Topical Encyclopedia The term "Utmost Sea" is a biblical expression that refers to the westernmost body of water known to the ancient Israelites, commonly identified as the Mediterranean Sea. This designation is found in the context of the territorial boundaries of the Promised Land as described in the Old Testament.Biblical References: The phrase "Utmost Sea" appears in several passages, notably in the book of Deuteronomy. In Deuteronomy 11:24 , the Lord promises the Israelites, "Every place where the sole of your foot treads will be yours. Your territory will extend from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates River to the Utmost Sea." This passage highlights the extent of the land promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, with the "Utmost Sea" marking the western boundary. Similarly, in Deuteronomy 34:2 , as Moses views the Promised Land from Mount Nebo, the text states, "all Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Utmost Sea." This reinforces the understanding of the Mediterranean Sea as the western limit of the land God pledged to His people. Geographical Significance: The Mediterranean Sea, known as the "Great Sea" in other biblical contexts, was a crucial geographical feature for the Israelites. It provided a natural boundary and played a significant role in trade and cultural exchange. The sea's vastness and the opportunities it presented for maritime activities were well recognized by the ancient civilizations surrounding it. Theological Implications: The mention of the "Utmost Sea" in the context of the Promised Land underscores the completeness and abundance of God's promise to Israel. It signifies not only a physical territory but also the fulfillment of divine covenants. The boundaries described, including the "Utmost Sea," symbolize God's provision and faithfulness to His chosen people. Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, the Mediterranean Sea was a major route for commerce and communication. The Israelites, though primarily an agrarian society, were aware of the sea's importance. The coastal regions, including those inhabited by the Philistines and Phoenicians, were influential in the broader cultural and economic landscape of the time. Cultural Impact: The "Utmost Sea" also held cultural significance for the Israelites. It represented the edge of the known world, a frontier that marked the transition from the familiar to the unknown. This boundary was not just a physical demarcation but also a metaphor for the limits of human understanding and the vastness of God's creation. In summary, the "Utmost Sea" in biblical literature serves as a geographical, theological, and cultural marker, encapsulating the breadth of God's promise to Israel and the significance of the Mediterranean Sea in the ancient world. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Utmost SeaUTMOST SEA; UTTERMOST SEA ut'-most, ut'-er-most. Library The Disposition of the Tribes in Galilee. Of Israel's Bondage in Egypt, their Deliverance, and their Passage ... God is Working his Purpose Out Of the Situation of Tiberias. Psalm CXXXIX. Appearance at Sea of Galilee. 1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ... "Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?" To the Rev. A. Brandram a survey of the third and closing discourse of the prophet Resources What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.orgAre the teachings of Witness Lee and the Local Church biblical? | GotQuestions.org How do we know that the Bible is the Word of God, and not the Apocrypha, the Qur'an, the Book of Mormon, etc.? | GotQuestions.org Utmost: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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