Topical Bible: Commerce: Carried on by Syrians

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Commerce in the ancient Near East was a vital component of economic and cultural exchange, and the Syrians played a significant role in this activity. The region known as Syria in biblical times was strategically located along major trade routes, facilitating the movement of goods and ideas between Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean world.

The Bible provides several references to the commercial activities of the Syrians, highlighting their involvement in trade and their interactions with neighboring nations, including Israel. One of the most notable mentions is found in the book of Ezekiel, which describes the extensive trade network of the city of Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city closely associated with the Syrians. Ezekiel 27:16 states, "Aram was your customer because of your many products. They exchanged turquoise, purple, embroidered work, fine linen, coral, and rubies for your wares."

This passage underscores the Syrians' role as intermediaries in the trade of luxury goods, such as precious stones and fine textiles, which were highly valued in the ancient world. The mention of "Aram," a term often used to refer to the Syrians, indicates their active participation in the regional economy and their ability to procure and distribute valuable commodities.

The Syrians' commercial activities were not limited to luxury items. They were also involved in the trade of more common goods, such as foodstuffs and raw materials. The prophet Amos, in his denunciations of the surrounding nations, alludes to the Syrians' involvement in the slave trade, a grim aspect of ancient commerce. Amos 1:3-5 records the LORD's judgment against Damascus, the capital of Syria, for their transgressions, including their role in the capture and sale of people.

The strategic location of Syria, with its access to both land and sea routes, enabled the Syrians to become proficient traders. Their cities, such as Damascus, became bustling centers of commerce, attracting merchants from various regions. The wealth generated from trade contributed to the prosperity and influence of Syrian cities, allowing them to exert considerable power in the region.

The commercial prowess of the Syrians is further evidenced by their interactions with the Israelites. During the reign of King Solomon, trade relations between Israel and its neighbors flourished. 1 Kings 10:28-29 notes that Solomon imported horses from Egypt and Kue, and the king's merchants acquired them from Kue at a price. Although the passage does not explicitly mention Syria, it highlights the interconnectedness of regional trade networks in which the Syrians were active participants.

In summary, the Syrians were key players in the commerce of the ancient Near East, engaging in the trade of both luxury and everyday goods. Their strategic location and commercial acumen allowed them to influence the economic landscape of the region, as evidenced by biblical accounts of their trade activities and interactions with neighboring nations.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezekiel 27:16,18
Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of your making: they occupied in your fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chrysostom as Deacon, Priest and Preacher at Antioch. AD 381-398.
... the surrounding hills, fertile plains, the commerce of the ... taste, or rather passion
of the Syrians; the most ... His remains were carried with great solemnities to ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter vi chrysostom as deacon priest.htm

The Nations of the North-East
... the river, and the high-road of commerce from east ... was a god, who was worshipped
by the Syrians by the ... devastated, and a countless amount of booty carried away ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter iv the nations of.htm

The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ...
... included with the Palestinians and the Syrians under the ... And it was trade and commerce
which procured to ... flattering account is given [69] - carried the rich ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the jewish world.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... The Syrians now saw for the first time in great quantities ... the increasing demands
of the consumer, the waning commerce which had been carried on from early ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... He extended his favour equally to the commerce which they carried on with the interior
of Africa; indeed, in order to ensure the safety of the caravans in the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Book 1.
... in long voyages over the seas carried wares to ... was this, that they had not any commerce
together; but ... taken from the Jews, and Phoenicians, and Syrians, and of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book 1.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... that of the valley of Rahanu"carried the precious ... of foreigners attracted hither
by commerce or held as slaves ... about half would be either Syrians, or recently ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... This is the form of plough still employed by the Syrians in some ... thought to find
the site at Jerabis, the ancient Europos, and excavations carried on there ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... The bulk of the army carried short lances and broad ... plots which were being hatched
among the Syrians, and all ... as well as, probably, the maritime commerce of the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... words borrowed from Semitic speech, the Syrians, on the ... The fleets which carried
the Philistines, the Zakkala ... victory of the Egyptians, and commerce on the ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm