Topical Encyclopedia The Mediterranean Sea, often referred to as "The Utmost Sea" in biblical texts, holds significant geographical and historical importance in the context of the Bible. This vast body of water forms the western boundary of the ancient Near East and is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as a landmark and a crucial element in the narratives of the Israelites and surrounding nations.Biblical References and Terminology In the Bible, the Mediterranean Sea is sometimes called "the Great Sea" or "the Western Sea." One of the earliest references is found in Numbers 34:6, where it is described as the western border of the Promised Land: "Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea; this will be your boundary on the west" . Similarly, in Joshua 1:4, the extent of the land promised to the Israelites is delineated with the Mediterranean Sea as the western limit: "Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great river, the Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites—and westward to the Great Sea" . The term "Utmost Sea" is used in Deuteronomy 11:24, where God promises the Israelites that their territory will extend "from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the Utmost Sea" . This designation emphasizes the sea's position as the farthest western boundary of the land given to Israel. Geographical and Historical Context The Mediterranean Sea served as a major route for trade and cultural exchange among ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans. Its strategic location made it a focal point for commerce and military endeavors. The Israelites, though primarily a land-based people, were influenced by the maritime activities of neighboring nations. Several key biblical events and narratives are associated with the Mediterranean region. The city of Joppa (modern-day Jaffa), located on the coast of the Mediterranean, is mentioned in the account of Jonah, who attempted to flee from God's command by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish (Jonah 1:3). Additionally, the apostle Paul embarked on several missionary journeys across the Mediterranean, spreading the Gospel to various Gentile communities (Acts 13-28). Symbolic and Theological Significance In biblical symbolism, the sea often represents chaos and the unknown, contrasting with the order and stability of the land. Despite this, the Mediterranean Sea also signifies God's sovereignty over creation. In Psalm 89:9, the psalmist declares, "You rule the raging sea; when its waves mount up, You still them" , illustrating God's control over the natural world. The Mediterranean's role as a boundary and a conduit for interaction with other cultures underscores the biblical theme of God's people being set apart yet called to be a light to the nations. The sea's presence in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the vastness of God's creation and the reach of His promises to His people. 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 Library The Disposition of the Tribes in Galilee. The Talmudic Girdle of the Land under the Second Temple, Taken Out ... Egypt and Greece. Herodotus and Xenophon. The Reconnoitering of Greece. The Work Awaiting the Worker The Old Testament and Archeology A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm Philip and the Desposyni The End 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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