Introduction:
Zidon, also known as Sidon, is one of the oldest and most significant cities mentioned in the Bible. Located in the region of Phoenicia, along the Mediterranean coast, it played a crucial role in ancient trade and culture. The city is often associated with its sister city, Tyre, and together they were known for their maritime prowess and influence.

Biblical References:
Zidon is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. It is first introduced in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:15, where it is noted as the firstborn of Canaan: "Canaan was the father of Sidon, his firstborn, and of the Hittites" . This establishes Zidon as a significant Canaanite city from early biblical history.

In the book of Joshua, Zidon is described as a "great" city (Joshua 11:8), indicating its prominence and strength. The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, were unable to conquer it, and it remained outside the territories allotted to the tribes of Israel.

The city is also mentioned in the context of Israel's interactions with surrounding nations. In Judges 10:6, the Israelites are said to have served the gods of Sidon, among others, which led to their oppression by foreign powers. This highlights the influence of Sidonian culture and religion on Israel.

Prophetic Literature:
The prophets frequently mention Zidon in their oracles against the nations. In Isaiah 23, the fall of Tyre is lamented, and Zidon is indirectly implicated due to its close association with Tyre. Ezekiel 28:21-22 contains a direct prophecy against Zidon: "Son of man, set your face against Sidon; prophesy against her and declare that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I am against you, 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'" . This prophecy underscores the city's impending judgment due to its pride and idolatry.

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, Zidon is mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry. In Matthew 15:21-28 and Mark 7:24-30, Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where He encounters a Canaanite (Syrophoenician) woman whose daughter is possessed by a demon. Her faith leads to her daughter's healing, demonstrating the reach of Jesus' ministry beyond the Jewish people.

Additionally, in Acts 12:20, the people of Tyre and Sidon seek peace with Herod Agrippa I because their region depended on the king's country for food. This indicates the continued economic significance of Zidon during the Roman period.

Cultural and Historical Significance:
Zidon was renowned for its skilled artisans, particularly in the production of purple dye and glassware. The city's strategic location made it a hub for trade and cultural exchange in the ancient world. Its influence extended throughout the Mediterranean, and it played a pivotal role in the spread of Phoenician culture and the development of the alphabet.

Theological Implications:
Zidon's frequent mention in the context of idolatry and judgment serves as a reminder of the dangers of turning away from the worship of the one true God. The city's interactions with Israel highlight the tension between the chosen people and the surrounding pagan cultures. Yet, the New Testament account of Jesus' interaction with the Syrophoenician woman illustrates God's grace and the inclusivity of the Gospel message.

Conclusion:
While Zidon was a city of great historical and cultural importance, its biblical narrative is marked by its resistance to God's people and its eventual judgment. However, it also serves as a backdrop for the demonstration of God's mercy and the expansion of His kingdom beyond the boundaries of Israel.Zidon or Sidon

(Genesis 10:15,19; Joshua 11:8; 19:28; Judges 1:31; 18:28; Isaiah 23:2,4,12; Jeremiah 25:22; 27:3; Ezekiel 28:21,22; Joel 3:4) (Joel 4:4); Zech 9:2; Matt 11:21,22; 15:21; Mark 3:8; 1:24,31; Luke 6:17; 10:13,14 An ancient and wealthy city of Phoenicia, on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, less than twenty English miles to the north of Tyre. Its Hebrew name, Tsidon , signifies fishing or fishery . Its modern name is Saida . It is situated in the narrow plain between the Lebanon and the sea. From a biblical point of view this city is inferior in interest to its neighbor Tyre; though in early times Sidon was the more influential of the two cities. This view is confirmed by Zidonians being used as the generic name of Phoenicians or Canaanites. (Joshua 13:6; Judges 18:7) From the time of Solomon to the invasion of Nebuchadnezzar Zidon is not often directly mentioned in the Bible, and it appears to have been subordinate to Tyre. When the people called "Zidonians" are mentioned, it sometimes seems that the Phoenicians of the plain of Zidon are meant. (1 Kings 5:6; 11:1,5,33; 16:31; 2 Kings 23:13) All that is known are respecting the city is very scanty, amounting to scarcely more than that one of its sources of gain was trade in slaves, in which the inhabitants did not shrink from selling inhabitants of Palestine and that it was governed by kings. (Jeremiah 25:22; 27:3) During the Persian domination Zidon seems to have attained its highest point of prosperity; and it is recorded that, toward the close of that period, it far excelled all other Phoenician cities in wealth and importance. Its prosperity was suddenly cut short by an unsuccessful revolt against Persia, which ended in the destruction of the town, B.C. 351. Its king, Tennes had proved a traitor and betrayed the city to Ochus, king of the Persians; the Persian troops were admitted within the gates, and occupied the city walls. The Zidonians, before the arrival of Ochus, had burnt their vessels to prevent any one's leaving the town; and when they saw themselves surrounded by the Persian troops, they adopted the desperate resolution of shutting themselves up with their families, and setting fire each man to his own house. Forty thousand persons are said to have perished in the flames. Zidon however, gradually recovered from the blow, and became again a flourishing town. It is about fifty miles distant from Nazareth, and is the most northern city which is mentioned in connection with Christ's journeys. (The town Saida still shows signs of its former wealth, and its houses are better constructed and more solid than those of Tyre, many of them being built of stone; but it is a poor, miserable place, without trade or manufactures worthy of the name. The city that once divided with Tyre the empire of the seas is now almost without a vessel. Silk and fruit are its staple products. Its population is estimated at 10,000, 7000 of whom are Moslems, and the rest Catholics, Maronites and Protestants. --McClintock and Strong's Cyclopaedia. There is a flourishing Protestant mission here. --ED.)

6721. Tsidon -- a Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast, also ...
... Word Origin of foreign origin Definition a Phoenician city on the Mediterranean
coast, also a son of Canaan NASB Word Usage Sidon (22). Sidon, Zidon. ...
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Chapter x
... Joshua 11:8; 19:28 it is still "great Zidon" (or "Sidon"). Later Tyre,
twenty miles to the south, distinctly overshadows Sidon. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter x.htm

Altar and Temple
... and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to ... Now,
so fallen are we, that Tyre and Sidon will not look at us unless we bring ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

Why did Jesus mention Tyre and Sidon in Luke 10:14? | GotQuestions.org

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