Topical Bible: Syria: Inhabitants of Spoke the Syriack Language

◄ Syria: Inhabitants of Spoke the Syriack Language ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Geographical and Historical Context

Syria, known in ancient times as Aram, is a region of significant historical and biblical importance. It is located in the western part of the Fertile Crescent, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the Arabian Desert to the south, and the Euphrates River to the east. The region's strategic location made it a crossroads for various civilizations and a focal point for trade and cultural exchange.

In biblical times, Syria was a prominent kingdom with its capital at Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The Arameans, the inhabitants of ancient Syria, played a crucial role in the history of Israel and Judah, often interacting with the Israelites through both conflict and alliance.

Language: Syriack

The language spoken by the inhabitants of ancient Syria was Syriack, also known as Aramaic. Aramaic was a Semitic language closely related to Hebrew and became the lingua franca of much of the Near East during the first millennium BC. It was widely used in commerce, administration, and diplomacy, and it significantly influenced the languages and cultures of the surrounding regions.

In the Bible, Aramaic is mentioned explicitly in several instances. For example, in 2 Kings 18:26 , during the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem, Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah requested the Assyrian Rabshakeh to speak in Aramaic: "Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebna and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, 'Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.'"

Biblical Interactions

Syria's interactions with Israel are well-documented in the Old Testament. The Arameans frequently clashed with the Israelites, as seen in the accounts of the battles between the kings of Israel and the kings of Aram. Notably, King Ben-Hadad of Aram waged war against Israel during the reign of King Ahab (1 Kings 20).

Despite the conflicts, there were also periods of peace and cooperation. For instance, Naaman, a commander of the army of the king of Aram, was healed of leprosy by the prophet Elisha, as recorded in 2 Kings 5. This account highlights the influence of the God of Israel beyond the borders of the Israelite nation.

Prophetic Significance

The prophets of Israel often spoke of Syria in their oracles. Isaiah prophesied about the fate of Damascus, the capital of Syria, foretelling its downfall: "Behold, Damascus will cease to be a city and will become a heap of ruins" (Isaiah 17:1). This prophecy underscores the transient nature of earthly powers and the sovereignty of God over the nations.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Syria is mentioned in the context of the early Christian church. The region was part of the Roman province of Syria, which included territories beyond the traditional boundaries of ancient Aram. The city of Antioch in Syria became a significant center for the early Christian movement. It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).

The Apostle Paul, originally from Tarsus in Cilicia, traveled through Syria during his missionary journeys, further spreading the Gospel and establishing churches. His connection to the region highlights Syria's role in the expansion of early Christianity.

Cultural and Religious Influence

The influence of the Syriack language and culture persisted into the early Christian era. Syriac, a dialect of Aramaic, became a prominent liturgical language in the early Christian church, particularly in the Eastern traditions. The Syriac Christian tradition has contributed significantly to Christian theology, liturgy, and biblical scholarship.

Syria's rich biblical history and its role as a bridge between cultures underscore its importance in the narrative of God's interaction with humanity as recorded in the Scriptures.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 18:26
Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, to Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray you, to your servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that are on the wall.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 4:7
And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 2:4
Then spoke the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell your servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook