Topical Encyclopedia The concept of water, particularly the sea, holds significant theological and symbolic importance throughout the Bible. From the creation narrative to the eschatological visions, the sea is depicted as both a literal and metaphorical element, reflecting God's power, judgment, and provision.Creation and Sovereignty In the Genesis account, water is one of the primordial elements over which God exercises His creative authority. Genesis 1:9-10 states, "And God said, 'Let the waters under the heavens be gathered into one place, and let the dry land appear.' And it was so. God called the dry land 'earth,' and the gathering of waters He called 'seas.' And God saw that it was good." Here, the sea is part of the ordered creation, demonstrating God's sovereignty over chaos and His ability to bring order and life. Judgment and Deliverance The sea also serves as a medium of divine judgment and deliverance. In the narrative of the Flood (Genesis 6-9), the waters of the sea and the heavens are instruments of God's judgment upon a corrupt world, yet they also become a means of salvation for Noah and his family. Similarly, in the Exodus account, the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) is a pivotal moment of deliverance for the Israelites, showcasing God's power to save His people and defeat their enemies. Symbolism and Prophecy Throughout the Psalms and prophetic literature, the sea often symbolizes chaos and the nations. Psalm 93:3-4 declares, "The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Above the roar of many waters—the mighty breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is majestic." This imagery underscores God's majesty and control over the tumultuous forces of nature and history. In prophetic visions, the sea is sometimes depicted as a place from which beasts emerge, representing empires and powers opposed to God (Daniel 7:2-3; Revelation 13:1). Yet, in the eschatological vision of the new creation, the sea is notably absent, as described in Revelation 21:1 : "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." This absence signifies the removal of chaos and the establishment of eternal peace. Provision and Sustenance The sea is also a source of provision and sustenance. In the Gospels, Jesus calls fishermen from the Sea of Galilee to become His disciples (Matthew 4:18-22), and He performs miracles involving the sea, such as calming the storm (Mark 4:39) and walking on water (Matthew 14:25-33). These acts reveal His authority over creation and His ability to provide for and protect His followers. Conclusion In summary, the sea in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol of God's creative power, judgment, deliverance, and provision. It serves as a reminder of His sovereignty over all creation and His ultimate plan to bring order and peace to the world. Through the lens of Scripture, the sea is both a literal body of water and a profound theological symbol, reflecting the depth and breadth of God's interaction with His creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 11:9They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Torrey's Topical Textbook Habakkuk 2:14 Library The Second Theological Oration. The Seventh Book Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest the Legendary History of Egypt A Traveler's Note-Book Resources Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the meaning of Jesus walking on water? | GotQuestions.org Do the news reports of rivers turning blood red have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.org Water: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Water in Times of Scarcity, Sold at an Enormous Price Water of Bitterness or of Jealousy Water of Separation or of Uncleanness Water of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Water was Used by Jews for Culinary Purposes Water was Used by Jews for Legal Purification Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage Water: (Covering the Sea) of the General Diffusion of The Water: (Deep) of Counsel in the Heart Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise Water: (Difficulty of Stopping) of Strife and Contention Water: (Its Instability) of a Wavering Disposition Water: (Its Weakness) of Faintness and Cowardice Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions Water: (Many) of Different Nations and People Water: (Noise of Many) of the Word of Christ Water: (Poured Out) Faintness by Terror Water: (Poured Out) the Wrath of God Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked Water: (Spilled on the Ground) Death Water: (Still) the Ordinances of the Gospel Water: Artificial Mode of Conveying, Into Large Cities Water: Collected in The Clouds Water: Covered the Whole Earth Water: Drops from the Clouds in Rain Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use Water: God Originally: Collected Into One Place Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From Water: God Originally: Created the Firmament to Divide Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Rock Water: Miracles Connected With: Consumed by Fire from Heaven Water: Miracles Connected With: Divided and Made to Stand on Heap Water: Miracles Connected With: Healing Powers Communicated To Water: Miracles Connected With: Iron Made to Swim In Water: Miracles Connected With: Our Lord Walking On Water: Miracles Connected With: Trenches Filled With Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Blood Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Wine Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Jehoshaphat's Army Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Samson Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man Water: Necessary to Vegetation Water: One of the Elements of the World Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds Water: some Plants Particularly Require Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity Water: The World and Its Inhabitants Once Destroyed By Water: The World not to be Again Destroyed By Water: Wearing the Hardest Substances Related Terms Water-springs (12 Occurrences) |