Topical Encyclopedia The Sea of Jazer is a body of water mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the territories east of the Jordan River. It is associated with the region of Gilead and the territory of the tribe of Gad. The Sea of Jazer is referenced in the prophetic literature of the Bible, particularly in the book of Jeremiah.Biblical References: 1. Jeremiah 48:32 : "I will weep for you, O vine of Sibmah, more than I weep for Jazer. Your branches have spread as far as the sea; they have reached to the Sea of Jazer." This verse is part of a lament over Moab, where the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the destruction that will come upon Moab's vineyards, which were renowned for their productivity. The mention of the Sea of Jazer here indicates its proximity to the fertile lands of Sibmah, known for their vineyards. 2. Isaiah 16:8-9 : Although the Sea of Jazer is not directly mentioned, the region of Jazer is referenced in a similar context of lamentation over Moab's vineyards: "For the fields of Heshbon have withered, along with the vines of Sibmah. The rulers of the nations have trampled the choicest vines, which once reached Jazer and spread toward the desert. Their shoots spread out and reached the sea." This passage highlights the agricultural richness of the area and the extent of its vineyards. Geographical Context: The Sea of Jazer is believed to have been a lake or a significant body of water located near the city of Jazer, which was situated in the territory allotted to the tribe of Gad. Jazer itself was a city of refuge and a Levitical city, indicating its importance in the tribal and religious structure of ancient Israel. The exact location of the Sea of Jazer is not definitively known today, but it is thought to have been in the region of modern-day Jordan, near the Ammonite border. Historical and Theological Significance: The Sea of Jazer, while not frequently mentioned in the biblical text, holds significance in understanding the geography and agricultural wealth of the Transjordanian territories. The references to Jazer and its sea in the context of Moab's destruction serve as a poignant reminder of the consequences of divine judgment. The lamentations over the loss of fertile lands and productive vineyards underscore the themes of prosperity, judgment, and the transient nature of earthly wealth. In the broader biblical narrative, the Sea of Jazer and its surrounding region illustrate the fulfillment of God's promises to the tribes of Israel regarding their inheritance. The land east of the Jordan, including Gilead and Jazer, was part of the territory conquered under Moses and later settled by the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. The prosperity of this land, as depicted in the biblical text, reflects the blessings bestowed upon the Israelites in accordance with their covenant relationship with God. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 48:32O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for you with the weeping of Jazer: your plants are gone over the sea, they reach even to the sea of Jazer: the spoiler is fallen on your summer fruits and on your vintage. Nave's Topical Index International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Sea of JazerSEA OF JAZER (yam ya`zer): This is a scribal error (Jeremiah 48:32), yam ("sea") being accidentally imported from the preceding clause. Library And ii. Hymns of Christian Devotion and Experience. Resources Why did Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh want to live on the east of the Jordan? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |