Biblical Relevance

In the Old Testament, Syria is referred to as “Aram,” and at times accompanied by another name in compound to specify which particular state. Abraham is said to have migrated south from Haran in northern Syria (Gen 12). Isaac’s and Jacob’s wives were also obtained in Syria (called Aram-Naharaim in Gen 24 and Paddan-Aram in Gen 28–31). Aram-Zobah was the most powerful Aramean state during King David’s reign (2 Sam 8, 10) and Aram-Damascus (or just “Damascus”) was prominent during later historical books (ninth and eighth centuries).

Like many other Near Eastern states and powers, Syria is mentioned with some frequency throughout the Prophets (Isa 7; 17; Jer 49; Ezek 27; 47, etc). Damascus remained a prominent center into the time of the New Testament, and it was here that the Apostle Paul experienced his conversion (Acts 9). Antioch, in northern Syria, became a thriving center for early Christianity (Acts 11:19–26).