Syria
“Highland, elevated region”
Summary
A region and kingdom north of Israel, known biblically as Aram, whose capital Damascus was a frequent ally or enemy of the Israelite kingdoms.
☩Geography and Name
Syria in the Bible corresponds primarily to Aram, a region extending north from Israel to the Taurus mountains, east to Mesopotamia, and west to the Mediterranean. The name 'Syria' comes from Greek usage; the Hebrew 'Aram' designates the same territory and people. The Arameans descended from Aram son of Shem and established several principalities, with Damascus becoming the most powerful. Syria's position astride major trade routes gave it strategic and commercial importance throughout antiquity.
☩Relations with Israel
Syria and Israel had a complex history of conflict and occasional alliance. David subdued the Aramean states, but they reasserted independence under Solomon's later years. The Syrian kings Benhadad and Hazael were frequent adversaries of the northern kingdom, besieging Samaria and oppressing Israel. Ahaz of Judah fatefully invited Assyria to help against a Syrian-Israelite alliance, leading ultimately to both kingdoms' destruction.
☩Prophetic Significance
The prophets addressed Syria and Damascus with oracles of judgment. Amos pronounced judgment on Damascus for threshing Gilead with iron sledges. Isaiah prophesied Damascus's destruction, and Jeremiah described its warriors fleeing in panic. Elisha's ministry extended to Syria—he healed Naaman the leper and foretold Hazael's brutal reign. These prophecies were fulfilled when Assyria conquered Damascus in 732 BC.
☩New Testament Period
By New Testament times, Syria was a Roman province with Antioch as its capital—the third largest city of the empire. Paul was converted on the Damascus road and first preached in Syrian synagogues. Antioch became the launching point for Paul's missionary journeys and the place where believers were first called 'Christians.' The Syrian church sent famine relief to Jerusalem, demonstrating the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers.
Related Verses101 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Syria," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Syria," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Syria," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).