Topical Encyclopedia Syria, known in the Hebrew Bible as Aram, played a significant role in the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East. During the reign of King Ahaz of Judah, Syria formed an alliance with the northern kingdom of Israel, also referred to as Ephraim, to challenge the Assyrian empire's dominance and to pressure Judah into joining their coalition. This alliance and subsequent military actions are pivotal events recorded in the biblical narrative, particularly in the books of 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Isaiah.Historical Context The alliance between Syria and Israel against Judah occurred during a tumultuous period in the 8th century BC. Rezin, the king of Syria, and Pekah, the son of Remaliah and king of Israel, sought to resist the expanding Assyrian empire under Tiglath-Pileser III. Their strategy involved compelling Judah to join their anti-Assyrian coalition. However, Ahaz, the king of Judah, refused to align with them, prompting Syria and Israel to take military action against Jerusalem. Biblical Account The biblical account of this conflict is primarily found in 2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28, and Isaiah 7. In 2 Kings 16:5 , it is recorded: "Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to wage war against Jerusalem; they besieged Ahaz but could not overcome him." This verse highlights the military campaign against Jerusalem, which, despite its intensity, did not succeed in capturing the city. Isaiah 7 provides further insight into the situation, where the prophet Isaiah is sent by God to reassure King Ahaz. Isaiah 7:4 states: "Say to him: ‘Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah.’" This prophetic message underscores God's sovereignty and the futility of the alliance's efforts against Judah. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the events surrounding Syria's alliance with Israel against Ahaz serve as a testament to God's protection over His chosen people, Judah. Despite the formidable threat posed by the combined forces of Syria and Israel, God's intervention through the prophet Isaiah assured Ahaz of divine deliverance. This narrative emphasizes the importance of faith and reliance on God rather than political alliances or military might. Aftermath and Legacy The failure of the siege against Jerusalem had significant repercussions. Ahaz, in his desperation, sought assistance from Assyria, a decision that had long-term consequences for Judah. 2 Kings 16:7-8 records Ahaz's plea to Tiglath-Pileser III: "So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria, saying, 'I am your servant and your vassal. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Aram and of the king of Israel, who are rising up against me.'" This appeal led to Assyria's intervention, resulting in the downfall of both Syria and Israel. The Assyrian king captured Damascus, executed Rezin, and exiled the people of Aram, as noted in 2 Kings 16:9 : "So the king of Assyria complied and attacked Damascus. He captured it and deported its people to Kir, and he put Rezin to death." The alliance between Syria and Israel against Ahaz and the subsequent siege of Jerusalem illustrate the complex interplay of faith, politics, and divine providence in the biblical narrative. These events underscore the theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, even amidst external threats and internal challenges. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 16:5Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 7:12 Library The Antiquities of the Jews The Nations of the North-East The Twelve Minor Prophets. Book 9 Footnotes Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Babylonia and Assyria Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Iranian Conquest The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire 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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