Bible Dictionary
East sea
The East Sea is the Dead Sea, lying east of the land of Israel. It is distinguished from the Mediterranean Sea, which formed the western boundary and was called the Great Sea.
Definition
The East Sea is the Dead Sea, situated on the eastern side of the Holy Land. It is distinguished from the Mediterranean Sea, which lies to the west and is called the Great Sea or the sea forming the western border.
Biblical Usage
The East Sea appears in descriptions of the land and in prophetic passages concerning its waters and boundaries. Its designation depends on its position east of the land of Israel.
Historical Background
The name reflects the biblical orientation of the land: the Dead Sea formed the eastern maritime boundary, while the Mediterranean formed the western boundary.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Joel 2:20; Ezek. 47:18), the Dead Sea, which lay on the east side of the Holy Land. The Mediterranean, which lay on the west, was hence called the “great sea for the west border” (Num. 34:6).