Topical Bible: Syria: Inhabitants of Called Syrians

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Topical Encyclopedia

Syria, a region of significant historical and biblical importance, is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures. The inhabitants of this region are referred to as Syrians. The land of Syria, known in ancient times as Aram, is situated to the northeast of Israel and has played a pivotal role in the biblical narrative, both as a neighbor and as an adversary to the Israelites.

Geographical and Historical Context

Syria, or Aram, is located in the area that today encompasses modern-day Syria and parts of Turkey and Iraq. The region is characterized by its diverse geography, including fertile plains, mountains, and deserts. In biblical times, Syria was a collection of city-states, with Damascus being one of the most prominent and enduring cities. Damascus is often highlighted in the Bible as a central hub of Syrian power and influence.

Biblical References and Interactions

The Syrians are first mentioned in the context of the patriarchs. Abraham's servant was sent to Aram Naharaim, in the region of Syria, to find a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:10). This connection underscores the familial ties between the Israelites and the Arameans, as Rebekah, Laban, Leah, and Rachel were all from this region.

Throughout the period of the Judges and the United Monarchy, the Syrians were both allies and adversaries of Israel. King David established dominance over the Syrians, as recorded in 2 Samuel 8:5-6 : "When the Arameans of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down twenty-two thousand men. Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute."

The relationship between Israel and Syria was complex, often marked by conflict. During the reign of King Ahab, the Syrians, led by Ben-Hadad, besieged Samaria, but were ultimately defeated (1 Kings 20). The prophet Elisha also played a significant role in the interactions with Syria, performing miracles and providing counsel during times of conflict (2 Kings 6-7).

Prophetic Significance

The prophets frequently spoke of Syria in their oracles. Isaiah prophesied the downfall of Damascus, the capital of Syria, as a judgment from God (Isaiah 17:1): "Behold, Damascus is no longer a city; it has become a heap of ruins." This prophecy highlights the divine sovereignty over nations and the fulfillment of God's purposes through historical events.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Syria is mentioned in the context of the early Christian church. The fame of Jesus spread throughout Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill (Matthew 4:24). Additionally, the Apostle Paul, originally from Tarsus in Cilicia, which is near the Syrian region, had significant interactions with the Syrian church in Antioch, a major center for early Christianity (Acts 11:26).

Cultural and Religious Influence

The Syrians, known for their rich cultural heritage, contributed to the ancient Near Eastern milieu in which the biblical narrative unfolds. Their language, Aramaic, became a lingua franca of the region and was the language spoken by Jesus and His disciples.

In summary, the Syrians, as inhabitants of the ancient region of Aram, played a crucial role in the biblical history of Israel. Their interactions with the Israelites, both as allies and adversaries, are woven throughout the biblical text, providing insight into the geopolitical and spiritual dynamics of the ancient Near East.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 10:11
And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then you shall help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for you, then I will come and help you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 5:20
But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD lives, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants.
... of Ham possessed the land from Syria and Amanus ... even now called Amathe by the
inhabitants, although the ... the Aramites, which the Greeks called Syrians; as Laud ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how every nation.htm

Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ...
... Against The People Of Israel And The Inhabitants Of Jerusalem. ... the temple of God;
so he called Jehoiada, and ... God in contempt: but the king of Syria brought him ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hazael makes an.htm

How Antiochus, who was Called Dionysus, and after Him Aretas Made ...
... them, took that valley which is called The Valley of ... last they utterly destroyed,
because its inhabitants would not ... of the principal cities of Syria, which had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 how antiochus who.htm

How Alexander, Upon the League of Mutual Defense which Cleopatra ...
... some went another, and slew the inhabitants of Gaza ... fourth brother Demetrius, who
was called Eucerus, from ... while Demetrius and Philip governed Syria, as hath ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how alexander upon.htm

A Description Op Galilee, Samaria, and Judea.
... 1. Now Phoenicia and Syria encompass about the Galilees ... in length is extended from
a village called Arpha, as ... Its inhabitants are a mixture of Jews and Syrians. ...
/.../chapter 3 a description op.htm

The Jews Become Confederates with Caesar when He Fought against ...
... So Mithridates marched out of Syria, and came to Pelusium; and when its inhabitants
would not ... Egyptian Jews, who dwelt in the country called Onion, would ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 the jews become.htm

How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ...
... force; and when he had slain all its inhabitants, he utterly ... city lay so remote from
the parts of Syria that are ... and that is the name it is still called by at ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... the primordial type of the godhead, was called El or ... in names of towns in Southern
Syria seems to indicate pretty conclusively that the inhabitants of these ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... royal treasury at Jerusalem; the cities of northern Syria were plundered ... the later
Old Testament age"were the inhabitants of a country called Biainas, but ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

The Maccabees.
... gods, and having ordered all the inhabitants to assemble ... kept with gladness, and
was called the winter ... obtained from Rome, Egypt, and Syria, an acknowledgment ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xviii the maccabees.htm