One of the most important locations in biblical history has just received a worrying omen, as many believe that the harrowing blood red colour of the Sea of Galilee foretells an apocalyptic event in the near future.
Most religious discoveries involve archaeologists and scientists uncovering lost elements from thousands of years into the past, with some even stretching hundreds of thousands of years ago to the beginnings of humanity.
Most are welcomed with open arms as they represent major finds that continue to illuminate our understanding of what occurred in ancient history, even if it does often rewrite what we know, but some other religious events are less than positive to encounter.
That is exactly what has happened with the Sea of Galilee, as it's ominous new appearance has sent many into a frenzy as they fear that it is a sign of danger and destruction on the horizon.
How is the Sea of Galilee a 'bad omen'?
As reported by the Daily Mail, the recent transformation that turned the Sea of Galilee into a blood red color has caused people to rightfully worry that something bad is coming, especially considering its religious significance.
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Anything turning red is commonly seen as a bad omen as the color is associated with danger and death, although there are also links to certain curses in the Bible itself that only continue to add to the worries of locals.
Exodus 7:17-21 appears to be a particularly prominent link that some have brought up, as it reads:
"Thus says the Lord: By this you shall know that I am the Lord. Behold, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the Nile, and it shall turn into blood."
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This was said by Moses before turning the Egyptian river into blood as an act of judgement, and some believe that this has happened once again. Perhaps it's linked to the recent discovery of the legendary Tabernacle that once housed the Ark of the Covenant.
Why do scientists think that the sea has turned red?
Thankfully it does appear to have a rational and scientific explanation, easing the minds of many who would rather avoid any acts of divine retribution.
According to the Israel's environmental ministry, the blood red transformation of the Sea of Galilee is a direct result of green algae known as Botryococcus braunii inside the lake that has recently bloomed.
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This algae, when exposed to intense sunlight, has a natural pigment that turns red, causing the typically blue or green visage of the water to suddenly be filled with a blush that brings about cries of bad omens.
It is, however, completely harmless meaning that you can swim and fish in the sea with no repercussions, although understandably plenty will want to still steer clear just in case.
What is the significance of the Sea of Galilee in the Bible?
If you're unaware, the Sea of Galilee holds major significant in the Bible as it lies at the heart of many of the text's most recognizable and famous stories, particularly in relation to certain miracles.
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For example, it is the sea that Jesus fed 5,000 people at, and is the water that he famously walked upon in impossible circumstances. He also calmed the waves caused by a storm at the Sea of Galilee in the Gospel of Mark, so any ominous signs surrounding this iconic lake were understandably taken with even greater significance.