Topical Bible: Syria: The Israelites: At Peace With, for Three Years

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In the historical context of the ancient Near East, the relationship between Israel and Syria (Aram) was often marked by conflict and warfare. However, there was a notable period of peace between these two nations that lasted for three years. This period of peace is documented in the biblical narrative, providing insight into the complex political and military dynamics of the time.

The peace between Israel and Syria is recorded in the First Book of Kings, during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. Ahab, the son of Omri, was the seventh king of Israel and ruled from approximately 874 to 853 BC. His reign is characterized by both military campaigns and political alliances, including his marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess.

The specific period of peace is mentioned in 1 Kings 22:1, which states, "For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel." This cessation of hostilities followed a series of conflicts between the two nations, including the notable battles at Aphek and the siege of Samaria. The peace likely resulted from a combination of military stalemate, diplomatic negotiations, and mutual exhaustion from prolonged warfare.

During this time, both Israel and Syria would have had the opportunity to consolidate their resources, strengthen their defenses, and focus on internal affairs. The peace allowed for a temporary reprieve from the constant threat of invasion and provided a window for economic and social stability.

Despite this period of peace, the underlying tensions between Israel and Syria remained unresolved. The peace eventually ended when Ahab sought to reclaim the city of Ramoth-gilead from Syrian control. This decision led to the Battle of Ramoth-gilead, where Ahab was mortally wounded, as described in 1 Kings 22:34-35: "But someone drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the sections of his armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, 'Turn around and get me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded.' The battle raged all day long, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans. But in the evening he died, and the blood from his wound ran onto the floor of the chariot."

The three-year peace between Israel and Syria serves as a reminder of the transient nature of political alliances and the ever-present potential for conflict in the ancient world. It highlights the strategic considerations of ancient kings and the delicate balance of power that characterized the region. This period of peace, though brief, was a significant interlude in the otherwise tumultuous history of Israel and its neighbors.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 22:1
And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... expedition at this time, for there was peace at that ... be overcome and slain by the
king of Syria, and that ... that God had shown to him the Israelites running away ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm

How Hadad King of Damascus and of Syria, Made Two Expeditions ...
... he was ready, for their safety and peace, to give ... was informed that the king of Syria
had betaken ... how he might make another expedition against the Israelites. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how hadad king.htm

How Shalmaneser Took Samaria by Force and How He Transplanted the ...
... And such a conclusion overtook the Israelites, when they had ... the king of Assyria
invaded all Syria and Phoenicia ... all Phoenicia, but soon made peace with them ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how shalmaneser took.htm

Hazael Makes an Expedition against the People of Israel and the ...
... of Jehu, took the government of the Israelites in Samaria ... in contempt: but the king
of Syria brought him ... So the country having obtained peace, returned again to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 hazael makes an.htm

The Antiquities of the Jews
... Tiglath-Pileser Made An Expedition Against The Israelites. ... In The Temple And Afterwards
Made Peace With Him ... Hyrcanus Made An Expedition Against Syria, And Made ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/

John i. 49, 50
... to God in the highest, and on earth peace" ( Luke 2 ... had wrought miracles in early
age, the Israelites would not ... in Jud??a, but also to those in Syria and beyond ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxi john i 49.htm

Book 9 Footnotes
... And Elisha said, Go in peace." This looks like a ... not live to anoint Hazael king of
Syria himself, as he ... great sinners, not only among the Israelites, but among ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 9 footnotes.htm

The Organization of the Apostolic Church.
... matter in much the same way as Israelites were accustomed ... distracted the Christians
of the capital of Syria, they had ... unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the organization of.htm

Book 5 Footnotes
... usually happen in summer, yet in Palestine and Syria they are ... as to make calendars
for the Israelites, that they ... prefixed to the old name Salem, Peace, will be ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 5 footnotes.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... the Zagros mountains and the Tigris, and peace, which was ... the last of which was in
Syria; and thirdly ... In less than the short space of three years, Assur-nazir ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm