The term "Zidonian" refers to the inhabitants of Zidon (also spelled Sidon), an ancient Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast in what is now modern-day Lebanon. Zidon was one of the principal cities of the Phoenicians, known for its wealth, maritime prowess, and significant influence in the ancient Near East. The Zidonians are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of their interactions with the Israelites and their influence on the religious practices of the region.

Biblical References:

1. Geographical and Historical Context:
Zidon is first mentioned 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.

2. Cultural and Religious Influence:
The Zidonians were known for their worship of Baal and Ashtoreth, deities that were often in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh by the Israelites. In Judges 10:6, the Israelites are described as having turned to the gods of various peoples, including the Zidonians: "Again the Israelites 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" .

3. Interactions with Israel:
The Zidonians had various interactions with the Israelites, both peaceful and hostile. King Solomon, for instance, engaged in trade with the Zidonians, acquiring cedar wood for the construction of the Temple: "The Sidonians and Tyrians brought large quantities of cedar logs to David" (1 Chronicles 22:4). However, the influence of Zidonian religious practices was seen as a corrupting force, as in the case of King Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, a Zidonian princess, which led to the promotion of Baal worship in Israel (1 Kings 16:31).

4. Prophetic Denunciations:
The prophets often denounced Zidon for its idolatry and pride. In Ezekiel 28:22, the Lord declares judgment against Zidon: "And you will know that I am the LORD, when I execute judgments against her and demonstrate My holiness through her" . This reflects the biblical theme of divine retribution against nations that lead Israel astray.

5. New Testament Mentions:
In the New Testament, Zidon is mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry. In Matthew 15:21-28, Jesus travels to the region of Tyre and Sidon, where He heals the daughter of a Canaanite woman, demonstrating His compassion and the extension of His ministry beyond the Jewish people.

Significance:

The Zidonians, as part of the broader Phoenician culture, played a crucial role in the ancient world through their trade networks and cultural exchanges. However, from a biblical perspective, their influence is often viewed negatively due to their idolatrous practices and the temptation they posed to the Israelites to stray from their covenant with God. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the need for Israel to remain distinct and faithful amidst the surrounding pagan cultures, with the Zidonians serving as a prominent example of the challenges faced in maintaining this distinctiveness.6722. Tsidoni -- an inhabitant of Sidon
... Sidonian, of Sidon, Zidonian. Patrial from Tsiydown; a Tsidonian or inhabitant of
Tsidon -- Sidonian, of Sidon, Zidonian. see HEBREW Tsiydown. 6721, 6722. ...
/hebrew/6722.htm - 6k

The Kingdom of Samaria.
... In 918, Omri left his crown to his son Ahab, who allied himself with the rich
Phoenicians, and took the Zidonian princess Jezebel for his wife; the most ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson viii the kingdom of.htm

Zidonian (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Zidonian (1 Occurrence). Judges 3:3 namely, the
five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and ...
/z/zidonian.htm - 6k

Zidonians (11 Occurrences)

/z/zidonians.htm - 10k

Zidon (25 Occurrences)

/z/zidon.htm - 17k

Inhabiting (23 Occurrences)
... Judges 3:3 five princes of the Philistines, and all the Canaanite, and the Zidonian,
and the Hivite inhabiting mount Lebanon, from mount Baal-Hermon unto the ...
/i/inhabiting.htm - 13k

Mount (311 Occurrences)
... name given to a part of the Mount of Olives, so called because idol temples were
there erected in the time of Solomon, temples to the Zidonian Ashtoreth and to ...
/m/mount.htm - 68k

Athaliah (17 Occurrences)
... Judah. She inherited her mother's strength of will, and like her developed
a fanatical devotion to the cult of the Zidonian Baal. ...
/a/athaliah.htm - 19k

Jotham (26 Occurrences)
... Micah's evidence is valuable, telling us that Omri had formulated and published
rules for the cult of the Zidonian Baal, and that these "statutes" were kept by ...
/j/jotham.htm - 25k

Princes (324 Occurrences)
... Judges 3:3 five princes of the Philistines, and all the Canaanite, and the Zidonian,
and the Hivite inhabiting mount Lebanon, from mount Baal-Hermon unto the ...
/p/princes.htm - 40k

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