Topical Bible: Syria: Confederates With Nebuchadnezzar

◄ Syria: Confederates With Nebuchadnezzar ►

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Syria, a region of significant historical and biblical importance, played a notable role during the period of the Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar II. This entry explores the involvement of Syria as confederates with Nebuchadnezzar, highlighting their interactions and alliances as recorded in the biblical narrative.

Historical Context

Syria, known in ancient times as Aram, was a region located to the north of Israel and Judah. It was a land of strategic importance due to its position along major trade routes and its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. Throughout biblical history, Syria often found itself in conflict with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, as well as in alliances with other regional powers.

Alliance with Nebuchadnezzar

During the late 7th and early 6th centuries BC, the Neo-Babylonian Empire rose to prominence under the leadership of Nebuchadnezzar II. As Babylon sought to expand its influence and control over the Near East, it encountered various regional powers, including Syria. The biblical narrative suggests that Syria, along with other nations, became confederates with Nebuchadnezzar during his military campaigns.

In 2 Kings 24:1-2 , the text states: "During Jehoiakim’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon invaded the land, and Jehoiakim became his vassal for three years. But then he turned and rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar. So the LORD sent Chaldean, Aramean, Moabite, and Ammonite raiders against Jehoiakim to destroy Judah, according to the word of the LORD proclaimed by His servants the prophets."

This passage indicates that the Arameans, or Syrians, were among the groups that participated in the raids against Judah at the behest of Nebuchadnezzar. Their involvement as confederates with Babylon highlights the complex political landscape of the time, where alliances were often formed out of necessity or coercion.

Prophetic Fulfillment

The alliance between Syria and Nebuchadnezzar can also be seen as part of the fulfillment of prophetic warnings given to the people of Judah. The prophets, including Jeremiah, had long warned of impending judgment due to the nation's disobedience and idolatry. The involvement of foreign powers like Syria in the campaigns against Judah served as a tangible manifestation of these prophecies.

Jeremiah 25:9 declares: "behold, I will send for all the families of the north,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and scorn, an everlasting desolation."

Syria's Role in the Broader Biblical Narrative

Syria's confederation with Nebuchadnezzar is a reminder of the shifting allegiances and the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East. Throughout the biblical narrative, Syria is depicted as both an adversary and an ally, depending on the circumstances and the prevailing political climate.

The involvement of Syria in the Babylonian campaigns against Judah underscores the broader theme of divine sovereignty and judgment. It illustrates how God used various nations, including Syria, to accomplish His purposes and to bring about the fulfillment of His prophetic word.

In summary, Syria's role as confederates with Nebuchadnezzar during his campaigns against Judah is a significant aspect of the biblical account of this tumultuous period. It reflects the intricate interplay of political alliances and divine orchestration in the unfolding of biblical history.

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2 Kings 24:2
And the LORD sent against him bands of the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the LORD, which he spoke by his servants the prophets.
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Jeremiah 39:5
But the Chaldeans' army pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment on him.
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Library

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Concerning Nebuchadnezzar And His Successors And How Their ... Also How Cassius Obtained
Syria, And Put A Stop ... CHAPTER 8. The Jews Become Confederates With Caesar ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... us that "the Beast" and his confederates are the ... who struggled for independence,
and whom Nebuchadnezzar put down ... career is the first king of Syria: and then ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. ... Their migration from
Media into Syria and Palestine is expressly mentioned by Herodotus. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm