Topical Bible: Galilee: Upper Part of, Called Galilee of the Gentiles

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Topical Encyclopedia

Galilee, a significant region in the biblical narrative, is divided into two main parts: Upper Galilee and Lower Galilee. The Upper Galilee, often referred to as "Galilee of the Gentiles," holds a unique place in the scriptural and historical context of Israel. This designation is rooted in its geographical, cultural, and prophetic significance.

Geographical Context

Upper Galilee is located in the northern part of ancient Israel, characterized by its mountainous terrain and lush landscapes. It is bordered by Phoenicia to the west and Syria to the north, which contributed to its diverse population and cultural influences. The region's topography includes the highlands and the famous Mount Hermon, providing a natural barrier and a distinct separation from the more densely populated Lower Galilee.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The term "Galilee of the Gentiles" reflects the area's mixed population, which included a significant number of non-Israelite inhabitants. This demographic diversity arose from historical conquests and settlements by various peoples, including the Canaanites, Arameans, and later, the Greeks and Romans. The presence of these Gentile communities influenced the cultural and religious landscape of Upper Galilee, making it a melting pot of traditions and beliefs.

Biblical References

The prophetic significance of Upper Galilee is highlighted in the Book of Isaiah, where it is mentioned in the context of a future hope and light for the region. Isaiah 9:1 states, "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past, He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan." This prophecy is seen as a foretelling of the coming of the Messiah, who would bring salvation not only to Israel but also to the Gentiles.

The New Testament further emphasizes this fulfillment in the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 4:15-16 quotes Isaiah, saying, "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned." This passage underscores the ministry of Jesus Christ, who began His public ministry in Galilee, thus bringing the light of the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles.

The Ministry of Jesus in Galilee

Jesus' ministry in Galilee is a testament to the region's importance in the divine plan of redemption. Many of His miracles, teachings, and parables were delivered in this area, reaching a diverse audience. The Sermon on the Mount, the feeding of the five thousand, and numerous healings took place in Galilee, demonstrating the inclusive nature of His message.

The calling of the first disciples, many of whom were Galileans, further highlights the region's role in the early Christian movement. The apostles, hailing from this culturally rich and diverse area, were instrumental in spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth, fulfilling the Great Commission.

Conclusion

Upper Galilee, or "Galilee of the Gentiles," serves as a powerful symbol of God's inclusive promise of salvation. Its geographical and cultural context, coupled with its prophetic and New Testament significance, underscores the universal reach of the Gospel message. Through Jesus' ministry in this region, the light of God's truth was extended to all nations, fulfilling the ancient prophecies and establishing a foundation for the global spread of Christianity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 9:1
Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 4:15
The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jews and Gentiles in "The Land"
... 11:20, 21); where the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11 ... suffice to
remark, that north-eastern or Upper Galilee was in great part inhabited by ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 2 jews and gentiles.htm

Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper.
... lower part of his face and his upper lip covered ... On the part of the Jewish authorities,
it led ... Jewish authorities sent their familiars into Galilee after Jesus ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv second journey through.htm

From the Talmud and Hebraica
... Chapter 12 The South Country. Judea called 'the South,' in respect of Galilee. Chapter
13 Gaza. ... Sion. The Upper City: which was on the north part. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/

The Twelve and the Seventy.
... hundred and twenty, who met in an upper room during ... Part of these have since been
known as "The Twelve ... probable that all his colleagues were natives of Galilee. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the twelve and.htm

The Child-Life in Nazareth
... During the whole latter part of his life, the ... from what otherwise might have been
called the accident ... Even the highlands of Upper Galilee [1115] were not, like ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the child-life in.htm

Go Teach all Nations
... when Christ met with them in the upper chamber; but it ... the disciples of His promise
to meet them in Galilee. ... of His work shall depend on every other part, as a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 86 go teach all.htm

The Prophet Amos.
... who, although they were uneducated fishermen of Galilee, exhibit the ... the fabric of
the universe, gets the name upper chambers of God; the lower part is the ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the prophet amos.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... standard of the Nationalists was again raised in Galilee. ... separated galleries, which,
however, filled only part of the ... steps led up to the Upper Court, which ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... of it, where the declivity of the Upper City merged ... Part of it had, probably, been
formerly occupied by ... from the industrial centres of busy Galilee, would the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

Matthew.
... 1-19); the woe on the unrepenting cities of Galilee (11:20 ... the church (16:17-19);
the greater part of the ... a succession of lightning flashes from the upper world ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 80 matthew.htm