Galilee, Sea of

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 7
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The Sea of Galilee (2019)
This was situate about the center of the district of Galilee on the east. The Jordan enters it on the north, and leaves it on the south. Its waters are about 682 feet below the level of the Mediterranean, and its depth about 156 feet. Its length is about thirteen miles, and its widest part about seven miles. On the east of it was the country of the Gergesenes and the Gadarenes. Chorazin was on its north; Capernaum on its N.W.; then, coming southward, was Bethsaida of Galilee, with the plain of Gennesaret (or Chinnereth) near; then Magdala, Dalmanutha and Tiberias on the west. These places being near accounts for the sea being called the LAKE OF GENNESARET and the SEA OF TIBERIAS and of CHINNERETH.
The Lord crossed the sea several times, and taught from a ship near the shore, and once He walked upon its waters. Storms often arise suddenly, as did the one when the Lord was asleep on a pillow (Mark 4:37-4137And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? 39And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? 41And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:37‑41); Luke 8:22-2522Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth. 23But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. 24And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. 25And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him. (Luke 8:22‑25)). Doubtless in those days the sea presented a busy scene with its many boats and fishermen; but now the towns are in desolation or have disappeared altogether. For a long time a boat was never afloat on its waters, but may now occasionally be seen, and many efforts are being made to bring about a resuscitation; but all effectual restoration must wait God’s appointed time for real blessing to be vouchsafed to Israel and their land; it is still “the land of promise.” The modern name of the Sea is Bahr Tubariya.