Sidon
Port of Phoenicia. Along with Tyre, they are given in the Gospel as fertile grounds for faith.
Description[edit | edit source]
According to the account of Maria Valtorta, the apostles pass through Sidon during a brief boat trip between Sicaminon and Tyre.
"The man whom we were looking for was not in Sidon. We went as far as Tyre.".[1]
Maria Valtorta gives no description of the city but mentions the presence of purple dye fishermen,[2] which is historically accurate.[3] It is after this brief stop in Sidon that Jesus, returning to Capernaum, declares:
"If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, their inhabitants would have done penance and come to Me a long time ago, wearing sackcloths and sprinkled with ashes. I therefore say that Tyre and Sidon will be dealt with more mercifully than you will on Doomsday."[4]
Its name[edit | edit source]
Sidon comes from the Phoenician "Ṣydwn". It is a descendant of Noah through his son Ham.[5] In Hebrew, it is written "Tzidon" (צִידוֹן). This name probably means "fish" or "fishery".
Where is it mentioned in the work?[edit | edit source]
Learn more about this place[edit | edit source]
Fortified city and port of ancient Phoenicia,[6] located 35 km northeast of Tyre. For the Canaanites, it was a fortified place of major importance, which resisted the Israelites.[7] Many Sidonians had the opportunity to hear Jesus.[8] Saint Paul made a stop in Sidon during his journey to Rome.[9]
Explore[edit | edit source]
- 33° 33’ 42’’ N / 35° 22’ 06’’ E /
- +10m
Notes and references[edit | edit source]
Article partially based on the Geographical Dictionary of the Gospel, by Jean-François Lavère.
- ↑ GRM 252.4.
- ↑ GRM 303.4.
- ↑ "Located about forty kilometers from Tyre, the most famous purple dye production center of the Roman Empire, the city of Sidon apparently succeeded in producing a color that was very popular from the last century of the Republic until the 5th century AD." Source: Una.éditions.fr.
- ↑ GRM 266.13 and Mt 11:21; Lk 10:13.
- ↑ Gen 10:1-15.
- ↑ The territory of the Phoenicians roughly corresponded to Lebanon, but many cities occupied by the Phoenicians were spread along the Mediterranean coast.
- ↑ Judges 10:12.
- ↑ Mark 3:8.
- ↑ Acts 27:3.