised by Absence of all Human Passions The Dead: Characterised by Being Incapable of Motion The Dead: Characterised by Being Without the Spirit The Dead: Characterised by Ignorance of all Human Affairs The Dead: Characterised by Inability to Glorify God The Dead: Even Bones of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Eyes of, Closed by Nearest of Kin The Dead: Freedom from the Law The Dead: Freedom from the Power of Sin The Dead: Heathenish Expressions of Grief For, Forbidden The Dead: High Priest in No Case to Mourn For The Dead: Idolaters: Consecrated Part of Their Crops To The Dead: Idolaters: Invoked and Consulted The Dead: Idolaters: Offered Sacrifices For The Dead: Idolaters: Tore Themselves For The Dead: Instances of, Restored by Christ The Dead: Instances of, Restored to Life Before Christ The Dead: Man's State by Nature The Dead: Mourning For, often by Hired Mourners The Dead: Mourning For, often with Plaintive Music The Dead: Mourning For, often: Lasted Many Days The Dead: Mourning For, often: Loud and Clamorous The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Change of Apparel The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Covering the Head The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Taring the Hair The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Tearing the Garments The Dead: Mourning For, often: Very Great The Dead: Nazarites not to Touch or Mourn For The Dead: Regard often Shown to the Memory of The Dead: Return not to This Life The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Carcases The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Corpses The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Deceased The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Those Who are Not The Dead: The Jews Looked for a Resurrection From The Dead: They Who Have Departed This Life The Dead: Those Defiled By, Removed from the Camp The Dead: Touching of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Uncleanness Contracted From, Removed by the Water Separation Related Terms |
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