Sea
Summary
A term applied in Scripture to the ocean, the Mediterranean, inland lakes like Galilee and the Dead Sea, great rivers like the Nile and Euphrates, and the bronze laver in Solomon's Temple.
☩The Ocean and Mediterranean
The Hebrew word yam encompasses the great gathering of waters surrounding the earth and specific bodies of water. The Mediterranean Sea was called "the great sea," "the hinder sea" (westward from Israel's perspective), and "the sea of the Philistines." As a non-seafaring people, the Hebrews generally viewed the sea with apprehension, regarding it as mysterious and dangerous. The sea is represented as deep, wide, and mighty, subject only to God who sets its boundaries.
☩Inland Lakes
The term "sea" also applied to Palestine's major lakes. The Sea of Galilee bore multiple names: Sea of Chinnereth, Lake of Gennesaret, and Sea of Tiberias. This freshwater lake figured prominently in Jesus' ministry as the setting for miracles, teaching, and the calling of His disciples. The Dead Sea was called the Salt Sea, the Sea of the Plain, and the Eastern Sea, known for its extreme salinity and lack of life. The smaller Lake Merom in the north was called the waters of Merom.
☩Figurative and Prophetic Uses
In prophetic literature, "sea" symbolizes the turbulent mass of humanity and restless nations. Daniel saw four beasts rising from the sea, representing world empires. In Revelation, the sea appears in various judgments, and notably, in the new creation "the sea is no more"—signifying the end of turbulence, separation, and chaos. The absence of sea in the eternal state reflects Hebrew apprehension of it as hostile and separating, as well as the complete peace of the redeemed order.
Related Verses380 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sea," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Sea," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Sea," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Sea," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 5.James Hastings (ed.), "Sea of Galilee," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).