The term "Eastern Sea" is a biblical reference that appears in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. It is commonly understood to refer to the Dead Sea, which lies to the east of Jerusalem and the land of Israel. The Dead Sea is a significant geographical feature in the biblical narrative, known for its high salinity and its location at the lowest point on the earth's surface.

Biblical References:

1. Joel 2:20 : "The northern army I will drive far from you, banishing it to a barren and desolate land, its front ranks into the Eastern Sea and its rear guard into the Western Sea. And its stench will rise; its foul odor will ascend. Surely He has done great things." In this passage, the "Eastern Sea" is contrasted with the "Western Sea," which is understood to be the Mediterranean Sea. The prophecy speaks of divine intervention where God promises to remove the threat of an invading army, casting part of it into the Eastern Sea.

2. Ezekiel 47:18 : "On the east side, the boundary will run between Hauran and Damascus, along the Jordan between Gilead and the land of Israel, to the Eastern Sea and as far as Tamar. This will be the eastern boundary." Here, the Eastern Sea is mentioned as a boundary marker in the vision of the division of the land. The context suggests a future restoration and reallocation of the land among the tribes of Israel.

Geographical and Theological Significance:

The Dead Sea, identified as the Eastern Sea, holds both geographical and theological significance in the biblical narrative. Geographically, it is a unique body of water, known for its extreme salinity and mineral-rich composition. It is situated in the Jordan Rift Valley and is fed by the Jordan River. Theologically, the Dead Sea serves as a symbol of judgment and desolation, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were located in its vicinity (Genesis 19).

In prophetic literature, the Eastern Sea often symbolizes the boundary of God's promised land and serves as a metaphor for divine judgment and cleansing. The imagery of waters flowing into the Dead Sea and transforming it into fresh water, as seen in Ezekiel 47, symbolizes the life-giving power of God's presence and the ultimate restoration of creation.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, the Dead Sea region was known for its harsh environment and was sparsely populated. Despite its desolation, the area was rich in resources such as bitumen and salt, which were valuable commodities in the ancient world. The Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of Jewish texts discovered in the mid-20th century, were found in the Qumran caves near the Dead Sea, highlighting the region's historical and religious significance.

The Eastern Sea, as a biblical term, encapsulates the interplay between geography and theology, serving as a reminder of God's sovereignty over creation and His power to bring about renewal and restoration.