Topical Bible: The Sea: Seas Mentioned in Scripture: Salt of Dead Sea

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The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, is one of the most significant bodies of water mentioned in the Bible. It is located in the Jordan Rift Valley, bordered by modern-day Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west. The Dead Sea is renowned for its high salinity, which makes it one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth. This unique characteristic is reflected in its biblical references and historical significance.

Biblical References

The Dead Sea is first mentioned in Genesis 14:3, where it is referred to as the "Salt Sea." This passage describes the coalition of kings who gathered in the Valley of Siddim, which is identified as the Salt Sea: "All these latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea)" (Genesis 14:3). This early reference highlights the geographical and strategic importance of the region.

In the narrative of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Dead Sea region is again brought into focus. Genesis 19:24-25 describes the divine judgment upon these cities, resulting in their obliteration: "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground" (Genesis 19:24-25). The aftermath of this event is traditionally associated with the area surrounding the Dead Sea, contributing to its desolate and barren reputation.

The Dead Sea is also mentioned in the context of the boundaries of the Promised Land. In Numbers 34:12, the Salt Sea is described as a landmark for the eastern border of the land allotted to the Israelites: "Then the border will go down along the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea. This will be your land, defined by its borders on all sides" (Numbers 34:12). This demarcation underscores the Dead Sea's role as a significant geographical marker in the biblical narrative.

Historical and Theological Significance

The Dead Sea's high salinity and mineral-rich composition have made it a site of interest throughout history. Its salt and minerals have been harvested for various purposes, including medicinal and cosmetic uses. In biblical times, salt was a valuable commodity, often used for preservation and purification, and the Dead Sea's abundant supply would have been a critical resource.

Theologically, the Dead Sea serves as a symbol of judgment and desolation, particularly in the context of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction. Its lifeless waters and barren surroundings stand in stark contrast to the fertile lands promised to the Israelites, highlighting themes of divine justice and the consequences of sin.

In Ezekiel's vision of the future temple, the Dead Sea is transformed into a place of life and abundance. Ezekiel 47:8-9 describes a river flowing from the temple, bringing life to the sea: "He said to me, 'This water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it enters the sea, the water there becomes fresh. Wherever the river flows, there will be swarms of living creatures and a great number of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows, everything will live'" (Ezekiel 47:8-9). This prophetic vision underscores the transformative power of God's presence and the hope of restoration.

Cultural and Geographical Context

The Dead Sea's unique environment has made it a subject of fascination and study. Its high salinity prevents most aquatic life, earning it the name "Dead Sea." The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged terrain and mineral-rich deposits, contributing to its otherworldly appearance.

Throughout history, the Dead Sea region has been a site of settlement and refuge. The nearby caves of Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, provide insight into the religious and cultural practices of ancient Jewish communities. These scrolls, which include some of the oldest known manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible, underscore the region's historical and religious significance.

In summary, the Dead Sea, or Salt Sea, holds a prominent place in biblical history and theology. Its references in Scripture highlight themes of judgment, boundary, and transformation, while its unique geographical features continue to captivate the imagination of scholars and believers alike.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 14:3
All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 34:12
And the border shall go down to Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the salt sea: this shall be your land with the coasts thereof round about.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
... this other book" book of life" mentioned negatively, to ... And the sea gave up the dead
that were in it ... world were not perfectly healed, the seas are witnesses ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the seventh and last vision.htm

What are the Clouds?
... And manages the seas. ... Put me to sea, and let the ship be driven along, that wind
is ... the hail of the Eternal shall overwhelm thee!" We only mentioned that fire ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/what are the clouds.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... passeth through the paths of the seas.' Granted, he ... 7. I have quoted these few passages
of Scripture to show ... Theban, after throwing into the sea a considerable ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... the inhabiters of the earth, and of the sea! ... themselves) you read sufficiently in
the scripture; and perhaps ... employ: but since they are but mentioned, and are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... flames, eaten of beasts, drowned in the seas, for the ... are all these things which
you have mentioned; nay, methinks ... the top of a mast, for the Dead Sea is under ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... either or all of the above-mentioned denominations, they ... his conversion to God, had
followed the seas " a member ... Having been accustomed to the sea-faring life ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... For, both by Scripture and experience also, we find that the wicked has his desires ...
to righteousness; and then what follows that, but that Christ is dead in vain ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... for, finding in the Scripture that they were once the ... strongly felt even while he
was apparently dead in trespasses ... His mind was as 'the troubled sea, when it ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... My Pilgrim's book has travell'd sea and land, Yet could I never come to understand ...
They then gave ear, and heard, as they thought, Christiana mentioned by name ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

part i
... wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with ... Not only this, Thou changest a dead
substance into a ... water, but from wine, called in Holy Scripture the blood of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm