Topical Bible: The Sea: Shall Give up Its Dead at the Last Day

◄ The Sea: Shall Give up Its Dead at the Last Day ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The phrase "the sea shall give up its dead" is a reference to the eschatological events described in the Book of Revelation, specifically Revelation 20:13, which states, "The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds" . This passage is part of the larger narrative concerning the final judgment, where all the dead, regardless of their place of rest, are resurrected to stand before the throne of God.

Biblical Context

The imagery of the sea giving up its dead is significant within the biblical narrative. Throughout Scripture, the sea often symbolizes chaos, mystery, and the unknown. In ancient Near Eastern thought, the sea was seen as a formidable force, often associated with death and the grave. The act of the sea relinquishing its dead underscores the comprehensive nature of God's final judgment, where no place, however remote or mysterious, can hide the dead from the sovereign reach of God.

Theological Significance

Theologically, this event highlights the omnipotence and omniscience of God. It affirms the belief in the resurrection of the dead, a cornerstone of Christian eschatology. The resurrection is not limited to those buried in the earth but extends to all who have perished, regardless of their final resting place. This includes those lost at sea, whose bodies were never recovered or given a traditional burial. The sea giving up its dead serves as a powerful reminder that God's redemptive plan encompasses all of creation and that His justice will be executed fully and fairly.

Resurrection and Judgment

The resurrection of the dead from the sea is part of the broader resurrection narrative found in the New Testament. Jesus speaks of a time when "all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out" (John 5:28-29). This universal resurrection is a prelude to the final judgment, where individuals are judged according to their deeds. The sea's participation in this event emphasizes the totality of the resurrection, ensuring that no one is excluded from the divine judgment.

Symbolism and Hope

For early Christians, the sea giving up its dead would have been a source of hope and assurance. Many faced persecution and martyrdom, with some meeting their end in the waters. The promise that the sea will yield its dead assures believers that no matter the circumstances of their death, they will be resurrected and vindicated. This promise is a testament to the hope of eternal life and the ultimate victory over death through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

The concept of the sea giving up its dead at the last day is a profound element of biblical eschatology. It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment and the hope of resurrection for all believers. This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty over all creation and His promise of justice and redemption for His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 20:13
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

On the Resurrection of the Dead
... buried in the earth, or swallowed up in the sea, or devoured ... I. I shall show, that
the resurrection of the self-same ... If God give to our souls at the last day a ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 137 on the resurrection.htm

Last Things
... generous, nor such a simpleton as to give either to ... of the everlasting waves; the
bottomless sea of eternity ... to which you are descending." You shall feel its ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/last things.htm

Of the Last Resurrection.
... will feel that heaven, and earth, and sea, all beings ... declaration, when he said that
unbelievers shall be "punished ... in their language, yet they give preludes of ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 25 of the last.htm

The Great Assize
... The sea also shall give up the dead which are therein (Rev.20:13), and every one
shall rise with "his own body:" his own in substance, although so ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 15 the great assize.htm

A vision of the Latter-Day Glories
... he come, whose right it is; and I will give it HIM ... heat, from the far-off islands
of the sea, and from ... spiritual fact that all the souls of men shall tend to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/a vision of the latter-day.htm

An Earnest Invitation
... whose years are as countless as the sands of the sea. ... Oh I the terrors of the Lord
I who shall speak them? ... And now give me your attention just a moment or two ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/an earnest invitation.htm

The Parables of the Kingdom.
... declared to be so priceless, that men will give up all things ... the Lord, as the waters
cover the sea" (Isaiah 11 ... be left to be subdued, and "they shall not hurt ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter iii the parables of.htm

Letter cxviii. To Julian.
... each other as fast as in the sea wave follows ... thoughts you are troubled because I
who give you this ... well fall midway on their journey; I shall briefly plead in ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxviii to julian.htm

Power --Its Source
... and let us pray God daily to give us love ... Soon shall pass thy pilgrim days, Hope
shall change to ... restless, vast, and broad, Unfathomed as the sea, An infinite ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter i powerits source.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles
... a pipe which communicated with the Kedron, and was conducted to the Dead Sea. ... give
him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 49 at the feast.htm