Orthosia is a term that appears in historical and geographical contexts rather than directly within the biblical text. It refers to an ancient city located in the region of Phoenicia, which is part of modern-day Lebanon. The city of Orthosia is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible; however, its geographical and historical significance provides context for understanding the broader biblical narrative, particularly in relation to the ancient Near East and the interactions between various peoples and cultures mentioned in Scripture.

Historical Context

Orthosia was situated near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of the city of Tripolis (modern-day Tripoli, Lebanon). It was part of the Phoenician civilization, known for its maritime trade and the spread of the Phoenician alphabet, which greatly influenced the development of writing systems in the ancient world. The Phoenicians are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in connection with their cities such as Tyre and Sidon. While Orthosia itself is not named, its cultural and economic milieu would have been similar to these more prominent cities.

Biblical Connections

The Phoenicians, including those from cities like Orthosia, were known for their seafaring skills and trade networks, which extended across the Mediterranean. This is reflected in the Bible, where the Phoenicians are noted for their craftsmanship and trade. For example, King Solomon enlisted the help of Hiram, king of Tyre, a Phoenician city, to procure materials and skilled labor for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 5:1-12).

The region of Phoenicia, where Orthosia was located, is also mentioned in the New Testament. Jesus visited the region of Tyre and Sidon during His ministry (Mark 7:24-30), and the Apostle Paul passed through Phoenicia on his missionary journeys (Acts 21:2-3). These references highlight the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the spread of the Gospel beyond the borders of Israel.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Orthosia, like other Phoenician cities, would have been a center of polytheistic worship, with deities such as Baal and Astarte being prominent. The Bible frequently addresses the issue of idolatry, warning the Israelites against adopting the religious practices of their neighbors, including the Phoenicians (Deuteronomy 12:29-31). The presence of cities like Orthosia serves as a backdrop for understanding the challenges faced by the Israelites in maintaining their covenantal relationship with Yahweh amidst surrounding pagan influences.

Archaeological Insights

While specific archaeological findings from Orthosia are limited, the general archaeological record of Phoenician cities provides valuable insights into the material culture, trade practices, and religious life of the time. Excavations in nearby cities have uncovered artifacts such as pottery, inscriptions, and architectural remains that shed light on the daily life and international connections of the Phoenicians.

In summary, while Orthosia is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its existence as a Phoenician city contributes to the understanding of the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative. The interactions between the Israelites and their Phoenician neighbors, as well as the broader Mediterranean world, are integral to the unfolding account of God's people as recorded in Scripture.ORTHOSIA

or-tho-si'-a (Orthosias; the King James Version Orthosias): The city to which Tryphon fled when he escaped from Dora, where he was besieged by Antiochus Sidetes (1 Maccabees 15:37). According to Pliny (NH, v.17) it lay South of the river Eleutherus, and North of the city of Tripolis. The Peutinger Tables place it 12 Roman miles North of Tripolis and 30 miles South of Antaradus on the Phoenician coast. Porter would place it on the southern bank of Nahr el-Barid.

Orthosia
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ORTHOSIA. or-tho-si'-a (Orthosias; the
King James Version Orthosias): The city to which Tryphon ...
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Ortion

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Orphan's (1 Occurrence)

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Tryphon
... He next escaped to Ptolemais, then to Orthosia, and finally to his native Apamea,
where he was driven to suicide (Josephus, Ant, XIII, vii, 2; Strabo, 668 ...
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