Topical Encyclopedia Syene, known in modern times as Aswan, is an ancient city located in the southern part of Egypt, near the First Cataract of the Nile River. It holds significant historical and biblical importance, particularly in the context of biblical prophecy and geography.Biblical References: Syene is mentioned in the Bible in the book of Ezekiel. The prophet Ezekiel, during his prophetic ministry, references Syene in the context of God's judgment against Egypt. In Ezekiel 29:10 , the Lord declares through the prophet, "therefore I am against you and against your streams, and I will make the land of Egypt a ruin and a desolation, from Migdol to Syene, as far as the border of Cush." This passage highlights Syene as a geographical marker, indicating the extent of the prophesied desolation of Egypt. Additionally, Ezekiel 30:6 states, "This is what the LORD says: Those who support Egypt will fall, and her proud strength will collapse. From Migdol to Syene they will fall by the sword, declares the Lord GOD." Here, Syene is again used to denote the southern boundary of Egypt, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the divine judgment. Historical and Geographical Context: Syene was strategically located at the southern frontier of ancient Egypt, serving as a gateway to the African interior. Its position made it a vital military and trade outpost. The city was known for its granite quarries, which supplied stone for many of Egypt's monuments and temples, including the famous obelisks. In antiquity, Syene was also significant for its role in astronomy and geography. The Greek geographer and mathematician Eratosthenes famously used Syene to calculate the circumference of the Earth. He observed that at noon during the summer solstice, the sun was directly overhead in Syene, casting no shadow, which provided a basis for his calculations. Cultural and Religious Significance: Syene, as part of the broader Egyptian civilization, was deeply embedded in the religious and cultural practices of the time. The city was home to various temples and religious sites dedicated to the worship of Egyptian deities. Its proximity to the Nile and the cataracts also made it a place of natural beauty and spiritual significance. In the biblical narrative, Syene's mention underscores the reach of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His prophetic word. The city's inclusion in the prophecies against Egypt serves as a testament to the historical reality of divine intervention and judgment as recorded in the Scriptures. Archaeological Insights: Modern archaeological efforts in Aswan, the site of ancient Syene, have uncovered numerous artifacts and structures that provide insight into its historical significance. These include remnants of ancient temples, inscriptions, and the famous Aswan Dam, which has transformed the region in contemporary times. The archaeological findings corroborate the biblical references to Syene, offering tangible evidence of its existence and importance in the ancient world. These discoveries continue to enrich our understanding of the historical and biblical landscape of Egypt. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 29:10Behold, therefore I am against you, and against your rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even to the border of Ethiopia. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 30:6 Strong's Hebrew 5482. Cveneh -- a city on the S. border of Egypt... 5481, 5482. Cveneh. 5482a . a city on the S. border of Egypt. Transliteration: Cveneh Phonetic Spelling: (sev-ay-nay') Short Definition: Syene. Syene ... /hebrew/5482.htm - 5k 5482a. Seveneh -- a city on the S. border of Egypt Library The Gods of Egypt The Nile and Egypt The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt Back to Memphis The Political Constitution of Egypt Light after Darkness Choosing the Tens part viii. "The Pharaoh Drew Nigh" The Evil and Daring Deeds done by Georgius in Alexandria. Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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