Topical Bible: Syria: Governed by Kings

◄ Syria: Governed by Kings ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Syria, a region of significant historical and biblical importance, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. It is known for its interactions with the Israelites and its role in the broader narrative of the ancient Near East. Governed by a series of kings, Syria's political and military activities often intersected with the history of Israel and Judah.

Geographical and Historical Context

Syria, known in the Bible as Aram, was located to the northeast of Israel, encompassing the area of modern-day Syria and parts of Turkey. Its capital, Damascus, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The region was strategically important due to its position on major trade routes and its fertile lands.

Biblical Kings of Syria

The Bible records several kings of Syria, who played pivotal roles in the region's history. One of the earliest mentioned is Hadadezer, king of Zobah, a Syrian kingdom. He is noted for his conflicts with King David. In 2 Samuel 8:3 , it is written, "David also defeated Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when he went to restore his control along the Euphrates River."

Another significant king was Ben-Hadad I, who reigned during the time of Asa, king of Judah. Ben-Hadad's interactions with the Israelites are recorded in 1 Kings 15:18-20 , where Asa sought his help against Baasha, king of Israel. The passage states, "Then Asa took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he entrusted it to his servants. Then King Asa sent them to Ben-Hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus."

Ben-Hadad II, likely the son or successor of Ben-Hadad I, is another prominent figure. His reign is marked by numerous conflicts with Israel, particularly during the time of Ahab and Jehoram. In 1 Kings 20, Ben-Hadad besieges Samaria, leading to a series of battles with Ahab, king of Israel. The narrative highlights the ongoing hostilities and the shifting alliances in the region.

Hazael, who succeeded Ben-Hadad II, is another notable king. His rise to power is described in 2 Kings 8:7-15 , where he is anointed by the prophet Elisha. Hazael's reign is characterized by aggressive military campaigns against Israel and Judah, as seen in 2 Kings 10:32 : "In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel, and Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory."

Syria's Role in Prophecy and Judgment

Syria's interactions with Israel are not only historical but also prophetic. The prophets often spoke of Syria in the context of divine judgment and the unfolding of God's plan. Isaiah 17:1 prophesies the downfall of Damascus: "Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins." This prophecy underscores the transient nature of earthly powers and the sovereignty of God over nations.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Syrians, or Arameans, were known for their cultural and religious influence in the region. They worshiped a pantheon of gods, with Hadad, the storm god, being one of the most prominent. This religious backdrop often led to conflicts with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh by the Israelites.

Conclusion

The history of Syria, as governed by its kings, is intricately woven into the biblical narrative. Its kings, from Hadadezer to Hazael, played significant roles in the geopolitical and spiritual landscape of the ancient Near East. Through their interactions with Israel, the biblical text reveals the complexities of human politics and the overarching providence of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 22:31
But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 5:1
Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honorable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance to Syria: he was also a mighty man in valor, but he was a leper.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Luke's Account of the Enrollment
... This was the first enrollment, made when Quirinius was governing Syria. ... Some parts
of this empire are, he says, governed by kings, while part is in the form ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 6 lukes account of.htm

How the Kings of Asia Honored the Nation of the Jews and Made them ...
... The Jews also obtained honors from the kings of Asia ... Mucianus, who was then president
of Syria, preserved it ... Vespasian and Titus his son governed the habitable ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how the kings.htm

That the Jews Ceased to have Prophets after the Rebuilding of the ...
... Then Antiochus king of Syria compelled them by many and most grievous evils ... changed
state of the republic, in which she should be governed by kings, was now ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 45 that the jews ceased.htm

About the Time of Christ, in Accordance with Prophecy, the Rulers ...
... by Saul first and then by David, and before the kings leaders governed them who ... to
the fancy of the procurator, or of the governor of Syria, who held ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi about the time of.htm

The Nations of the South-East
... As we go northwards into Syria the Canaanitish element predominates ... Midian was
originally governed by high-priests ... In Assyria the kings were preceded by the high ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iii the nations of.htm

The Question at Issue
... state"; and that any tendency on the part of such dependent kings to disregard ... 5.
It is affirmed that Quirinius never governed Syria during the life of Herod ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 5 the question at.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... to another; yet in practice their kings had not ... the last of which was in Syria; and
thirdly ... emissaries, had assassinated the Harnathite who governed them, and ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... the first Cossaean kings"The peoples of Syria, their towns ... I give here the list of
the kings of the ... the first alarm.* These tribes were governed by numerous ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

How the Temple was Built While the Cutheans Endeavored in Vain to ...
... belong to Sanabassar, the governor and president of Syria and Phoenicia ... six months,
and ten days; but before those kings, such rulers governed them as were ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 how the temple.htm

From Malachi to the Birth of Christ.
... Under the Rule of the Greek Kings. ... Egypt) and Judea was alternately under the rule
of Syria and Egypt ... They were now governed by a succession of rulers from the ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xvii from malachi to.htm