Topical Encyclopedia The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, is a significant geographical and historical landmark mentioned in the Bible. 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 level that prevents most aquatic life from thriving, hence its name.Biblical References and Significance The Dead Sea is referenced in several biblical passages, often in connection with the surrounding region. In Genesis 14:3, it is mentioned in the context of the battle of the kings: "All these latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea)." This passage highlights the strategic importance of the area during the time of Abraham. The Dead Sea is also associated with the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were located in the plain near the sea. Genesis 19 recounts the destruction of these cities due to their wickedness, with the narrative suggesting that the region's transformation into a barren landscape was a direct result of divine judgment. Genesis 19:24-25 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." 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 sea: "He said to me, 'This water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it enters the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. Wherever the river flows, there will be swarms of living creatures and a great number of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live.'" This prophecy symbolizes the restoration and renewal that comes from God's presence. 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 buoyancy have made it a site of interest for health and wellness, attracting visitors for centuries. Historically, the Dead Sea region has been a source of valuable resources, including bitumen and salt. The bitumen, or asphalt, was used in ancient times for various purposes, including as a waterproofing agent and in embalming practices. 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 living body of water is a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the hope of redemption. Furthermore, the association of the Dead Sea with the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah underscores the biblical theme of divine justice. The desolation of the region serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of righteousness. In summary, the Dead Sea holds a multifaceted role in the biblical narrative, serving as a geographical landmark, a symbol of judgment and renewal, and a testament to the enduring themes of sin, redemption, and divine intervention. Nave's Topical Index Zechariah 14:8And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. Nave's Topical Index Library A Path in the Sea The Call by the Sea Appearance at Sea of Galilee. Passages Referring to Bethany in the Sacred Narrative. In Judaea Israel at the Red Sea The Poison and the Antidote Ripe for Gathering He Contends that These Testimonies Already Alleged Cannot be ... Chapter xxxvi 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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