Topical Encyclopedia Coelesyria, a term derived from the Greek "Koile Syria," meaning "Hollow Syria," refers to a region in the ancient Near East that played a significant role in biblical history and the geopolitics of the ancient world. This area is generally understood to encompass the Beqaa Valley, situated between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges, extending from the northern part of modern-day Lebanon into southwestern Syria.Biblical References and Historical Context While the term "Coelesyria" itself does not appear directly in the Bible, the region is implicitly referenced in various biblical narratives and historical accounts. Coelesyria was a strategic and contested area due to its fertile land and its position as a corridor between the major powers of the ancient world, including Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and later, the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires. In the Old Testament, the region's significance is highlighted through its proximity to key biblical locations and events. For instance, the Beqaa Valley, part of Coelesyria, is near the ancient city of Damascus, which is frequently mentioned in the Bible. Damascus was a central city in the Aramean kingdom and later became a significant center in the Roman Empire. Geopolitical Importance Coelesyria's geopolitical importance is underscored by its mention in extra-biblical historical texts, particularly during the Hellenistic period. The region was a focal point of conflict between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms, known as the Syrian Wars. Control over Coelesyria was crucial for these empires due to its strategic location and resources. Cultural and Religious Influence The cultural and religious landscape of Coelesyria was diverse, influenced by various civilizations that controlled or interacted with the region. This diversity is reflected in the syncretism observed in the religious practices of the area, where local deities were often worshipped alongside those of the dominant empires. New Testament Context In the New Testament era, Coelesyria was part of the Roman province of Syria. The region's cities, such as Damascus, played a role in the early Christian church's expansion. The Apostle Paul, originally from Tarsus, had significant interactions in this area. Notably, his conversion experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19) marks a pivotal moment in Christian history. Damascus, within the broader region of Coelesyria, became an early center for Christian activity. Conclusion Coelesyria's historical and biblical significance is evident through its strategic location, its role in the power struggles of ancient empires, and its influence on the cultural and religious developments of the region. While not explicitly named in the biblical texts, its presence and impact are felt throughout the narratives and historical accounts of the Bible. Smith's Bible Dictionary Coelesyria(hollow Syria), the remarkable valley or hollow which intervenes between Libanus and Anti-Libanus, stretching a distance of nearly a hundred miles. The only mention of the region as a separate tract of country which the Jewish Scriptures contain is probably that in (Amos 1:5) where "the inhabitants of the plain of Aven" are threatened in conjunction with those of Damascus. The word is given in the Authorized Version as CELO-SYRIA. Easton's Bible Dictionary Hollow Syria, the name (not found in Scripture) given by the Greeks to the extensive valley, about 100 miles long, between the Lebanon and the Anti-Lebanon range of mountains. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COELE-SYRIAse-le-sir'-i-a (the King James Version Celosyria; Koile Suria, "hollow Syria"): So the Greeks after the time of Alexander the Great named the valley lying between the two mountain ranges, Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon. It is referred to in the Old Testament as Biq`ath ha-Lebhanon, "the valley of Lebanon" (Joshua 11:17), a name the echo of which is still heard in el-Buqa`, the designation applied today to the southern part of the valley. This hollow, which extends about 100 miles in length, is the continuation northward of the Jordan valley. The main physical features are described under LEBANON (which see). The name, however, did not always indicate the same tract of territory. In Strabo (xvi.2) and Ptolemy (v.15), it covers the fertile land between Jebel esh-Sharqy and the desert presided over by Damascus. In 1 Esdras 2:17; 2 Maccabees 3:8, etc., it indicates the country South and East of Mt. Lebanon, and along with Phoenicia it contributed the whole of the Seleucid dominions which lay South of the river Eleutherus. Josephus includes in Coele-Syria the country East of the Jordan, along with Scythopolis (Beisan) which lay on the West, separated by the river from the other members of the Decapolis (Ant., XIII, xiii, 2, etc.). In XIV, iv, 5, he says that "Pompey committed Coele-Syria as far as the river Euphrates and Egypt to Scaurus." The term is therefore one of some elasticity. Library How Alexander, Upon the League of Mutual Defense which Cleopatra ... Theodulus Concerning Nebuchadnezzar and his Successors and How their ... The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem. Caesar Makes Antipater Procurator of Judea; as Does Antipater ... The Antiquities of the Jews Thesaurus Coelesyria/c/coelesyria.htm - 8k Antiochus Epiphanes Coele-syria Code (6 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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