Topical Bible: The Sea: God: Founded the Earth Upon

◄ The Sea: God: Founded the Earth Upon ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the sea in the Bible is rich with theological significance, often symbolizing chaos, mystery, and the power of God. In the biblical narrative, the sea is not merely a physical body of water but a testament to God's creative authority and sovereign control over the universe. The sea is frequently mentioned in the context of God's creation, where it serves as a boundary and a foundation for the earth.

Creation and Sovereignty

The Bible begins with the account of creation, where the sea plays a crucial role. In Genesis 1:9-10 , God commands the waters to gather into one place, allowing dry ground to appear: "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 highlights God's authority over the sea, as He sets its boundaries and establishes the earth upon it.

The Psalms further emphasize God's dominion over the sea. Psalm 24:1-2 declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters." Here, the psalmist acknowledges that the earth's foundation upon the seas is a testament to God's creative power and ownership of all creation.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

The sea often symbolizes chaos and the unknown, yet it is under God's control. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the sea was seen as a place of danger and unpredictability. However, the biblical narrative consistently portrays God as the one who tames the sea and uses it for His purposes. In Job 38:8-11 , God questions Job, saying, "Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’?" This passage underscores God's control over the sea, reinforcing His sovereignty over creation.

The Sea in Eschatological Context

In eschatological passages, the sea often represents the forces of chaos that will ultimately be subdued by God. Revelation 21:1 states, "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." The absence of the sea in the new creation signifies the removal of chaos and the establishment of perfect order under God's reign.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the sea serves as a powerful symbol of God's creative authority and sovereign control. It is both a literal and metaphorical foundation upon which God establishes the earth, demonstrating His power to bring order out of chaos and His ultimate authority over all creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 24:2
For he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the floods.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

We Shall See God when we Put on Immortality.
... This is my God, the Lord of all, who alone stretched ... who stirs the deep recesses
of the sea, and makes ... stills the tumult of its waves; who founded the earth ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter vii we shall see god.htm

And Hereby, in Thy Word, not the Deepness of the Sea...
... Neither then does that earth which Thou hast founded upon the waters ... and the fowl,
though bred in the sea, is yet ... But Thy word, O God, is the fountain of life ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter xxi and hereby in.htm

Precepts from the Prophetic Books.
... stars; yea, not heaven, nor earth, nor the sea, nor fountains ... also says: "Thus saith
the Lord God who established the heavens, and founded the earth ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter xxxv precepts from the prophetic.htm

Since it Has Been Proved that the Son is True God...
... the Son Himself, Who is the Wisdom of God, says: "When ... of Proverbs: "The Lord in
wisdom hath founded the earth ... it were on a pavement over the sea." [2550] For ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ii since it has.htm

The Service Common to Two or Many Hierarchs.
... led His people through the Red sea, for He ... supplicate, O ye sacred preachers and
God-bearing, that ... the heavens in wisdom and the earth founded upon the waters ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xi the service common.htm

Psalm CIV.
... The sea is quieted, the waters have been made afraid ... Because God willed, they commanded,
and it was done ... go down, into the place which Thou hast founded for them ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm civ.htm

Concerning the Living Soul, Birds, and Fishes (Ver. 24) --The ...
... Nor then doth the earth, which Thou hast founded above the ... land; and the fowl, though
bred in the sea, is yet ... But Thy Word, O God, is the fountain of eternal ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxi concerning the living soul.htm

Psalm XCIII.
... are stedfast in faith, the earth is founded: then man ... thereof shall make glad the
city of God." [4353] Rivers ... hast made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xciii.htm

In the Beginning God Made the Heaven and the Earth.
... the language of the same prophet, when praising God "that stretcheth ... Because what
means this other passage, "He hath founded it upon the sea," [1406] if ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily i in the beginning.htm

Commendation of those who had Laid Aside the Practice of Swearing. ...
... and pitiable, that beholding the heavens; and beholding sea, and land ... the very manner
of it, display a God who is ... And again: "To him who hath founded the earth ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ix commendation of those.htm