Topical Encyclopedia Syria, known in ancient times as Aram, plays a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of its interactions with Israel. The region of Syria, with its capital at Damascus, was a prominent kingdom during the biblical era, often coming into conflict with the Israelites. The relationship between Israel and Syria is marked by periods of both hostility and alliance, reflecting the complex political and military dynamics of the ancient Near East.Historical Context Syria's prominence in the biblical narrative is evident from the time of the united monarchy under David and Solomon. David's military campaigns extended Israel's influence over Aram (2 Samuel 8:5-6), and Solomon's reign saw trade and political alliances with neighboring regions, including Syria. However, after the division of the united monarchy, the northern kingdom of Israel frequently found itself at odds with Syria. Conflict and Deliverance The biblical account highlights several instances where Syria posed a significant threat to Israel. One notable period of conflict occurred during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. The Aramean king, Ben-Hadad, besieged Samaria, leading to a series of confrontations (1 Kings 20). Despite the military prowess of the Syrians, the Lord intervened on behalf of Israel, granting them victory. This divine intervention underscores the theme of God raising up a savior for His people in times of distress. In 2 Kings 13, during the reign of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, Israel faced severe oppression from the Arameans. The biblical text records that Jehoahaz sought the Lord's favor, and in response, God provided a deliverer for Israel. The Berean Standard Bible states: "So the LORD gave Israel a deliverer, and they escaped from the hand of the Arameans. Then the Israelites dwelt in their own homes as they had before" (2 Kings 13:5). This deliverance is a testament to God's faithfulness and His willingness to rescue His people when they turn to Him in repentance and faith. Prophetic Interactions The prophets of Israel also played a crucial role in the interactions between Israel and Syria. Elisha, in particular, is noted for his involvement in the affairs of the two nations. In 2 Kings 6, Elisha's prophetic insight thwarted Syrian military plans against Israel, leading to a miraculous deliverance. The account of the blinded Syrian army being led into Samaria and then treated with mercy by the Israelites (2 Kings 6:18-23) illustrates the power of God working through His prophet to bring about peace and reconciliation. Syria in the New Testament While the Old Testament primarily focuses on the military and political conflicts between Israel and Syria, the New Testament presents a different perspective. Syria is mentioned in the context of the early Christian church's expansion. The city of Antioch in Syria became a significant center for the early Christian movement, where believers were first called "Christians" (Acts 11:26). This highlights the shift from hostility to a shared spiritual heritage in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of Syria as both an adversary and a place of early Christian growth reflects the multifaceted relationship between the two regions. Throughout the biblical narrative, God's sovereignty and providence are evident as He raises up deliverers for Israel, demonstrating His enduring commitment to His covenant people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 13:5,23-25(And the LORD gave Israel a savior, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians: and the children of Israel dwelled in their tents, as beforetime. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Answer to the Jewish Rabby's Letter. Israel and Britain. A Note of Warning Cli. Letter or Address of Theodoret to the Monks of the ... In Judaea Doctrine of the Rest of the Apostles. A Statement of the Manner in which Luke's Procedure is Proved to ... Treatise on Christ and Antichrist. The Prophecies Results of Transgression The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... Resources Who is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Antioch in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Naaman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Syria: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Syria: A Saviour Raised up for Israel Against Syria: Abana and Pharpar Rivers of Syria: And It Included Phoenicia Syria: Army of, Miraculously Routed Syria: Asa Sought Aid of, Against Israel Syria: Benhadad King of, Besieged Samaria Syria: Called Aram, from the Son of Shem Syria: Confederates With Nebuchadnezzar Syria: Conquest of by Jeroboam Syria: Conquest of by Tiglath-Pileser, King of Assyria Syria: Damascus the Capital of Syria: David: Dedicated the Spoils of Syria: David: Destroyed a Second Army of Syria: David: Destroyed the Army of, Which Assisted Hadadezer Syria: David: Garrisoned and Made Tributary Syria: David: Obtained Renown by his Victory Over Syria: David: Sent Joab Against the Armies of, Hired by the Ammonites Syria: Death of the King of, and the Cruelty of his Successor Syria: Elijah Anointed Hazael King Over, by Divine Direction Syria: Elisha Predicted to Joash his Three Victories Over Syria: God Smote With Blindness Those Sent Against Elisha by The Syria: Gospel Preached and Many Churches Founded In Syria: Inhabitants of a Commercial People Syria: Inhabitants of a Warlike People Syria: Inhabitants of an Idolatrous People Syria: Inhabitants of Called Syrians Syria: Inhabitants of Called Syrians of Damascus Syria: Inhabitants of Spoke the Syriack Language Syria: Israel Delivered Into the Hands of, for the Sins of Jehoahaz Syria: Israel Followed the Idolatry of Syria: Joined With Israel Against Ahaz and Besieged Jerusalem Syria: Joram King of Israel in Seeking to Recover Ramothgilead From, Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: And in the Title of Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Aram-Rehob, Also Called Beth-Rehob Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Aram-Zobah, Also Called, Zobah and Zoba Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Damascus Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Geshur Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Hamath Syria: More Properly the Country Around Damascus Syria: Originally Included Mesopotamia Syria: Paul Goes To, With Letters to Apprehend the Christians Syria: People of, Colonized in Samaria by the King of Assyria Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Burning of Damascus Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Ceasing to be a Kingdom Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Inhabitants Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Rezin King of Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its Calamities, the Punishments of Its Sins Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its History in Connection With the Macedonia Empire Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its Inhabitants to be Captives Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Plundering of Damascus Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Terror and Dismay In, Occasioned by Its Invasion Syria: Retook Elath and Drove out the Jews Syria: Subdued and Governed by the Romans Syria: Subdued and Its Inhabitants Taken Captive by Assyria Syria: The Fame of Jesus Extended Over Syria: The Israelites: At Peace With, for Three Years Syria: The Israelites: Craftily Drawn Into a League With Syria: The Israelites: Defeated By, and Ahab Slain Syria: The Israelites: Encouraged and Assisted by God Overcame a Second Time Syria: The Israelites: Forewarned of Invasion By, at the Return of the Year Syria: The Israelites: Harassed by Frequent Incursions of Syria: The Israelites: Heard the Secrets of, from Elisha Syria: The Israelites: Insignificant Before Syria: The Israelites: Under Ahab Encouraged and Assisted by God, Overcame Syria: The Israelites: Under Ahab Sought to Recover Ramoth-Gilead From Syria: The Roman Province of, Included the Land of Canaan Related Terms |
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