What was Zidonians?
The Zidonians were the inhabitants of Zidon (also spelled Sidon), an ancient Phoenician city located on the coast of what is now modern-day Lebanon. The Hebrew word for Zidonians is צִידוֹנִים (Tsidōnîm), meaning “those of Zidon” or “fishermen,” derived from the root צָוָד (tsāwādh), which carries the idea of catching or hunting—fitting for a coastal people engaged in trade, navigation, and maritime pursuits.
Zidon was one of the major cities of Phoenicia, along with Tyre. The Zidonians were descendants of Canaan, son of Ham, according to Genesis 10:15. Their city and people were famous for their craftsmanship, seafaring, and particularly for their worship of Baal and Ashtoreth, which often influenced neighboring nations, including Israel.
In Judges 10:6, the Zidonians are mentioned among the foreign peoples whose gods the Israelites served, provoking the Lord’s anger:
“Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines. And because the Israelites forsook the Lord and no longer served him…” (Judges 10:6, NIV)
Biblical References and Cross-References
- Genesis 10:15,19 – Zidon is listed as the firstborn of Canaan, making the Zidonians part of the Canaanite family.
- Judges 10:6 – The Israelites serve the gods of Sidon, contributing to their apostasy.
- 1 Kings 11:1,5,33 – King Solomon‘s heart is turned by foreign wives, including a Sidonian, to worship Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Zidonians.
- 1 Kings 16:31 – Jezebel, a Sidonian princess, marries Ahab and introduces Baal worship to Israel.
- Ezekiel 28:21-23 – Sidon is rebuked by God through the prophet Ezekiel for its wickedness and idolatry.
Related Peoples and Regions:
- Phoenicians – Zidonians were part of the larger Phoenician civilization.
- Tyrians – Close neighbors and often mentioned with Zidonians.
- Canaanites – Their broader ethnic and spiritual lineage.
What Happened in the Bible?
The Zidonians, though not a direct political enemy of Israel like the Philistines or Moabites, played a dangerous role in Israel’s spiritual decline. Their cultural and religious influence introduced the worship of Baal and Ashtoreth to Israel. In Judges 10, the people of Israel fall into apostasy again, serving the gods of multiple surrounding nations, including Sidon. This idolatry leads to oppression by foreign powers and divine chastisement.
Their influence becomes more pronounced during the reigns of Israel’s kings. Solomon, through his Sidonian wives, compromises his devotion to the Lord. Later, Jezebel, the Sidonian daughter of King Ethbaal, marries Ahab and becomes a key figure in promoting Baal worship and persecuting Yahweh’s prophets (1 Kings 16-21). Her evil influence illustrates how cultural assimilation with pagan nations led Israel away from God.
Despite their corruption, God still holds the Zidonians accountable. In Ezekiel, God declares judgment upon Sidon, promising that His holiness will be revealed in the face of their judgment (Ezekiel 28:22-23).
What It Means for Today’s Christians
The story of the Zidonians serves as a sobering warning about the dangers of spiritual compromise. While the Zidonians were known for their wealth, craftsmanship, and cultural achievements, they were also steeped in idolatry and immorality. Israel‘s attraction to their gods reflects the human tendency to be swayed by worldly allurements.
For modern believers, the Zidonians represent the subtle pressures of cultural conformity and spiritual syncretism. Just as Israel’s interaction with Sidon led to moral and spiritual decay, Christians today must remain vigilant against influences that contradict God’s Word and character.
How Their Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel
In the New Testament, Jesus visits the region of Tyre and Sidon (Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30). There, He encounters a Canaanite (or Syrophoenician) woman whose daughter is possessed. Her great faith moves Jesus to heal her daughter, saying, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” (Matthew 15:28). This moment is profound—Jesus extends grace and healing to a descendant of a people long associated with idolatry and opposition to God.
This encounter demonstrates the reach of the gospel: no people are beyond God’s mercy. Though the Zidonians were once enemies of faithfulness, through Christ, individuals from every nation—even the spiritually darkest—can receive salvation.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry
The Zidonians illustrate the pattern of spiritual adultery where God’s people trade their devotion to Him for false gods. This theme is prominent throughout the Old Testament and culminates in God’s call to wholehearted devotion.
2. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
Despite their power and cultural prestige, God judged Sidon for its sins. God raises up and brings down nations according to His righteousness.
3. Grace for the Outsider
Jesus’ ministry in Sidonian territory and His interaction with the Syrophoenician woman foreshadow the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan.
4. Warning Against Compromise
Israel’s downfall often came not through outright war but through slow spiritual erosion—compromising with cultures like the Zidonians.
Reflection Questions
- What are some “Zidonian influences” in today’s culture that tempt Christians away from full devotion to God?
- In what ways can cultural achievements or beauty mask spiritual darkness?
- How can believers guard against spiritual compromise while still engaging with the world?
- What does Jesus’ interaction with the Syrophoenician woman teach us about God’s mercy toward those outside the covenant?
- How can the story of the Zidonians encourage us to take sin seriously and treasure holiness?
The Zidonians’ legacy reminds us of the ever-present battle for the heart—whether to follow the true God or chase after the idols of this world. Their story ultimately points us to the redeeming grace of Christ, who alone can cleanse and restore what sin has defiled.