Topical Encyclopedia The Sidonians, inhabitants of the ancient city of Sidon, were a significant people in the biblical narrative, known for their maritime prowess and trade. Sidon, along with its sister city Tyre, was a prominent Phoenician city-state located on the Mediterranean coast in what is now modern-day Lebanon. The Sidonians are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of their interactions with Israel and their influence on the region.Biblical Predictions and Prophecies The Bible contains several prophecies concerning the fate of the Sidonians, particularly focusing on divine judgment and the cutting off of their allies and helpers. These prophecies are often intertwined with those concerning Tyre, reflecting the close relationship between the two cities. Ezekiel's Prophecy One of the most notable prophecies regarding the Sidonians is found in the book of Ezekiel. The prophet Ezekiel, speaking the word of the Lord, foretells the judgment that would come upon Sidon. In Ezekiel 28:22-23 , the Lord declares: "Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, and I will display My glory within you. They will know that I am the LORD when I execute judgments against her and demonstrate My holiness through her. I will send a plague against her and shed blood in her streets; the slain will fall within her, while the sword is against her on every side. Then they will know that I am the LORD." This passage highlights the divine intention to bring judgment upon Sidon, emphasizing that the city and its people would come to recognize the sovereignty and holiness of the Lord through these acts. The Cutting Off of Helpers The theme of cutting off Sidon's helpers is a significant aspect of the prophetic declarations. The Sidonians, like many ancient city-states, relied on alliances and support from neighboring nations and peoples. The prophecy indicates that these alliances would be severed, leaving Sidon vulnerable to divine judgment and the consequences of their actions. In Ezekiel 30:8 , a similar theme is echoed concerning Egypt, which can be seen as a parallel to the fate of Sidon: "Then they will know that I am the LORD when I set fire to Egypt and all her helpers are shattered." While this specific verse addresses Egypt, the principle of divine retribution and the cutting off of allies is a recurring motif in the prophetic literature, applicable to Sidon as well. The severing of support underscores the totality of the judgment and the futility of relying on human alliances against the divine will. Historical Context and Fulfillment Historically, Sidon faced numerous challenges and invasions, including those by the Assyrians, Babylonians, and later the Persians and Greeks. These invasions often resulted in the weakening of Sidon's power and influence, aligning with the biblical predictions of judgment and the cutting off of their helpers. The prophetic declarations against Sidon serve as a testament to the biblical theme of divine justice and the consequences of turning away from the Lord. The Sidonians, despite their wealth and influence, could not withstand the decrees of the Almighty, illustrating the ultimate sovereignty of God over the nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 47:4Because of the day that comes to spoil all the Philistines, and to cut off from Tyrus and Zidon every helper that remains: for the LORD will spoil the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Resources What is the story of Ahab and Jezebel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the word Elohim? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of Galilee in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Sidonians were Skilful Sailors The Sidonians: Ahab Intermarried With The Sidonians: Character of Careless and Secure The Sidonians: Character of Idolatrous The Sidonians: Character of Superstitious The Sidonians: Character of Wicked and Impenitent The Sidonians: Cities of Mentioned: Governed by Kings The Sidonians: Cities of Mentioned: Zarephath or Sarepta The Sidonians: Cities of Mentioned: Zidon The Sidonians: Descended from Sidon, Son of Canaan The Sidonians: Dwelt on the Sea Coast The Sidonians: Engaged in Extensive Commerce The Sidonians: Formerly a Part of the Phoenician Nation The Sidonians: Having Revolted from Herod, Were Obliged to Propitiate Him The Sidonians: Hostile and Oppressive to God's People The Sidonians: Israel Followed the Idolatry of The Sidonians: Israel Unable to Expel The Sidonians: Many of, Attended Christ's Ministry The Sidonians: Predictions Respecting: All Their Helpers to be Cut off The Sidonians: Predictions Respecting: Partaking With the Other Nations of God's Judgments The Sidonians: Predictions Respecting: Territory of, to be Given to Nebuchadnezzar, King of The Sidonians: Predictions Respecting: That God should be Glorified in the Judgments Upon Them The Sidonians: Predictions Respecting: Their Spoiling and Oppression of the Jews to be Fully The Sidonians: Solomon Intermarried With The Sidonians: Supplied from Judea With Provisions The Sidonians: Supplied the Jews With Timber The Sidonians: Territory of Allotted to the Tribe of Asher The Sidonians: Territory of Bordered on the Land of Canaan The Sidonians: Territory of Given by God to Israel The Sidonians: Territory of Visited by Our Lord Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |