The term "The Great Sea" is a biblical designation primarily referring to the Mediterranean Sea, which holds significant geographical and historical importance in the biblical narrative. The Great Sea is mentioned numerous times throughout the Old Testament, serving as a boundary marker and a point of reference for the lands of Israel and surrounding nations.

Biblical References and Significance

1. Geographical Boundary: The Great Sea is often described as the western boundary of the Promised Land. In Numbers 34:6, the Lord instructs Moses regarding the borders of the land allotted to the Israelites: "Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea; this will be your boundary on the west." Similarly, in Joshua 1:4, God delineates the extent of the land given to the Israelites, stretching "from the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the Euphrates—all the land of the Hittites—and westward to the Great Sea."

2. Historical Context: The Great Sea was a crucial part of the ancient Near Eastern world, serving as a major route for trade and cultural exchange. It connected various civilizations, including the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans, influencing the socio-economic and political landscapes of the biblical world.

3. Prophetic Imagery: In prophetic literature, the Great Sea often symbolizes vastness and power. For instance, in Ezekiel 47:10, the prophet envisions a time when fishermen will stand beside the sea, spreading their nets from En Gedi to En Eglaim, indicating a future of abundance and restoration: "It will come to pass that fishermen will stand by it; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. Their fish will be of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea, exceedingly many."

4. Cultural and Religious Influence: The proximity of the Great Sea to the land of Israel meant that the Israelites were often in contact with seafaring peoples, such as the Phoenicians, who were renowned for their maritime skills. This interaction is reflected in the biblical narrative, where the sea is sometimes seen as a place of danger and chaos, as in the account of Jonah, who attempts to flee from God's presence by boarding a ship bound for Tarshish (Jonah 1:3).

5. Symbol of Divine Sovereignty: The Great Sea also serves as a testament to God's sovereignty over creation. In Psalm 104:25, the psalmist praises God for His creation, including the vastness of the sea: "There is the sea, vast and wide, teeming with creatures beyond number, living things both great and small."

Conclusion

The Great Sea, as depicted in the Bible, is more than just a geographical feature; it is a symbol of God's providence, a boundary of the Promised Land, and a testament to the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations. Its presence in the biblical narrative underscores the historical and theological dimensions of the biblical world, reflecting the complexities and the divine orchestration of the events that shaped the history of Israel and its neighbors.