Topical Encyclopedia The Sidonians, inhabitants of the ancient city of Sidon, were a significant people in the biblical narrative, often mentioned in the context of Israel's history and God's promises to His chosen people. Sidon, one of the oldest and most prominent Phoenician cities, was located on the Mediterranean coast in what is now modern-day Lebanon. The Sidonians were known for their maritime prowess, trade, and craftsmanship, particularly in the production of purple dye and glass.Biblical References and Historical Context The Sidonians are first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:15, where Sidon is listed as the firstborn of Canaan, indicating their Canaanite origin. The city of Sidon and its people were part of the land promised by God to the descendants of Abraham. In Genesis 15:18-21, God delineates the boundaries of the land He would give to Abraham's offspring, which includes the territory of the Canaanites. In the conquest narratives, the Sidonians are mentioned as part of the land that the Israelites were to inherit. Joshua 13:4-6 states, "On the south, all the land of the Canaanites, from Arah of the Sidonians to Aphek and the border of the Amorites, the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath. All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim—all the Sidonians—I Myself will drive out before the Israelites. Be sure to allocate this land as an inheritance for Israel, as I have commanded you." Despite this divine mandate, the Israelites struggled to fully possess the land of the Sidonians. Judges 1:31 records, "Asher failed to drive out the inhabitants of Acco, Sidon, Ahlab, Achzib, Helbah, Aphik, and Rehob." This failure to completely conquer and occupy the Sidonian territory led to ongoing interactions and conflicts with the Sidonians and other Canaanite peoples. Cultural and Religious Influence The Sidonians, like other Canaanite groups, were polytheistic and worshiped a pantheon of gods, with Baal and Ashtoreth being among the most prominent. Their religious practices often influenced the Israelites, leading to periods of idolatry and apostasy. The most notable instance of Sidonian influence is seen in the reign of King Ahab of Israel, who married Jezebel, a Sidonian princess. Jezebel's introduction of Baal worship into Israel is recounted in 1 Kings 16:31-33 , which states, "And as if following the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not enough, he married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and he proceeded to serve and worship Baal. First, Ahab set up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal that he had built in Samaria. Then he set up an Asherah pole. Thus Ahab did more to provoke the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger than all the kings of Israel before him." Prophetic Pronouncements The prophets of Israel also spoke against Sidon, pronouncing judgments due to their idolatry and opposition to God's people. In Ezekiel 28:22 , the Lord declares, "I am against you, Sidon, and I will gain glory within you. They will know that I am the LORD when I execute judgments against her and demonstrate My holiness through her." Legacy and Significance The Sidonians, while often adversaries of Israel, played a significant role in the biblical narrative as a people whose land was part of the divine inheritance promised to Israel. Their interactions with the Israelites serve as a reminder of the challenges Israel faced in maintaining faithfulness to God amidst surrounding pagan cultures. The Sidonian influence, particularly through figures like Jezebel, underscores the constant spiritual battle between the worship of Yahweh and the allure of Canaanite deities. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 49:13Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be to Zidon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 13:6 Library Translated from the Greek. The Old Testament and Archeology The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Prophet Joel. Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Resources What does the Bible say about child sacrifice? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus mention Tyre and Sidon in Luke 10:14? | GotQuestions.org Who was Asherah / Ashtoreth? | 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) |
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