Topical Encyclopedia The Mediterranean Sea, often referred to in biblical texts, is a significant body of water that borders the western coast of the ancient Near East. In the context of the Bible, it is sometimes called the "Great Sea" (Numbers 34:6) and serves as a geographical landmark for the territories of Israel and its neighboring nations. The city of Joppa, known today as Jaffa, is one of the prominent ports along the Mediterranean coast and holds considerable historical and theological significance in the biblical narrative.Biblical References and Significance Joppa is first mentioned in the context of the allocation of land to the tribes of Israel. In Joshua 19:46, it is included in the territory of the tribe of Dan: "Me-jarkon and Rakkon, with the territory across from Joppa." This indicates its importance as a coastal city within the Promised Land. The city of Joppa is perhaps most famously associated with the prophet Jonah. In Jonah 1:3, we read, "But Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went aboard to sail for Tarshish, away from the presence of the LORD." Joppa serves as the departure point for Jonah's attempted flight from God's command, highlighting its role as a gateway to the wider Mediterranean world. In the New Testament, Joppa is the setting for significant events in the early Christian church. Acts 9:36-43 recounts the account of Tabitha (Dorcas), a disciple known for her good works and acts of charity, who lived in Joppa. After her death, Peter is called to the city, where he performs a miracle by raising her from the dead. This event leads to many in Joppa believing in the Lord, demonstrating the city's role in the spread of the Gospel. Furthermore, Joppa is the location of Peter's vision in Acts 10, which leads to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community. While staying at the house of Simon the tanner by the sea, Peter receives a vision that challenges Jewish dietary laws and signifies the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles. This pivotal moment in Joppa marks a significant expansion of the early church's mission. Historical and Cultural Context Joppa's strategic location on the Mediterranean coast made it a vital port for trade and travel in the ancient world. Its accessibility to the sea facilitated interactions with various cultures and peoples, contributing to its diverse and cosmopolitan character. The city's port was crucial for the importation of materials, such as the cedars of Lebanon used in the construction of Solomon's Temple (2 Chronicles 2:16). Throughout history, Joppa has been a contested site due to its economic and strategic importance. It has been under the control of various empires, including the Egyptians, Philistines, Israelites, and later the Romans. This history of conquest and trade underscores the city's enduring significance in the region. Theological Implications The Mediterranean Sea, as seen through the lens of Joppa, serves as a symbol of both separation and connection. It represents the boundary of the Promised Land, yet also the means by which God's message and mission extend beyond Israel to the Gentile world. The events in Joppa, particularly in the New Testament, illustrate the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, emphasizing themes of obedience, mission, and the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers. In summary, the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in relation to the city of Joppa, plays a crucial role in the biblical narrative. It serves as a backdrop for significant events that highlight God's sovereignty, the spread of the Gospel, and the inclusivity of God's covenant with humanity. Nave's Topical Index Ezra 3:7They gave money also to the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, to them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia. Nave's Topical Index Library A Description of the Sea-Coast, Out of Pliny and Strabo. About the Time of Christ, in Accordance with Prophecy, the Rulers ... The Story of the Angel by the Altar The Work Awaiting the Worker Use what You Have. Results of Transgression Guilty Silence and Its Reward Lydda What God Hath Cleansed Death. Resources Who was Huram / Hiram in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWas Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Philistines? | GotQuestions.org Mediterranean: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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