Topical Bible: Galilee: Inhabitants of Despised by the Jews

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Topical Encyclopedia

Galilee, a region in northern Israel, holds significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the Jordan River to the east, and Samaria to the south. Known for its fertile land and diverse population, Galilee was a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, which contributed to its complex social dynamics during the time of Jesus.

Historical Context

In the Old Testament, Galilee was part of the tribal allotments of Naphtali, Zebulun, and Asher (Joshua 19:10-39). However, due to its geographical location, it was often subject to foreign influence and invasion. The Assyrian conquest in the 8th century BC led to the deportation of many Israelites and the settlement of foreign peoples in the region (2 Kings 15:29). This mixture of populations contributed to Galilee's reputation as a place of cultural and religious syncretism.

Despised by the Jews

By the time of the New Testament, Galilee was viewed with disdain by many Jews, particularly those from Judea. This contempt was partly due to Galilee's history of foreign influence and partly due to its distance from the religious epicenter of Jerusalem. The Galileans' distinct accent and dialect further set them apart, as noted in the account of Peter's denial of Jesus: "Surely you are one of them, for you too are a Galilean" (Mark 14:70).

The Pharisees and other religious leaders often looked down upon Galilee, questioning whether anything good could come from there. This sentiment is captured in the words of Nathanael, who skeptically asked, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" (John 1:46). Nazareth, a town in Galilee, was the home of Jesus, and His association with the region was a stumbling block for many who expected the Messiah to emerge from a more prestigious background.

Jesus' Ministry in Galilee

Despite the region's lowly reputation, Galilee played a central role in Jesus' ministry. It was here that He performed many of His miracles, taught in synagogues, and called His first disciples, most of whom were Galileans (Matthew 4:18-22). The Sermon on the Mount, one of Jesus' most significant teachings, was delivered in Galilee (Matthew 5-7).

The prophet Isaiah had foretold that Galilee would be honored: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2). This prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus, who brought the message of the Kingdom of God to the despised region, demonstrating that God's grace extends beyond societal prejudices.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Galilee's diverse population included Jews, Gentiles, and Samaritans, making it a microcosm of the broader world. Jesus' ministry in Galilee symbolized the breaking down of barriers and the inclusivity of the Gospel. His interactions with Gentiles and Samaritans in the region foreshadowed the global mission of the Church.

The apostles, many of whom were Galileans, carried the message of Christ from this humble region to the ends of the earth. At Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, the crowd was amazed and perplexed, asking, "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?" (Acts 2:7). This moment marked the beginning of the Church's mission to transcend cultural and ethnic boundaries, rooted in the transformative work that began in Galilee.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 7:41,52
Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... Rabbis, and that even wherein they were despised by those ... was said to cost as much
as five in Galilee. ... of jealousy on the part of the inhabitants of Jerusalem ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm

Barriers Broken Down
... Jesus withdrew from Capernaum, and crossing Galilee, repaired to ... of mercy toward
one of a despised people for ... preaching the gospel to the inhabitants of Sychar ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 43 barriers broken down.htm

The Calamities and Slaughters that came Upon the Jews.
... own number was so great that they despised their attempts ... the city with ease; and
as the inhabitants had made ... of the twelfth legion, into Galilee, and delivered ...
/.../chapter 18 the calamities and.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... The People Of Israel And The Inhabitants Of Jerusalem. ... Mattathias, The Son Of Asamoneus,
Alone Despised The King ... Antipater Committed The Care Of Galilee To Herod ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
... This despised and least valued part of the land of ... Though Galilee was favoured with
the Scripture, and with synagogue worship; and the inhabitants were a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon viii the sun rising.htm

Intercourse of Jesus with the Pagans and the Samaritans.
... He despised still more a multitude of modern observances ... The road from Jerusalem
into Galilee passes at the ... and if other planets have inhabitants gifted with ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xiv intercourse of jesus.htm

The Historical Situation
... lived in the land, a people despising and despised. Their territory separated Galilee
from Judea, and they ... allow any intercourse with the inhabitants of Samaria ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the historical situation.htm

Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.
... His disciples were despised as being Galileans ... to the kindly communism of Galilee,
remarks continually ... 1] which served as a pleasure garden to the inhabitants. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxi last journey of.htm

"We have Seen his Star"
... themselves, and to show how God despised all other ... He shall be called a Nazarene."
Galilee was under ... a much larger admixture of foreign inhabitants than Judea. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 6 we have seen.htm

The Child-Life in Nazareth
... by His Divinely-appointed early residence), small and despised in its ... the 240 towns
and villages of Galilee, each with not less than 15,000 inhabitants. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the child-life in.htm