Aram, often referred to as Syria in modern terms, is a significant region and people group mentioned throughout the Bible. The Arameans were descendants of Aram, the son of Shem, as recorded in Genesis 10:22. The region of Aram encompassed areas of present-day Syria, with Damascus being a prominent city. Aram's interactions with Israel were frequent, ranging from alliances to conflicts. Notably, King David subdued the Arameans, as recorded in 2 Samuel 8:5-6: "When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men. Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute." The prophetic books, such as Isaiah and Amos, also contain oracles against Aram, highlighting its role in the broader narrative of Israel's history.

Sidon

Sidon, one of the oldest and most significant Phoenician cities, is frequently mentioned in the Bible. Located on the Mediterranean coast, it was known for its maritime trade and skilled artisans. Sidon is often mentioned alongside its sister city, Tyre. In the Old Testament, Sidon is noted for its influence on Israel, particularly through the introduction of idolatry. For instance, Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab, was a Sidonian princess who promoted the worship of Baal in Israel (1 Kings 16:31). Despite its pagan practices, Sidon was also a place where Jesus ministered, as seen in Mark 7:24-31, where He healed the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman. The city is subject to prophetic judgments, as seen in Ezekiel 28:22: "And you will know that I am the LORD, when I execute judgments against her and manifest My holiness through her."

Moab

Moab, a nation located east of the Dead Sea, was founded by Moab, the son of Lot through his elder daughter (Genesis 19:37). The Moabites often had contentious relations with Israel, despite their shared ancestry. The Book of Ruth provides a more personal narrative involving Moab, as Ruth, a Moabitess, becomes an ancestor of King David and ultimately Jesus Christ. Moab is frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's wilderness wanderings and the subsequent conquest of Canaan. The Moabite King Balak's attempt to curse Israel through Balaam is a notable event (Numbers 22-24). Prophetic literature, such as Isaiah 15-16 and Jeremiah 48, contains oracles against Moab, reflecting its tumultuous relationship with Israel and its eventual downfall.

Ammonites

The Ammonites were descendants of Ben-Ammi, the son of Lot through his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38). Their territory lay east of the Jordan River, in what is now modern-day Jordan. The Ammonites frequently opposed Israel, as seen in their conflicts during the time of the Judges and the monarchy. One notable conflict involved Jephthah, who led Israel to victory over the Ammonites (Judges 11). The Ammonites also played a role in the opposition to Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls (Nehemiah 4:3). Despite their enmity, the Ammonites were subject to prophetic judgments, as seen in Jeremiah 49:2: "Therefore behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will sound the battle cry against Rabbah of the Ammonites; it will become a mound of ruins, and its villages will be burned with fire."

Philistines

The Philistines were a significant and persistent adversary of Israel throughout the Old Testament. Originating from the Aegean region, they settled along the coastal plains of Canaan, establishing cities such as Gaza, Ashkelon, and Gath. The Philistines are best known for their conflicts with Israel during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. Notable figures such as Samson (Judges 13-16) and David (1 Samuel 17) had significant interactions with the Philistines. The Philistine giant Goliath, whom David famously defeated, epitomizes their threat to Israel. Despite their military prowess, the Philistines were eventually subdued by King David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 8:1: "After this, David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and he took Metheg-ammah from the hand of the Philistines." The prophetic books also contain pronouncements against the Philistines, highlighting their eventual decline.