Topical Bible: Sea of Glass

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Topical Encyclopedia

The "Sea of Glass" is a symbolic and enigmatic image found in the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament. This imagery is primarily associated with the heavenly vision experienced by the Apostle John during his exile on the island of Patmos. The Sea of Glass is mentioned twice in Revelation, and its depiction serves to convey the majesty, purity, and transcendence of the divine realm.

Biblical References:

1. Revelation 4:6 : "Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, as clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, covered with eyes in front and back."

2. Revelation 15:2 : "And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, beside which stood those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name. They were holding harps from God."

Symbolism and Interpretation:

The Sea of Glass is often interpreted as a representation of the holiness and perfection of God's presence. Its description as "clear as crystal" suggests purity and transparency, qualities that are frequently associated with the divine nature. The sea's placement before the throne of God emphasizes its role as a boundary or a reflective surface that separates the divine from the created order, while also allowing for the reflection of God's glory.

In Revelation 4:6, the Sea of Glass is situated before the throne, surrounded by the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders. This setting underscores the centrality of God's throne in the heavenly vision and the worship that takes place around it. The sea's crystalline appearance may also symbolize the peace and stillness that characterize the divine presence, contrasting with the chaos often associated with earthly seas.

In Revelation 15:2, the Sea of Glass is described as being "mixed with fire." This imagery is introduced in the context of the victorious saints who have triumphed over the beast. The fire may symbolize judgment or purification, reflecting the trials and tribulations that the saints have endured. The victorious saints standing beside the sea, holding harps, signifies their triumph and the praise they offer to God for their deliverance.

Theological Significance:

The Sea of Glass serves as a powerful symbol of the transcendence and immanence of God. It illustrates the separation between the divine and the earthly, while also highlighting the accessibility of God's presence to those who are redeemed. The imagery of the sea, both calm and fiery, captures the dual aspects of God's nature—His peace and His righteous judgment.

For believers, the Sea of Glass offers a vision of hope and assurance. It represents the ultimate victory of God's people over evil and the promise of eternal worship in His presence. The image invites reflection on the purity and holiness required to stand before God, as well as the grace that enables believers to overcome the trials of this world.

In summary, the Sea of Glass in the Book of Revelation is a multifaceted symbol that enriches the apocalyptic vision with themes of purity, judgment, victory, and worship. It stands as a testament to the glory and majesty of God, inviting believers to contemplate the divine mysteries and the promise of eternal communion with the Creator.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Sea of Glass

SEA OF GLASS

See GLASS, SEA OF.

Greek

5193. hualinos -- of glass, glassy
... made of glass ("glassy"); "transparent as glass" (Souter). In Scripture, is a greatly
valued virtue, representing (!). For example, "the sea" surrounding the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5193.htm - 7k

Library

The victors on the Sea of Glass.
... EXPOSITION OF THE APOCALYPSE. The Victors on the Sea of Glass. ... The "sea
of glass," must represent an elevation above the earth. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the victors on the sea.htm

The Sea of Glass
... SERMON XXXIV. THE SEA OF GLASS. (Trinity Sunday.) Revelation 4:9, 10, 11. ... And
before the throne is a sea of glass; the same sea which St. ...
/.../kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxiv the sea of.htm

Vision of the Deity.
... The "sea of glass," corresponds to the brazen sea, or laver, under the law, which
stood at the door of the tabernacle, Ex.38:8. It was an emblem of purity. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/vision of the deity.htm

That the Foundation and Strength of Hope and Faith is Fear.
... of waters." [4330] Also in the same place: "And I saw as it were a sea of glass
mingled with fire; and the beasts were feeding with His lambs; [4331] and the ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the foundation and.htm

From the Fourth Chapter.
... 6. "And before the throne there was, as it were, a sea of glass like to crystal."]
That is the gift of baptism which He sheds forth through His Son in time of ...
/.../commentary on the apocolypse of the blessed john/from the fourth chapter.htm

A Path in the Sea
... the seer beholds a company of choristers, like those who on that morning stood on
the Red Sea shore, standing on the bank of the 'sea of glass mingled with fire ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/a path in the sea.htm

"Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?"
... A man's heart is as changeable and as deceitful as the sea. To-day it is calm as
a sea of glass, unruffled by a breath of air. ... Where is the sea of glass now? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/am i a sea or.htm

Of the New Heaven and the New Earth.
... a new earth, but I do not remember to have anywhere read anything of a new sea,
unless what I find in this same book, "As it were a sea of glass like crystal ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 16 of the new heaven.htm

Sky, Earth, and Sea: a Parable of God
... The higher you climb the further you will see down into the 'sea of glass
mingled with fire' that lies placid before God's throne. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/sky earth and sea a.htm

Israel in Egypt
... holy spirits who had been preserved from sin and from the contamination of the beast;
and it is said that they sung this song upon "a sea of glass mingled with ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/israel in egypt.htm