Bible Geography · Coastal Lebanon and Northwest Syria · c. 1500–300 BC
Phoenicia
Description
Phoenicia occupied the narrow coastal strip of modern Lebanon and northwestern Syria, hemmed in between the Lebanon Mountains and the Mediterranean. Its great city-states Tyre and Sidon were renowned throughout the ancient world for seafaring, trade, and craftsmanship, and Phoenician traders established colonies across the entire Mediterranean including Carthage.
Significance
Phoenicia supplied the cedar and skilled craftsmen for both Solomon's Temple and his palace, representing a crucial partnership in Israel's golden age. Yet Jezebel, a Phoenician princess from Sidon, brought Baal worship into Israel. Jesus' visit to Tyre and Sidon — healing a Gentile woman's daughter — showed that the gospel was for all nations.
Key Events
King Hiram of Tyre supplied cedar and craftsmen for Solomon's Temple; Jezebel, daughter of the Sidonian king, married Ahab and promoted Baal worship; Elijah was sustained by the widow of Zarephath in Phoenicia; Jesus withdrew to Tyre and Sidon and healed the Syrophoenician woman's daughter.
Modern Context
Ancient Phoenicia corresponds to modern Lebanon and coastal Syria. Lebanon takes its name from the Lebanon Mountains that defined the region, and Sidon (modern Saida) and Tyre (modern Sour) still exist as Lebanese cities today, though greatly reduced from their ancient glory.