Topical Encyclopedia The Zidonians, also known as Sidonians, were the inhabitants of the ancient city of Sidon, one of the principal cities of Phoenicia, located on the Mediterranean coast in what is now modern-day Lebanon. Sidon, along with its sister city Tyre, was renowned for its maritime prowess, trade, and craftsmanship, particularly in the production of purple dye and glassware. 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 and Historical Context The Zidonians are first mentioned in the Table of Nations in Genesis 10:15, where Sidon is listed as the firstborn son of Canaan: "Canaan was the father of Sidon his firstborn, and of the Hittites" . This establishes the Zidonians as descendants of Canaan, placing them among the Canaanite peoples who inhabited the land before the arrival of the Israelites. During the period of the Judges, the Zidonians are noted for their oppression of Israel. In Judges 10:12, the Israelites cry out to the LORD for deliverance from various oppressors, including the Zidonians: "The Sidonians, Amalekites, and Maonites oppressed you, and you cried out to Me, and I delivered you from their hands" . The Zidonians are also known for their idolatrous practices, which had a significant impact on Israel, particularly during the reign of King Solomon. Solomon's marriage to foreign women, including a Sidonian princess, led him to build high places for their gods. In 1 Kings 11:5, it is recorded: "Solomon followed Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites" . This idolatry was a direct violation of the covenant with Yahweh and contributed to the eventual division of the kingdom. The influence of the Zidonians continued into the time of Ahab, king of Israel, who married Jezebel, a Sidonian princess and daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians. Jezebel's introduction of Baal worship into Israel is well-documented in 1 Kings 16:31: "And as if it were not enough to follow 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" . This alliance further entrenched idolatrous practices in Israel, leading to significant conflict with the prophet Elijah. Cultural and Religious Influence The Zidonians were known for their religious practices centered around the worship of Baal and Ashtoreth, deities associated with fertility and the natural world. These practices often included rituals that were abhorrent to the Israelites, such as child sacrifice and temple prostitution. The influence of Zidonian religion was a persistent challenge for the Israelites, who were called to remain faithful to the worship of Yahweh alone. Despite their idolatrous practices, the Zidonians were also recognized for their skills and contributions to the region's economy. Their expertise in shipbuilding and navigation made them formidable traders, and their goods were highly sought after throughout the ancient Near East. Prophetic Pronouncements The prophets of Israel often spoke against the Zidonians, condemning their idolatry and predicting their downfall. 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 prophecy underscores the biblical theme of divine retribution against nations that lead Israel astray. Conclusion The Zidonians, as a significant Canaanite people, played a crucial role in the biblical narrative, both as adversaries and as a source of cultural and religious influence. Their interactions with Israel highlight the ongoing struggle between the worship of Yahweh and the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. Smith's Bible Dictionary Zidoniansthe inhabitants of Zidon. They were among the nations of Canaan; left to give the Israelites practice in the art of war, (Judges 3:3) and colonies of them appear to have spread up into the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephothmaim, (Joshua 13:4,6) whence in later times they hewed cedar trees for David and Solomon. (1 Chronicles 22:4) They oppressed the Israelites on their first entrance into the country, (Judges 10:12) and appear to have lived a luxurious, reckless life. (Judges 18:7) They were skillful in hewing timber, (1 Kings 5:8) and were employed for this purpose by Solomon. They were idolaters, and worshipped Ashtoreth as their tutelary goddess, (1 Kings 11:5,33; 2 Kings 23:13) as well as the sun-god Baal from whom their king was named. (1 Kings 16:31) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZIDON; ZIDONIANSzi'-don, zi-do'-ni-anz. Library One Worker Preparing for Another The Divided Kingdom. Israel in Canaan. The Rending of the Kingdom The Fall of Solomon The Record of Two Kings The New Garment Bent National Apostasy Pride of Prosperity Deuteronomy Thesaurus Zidonians (11 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ZIDON; ZIDONIANS. zi'-don, zi-do'-ni-anz. See SIDON, SIDONIANS. Multi-Version Concordance Zidonians (11 Occurrences). ... /z/zidonians.htm - 10k Zidon (25 Occurrences) Ash'toreth (3 Occurrences) Zidonian (1 Occurrence) Jezebel (20 Occurrences) God'dess (2 Occurrences) Tyrians (3 Occurrences) Safety (72 Occurrences) Disgusting (149 Occurrences) Detestable (121 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Zidonians (11 Occurrences)Joshua 13:4 Joshua 13:6 Judges 3:3 Judges 10:12 1 Kings 11:1 1 Kings 11:5 1 Kings 11:33 1 Kings 16:31 2 Kings 23:13 1 Chronicles 22:4 Ezra 3:7 Subtopics Related Terms |