Topical Encyclopedia The Ladder of Tyre, also known as the "Scalas Tyriorum" in Latin, is a geographical and historical term referring to a steep and rugged pass located along the ancient coastal route between the cities of Tyre and Sidon in present-day Lebanon. This pass was a significant landmark in biblical times, serving as a critical point of passage for travelers and traders moving along the Mediterranean coast.Biblical Context and Historical Significance The Ladder of Tyre is not explicitly mentioned by name in the Bible; however, its geographical location places it within the context of several biblical narratives. Tyre and Sidon are frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as prominent Phoenician cities known for their wealth, trade, and maritime prowess. The region was a hub of commerce and cultural exchange, influencing the surrounding areas, including ancient Israel. In the Old Testament, Tyre is often noted for its relationship with Israel, particularly during the reigns of King David and King Solomon. Hiram, the king of Tyre, played a crucial role in providing materials and skilled labor for the construction of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 5:1-12). The Ladder of Tyre would have been a vital route for transporting goods and resources between these allied nations. Prophetic References The prophets of the Old Testament frequently spoke against Tyre, condemning its pride and idolatry. In Ezekiel 26:3-5 , the Lord declares judgment against Tyre: "Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and I will bring many nations against you, like the sea casting up its waves. They will destroy the walls of Tyre and demolish her towers. I will scrape the soil from her and make her a bare rock. She will become a place to spread nets in the sea, for I have spoken, declares the Lord GOD. She will become plunder for the nations." While the Ladder of Tyre itself is not directly mentioned, the strategic importance of the region underscores the significance of these prophecies. The pass would have been a critical point of defense and vulnerability for the city of Tyre during times of conflict. New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus mentions Tyre and Sidon in His teachings, highlighting their historical significance and the hardness of heart of the people in these cities. In Matthew 11:21-22 , Jesus says, "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you." The Ladder of Tyre, as part of the route connecting these cities, would have been familiar to the audiences of Jesus' time, serving as a reminder of the historical interactions between these regions and the broader narrative of God's dealings with the nations. Cultural and Archaeological Insights The Ladder of Tyre, with its steep cliffs and challenging terrain, has been a subject of interest for historians and archaeologists. The pass not only served as a trade route but also as a natural fortification, influencing military strategies and settlement patterns in the region. Its rugged landscape is a testament to the enduring nature of the ancient paths that connected civilizations and facilitated the spread of ideas, goods, and cultural practices. In summary, while the Ladder of Tyre is not directly mentioned in the biblical text, its geographical and historical context provides valuable insights into the interactions between the ancient cities of Tyre and Sidon and their significance in biblical history. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Ladder of TyreLADDER OF TYRE (He klimax (apo tes klimakos) Turou): Not mentioned in the Old Testament or the New Testament, but in Apocrypha (1 Maccabees 11:59), where it is said that Antiochus VI, after having confirmed Jonathan in the high-priesthood, appointed his brother Simon captain over the territory included between the Ladder of Tyre and the borders of Egypt. The Ladder has been located at different points on the coast between Tyre and Acre, such as the Ras el-`Abyadh ("Promontorium Album" of the ancient geographers), about 7 miles South of Tyre, and Ras en-Naqurah, about 6 miles farther South, and Ras el-Musheirifeh, a little farther on. These are capes jutting westward into the sea from the ridge which runs parallel to the general line of the coast. These capes project more than a mile into the sea, and present a very bold and precipitous front from 200 to 300 ft. in height. The ascent on either side of the promontory is very steep, and at Ras el-`Abyadh steps were cut in the white rock, which led to the identification of this point with the Ladder, but a reference to Josephus (B J, II, x, 2) leads to a different conclusion. He locates it 100 stadia North of Acre, which corresponds fairly well with the southern limit of the whole promontory, which is about 12 miles North of Acre, but not at all with Ras el-`Abyadh. The altitude of el Musheirifeh is greater than that of el-`Abyadh and may have had steps cut in it similar to the latter. It is more probable that the Ladder of Tyre was here, or at en-Naqurah, but the term applied to the whole promontory, which offered a serious obstacle to the passage of armies, or even caravans, since the approach is precipitous on either side, and at Ras el-`Abyadh the road skirts the edge of a sheer precipice, where a misstep would hurl one into the sea some 200 ft. below. The application of the term to the whole promontory seems to be indicated by Josephus, since he speaks of it as one of the mountains which encompass the plain of Ptolemais (Acre) and the highest of all. This would not be true of any one of the three capes mentioned, but would be if the hills behind, which form their base, were included. That it was designated as the Ladder of Tyre rather than of Acre was probably due to the fact that the promontory is nearer the former city (see Thomson, LB, II, edition 1882; SWP, name-lists, under the word). Library Ecdippa. Achzib. Joshua 19:29; Judges 1:31 Climax of the Tyrians. How Trypho after He had Beaten Demetrius Delivered the Kingdom to ... Psalm XLV. The Sermon on the Mount The Sympathy of the Two Worlds Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ... Treatise on Christ and Antichrist. The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows Resources Does the Bible give any one individual spiritual authority over another individual? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the open heaven concept? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about classism? | GotQuestions.org Ladder: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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