The Sea of the End?

Sof or Suf?

Only in Hebrew, can we see that this name can be translated differently: it’s either ‘Sea of Suf’ or ‘Sea of Sof’, depending upon the vocalization of the letter vav. Sof in Hebrew means “end”. Some read the word as sof and explained that it was called Yam Sof because it was the end of the world. Despite this controversy, today the word is usually read as suf.

Not the end, but the beginning

Yet, let us contemplate the second option – Yam Sof. The Sea of the End? Why? Wasn’t it the very beginning of their journey as God’s chosen people? Why was it termed ‘the end’? The Israelites thought, for a time, that it was indeed the end of their exodus from Egypt, however, according to God’s plan, it was not the end, but the very beginning of their freedom. 

See the Hidden Signs

In His mercy, God met the Israelites when they thought they had come to the end – therefore, wouldn't it be fitting to name that sea: the Sea of the End? God Himself marked the border between dashed human hopes and dreams and His miracle-working power. Enroll in our course Discovering the Hebrew Bible to recognize the hidden signs in the Hebrew Bible.