Ituraea
“From Jetur, son of Ishmael”
Summary
A region northeast of Palestine that formed part of the tetrarchy of Philip, mentioned in Luke's dating of John the Baptist's ministry.
☩Location
Ituraea was a mountainous region stretching from the slopes of Mount Hermon toward the northeast, in the general area of modern Lebanon. It was named after Jetur, son of Ishmael, whose descendants settled in this territory. The region was known for its rugged terrain and was inhabited by semi-nomadic peoples.
☩Historical Background
The Ituraeans were known to classical writers as skilled archers and a lawless, predatory people. They moved from their original desert homeland and by the first century BC had established themselves in the mountainous region of Lebanon. Aristobulus conquered them around 140 BC, compelling many to submit to circumcision. The territory later passed through various rulers before becoming part of Philip's tetrarchy.
☩New Testament Reference
Luke mentions Ituraea when providing the chronological setting for John the Baptist's ministry: 'in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar...Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis.' This precise historical reference demonstrates Luke's concern for accuracy and his understanding of the political geography of Palestine.
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Ituraea," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Ituraea," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).