Topical Encyclopedia The term "Uttermost Sea" is a biblical expression that refers to the westernmost boundary of the land promised to the Israelites, often identified with the Mediterranean Sea. This term is used to describe the extent of the Promised Land as given by God to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The phrase is found in several passages of the Old Testament, emphasizing the geographical scope of the land that God intended for His chosen people.Biblical References: 1. Deuteronomy 11:24 : "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 Western Sea." Here, the "Western Sea" is synonymous with the "Uttermost Sea," indicating the Mediterranean Sea as the western boundary of the land. 2. Deuteronomy 34:1-2 : "Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho. And the LORD showed him all the land—from Gilead as far as Dan, all of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Western Sea." This passage describes the panoramic view given to Moses of the Promised Land, with the "Western Sea" marking its western limit. 3. Joshua 1:4 : "Your territory shall extend from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great river, the Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites—and west as far as the Great Sea." The "Great Sea" is another term for the Mediterranean, reinforcing its role as the westernmost boundary. Theological Significance: The "Uttermost Sea" serves as a symbol of the vastness and completeness of God's promise to Israel. It represents the fulfillment of God's covenant with the patriarchs, highlighting His faithfulness and the abundance of His provision. The boundaries described, including the "Uttermost Sea," underscore the divine intention for Israel to inhabit a land of significant geographical and strategic importance. Historical and Geographical Context: In the ancient Near Eastern context, the Mediterranean Sea was a crucial body of water for trade, travel, and cultural exchange. Its designation as the "Uttermost Sea" in the biblical narrative reflects its prominence and the natural boundary it provided to the west of the land of Canaan. The sea's role in the life of Israel is evident throughout the biblical text, from the maritime activities of the tribes of Dan and Asher to the later exploits of King Solomon's fleet. Cultural and Symbolic Aspects: The "Uttermost Sea" also carries symbolic weight in the biblical narrative. It represents the edge of the known world for the Israelites, a boundary between the familiar and the unknown. This symbolism is echoed in the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all creation, extending even to the farthest reaches of the earth. In summary, the "Uttermost Sea" is a term rich with geographical, historical, and theological significance, marking the western boundary of the land promised to Israel and symbolizing the vastness of God's covenantal promises. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Uttermost SeaUTMOST SEA; UTTERMOST SEA ut'-most, ut'-er-most. Library "In the Uttermost Parts of the Sea" Salvation to the Uttermost On the Omnipresence of God Chapter xi. The General Spread of the Gospel Life. Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! A Whitsun Sermon Appendix. I must Express My Satisfaction, and Congratulations... Resources Witnessing to Mormons - what is the key? | GotQuestions.orgIs a multi-site church biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is it really possible for Christians to do greater works than Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Uttermost: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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