Geographical and Historical Context:

Beirut, the capital city of modern-day Lebanon, is a city with a rich and complex history that dates back thousands of years. Although not directly mentioned by name in the Bible, Beirut's geographical region and its historical significance are intertwined with biblical narratives and ancient Near Eastern history.

Biblical References and Historical Significance:

While the city of Beirut itself is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the region of Phoenicia, where Beirut is located, plays a significant role in biblical history. Phoenicia was known for its skilled sailors and traders, and its cities, such as Tyre and Sidon, are frequently mentioned in the Scriptures.

In the Old Testament, the Phoenician cities were known for their wealth and influence. King Hiram of Tyre, a Phoenician city, provided materials and craftsmen to King Solomon for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 5:1-12). This collaboration highlights the close ties between the Israelites and the Phoenicians during certain periods.

The New Testament also references the region of Phoenicia. Jesus visited the area, as recorded in the Gospel of Mark: "Jesus got up and went away from there to the region of Tyre. And when He had entered a house, He wanted no one to know of it; yet He could not escape notice" (Mark 7:24). This passage indicates Jesus' ministry extended beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel, reaching into Gentile territories.

Additionally, the Apostle Paul traveled through Phoenicia during his missionary journeys. In Acts 21:2-3, it is recorded: "Finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo" . This passage underscores the importance of Phoenician ports as hubs of commerce and travel in the ancient world.

Cultural and Religious Influence:

Beirut, as part of the Phoenician region, was influenced by the polytheistic religious practices of the Canaanites. The Phoenicians worshiped a pantheon of gods, including Baal and Astarte, which often brought them into religious conflict with the monotheistic Israelites. The prophets of the Old Testament frequently condemned the idolatry and pagan practices of the surrounding nations, including those of Phoenicia.

Despite these religious differences, the interactions between the Israelites and the Phoenicians were not solely adversarial. The exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between these peoples contributed to the broader historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative.

Modern Significance:

Today, Beirut stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the ancient Phoenician civilization. Its history is a tapestry woven with the threads of various cultures and empires that have left their mark on the city. As a center of commerce, education, and culture in the Middle East, Beirut continues to reflect the dynamic and diverse heritage of the region.

In summary, while Beirut is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its historical and geographical context within the region of Phoenicia provides valuable insights into the interactions between the ancient Israelites and their neighbors. The city's enduring legacy is a reminder of the complex tapestry of history that forms the backdrop of the biblical narrative.BEIRUT

ba'-root'.

See BERYTUS.

The Church Staff
... The son of the well-known founder of the Syrian Protestant College at Beirut, Syria,
a man of pleasing ways, tact in dealing with people, and a fine speaker ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/the church staff.htm

Quaker City Excursion
... Passing the coast of the Isle of Cyprus the next landing place was Beirut, where
several days were spent, affording the pilgrims opportunity to visit the ...
/.../griswold/sixty years with plymouth church/quaker city excursion.htm

Trip through Europe and the Holy Land
... They had visited the places of interest in and around Jerusalem, Bethany, Bethlehem,
on to Beirut, Damascus, Baalbek, Nazareth, Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/hoskins/clara a swain md/trip through europe and the.htm

The Church in Theology and Literature.
... Associating with himself the most accomplished living Arabist, Eli Smith, of the
American mission at Beirut, he made those "Biblical Researches in Palestine ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xxi the church in.htm

The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects.
... Berytus, now Beirut, [476]345. Besas, martyr under Decius, [477]284. Beseleel,
[478]370, [479]373. Bethlehem, [480]88, [481]94, [482]95. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/the church history of eusebius.htm

Some Associated Questions
... many different stations, not massed in single centers: for example, detachments
of the Third Legion called Gallica, can be traced in Sidon, Beirut, Aera in the ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 12 some associated questions.htm

Beirut
Beirut. Beings, Beirut. Beka . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEIRUT.
ba'-root'. See BERYTUS. Beings, Beirut. Beka . Reference Bible.
/b/beirut.htm - 6k

Versions
... A very fine translation of the entire Bible in classical Arabic has been issued
by the Jesuit Fathers in Beirut, and a simpler version in Arabic which can be ...
/v/versions.htm - 81k

Berytus
... ber'-i-tus, be-ri'-tus (Berutos; Arabic: modern Beirut, Beyrout, Beyrouth): An ancient
Phoenician city situated on the North side of a promontory jutting out ...
/b/berytus.htm - 8k

Acco (2 Occurrences)
... This bay furnishes the best anchorage for ships of any on this coast except that
of George, at Beirut, and Alexandretta at the extreme north. ...
/a/acco.htm - 13k

Phoenicians
... The promontories are few and do not project far into the sea, such as Theu-prosopon
South of Tripolis, Ras Beirut and the broad projection South of Tyre ...
/p/phoenicians.htm - 38k

Phoenicia (6 Occurrences)
... The promontories are few and do not project far into the sea, such as Theu-prosopon
South of Tripolis, Ras Beirut and the broad projection South of Tyre ...
/p/phoenicia.htm - 40k

Arabic
... A very fine translation of the entire Bible in classical Arabic has been issued
by the Jesuit Fathers in Beirut, and a simpler version in Arabic which can be ...
/a/arabic.htm - 17k

Lebanon (66 Occurrences)
... To the traveler who has made the diagonal journey from Beirut to the cedars, memory
fills in innumerable details which are concealed from vision at any one time ...
/l/lebanon.htm - 45k

Beings (42 Occurrences)

/b/beings.htm - 18k

Husbandry (2 Occurrences)
... Much of the plain of Esdraelon, for example, was until recently owned by
Beirut proprietors and farmed in this way. The writer while ...
/h/husbandry.htm - 9k

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