The term "sea" in the Bible often refers to large bodies of water, both literal and metaphorical, and plays a significant role in biblical narratives, theology, and symbolism. The seas are depicted as part of God's creation, a source of sustenance, a barrier, and a symbol of chaos and judgment.

Creation and Sovereignty

In the creation account, God establishes His sovereignty over the seas. Genesis 1:9-10 states, "And God said, 'Let the waters under the heavens be gathered into one place, so that the dry land may 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." This passage underscores God's authority in ordering the natural world, including the seas.

The Red Sea and Deliverance

One of the most significant events involving a sea is the parting of the Red Sea, which is central to the Exodus narrative. In Exodus 14:21-22 , "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left." This miraculous event demonstrates God's power to deliver His people and His control over the natural elements.

The Sea as a Barrier and Judgment

Seas often represent barriers or instruments of judgment. In the account of Jonah, the sea becomes a place of divine intervention. Jonah 1:15 recounts, "At this, they picked up Jonah and cast him into the sea, and the raging sea grew calm." Here, the sea serves as a means of divine correction and a path to repentance.

Symbolism and Prophecy

In biblical prophecy, the sea can symbolize chaos and the nations. Revelation 13:1 describes a beast rising out of the sea, representing tumultuous and rebellious powers. Conversely, Revelation 21:1 speaks of a new creation: "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 imagery suggests the removal of chaos and the establishment of eternal peace.

Jesus and the Sea

In the New Testament, Jesus demonstrates His authority over the sea, reinforcing His divine nature. In Mark 4:39 , "Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. 'Silence!' He commanded. 'Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm." This miracle reveals Jesus' mastery over creation and His ability to bring peace amidst turmoil.

The Sea in Worship and Praise

The Psalms frequently mention the sea in the context of worship and praise. Psalm 95:5 declares, "The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land." The sea is a testament to God's creative power and a reason for His people to offer Him praise.

In summary, the seas in the Bible are multifaceted, representing God's creative power, His ability to deliver and judge, and His ultimate authority over chaos. They serve as a backdrop for divine intervention and a symbol of God's majesty and sovereignty.

A Strain of Sodom.
... By vengeful flood (with waters all conjoined. Which heaven discharged on earth and
the sea's plain [1214]. ... And earth entombed alike), not e'en the sea. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/2 a strain of sodom.htm

Testimonies to a Future Judgment.
... And then, when all creation is dissolved,. The sea's last wave shall die upon
the shore,. The bald earth stript of trees, the burning air. ...
/.../justin on the sole government of god /chapter iii testimonies to a future.htm

Book iv. --Of Marcion's Antitheses.
... Ever, created by no Maker: heaven's,. Earth's, sea's, and the abyss's [1549]
Settler [1550] is. ... The Lord's throne, and upon the glassy sea. ...
/.../book iv of marcions antitheses.htm

Hymn for the Lighting of the Lamps
... And now, forgetful of the bondage past, Thy children, tortured by the desert heat,
Drag to the Red Sea's brink their weary feet, And on its sandy margin rest ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/v hymn for the lighting.htm

The Monk of Thagaste
... The weather became stormy, the sea dangerous. ... At Carthage, Augustin had grown
used to the magnificence of this pageantry of the sea. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iii the monk of thagaste.htm

Transfiguration.
... The choirs of ransomed Israel,. The Red Sea's passage o'er,. Uprais'd the hymn of
triumph. ... And shouted, as the foeman. Was whelmed beneath the sea,". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neale/hymns of the eastern church/transfiguration.htm

Psalm 68
... 22God said, My people I will bring. again from Bashan hill; Yea, from the sea's
devouring depths. them bring again I will; ^23That in the blood of enemies. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 68.htm

If You Will Open Your Minds' Eyes, and See the Real Truth Without ...
... pigeons? Do we say that the radiant Cytherean Venus grew up, having taken
form from the sea's foam and the severed genitals of Coelus? ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/24 if you will open.htm

A Strain of the Judgment of the Lord.
... I will attune in song the eternal flames; Whence the sea fluctuates with wave
immense: ... Of beasts, and the sea's race, and monsterforms. ...
/.../unknown/fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/4 a strain of the.htm

A Strain of Jonah the Prophet.
... 5 Born but to feed the eye; after the death. Of sea and brine, both in
like fate involved; ... Down rushes into darkness, and the sea. ...
/.../fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/1 a strain of jonah.htm

Sea's (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sea's (2 Occurrences). Exodus 14:30 So that day the
Lord gave Israel salvation from the hands of the Egyptians ...
/s/sea's.htm - 6k

Seashore (20 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The coast of the sea; the land that
lies adjacent to the sea or ocean. 2. (n.) All the ground ...
/s/seashore.htm - 12k

Seas (40 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). Psalms 8:8 The birds of the sky, the fish of
the sea, and whatever passes through the paths of the seas. ...
/s/seas.htm - 18k

Inlets (4 Occurrences)
... Judges 5:17 Gilead was living over Jordan; and Dan was waiting in his ships; Asher
kept in his place by the sea's edge, living by his inlets. (BBE). ...
/i/inlets.htm - 7k

Edge (150 Occurrences)
... A great multitude was gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat in the sea,
and sat down. All the multitude were on the land by the sea. (See NIV). ...
/e/edge.htm - 39k

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