Topical Encyclopedia Syria, known in ancient times as Aram, is a region of significant historical and biblical importance. It is located to the northeast of Israel and has been a land of diverse cultures and peoples throughout history. The Bible frequently references Syria and its inhabitants, often highlighting their idolatrous practices and interactions with the Israelites.Geographical and Historical Context Syria, or Aram, was a prominent region in the ancient Near East, with its capital in Damascus. The Arameans, the inhabitants of Syria, were known for their influence and power, often coming into conflict with the Israelites. The region's strategic location made it a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange, contributing to its wealth and significance. Biblical References and Interactions The Bible records numerous interactions between the Israelites and the Syrians. One of the earliest mentions is in Genesis 10:22, where Aram is listed as a descendant of Shem, indicating the ancient origins of the Aramean people. Throughout the Old Testament, Syria is often depicted as an adversary of Israel. In 1 Kings 11:23-25, God raises up Rezon son of Eliada as an adversary against Solomon, who becomes a leader in Damascus. This marks the beginning of a long history of conflict between Israel and Syria. The Arameans frequently engaged in warfare with Israel, as seen in 1 Kings 20, where Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, besieges Samaria. The idolatrous practices of the Syrians are highlighted in several passages. In 2 Kings 16:10-16, King Ahaz of Judah visits Damascus and is impressed by an altar there, leading him to replicate it in Jerusalem, thus introducing foreign worship practices into Israel. This incident underscores the influence of Syrian idolatry on the Israelites. Prophetic Warnings and Judgments The prophets of Israel often spoke against Syria, condemning its idolatry and aggression. In Isaiah 17:1-3, a prophecy against Damascus foretells its ruin, emphasizing the consequences of its idolatrous ways: "Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins." This prophecy reflects the divine judgment against the nation's persistent idolatry and hostility towards God's people. Amos 1:3-5 also pronounces judgment on Damascus for its transgressions, particularly its cruelty and oppression. The prophet declares, "I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-Hadad." Such prophetic declarations serve as reminders of the moral and spiritual accountability of nations before God. Cultural and Religious Influence Despite their idolatrous practices, the Syrians had a significant cultural and religious influence on the surrounding regions, including Israel. The Aramaic language, originating from Syria, became a lingua franca in the Near East and was widely used during the time of Jesus. This linguistic influence is evident in parts of the New Testament, where Aramaic phrases are preserved. The religious syncretism that occurred due to Syrian influence posed a continual challenge for the Israelites, who were called to remain faithful to Yahweh. The allure of Syrian gods and religious practices often led Israel astray, resulting in divine chastisement and calls for repentance from the prophets. Conclusion Syria, as depicted in the Bible, represents a nation deeply entrenched in idolatry and often in opposition to the people of God. Its historical and cultural interactions with Israel provide a backdrop for understanding the spiritual challenges faced by the Israelites. The biblical narrative consistently calls for the rejection of idolatry and the exclusive worship of the one true God, a theme underscored by the warnings and judgments pronounced against Syria. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 10:6And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 5:18 Library Flavian and Evagrius, Bishops of Antioch. The Events at Alexandria ... Jehoshaphat Ahaz The Maccabees. Paul and Barnabas in Lystra. Joshua's Conquest. Book 4 Footnotes Book 18 Footnotes The Prophet Hosea. The Ecclesiastical History of sozomenus Resources Does war with Syria have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Syria/Aram in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | 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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