Topical Bible: The Sidonians: Hostile and Oppressive to God's People

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Sidonians, inhabitants of the ancient city of Sidon, are frequently mentioned in the Bible as a people who were often hostile and oppressive to the Israelites. Sidon, one of the principal cities of Phoenicia, was known for its wealth, maritime prowess, and idolatrous practices. The Sidonians, as descendants of Canaan, were part of the broader Canaanite culture that was often at odds with the Israelites.

Historical Context and Biblical References

Sidon is first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:15, where Sidon is listed as the firstborn of Canaan. The city and its people are frequently associated with the worship of false gods, particularly Baal and Ashtoreth, which were abominations to the Israelites. The Sidonians' idolatry is highlighted in Judges 10:6, where it is noted that the Israelites "again did evil in the sight of the LORD. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, the gods of Aram, Sidon, Moab, the Ammonites, and the Philistines."

The Sidonians' influence extended into Israel through intermarriage and political alliances, often leading the Israelites astray. One of the most infamous Sidonian figures in the Bible is Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. Jezebel married King Ahab of Israel and introduced the worship of Baal into the northern kingdom, as recorded in 1 Kings 16:31: "And as if it were a trivial thing for Ahab to walk in the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he proceeded to serve and worship Baal."

Oppression and Conflict

The Sidonians, along with other Canaanite peoples, were a source of oppression and conflict for the Israelites. During the period of the Judges, the Sidonians oppressed Israel, as noted in Judges 10:12: "The Sidonians, Amalekites, and Maonites oppressed you, and you cried out to Me, and I delivered you from their hands." This oppression was part of a cycle where the Israelites would turn away from God, face oppression from surrounding nations, cry out to God, and then be delivered by a judge raised up by the LORD.

The Sidonians' hostility is also evident in their alliances with other enemies of Israel. In the time of King David, the Sidonians were part of the coalition of nations that opposed Israel. However, David's military campaigns subdued many of these hostile neighbors, including the Sidonians, bringing a period of peace and prosperity to Israel.

Prophetic Denunciations

The prophets of Israel frequently denounced the Sidonians for their idolatry and wickedness. In Ezekiel 28:22, the LORD declares judgment against Sidon: "And you will know that I am the LORD, when I execute judgments against her and demonstrate My holiness through her." This prophetic denunciation underscores the spiritual and moral corruption of the Sidonians and their opposition to God's people.

Cultural and Religious Influence

Despite their hostility, the Sidonians had a significant cultural and religious influence on Israel. Their maritime trade and craftsmanship were renowned, and their religious practices, though abhorred by the Israelites, often infiltrated Israelite society. The allure of Sidonian wealth and culture was a constant temptation for the Israelites, leading them away from the worship of the one true God.

In summary, the Sidonians are depicted in the Bible as a people who were often hostile and oppressive to God's people, leading them into idolatry and conflict. Their influence was a persistent challenge to the faithfulness of Israel, serving as a reminder of the dangers of turning away from the LORD and embracing the practices of surrounding nations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 10:12
The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and you cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 28:22,24
And say, Thus said the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against you, O Zidon; and I will be glorified in the middle of you: and they shall know that I am the LORD, when I shall have executed judgments in her, and shall be sanctified in her.
Torrey's Topical Textbook