Topical Bible: Commerce: Syrians

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Topical Encyclopedia

The ancient Syrians, known for their strategic geographical location and commercial prowess, played a significant role in the trade networks of the biblical world. Situated at the crossroads of major trade routes connecting Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, and Egypt, Syria became a hub of economic activity and cultural exchange.

Biblical References and Historical Context

The Bible provides several references to the Syrians and their involvement in commerce. One of the most notable mentions is in the context of King Solomon's reign. In 1 Kings 10:29 , it is recorded: "They imported a chariot from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. Likewise, they exported them to all the kings of the Hittites and to the kings of Aram." This passage highlights the Syrians' role in the trade of horses and chariots, commodities that were crucial for military and transportation purposes.

The city of Damascus, the capital of ancient Syria, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a significant center of trade. Ezekiel 27:18 describes Damascus as a trading partner of Tyre, stating, "Because of your many products, they exchanged your merchandise for the wine of Helbon and the wool of Zahar." This indicates the diversity of goods exchanged and the wealth generated through such commercial activities.

Economic Influence and Trade Goods

The Syrians were known for trading a variety of goods, including textiles, metals, and luxury items. The region's artisans were skilled in producing fine fabrics and garments, which were highly sought after in the ancient world. Additionally, Syria's access to natural resources such as timber from the forests of Lebanon and metals from the Taurus Mountains contributed to its economic strength.

The prophet Amos also references the wealth and opulence of the Syrian markets. In Amos 1:3 , the Lord declares, "For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment, because they threshed Gilead with implements of iron." This passage not only highlights the military might of the Syrians but also implies their economic capacity to produce and trade in iron implements.

Cultural and Religious Interactions

The commercial interactions between the Syrians and their neighbors facilitated cultural and religious exchanges. The spread of Aramaic, the lingua franca of the Near East, is partly attributed to the extensive trade networks established by the Syrians. This language became a unifying medium for communication and commerce across diverse regions.

Religiously, the Syrians were polytheistic, worshiping a pantheon of gods, including Hadad, the storm god, and Atargatis, the goddess of fertility. The influence of Syrian religious practices is evident in the syncretism observed in some Israelite communities, as seen in the adoption of foreign deities and rituals.

Military and Political Alliances

Commerce often intertwined with military and political alliances. The Syrians, particularly during the time of the divided monarchy in Israel, were both adversaries and allies. The shifting alliances are evident in the accounts of the kings of Israel and Judah seeking Syrian support or facing Syrian aggression. For instance, in 2 Kings 16:7 , King Ahaz of Judah sought assistance from the king of Assyria, saying, "I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hand of the king of Aram and the king of Israel, who are rising up against me."

Conclusion

The Syrians' role in commerce during biblical times was marked by their strategic location, diverse trade goods, and the cultural exchanges that accompanied their economic activities. Their interactions with neighboring nations, both peaceful and hostile, significantly influenced the historical and religious landscape of the ancient Near East.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 27:16,18
Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of your making: they occupied in your fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Chrysostom as Deacon, Priest and Preacher at Antioch. AD 381-398.
... water from the river Orontes, a large lake and the surrounding hills, fertile plains,
the commerce of the ... The inhabitants were Syrians, Greeks, Jews, and Romans ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter vi chrysostom as deacon priest.htm

Joshua's Conquest.
... Palestine which thereby became the bridge for the civilization and commerce of tie ...
of Judah, the Phoenician kingdoms on the north, Arameans or Syrians on the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter viii joshuas conquest.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... It commanded the ford across the river, and the high-road of commerce from east
to west ... Ben-Hadad, in fact, was a god, who was worshipped by the Syrians by the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

Introduction.
... 8] and Herodion, may probably have passed along the stream of commerce that flowed ...
the Jews, because the Aramaic dialects spoken by Hebrews and Syrians did not ...
/.../burgon/the causes of the corruption of the traditional text/introduction.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... Thus these Northern Syrians became by degrees assimilated to the people of Babylon
and Nineveh, much as the inhabitants of a remote province nowadays adapt ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... Hiram; Egyptian designs in Phoenician glass and goldsmiths'work"Commerce with Egypt ...
written language words borrowed from Semitic speech, the Syrians, on the ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Book 1.
... the truth of their affairs was this, that they had not any commerce together; but ...
the captives he had taken from the Jews, and Phoenicians, and Syrians, and of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ...
... the other satrapies,' [27] were included with the Palestinians and the Syrians under
the ... And it was trade and commerce which procured to the Babylonians their ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the jewish world.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... hand in all the plots which were being hatched among the Syrians, and all ... travels
of the "Royal Messengers," as well as, probably, the maritime commerce of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... The Syrians belonged to the second of these families, that next in order to the
Egyptians, and the name of Amu, which for centuries had been given them, met so ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm