Topical Encyclopedia The Dead Sea, also referred to as the "East Sea" in some biblical texts, is a significant geographical and historical landmark in the biblical narrative. It is a salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west. Known for its high salinity, the Dead Sea is one of the world's saltiest bodies of water, making it inhospitable to most marine life, hence its name.Biblical References and Significance The Dead Sea is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, often serving as a geographical marker. In Genesis 14:3, it is referred to as the "Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea)" during the account of the battle of the kings. This indicates its early recognition as a distinct and notable location. In the prophetic literature, the Dead Sea is often called the "East Sea." For instance, in Ezekiel 47:18, the prophet describes the boundaries of the land, stating, "On the east side you are to mark out the border from between Hauran and Damascus, along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel, to the eastern sea and as far as Tamar." This passage highlights the Dead Sea's role as a boundary marker in the land of Israel. The Dead Sea also appears in the eschatological visions of the prophets. In Ezekiel 47:8-9, the prophet envisions a time when the waters flowing from the temple will reach the Dead Sea, transforming it into a body of fresh water teeming with life: "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. Every living creature that swarms will live wherever the river flows, and there will be a great multitude of fish because these waters go there and make the salt water fresh; so wherever the river flows, everything will live.'" This vision symbolizes the restoration and renewal that will come with God's kingdom. Historical and Cultural Context The Dead Sea region has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age. It was a site of commerce and trade, particularly for its valuable resources such as bitumen and salt. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were destroyed by divine judgment as recorded in Genesis 19, are traditionally believed to have been located near the Dead Sea. The harsh and barren landscape surrounding the Dead Sea has also served as a place of refuge and solitude. The Essenes, a Jewish sect, established a community at Qumran near the Dead Sea, where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. These scrolls have provided invaluable insights into the religious practices and beliefs of the Second Temple period. Theological Implications The Dead Sea's unique characteristics and its role in biblical prophecy carry theological implications. Its transformation from a lifeless body of water to one filled with life in Ezekiel's vision serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual renewal and the transformative power of God's presence. The Dead Sea's location as a boundary marker also underscores the themes of separation and distinction that are prevalent throughout the biblical narrative. In summary, the Dead Sea, or East Sea, holds a multifaceted role in the biblical text, serving as a geographical landmark, a symbol of divine judgment and restoration, and a testament to the historical and cultural richness of the biblical world. Nave's Topical Index Joel 2:20But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill smell shall come up, because he has done great things. Nave's Topical Index 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 5160. Nachaliel -- "valley of God," a place East of the Dead Sea 6820. Tsoar -- "insignificance," a city at the SE end of the Dead ... Library The Sea of Sodom The Way to the Sea A Path in the Sea Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee. The Nations of the South-East Chapter xiv The Lake Samochonitis [Or Semechonitis. ] The Story of Ruth, the Gleaner Israel in Canaan. Ripe for Gathering Resources What is the Egyptian Book of the Dead? | GotQuestions.orgIs raising the dead still possible today? | GotQuestions.org Is God dead? | 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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