### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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