Topical Bible: Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: And in the Title of

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Topical Encyclopedia

Syria, a region of significant historical and biblical importance, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. It is located to the north of Israel and has been a land of various minor kingdoms throughout biblical history. These kingdoms played crucial roles in the narratives of the Old Testament, often interacting with the Israelites in both conflict and alliance.

Aram-Damascus

One of the most prominent kingdoms within Syria was Aram-Damascus. Damascus, the capital, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The kingdom of Aram-Damascus is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of its interactions with Israel and Judah. In 2 Samuel 8:5-6 , we read about King David's military campaigns against the Arameans: "When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men. Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute."

The kingdom of Aram-Damascus was often a formidable adversary to Israel. During the reign of King Ahab, Ben-Hadad II, the king of Aram, besieged Samaria, leading to a series of conflicts (1 Kings 20). The prophet Elisha also had significant interactions with the Arameans, including the healing of Naaman, the commander of the Aramean army (2 Kings 5).

Hamath

Another significant kingdom within the region of Syria was Hamath. Located in the Orontes Valley, Hamath was an important city-state. It is mentioned in the context of Solomon's reign, as he extended his influence over the region (1 Kings 8:65): "So Solomon observed the feast at that time, and all Israel with him—a great assembly of people from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt."

Hamath is also noted in the prophetic literature, where it is often listed among the nations that would face judgment. In Amos 6:2 , the prophet warns Israel by pointing to the fate of Hamath: "Go to Calneh and see; go from there to great Hamath; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are you better than these kingdoms? Is their territory greater than yours?"

Zobah

Zobah was another Aramean kingdom mentioned in the Bible, particularly during the reign of King David. It was located to the northeast of Damascus. The king of Zobah, Hadadezer, was defeated by David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 8:3-4 : "David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his control along the Euphrates River. David captured a thousand of his chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers. He hamstrung all the chariot horses but spared a hundred of them."

Geshur

Geshur was a small Aramean kingdom located in the region of Bashan, east of the Sea of Galilee. It is notable in the biblical narrative for its connection to King David. David married Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur, and she bore him Absalom (2 Samuel 3:3). After Absalom killed his brother Amnon, he fled to Geshur and stayed there for three years (2 Samuel 13:37-38).

Significance in Biblical History

The minor kingdoms within the region of Syria were significant players in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. Their interactions with Israel and Judah were marked by both conflict and cooperation, influencing the course of biblical history. The prophets often spoke of these kingdoms in their oracles, highlighting their roles in God's unfolding plan for His people. The narratives involving these kingdoms underscore the complex relationships and divine sovereignty at work throughout the biblical record.

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Psalm 60:1
O God, you have cast us off, you have scattered us, you have been displeased; O turn yourself to us again.
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Library

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... For an invader proceeding from Asia Minor, or intending to ... general, who had Naharaim
or the kingdoms of Chaldaea ... head-quarters Qodshul in Coele-Syria, but one ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Israelites
... the road which carried the trade of Syria to the ... sea-pirates from the coasts of Asia
Minor and the ... race which had made settlements and founded kingdoms in Moab ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... the Scyths to the pillage of Asia Minor: "no country ... being brought to nothing." The
ancient kingdoms of Sapalulu ... Syria was not lost sight of in this resumption ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... an outbreak took place in Southern Syria, which might ... renewed negotiations with the
petty kingdoms of the ... afresh with prisoners from Asia Minor, Urartu, and ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... must have suspected that the two kingdoms were quite ... pileser received the tributary
kings of Syria "in Arpad ... of Unki, the most daring of the minor states into ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... and passing thence to other kingdoms and lands ... and, returning thence, shall waste
Asia Minor, Syria, and Egypt ... third allotment of rolling years, within the first ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... guard of Chaldaean civilization, near the frontiers of Syria and Asia Minor.** To
the ... evidence that they possessed the small neighbouring kingdoms of Kishu ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... and was crowned by the citadel, within which were ... discussion is a district in Asia
Minor, identified with ... he places the country in Northern Syria, or perhaps ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... empire extending over almost all Asia Minor was advanced by ... to supply the needs of
Syria, Chaldaea, and ... regular relations between the ancient kingdoms of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... fail to be quickly punished in Syria, Egypt, Babylon ... of Samos, coasting the shores
of Asia Minor, and then ... had been formidable warriors, and the kingdoms of the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm