Topical Bible: Syria: Called Aram, from the Son of Shem

◄ Syria: Called Aram, from the Son of Shem ►

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Etymology and Historical Background:
Syria, known in ancient times as Aram, is a region with deep historical and biblical significance. The name "Aram" is derived from Aram, the son of Shem, who was one of Noah's sons (Genesis 10:22). This lineage places the Arameans among the Semitic peoples, and their territory is often referred to as Aram in the Old Testament.

Geographical Context:
The land of Aram, or Syria, is situated to the northeast of Israel, encompassing parts of modern-day Syria, Turkey, and Iraq. Key cities within this region include Damascus, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds significant biblical importance.

Biblical References and Significance:
Syria is frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of its interactions with Israel. The Arameans were both adversaries and allies of the Israelites at different times.

1. Early Interactions:
The patriarchs had connections with Aram. For instance, Abraham's servant was sent to Aram Naharaim to find a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:10). Jacob also fled to Paddan Aram, where he worked for Laban and married Leah and Rachel (Genesis 28:5).

2. Military Conflicts:
Throughout the period of the Judges and the monarchy, Israel had numerous conflicts with the Arameans. King David subdued the Arameans, establishing garrisons in Damascus (2 Samuel 8:6). However, during the reigns of later kings, such as Ahab and Jehoram, Aram was a formidable enemy. The Aramean king Ben-Hadad besieged Samaria, leading to a miraculous deliverance for Israel (2 Kings 6:24-7:20).

3. Prophetic Interactions:
The prophets frequently spoke of Aram. Isaiah prophesied against Damascus, foretelling its downfall (Isaiah 17:1). Amos also pronounced judgment on Damascus for its transgressions (Amos 1:3-5).

4. New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, Syria is mentioned in the context of the early Christian church. The Apostle Paul, originally from Tarsus in Cilicia, had significant interactions with the region. After his conversion, Paul spent time in Damascus, where he began his ministry (Acts 9:19-25). The church in Antioch, located in Syria, became a major center for early Christianity and was where believers were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).

Cultural and Religious Influence:
The Arameans contributed to the cultural and linguistic landscape of the ancient Near East. Aramaic, the language of the Arameans, became a lingua franca of the region and was widely used during the time of Jesus. Portions of the Old Testament, such as parts of Daniel and Ezra, are written in Aramaic.

Theological Implications:
Syria's interactions with Israel highlight themes of divine sovereignty and judgment. The fluctuating relationship between Israel and Aram serves as a backdrop for God's dealings with His people, demonstrating His power to deliver and His authority to judge nations.

Conclusion:
Syria, or Aram, holds a multifaceted role in biblical history, serving as a land of both refuge and conflict for the people of Israel. Its enduring presence in the biblical narrative underscores the complex interplay of nations in God's redemptive plan.

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Genesis 10:22,23
The children of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram.
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Numbers 23:7
And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab has brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.
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1 Chronicles 1:17
The sons of Shem; Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.
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1 Chronicles 2:23
And he took Geshur, and Aram, with the towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath, and the towns thereof, even three score cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead.
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Library

How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants.
... of Ham possessed the land from Syria and Amanus ... named the Arphaxadites, who are now
called Chaldeans. Aram had the Aramites, which the Greeks called Syrians; as ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how every nation.htm

From the Flood to Abraham
... Aram, one of the sons of Japheth, settled in Syria near Damascus ... On the west of the
Euphrates, however, is a vast mound called Birs Nimrood, which used ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter iii from the flood.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Syria and its two unequal neighbours, Aram of Damascus ... Chaldaean civilization, near
the frontiers of Syria and Asia ... country of the plain was called Anzan, or ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... 7-9). These three are called "the Father, the Son [Word], and the Holy Spirit";
each of which is really, naturally and eternally God: yet there is but one God. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

[Endnotes]
... Aram, "Cush, Mizraim, Phut ... title from the name of the province, as the corresponding
officers in Cyprus, Syria, and Lydia, were called Cypriarchs, Syriarchs ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm