Topical Bible: Syria: Inhabitants of a Commercial People

◄ Syria: Inhabitants of a Commercial People ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Syria, known in ancient times as Aram, is a region of significant historical and biblical importance. It is situated to the northeast of Israel and has been a land of diverse cultures and peoples. The Bible frequently references Syria, highlighting its role as a commercial hub and its interactions with the Israelites.

Geographical and Historical Context

Syria's strategic location made it a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange in the ancient Near East. It was bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the Arabian Desert to the south, and the fertile lands of Mesopotamia to the east. This positioning facilitated its development as a center of commerce and trade.

Biblical References

The Bible mentions Syria in various contexts, often emphasizing its commercial activities and interactions with Israel. In the book of Ezekiel, Syria is noted for its trade and wealth: "Aram was your merchant because of your many products; they exchanged turquoise, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your wares" (Ezekiel 27:16). This passage underscores Syria's role as a vibrant trading partner, dealing in luxury goods and precious materials.

Relations with Israel

Syria's relationship with Israel was complex, marked by both conflict and cooperation. The Arameans, the inhabitants of Syria, frequently clashed with the Israelites. Notable conflicts include the battles between the Aramean king Ben-Hadad and the kings of Israel, such as Ahab and Jehoram. In 1 Kings 20, Ben-Hadad besieges Samaria, leading to a series of confrontations with King Ahab.

Despite these hostilities, there were periods of peace and alliance. For instance, King David established control over parts of Syria, as recorded in 2 Samuel 8:6: "Then David placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went" . This passage highlights the subjugation of Syria under David's rule and the subsequent tribute paid to Israel.

Cultural and Religious Influence

Syria's influence extended beyond commerce and politics; it also played a role in the cultural and religious landscape of the region. The Arameans contributed to the spread of the Aramaic language, which became a lingua franca in the Near East and was widely used during the time of Jesus.

The Bible also records instances of religious syncretism between the Israelites and the Arameans. In 2 Kings 5, the account of Naaman, a Syrian commander, illustrates the intersection of faith and culture. Naaman, afflicted with leprosy, seeks healing from the prophet Elisha and ultimately acknowledges the God of Israel: "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel" (2 Kings 5:15).

Prophetic Significance

Syria is also significant in biblical prophecy. The prophets often spoke of Syria in the context of divine judgment and restoration. Isaiah prophesied the downfall of Damascus, the capital of Syria: "Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins" (Isaiah 17:1). This prophecy reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty over the nations and His plans for judgment and redemption.

In summary, Syria's role as a commercial people is intricately woven into the biblical narrative. Its interactions with Israel, cultural contributions, and prophetic significance highlight its importance in the biblical world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 27:18
Damascus was your merchant in the multitude of the wares of your making, for the multitude of all riches; in the wine of Helbon, and white wool.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Orontes and the sea, lay the commercial kingdom of ... in names of towns in Southern
Syria seems to indicate pretty conclusively that the inhabitants of these ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Land and the People.
... for good or evil in the commercial, political, and ... those villages contained above
fifteen thousand inhabitants (Bell ... of all Palestine and Syria scarcely amounts ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 17 the land and.htm

The Judges.
... was a powerful nation and ravaged Syria and Palestine ... was a country of great commercial
progress with ... The inhabitants were wonderful in physical energy, in war ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter ix the judges.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... had developed a strong agricultural and commercial civilization ... upon the territory
already occupied by the older inhabitants. ... of Syria and Pal., 157-60; Maspero ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

The Israelites
... the road which carried the trade of Syria to the ... were never welded together like
the inhabitants of Judah ... the supremacy of Judah, and commercial relations were ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter i the israelites.htm

Introduction
... storming of cities and the massacre of their inhabitants. ... yielded up their dead;
Arabia, Syria, and Asia ... turned on the lathe indicate commercial relations with ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/introduction.htm

The End of Cambyses.
... and the manners of its inhabitants were totally ... of government, Babylon their great
commercial emporium, but ... here, who was traveling through Syria, saying that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter ii the end of.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... running into the highways which go from Syria to Egypt. ... the sea of Galilee, where
the inhabitants of Galilee ... Sidon, I think because of their commercial dealings ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ...
... separate, and from its convenience for commercial purposes. ... the four classes into
which its inhabitants were divided ... the cities of Asia Minor and Syria which he ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v alexandria and rome.htm

Editor's Preface
... in a common literary culture and common commercial interests ... conquest of the country
by the inhabitants of the ... he was occupied in conquering Syria and Palestine ...
/.../history of egypt chaldaea syria babylonia and assyria v 1/editors preface.htm