The "Sea of the Plain," also known as the "Sea of Arabah," is a term used in the Bible to refer to the Dead Sea, a significant geographical and historical landmark in the biblical narrative. The Dead Sea is located in the Jordan Rift Valley, bordered by modern-day Jordan to the east and Israel and the West Bank to the west. It is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world and lies at the lowest elevation on Earth's surface.

Biblical References:

The Sea of the Plain is mentioned in several passages throughout the Old Testament. In Deuteronomy 3:17, the Berean Standard Bible states: "the Arabah also, with the Jordan as its border, from Chinnereth to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea), below the slopes of Pisgah on the east." This passage highlights the geographical boundaries of the land given to the tribes of Israel, with the Sea of the Arabah serving as a significant landmark.

In Joshua 12:3, the BSB describes the extent of the land conquered by the Israelites: "from the Arabah to the Sea of Chinnereth on the east, and as far as the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea) on the east, toward Beth-jeshimoth, and southward below the slopes of Pisgah." This verse underscores the strategic importance of the Sea of the Arabah in the territorial conquests of the Israelites.

Geographical and Historical Significance:

The Sea of the Plain, or the Dead Sea, is renowned for its unique properties. Its high salinity prevents most aquatic life from thriving, hence the name "Dead Sea." The mineral-rich waters and surrounding mud have been sought after for their therapeutic and cosmetic benefits since ancient times.

In biblical history, the region around the Dead Sea is associated with several significant events. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, known for their destruction due to wickedness, were located in the plain near the Dead Sea (Genesis 19). The area is also linked to the account of Lot's wife, who turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).

Theological Implications:

The Sea of the Plain serves as a symbol of judgment and desolation in the biblical narrative. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah near its shores is a powerful reminder of God's righteousness and the consequences of sin. Yet, the Dead Sea also represents hope and renewal, as its mineral-rich environment has been a source of healing and restoration.

In Ezekiel 47:8-9, the prophet envisions a future where the waters of the Dead Sea will be healed: "Then he said to me, 'These waters go out toward the eastern region and go down into the Arabah. When they enter the sea, the salty waters there become fresh. And wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be many fish, because this water goes there and makes the salt water fresh; so wherever the river goes, there will be life.'" This prophecy points to a time of restoration and abundance, reflecting God's ultimate plan for redemption.

Cultural and Modern Context:

Today, the Dead Sea remains a site of great interest for both tourists and researchers. Its unique environment continues to draw visitors seeking its therapeutic benefits. The region is also a focal point for archaeological studies, providing insights into ancient civilizations and biblical history.

In summary, the Sea of the Plain Arabah, or the Dead Sea, holds a prominent place in biblical geography and theology. Its presence in the biblical narrative serves as a testament to God's power, judgment, and promise of restoration.Sea of the Plain Arabah

SEA OF THE PLAIN (ARABAH)

ar'-a-ba).

See DEAD SEA.

6160. arabah -- a steppe or desert plain, also a desert valley ...
... prefix) the (generally) sterile valley of the Jordan and its continuation to the
Red Sea -- Arabah, champaign, desert, evening, heaven, plain, wilderness. ...
/hebrew/6160.htm - 6k

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... and those that went down toward the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were wholly
cut ... The wide Plain of Esdraelon and its eastward extension, the Valley of ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

In Judaea
... There was the deep depression of the Arabah, through which ... of course, is the country
along the sea-shore. ... southward from Caesarea we are in the plain of Sharon ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 5 in judaea.htm

Afraid of Giants
... and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by ... being probably the present depression
called the Arabah, and 'Rehob ... of the Jordan, and the strip of maritime plain. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/afraid of giants.htm

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... scene of his ministry is a desert plain, lying along ... the Jordan, between Jericho
and the Dead Sea] , saying, 2 ... called in the old Testament the Arabah, and by ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... in of Hamath unto the brook of the Arabah" (Amos 6:14 ... The subjugation of the plain
would have been of little ... and it was, therefore, to Namri that the sea of war ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

What does Revelation mean when it says, “There was no longer any sea”? | GotQuestions.org

What is the sea of glass mentioned in Revelation 4:6 and 15:2? | GotQuestions.org

What are the Dead Sea Scrolls and why are they important? | GotQuestions.org

Sea: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus