Zarephath
Fortified city between Tyre and Sidon that Jesus mentions in his catechesis for the Phoenician fishermen.
Description
While evangelizing fishermen near Tyre, Jesus mentions the coming of the prophet Elijah to Syro-Phoenicia.
"We read in the Book of Kings that the Lord ordered Elijah to go to Zarephath of Sidonians during the drought and famine which afflicted the Earth for over three years."[1]
Its name
Zarephath, Tsarephath, Zarepath, In Hebrew, the city is called "צרפת" (Tzarephath), which is often interpreted as meaning "foundry" or "smelting place," referring to metallurgy. In Phoenician, the name could have a similar meaning, reflecting the economic importance of the city in the region.
Where is it mentioned in the work?
Learn more about this place
Phoenician city on the coast south of Sidon, residence of Elijah during the last period of drought as Jesus recalls it.[2] He performed the miracle of the inexhaustible jar of flour and the widow’s jug of oil.
Explore
- 33° 26’ 02’’ N / 35° 17’ 56’’ E /
- +142m
Notes and references
Article partially based on the Geographical Dictionary of the Gospel, by Jean-François Lavère.