Topical Encyclopedia
The Dead Sea, also known as the Salt Sea, is a significant geographical and historical landmark in the biblical narrative. 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 being one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth, with a salinity of around 30%, which is nearly ten times saltier than most oceans. This high salinity prevents aquatic life, hence the name "Dead Sea."
Biblical References and SignificanceThe Dead Sea is mentioned in several biblical passages, often in connection with the surrounding region. In
Genesis 14:3, it is referred to as the "Valley of Siddim," which is described as being full of tar pits. This area is associated with the battle of the kings, where the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah, among others, fought against Chedorlaomer and his allies. The Berean Standard Bible states: "All these latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea)" (
Genesis 14:3).
The Dead Sea region is also linked to the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities that were destroyed by divine judgment due to their wickedness.
Genesis 19 recounts how God rained down sulfur and fire upon these cities, leading to their complete destruction. The area around the Dead Sea, particularly its southern basin, is traditionally associated with the location of these ancient cities.
In
Ezekiel 47:8-9, the prophet Ezekiel envisions a future transformation of the Dead Sea. He describes a river flowing from the temple in Jerusalem, bringing life to the barren waters: "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, for this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so wherever the river flows, everything will flourish'" (
Ezekiel 47:8-9). This prophecy symbolizes the life-giving power of God's presence and the restoration of creation.
Geographical and Historical ContextThe Dead Sea is situated at the lowest point on the earth's surface, approximately 430 meters (1,410 feet) below sea level. Its unique mineral composition and therapeutic properties have made it a place of interest throughout history. The surrounding region, known as the Judean Desert, is characterized by its arid climate and rugged terrain.
Historically, the Dead Sea has been a source of valuable minerals, including potash and bromine. In ancient times, it was also known for its bitumen deposits, which were used in embalming and construction. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of ancient settlements and fortifications.
Theological ImplicationsThe Dead Sea serves as a powerful symbol in biblical theology. Its lifeless waters contrast with the life-giving presence of God, as depicted in Ezekiel's vision. The transformation of the Dead Sea into a place of abundance and life is a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the hope of redemption.
Moreover, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah near the Dead Sea serves as a sobering reminder of God's judgment against sin. It underscores the biblical theme of divine justice and the call to righteousness.
In summary, the Dead Sea holds a prominent place in biblical history and theology. Its geographical features, historical associations, and symbolic significance contribute to its enduring legacy in the biblical narrative.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Dead SeaThis name nowhere occurs in the Bible, and appears not to have existed until the second century after Christ. [SeeSEA, THE SALT, THE SALT]
ATS Bible Dictionary
Dead SeaSeeSEA.
Greek
1116. Gomorra -- Gomorrah, one of the cities near theDead Sea... Gomorrah, one of the cities near the
Dead Sea. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine; Noun,
Neuter Transliteration: Gomorra Phonetic Spelling: (gom'-or-hrhah) Short
...2410. Hiericho -- Jericho, a city of Pal.
... Transliteration: Hiericho Phonetic Spelling: (hee-er-ee-kho') Short Definition:
Jericho Definition: Jericho, a city a little north of theDead Sea. Jericho....
Strong's Hebrew
2218. Zered -- a wadi East of theDead Sea... 2217, 2218. Zered. 2219 . a wadi East of the
Dead Sea. Transliteration:
Zered Phonetic Spelling: (zeh'-red) Short Definition: Zered.
...5467. Sedom -- a Canaanite city near theDead Sea
... 5466, 5467. Sedom. 5468 . a Canaanite city near theDead Sea. Transliteration:
Sedom Phonetic Spelling: (sed-ome') Short Definition: Sodom....
2510. Chalaq -- "smooth," a mountain South of theDead Sea
... 2509, 2510. Chalaq. 2511 . "smooth," a mountain South of theDead Sea.
Transliteration: Chalaq Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-lawk') Short Definition: Halak....
6732. Tsits -- a pass between theDead Sea and Jer.
... Tsits. 6733 . a pass between theDead Sea and Jer.... Word Origin from the same as
tsits Definition a pass between theDead Sea and Jer. NASB Word Usage Ziz (1)....
8603. Tophel -- a place Southeast of theDead Sea
... 8602b, 8603. Tophel. 8604 . a place Southeast of theDead Sea. Transliteration:
Tophel Phonetic Spelling: (to'-fel) Short Definition: Tophel....
8559. Tamar -- daughter-in-law of Judah, also two Israelite women...
... daughter-in-law of Judah, also two Israelite women, also a place South of theDead
Sea.... women, also a place S. of theDead Sea NASB Word Usage Tamar (25). Tamar....
6820. Tsoar -- "insignificance," a city at the SE end of theDead...
... "insignificance," a city at the SE end of theDead Sea. Transliteration: Tsoar
or Tsoar Phonetic Spelling: (tso'ar) Short Definition: Zoar....
4586. Meunim -- a people Southeast of theDead Sea
... Meunim or Meinim. 4587 . a people Southeast of theDead Sea. Transliteration:
Meunim or Meinim Phonetic Spelling: (meh-oo-nee') Short Definition: Meunites....
2688. Chatsatson Tamar -- a place on the W. side of theDead Sea
... a place on the W. side of theDead Sea. Transliteration: Chatsatson Tamar or Chatsatson
Tamar Phonetic Spelling: (khats-ets-one' taw-mawr') Short Definition...
5872. En Gedi -- "spring of a kid," a place on W. shore of the...
... En Gedi. 5873 . "spring of a kid," a place on W. shore of theDead Sea.
Transliteration: En Gedi Phonetic Spelling: (ane geh'-dee) Short Definition: Engedi....
Library
Who theDead are who are Given up to Judgment by theSea, and by...
... Given Up to Judgment by theSea, and by Death and Hell. But who are the
dead which were in thesea, and which thesea presented?...
TheSea of Sodom
... The bounds of Judea, on both sides, are thesea; the western bound is the
Mediterranean,"the eastern, theDead sea, or thesea of Sodom....
The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals.
... Incidentally it also deals with the relationship between the Hebrews and their
neighbors, the Moabites, across the Jordan and theDead Sea, for Lot in these...
Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside theSea of Galilee.
... This land was originally the narrow strip reaching from theDead Sea to the Red
Sea, lying between the Arabah on the west, and the desert on the east, being...
The Lake of Gennesaret; Or, theSea of Galilee and Tiberias.
... of it runs out a very long back of mountains, but distant some miles from the river:
on this side, from the region of Scythopolis to theDead Sea; on that side...
The Lake Samochonitis [Or Semechonitis. ]
... And they shall go down into the plain; that is, into thesea of Tiberias. And
they shall go out into thesea; that is, into theDead Sea."....
How Human Actions are Without Worth when they are done Without...
... The lake which profane authors commonly call Asphaltites, and sacred authors the
Dead Sea, has so heavy a curse upon it, that nothing that is put into it can...
Jesus Raises the Widow's Son.
... well as Galilee. It seems, from what next follows, to have reached John
the Baptist in his prison on the east of theDead Sea.]....
A Path in theSea
... Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and
Israel saw the Egyptiansdead upon thesea-shore.31. And...
The Poison and the Antidote
... The valley which stretches from theDead Sea to the head of the eastern arm of the
RedSea, down which they had to plod in order to turn the southern end of...
Resources
Is Jesus dead? | GotQuestions.orgHow many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Dead Sea Scrolls and why are they important? | GotQuestions.orgDead: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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