The Hebrew word Tsîydônîy, represented by H6722, is a patrial term for a Tsidonian or inhabitant of Tsidon. It appears 16 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible. This term identifies a specific people group known for their geographical location, their association with foreign idolatry, and their skills in trade and craftsmanship.
In the biblical narrative, H6722 is used to identify a people group with distinct characteristics and a significant role in Israel's history. Geographically, they are listed among the peoples of the land, such as the Canaanites and Hivites, who inhabited Mount Lebanon Judges 3:3. God promised to drive out the Sidonians before the children of Israel as they took their inheritance Joshua 13:6. The Sidonians were renowned for their skill, particularly in hewing timber, a fact acknowledged by Solomon when he requested their help in building the temple 1 Kings 5:6. This reputation for craftsmanship is also seen when the Zidonians and the people of Tyre brought cedar wood to David 1 Chronicles 22:4 and later for the rebuilding of the temple Ezra 3:7.
Several related words help place the Sidonians within the broader context of the peoples of Canaan:
- H6876 Tsôrîy (a Tsorite or inhabitant of Tsor): This term for an inhabitant of Tyre is frequently used in parallel with H6722. The Zidonians and they of Tyre worked together to bring cedar wood to David 1 Chronicles 22:4 and to the builders of the second temple Ezra 3:7.
- H3669 Kᵉnaʻanîy (a Kenaanite or inhabitant of Kenaan): The Sidonians are identified within the broader Canaanite population. The land yet to be possessed is described as "all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians" Joshua 13:4.
- H2340 Chivvîy (a Chivvite, one of the aboriginal tribes of Palestine): This term denotes another of the tribes of Palestine. The Sidonians and the Hivites are listed together as inhabitants of Mount Lebanon Judges 3:3.
- H567 ʼĔmôrîy (an Emorite, one of the Canaanitish tribes): The Amorites are distinguished from the Sidonians by their unique name for Mount Hermon, which the Sidonians called Sirion Deuteronomy 3:9.
- H6430 Pᵉlishtîy (a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth): The lords of the Philistines are listed alongside the Sidonians as peoples remaining in the land Judges 3:3.
The presence of the Sidonians in the biblical narrative highlights several key theological themes, particularly concerning Israel's faithfulness to God.
- Source of Idolatry: The Sidonians are primarily associated with the worship of the goddess Ashtoreth. King Solomon's turning away from God is exemplified by his worship of "Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians" (1 Kings 11:5, 1 Kings 11:33). This idolatry was so significant that Solomon built a high place for this "abomination of the Zidonians," which was later defiled by King Josiah 2 Kings 23:13.
- Peril of Foreign Marriages: Marriage alliances with the Sidonians proved to be a spiritual snare for Israel's kings. Solomon's love for "strange women" included Zidonians 1 Kings 11:1. Most notably, King Ahab's marriage to Jezebel, the daughter of the king of the Zidonians, led directly to his service and worship of Baal 1 Kings 16:31.
- A People Subject to Judgment: The Zidonians are listed among the groups that oppressed Israel Judges 10:12. Ultimately, they are depicted as a people who will face divine judgment, destined to "go down with the slain" and "bear their shame" with them that go down to the pit Ezekiel 32:30.
In summary, H6722 Tsîydônîy identifies the people of Sidon, a group with a complex role in the Old Testament. They are presented as skilled craftsmen and traders, particularly known for supplying cedar from Lebanon (1 Kings 5:6, 1 Chronicles 22:4). However, they are more frequently portrayed as a source of profound spiritual danger to Israel. Through their association with the worship of Ashtoreth and Baal, and through political marriages that led kings astray, the Sidonians serve as a recurring example of the foreign influences that threatened Israel's covenant with God.
TRV