Dead sea in the midrashim












1















We know that the water of the Dead Sea is very much salty, so much so that no fish exist in it.



Is there any midrash or agada that speaks on the history of the Dead Sea, how it started to become salty?










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  • I remember from elemetary school being told that it was a result of the destruction of S'dom, but I do not have a source.

    – sabbahillel
    yesterday






  • 1





    To close voters: The OP is not asking for a history of the Dead Sea. He's asking specifically for Midrashim related to the Dead Sea. Perhaps the question could be strengthened if he edited in why he feels there would be Midrashim on the topic, but it's certainly not closeworthy.

    – DonielF
    yesterday
















1















We know that the water of the Dead Sea is very much salty, so much so that no fish exist in it.



Is there any midrash or agada that speaks on the history of the Dead Sea, how it started to become salty?










share|improve this question

























  • I remember from elemetary school being told that it was a result of the destruction of S'dom, but I do not have a source.

    – sabbahillel
    yesterday






  • 1





    To close voters: The OP is not asking for a history of the Dead Sea. He's asking specifically for Midrashim related to the Dead Sea. Perhaps the question could be strengthened if he edited in why he feels there would be Midrashim on the topic, but it's certainly not closeworthy.

    – DonielF
    yesterday














1












1








1


0






We know that the water of the Dead Sea is very much salty, so much so that no fish exist in it.



Is there any midrash or agada that speaks on the history of the Dead Sea, how it started to become salty?










share|improve this question
















We know that the water of the Dead Sea is very much salty, so much so that no fish exist in it.



Is there any midrash or agada that speaks on the history of the Dead Sea, how it started to become salty?







history midrash






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edited 15 hours ago









Clifford Durousseau

1,162523




1,162523










asked yesterday









Rh HaokipRh Haokip

623213




623213













  • I remember from elemetary school being told that it was a result of the destruction of S'dom, but I do not have a source.

    – sabbahillel
    yesterday






  • 1





    To close voters: The OP is not asking for a history of the Dead Sea. He's asking specifically for Midrashim related to the Dead Sea. Perhaps the question could be strengthened if he edited in why he feels there would be Midrashim on the topic, but it's certainly not closeworthy.

    – DonielF
    yesterday



















  • I remember from elemetary school being told that it was a result of the destruction of S'dom, but I do not have a source.

    – sabbahillel
    yesterday






  • 1





    To close voters: The OP is not asking for a history of the Dead Sea. He's asking specifically for Midrashim related to the Dead Sea. Perhaps the question could be strengthened if he edited in why he feels there would be Midrashim on the topic, but it's certainly not closeworthy.

    – DonielF
    yesterday

















I remember from elemetary school being told that it was a result of the destruction of S'dom, but I do not have a source.

– sabbahillel
yesterday





I remember from elemetary school being told that it was a result of the destruction of S'dom, but I do not have a source.

– sabbahillel
yesterday




1




1





To close voters: The OP is not asking for a history of the Dead Sea. He's asking specifically for Midrashim related to the Dead Sea. Perhaps the question could be strengthened if he edited in why he feels there would be Midrashim on the topic, but it's certainly not closeworthy.

– DonielF
yesterday





To close voters: The OP is not asking for a history of the Dead Sea. He's asking specifically for Midrashim related to the Dead Sea. Perhaps the question could be strengthened if he edited in why he feels there would be Midrashim on the topic, but it's certainly not closeworthy.

– DonielF
yesterday










2 Answers
2






active

oldest

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8














According to the Midrash Tanchuma (Lech Lecha #8) the Dead Sea apparently became salty due to the sins of those involved in the war of the four kings against the five kings.




הוא ים המלח שבעונם נעשה אותו עמק למים מלוחים וכן הוא אומר ארץ פרי למלחה למה מרעת יושבי בה



It is the Dead sea, for in their sins that valley was made into salty waters. And so it says (Mechon Mamre translation) "A fruitful land into a salt waste, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein."







share|improve this answer































    0














    In Joshua 3:16 in the Bible, the Dead Sea is mentioned by the name “the sea of the Plain” and 'the Salt Sea', but no reason is given for the name 'the Salt Sea'.




    14 When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. 15 Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, 16 the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah [the Plain], the Salt Sea [the Dead Sea, NRSV], were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.




    Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews Book V, Chapter 1.3 describes the same miraculous incident, but he makes no mention of the Salt Sea:





    1. Now while Joshua, the commander, was in fear about their
      passing over Jordan, for the river ran with a strong current, and
      could not be passed over with bridges, for there never had been
      bridges laid over it hitherto; and while he suspected, that if he
      should attempt to make a bridge, that their enemies would not afford
      him thee to perfect it, and for ferry-boats they had none, - God
      promised so to dispose of the river, that they might pass over it, and
      that by taking away the main part of its waters. So Joshua, after two
      days, caused the army and the whole multitude to pass over in the
      manner following: - The priests went first of all, having the ark with
      them; then went the Levites bearing the tabernacle and the vessels
      which belonged to the sacrifices; after which the entire multitude
      followed, according to their tribes, having their children and their
      wives in the midst of them, as being afraid for them, lest they should
      be borne away by the stream. But as soon as the priests had entered
      the river first, it appeared fordable, the depth of the water being
      restrained and the sand appearing at the bottom, because the
      current was neither so strong nor so swift as to carry it away by its
      force; so they all passed over the river without fear, finding it to be in
      the very same state as God had foretold he would put it in; but the
      priests stood still in the midst of the river till the multitude should be
      passed over, and should get to the shore in safety; and when all
      were gone over, the priests came out also, and permitted the current
      to run freely as it used to do before. Accordingly the river, as soon
      as the Hebrews were come out of it, arose again presently, and carne
      to its own proper magnitude as before.




    Bibliography: 'The Dead Sea (Yam Hamelach) - Israel - Chabad'






    share|improve this answer

































      2 Answers
      2






      active

      oldest

      votes








      2 Answers
      2






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes









      8














      According to the Midrash Tanchuma (Lech Lecha #8) the Dead Sea apparently became salty due to the sins of those involved in the war of the four kings against the five kings.




      הוא ים המלח שבעונם נעשה אותו עמק למים מלוחים וכן הוא אומר ארץ פרי למלחה למה מרעת יושבי בה



      It is the Dead sea, for in their sins that valley was made into salty waters. And so it says (Mechon Mamre translation) "A fruitful land into a salt waste, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein."







      share|improve this answer




























        8














        According to the Midrash Tanchuma (Lech Lecha #8) the Dead Sea apparently became salty due to the sins of those involved in the war of the four kings against the five kings.




        הוא ים המלח שבעונם נעשה אותו עמק למים מלוחים וכן הוא אומר ארץ פרי למלחה למה מרעת יושבי בה



        It is the Dead sea, for in their sins that valley was made into salty waters. And so it says (Mechon Mamre translation) "A fruitful land into a salt waste, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein."







        share|improve this answer


























          8












          8








          8







          According to the Midrash Tanchuma (Lech Lecha #8) the Dead Sea apparently became salty due to the sins of those involved in the war of the four kings against the five kings.




          הוא ים המלח שבעונם נעשה אותו עמק למים מלוחים וכן הוא אומר ארץ פרי למלחה למה מרעת יושבי בה



          It is the Dead sea, for in their sins that valley was made into salty waters. And so it says (Mechon Mamre translation) "A fruitful land into a salt waste, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein."







          share|improve this answer













          According to the Midrash Tanchuma (Lech Lecha #8) the Dead Sea apparently became salty due to the sins of those involved in the war of the four kings against the five kings.




          הוא ים המלח שבעונם נעשה אותו עמק למים מלוחים וכן הוא אומר ארץ פרי למלחה למה מרעת יושבי בה



          It is the Dead sea, for in their sins that valley was made into salty waters. And so it says (Mechon Mamre translation) "A fruitful land into a salt waste, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein."








          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered yesterday









          AlexAlex

          23.7k157135




          23.7k157135























              0














              In Joshua 3:16 in the Bible, the Dead Sea is mentioned by the name “the sea of the Plain” and 'the Salt Sea', but no reason is given for the name 'the Salt Sea'.




              14 When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. 15 Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, 16 the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah [the Plain], the Salt Sea [the Dead Sea, NRSV], were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.




              Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews Book V, Chapter 1.3 describes the same miraculous incident, but he makes no mention of the Salt Sea:





              1. Now while Joshua, the commander, was in fear about their
                passing over Jordan, for the river ran with a strong current, and
                could not be passed over with bridges, for there never had been
                bridges laid over it hitherto; and while he suspected, that if he
                should attempt to make a bridge, that their enemies would not afford
                him thee to perfect it, and for ferry-boats they had none, - God
                promised so to dispose of the river, that they might pass over it, and
                that by taking away the main part of its waters. So Joshua, after two
                days, caused the army and the whole multitude to pass over in the
                manner following: - The priests went first of all, having the ark with
                them; then went the Levites bearing the tabernacle and the vessels
                which belonged to the sacrifices; after which the entire multitude
                followed, according to their tribes, having their children and their
                wives in the midst of them, as being afraid for them, lest they should
                be borne away by the stream. But as soon as the priests had entered
                the river first, it appeared fordable, the depth of the water being
                restrained and the sand appearing at the bottom, because the
                current was neither so strong nor so swift as to carry it away by its
                force; so they all passed over the river without fear, finding it to be in
                the very same state as God had foretold he would put it in; but the
                priests stood still in the midst of the river till the multitude should be
                passed over, and should get to the shore in safety; and when all
                were gone over, the priests came out also, and permitted the current
                to run freely as it used to do before. Accordingly the river, as soon
                as the Hebrews were come out of it, arose again presently, and carne
                to its own proper magnitude as before.




              Bibliography: 'The Dead Sea (Yam Hamelach) - Israel - Chabad'






              share|improve this answer






























                0














                In Joshua 3:16 in the Bible, the Dead Sea is mentioned by the name “the sea of the Plain” and 'the Salt Sea', but no reason is given for the name 'the Salt Sea'.




                14 When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. 15 Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, 16 the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah [the Plain], the Salt Sea [the Dead Sea, NRSV], were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.




                Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews Book V, Chapter 1.3 describes the same miraculous incident, but he makes no mention of the Salt Sea:





                1. Now while Joshua, the commander, was in fear about their
                  passing over Jordan, for the river ran with a strong current, and
                  could not be passed over with bridges, for there never had been
                  bridges laid over it hitherto; and while he suspected, that if he
                  should attempt to make a bridge, that their enemies would not afford
                  him thee to perfect it, and for ferry-boats they had none, - God
                  promised so to dispose of the river, that they might pass over it, and
                  that by taking away the main part of its waters. So Joshua, after two
                  days, caused the army and the whole multitude to pass over in the
                  manner following: - The priests went first of all, having the ark with
                  them; then went the Levites bearing the tabernacle and the vessels
                  which belonged to the sacrifices; after which the entire multitude
                  followed, according to their tribes, having their children and their
                  wives in the midst of them, as being afraid for them, lest they should
                  be borne away by the stream. But as soon as the priests had entered
                  the river first, it appeared fordable, the depth of the water being
                  restrained and the sand appearing at the bottom, because the
                  current was neither so strong nor so swift as to carry it away by its
                  force; so they all passed over the river without fear, finding it to be in
                  the very same state as God had foretold he would put it in; but the
                  priests stood still in the midst of the river till the multitude should be
                  passed over, and should get to the shore in safety; and when all
                  were gone over, the priests came out also, and permitted the current
                  to run freely as it used to do before. Accordingly the river, as soon
                  as the Hebrews were come out of it, arose again presently, and carne
                  to its own proper magnitude as before.




                Bibliography: 'The Dead Sea (Yam Hamelach) - Israel - Chabad'






                share|improve this answer




























                  0












                  0








                  0







                  In Joshua 3:16 in the Bible, the Dead Sea is mentioned by the name “the sea of the Plain” and 'the Salt Sea', but no reason is given for the name 'the Salt Sea'.




                  14 When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. 15 Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, 16 the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah [the Plain], the Salt Sea [the Dead Sea, NRSV], were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.




                  Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews Book V, Chapter 1.3 describes the same miraculous incident, but he makes no mention of the Salt Sea:





                  1. Now while Joshua, the commander, was in fear about their
                    passing over Jordan, for the river ran with a strong current, and
                    could not be passed over with bridges, for there never had been
                    bridges laid over it hitherto; and while he suspected, that if he
                    should attempt to make a bridge, that their enemies would not afford
                    him thee to perfect it, and for ferry-boats they had none, - God
                    promised so to dispose of the river, that they might pass over it, and
                    that by taking away the main part of its waters. So Joshua, after two
                    days, caused the army and the whole multitude to pass over in the
                    manner following: - The priests went first of all, having the ark with
                    them; then went the Levites bearing the tabernacle and the vessels
                    which belonged to the sacrifices; after which the entire multitude
                    followed, according to their tribes, having their children and their
                    wives in the midst of them, as being afraid for them, lest they should
                    be borne away by the stream. But as soon as the priests had entered
                    the river first, it appeared fordable, the depth of the water being
                    restrained and the sand appearing at the bottom, because the
                    current was neither so strong nor so swift as to carry it away by its
                    force; so they all passed over the river without fear, finding it to be in
                    the very same state as God had foretold he would put it in; but the
                    priests stood still in the midst of the river till the multitude should be
                    passed over, and should get to the shore in safety; and when all
                    were gone over, the priests came out also, and permitted the current
                    to run freely as it used to do before. Accordingly the river, as soon
                    as the Hebrews were come out of it, arose again presently, and carne
                    to its own proper magnitude as before.




                  Bibliography: 'The Dead Sea (Yam Hamelach) - Israel - Chabad'






                  share|improve this answer















                  In Joshua 3:16 in the Bible, the Dead Sea is mentioned by the name “the sea of the Plain” and 'the Salt Sea', but no reason is given for the name 'the Salt Sea'.




                  14 When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. 15 Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, 16 the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah [the Plain], the Salt Sea [the Dead Sea, NRSV], were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.




                  Josephus in Antiquities of the Jews Book V, Chapter 1.3 describes the same miraculous incident, but he makes no mention of the Salt Sea:





                  1. Now while Joshua, the commander, was in fear about their
                    passing over Jordan, for the river ran with a strong current, and
                    could not be passed over with bridges, for there never had been
                    bridges laid over it hitherto; and while he suspected, that if he
                    should attempt to make a bridge, that their enemies would not afford
                    him thee to perfect it, and for ferry-boats they had none, - God
                    promised so to dispose of the river, that they might pass over it, and
                    that by taking away the main part of its waters. So Joshua, after two
                    days, caused the army and the whole multitude to pass over in the
                    manner following: - The priests went first of all, having the ark with
                    them; then went the Levites bearing the tabernacle and the vessels
                    which belonged to the sacrifices; after which the entire multitude
                    followed, according to their tribes, having their children and their
                    wives in the midst of them, as being afraid for them, lest they should
                    be borne away by the stream. But as soon as the priests had entered
                    the river first, it appeared fordable, the depth of the water being
                    restrained and the sand appearing at the bottom, because the
                    current was neither so strong nor so swift as to carry it away by its
                    force; so they all passed over the river without fear, finding it to be in
                    the very same state as God had foretold he would put it in; but the
                    priests stood still in the midst of the river till the multitude should be
                    passed over, and should get to the shore in safety; and when all
                    were gone over, the priests came out also, and permitted the current
                    to run freely as it used to do before. Accordingly the river, as soon
                    as the Hebrews were come out of it, arose again presently, and carne
                    to its own proper magnitude as before.




                  Bibliography: 'The Dead Sea (Yam Hamelach) - Israel - Chabad'







                  share|improve this answer














                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited 11 hours ago

























                  answered 12 hours ago









                  Clifford DurousseauClifford Durousseau

                  1,162523




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