Topical Bible: Syria: And It Included Phoenicia

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Geographical and Historical Context

Syria, in biblical times, was a significant region located in the ancient Near East, encompassing a broad area that included parts of modern-day Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey. The region was known for its strategic location, serving as a bridge between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean. This made it a vital area for trade and cultural exchange. In biblical narratives, Syria is often referred to as Aram, and its people as Arameans.

The inclusion of Phoenicia within the broader region of Syria is noteworthy. Phoenicia was a narrow coastal strip along the Mediterranean Sea, known for its maritime prowess and the establishment of influential city-states such as Tyre and Sidon. The Phoenicians were renowned for their skills in shipbuilding, navigation, and trade, which allowed them to establish colonies across the Mediterranean.

Biblical References

Syria is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of its interactions with Israel. The Arameans, the inhabitants of Syria, were both adversaries and allies of the Israelites at different times. One of the earliest mentions of Syria is in the context of the patriarchs. In Genesis 25:20, Rebekah is described as "the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram," highlighting the familial connections between the Israelites and the Arameans.

During the period of the united monarchy, King David expanded his kingdom to include parts of Syria. In 2 Samuel 8:6, it is recorded, "Then David placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute." This passage illustrates the extent of David's influence and the subjugation of Syrian territories under his rule.

The relationship between Israel and Syria was complex, often marked by conflict. In 1 Kings 20, the Aramean king Ben-Hadad besieges Samaria, leading to a series of battles with the Israelites. Despite these hostilities, there were also periods of cooperation, as seen in the alliance between King Ahab of Israel and Ben-Hadad against the Assyrians.

Phoenicia's Role

Phoenicia, as part of the Syrian region, played a crucial role in the biblical narrative, particularly through its interactions with Israel. The Phoenician city of Tyre is mentioned in the context of King Solomon's reign. In 1 Kings 5:1-12, Solomon forms an alliance with Hiram, king of Tyre, to procure materials and skilled labor for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This collaboration underscores the economic and political ties between Israel and Phoenicia.

The influence of Phoenicia extended beyond trade and politics. The spread of Phoenician culture and religion had a significant impact on the surrounding regions, including Israel. The worship of Baal, a prominent deity in the Phoenician pantheon, became a source of religious conflict in Israel, as seen in the accounts of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18.

Prophetic and New Testament References

The prophets frequently spoke against Syria and its cities, often as part of broader judgments against the nations. In Isaiah 17:1, the prophet declares, "Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins." This prophecy reflects the divine judgment against Syria for its opposition to God's people.

In the New Testament, Syria is mentioned in the context of the early Christian church. Acts 11:19-20 records the spread of the Gospel to Phoenicia, highlighting the region's inclusion in the early missionary efforts. Additionally, the Apostle Paul, originally from Tarsus in Cilicia, traveled through Syria during his missionary journeys, as noted in Galatians 1:21: "Later I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia."

Cultural and Religious Significance

Syria, including Phoenicia, was a melting pot of cultures and religions. The Arameans and Phoenicians contributed to the rich tapestry of the ancient Near East through their language, art, and religious practices. The Aramaic language, in particular, became a lingua franca of the region and was widely used during the time of Jesus.

The religious practices of the Syrians and Phoenicians often stood in contrast to the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites. This tension is evident in the biblical narrative, where the influence of foreign gods and practices posed a continual challenge to the covenant faithfulness of Israel.

In summary, Syria, with its inclusion of Phoenicia, played a multifaceted role in the biblical narrative. Its geographical position, cultural contributions, and interactions with Israel and the early church underscore its significance in the biblical world.

Nave's Topical Index

Mark 7:26
The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she sought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 21:3
Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Cilicia, although the decree of Canopus locates them in Phoenicia. ... they passed to
and fro between Syria and the ... east of Zahi lay Kharu; it included the greater ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... the crown.** His dynasty consisted of three members, himself included, and it was ...
first the outlying dependencies"Cilicia, Melitene, Northern Syria, and then ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Canaan
... to settle undisturbed in Zemar and other cities of inland Phoenicia. ... As, therefore,
the Babylonians had included all the inhabitants of Syria and Palestine ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... and in which Assyria itself was sometimes included. ... foreigner was expelled or absorbed;
Syria and Mesopotamia ... inscriptions in the alphabet of Phoenicia are cut ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... which bade fair to vie with those of Phoenicia. ... which rivalled those of Babylonia,
and included among their ... to the essences common to both Syria and Egypt, the ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

Excursus on the Words Pistin Heperan
... of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria. ... of the most holy Bishops
of Phoenicia, calling it ... is not to be set aside, they included not only ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the words pistin.htm

Babylonia and Assyria
... the army of the invaders in Syria at the ... The Hittites paid tribute, as also did
Phoenicia, where he ... an invader, sent him presents, which included a crocodile ...
/.../early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vi babylonia and assyria.htm

The Author's views Respecting the Celebration of Easter, Baptism ...
... 94, a native of Phoenicia, hence not the same as ... presbyter, or deacon, or any other
[cleric] included in the ... of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia ...
/.../chapter xxii the authors views respecting.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... The Hebrew of Palestine doubtless included it in the ... As we go northwards into Syria
the Canaanitish element ... not from south Arabia that Phoenicia first borrowed ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... space is devoted to an account of her journey to the East which included a visit ...
8. I say nothing of her journey through Coele-Syria and Phoenicia (for it ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm