Let’s talk a little bit about the Phoenicians.
The first thing is they were similar to the Philistines in that they weren’t interested in empire-building.
They cared more about doing business than taking over land.
Since business back then relied on land and sea trade routes, most of their military efforts were about protecting those routes.
They wanted to stop pirates from stealing and make sure countries along the trade paths didn’t charge huge taxes that would eat into their profits.
Of course, Egypt also wanted to get into all of this juicy trading…
So they went out of their way to establish good relations with Phoenicia so they could collaborate on trade.
To further strengthen their economic foothold, Phoenicia expanded into the Mediterranean, first to Cyprus, then east into North Syria as the Arameans weakened.
Sidon and Byblos were Phoenicia’s allies, and they spread their influence as far as Greece.
With Egypt backing them, they succeeded in taking over the whole North African coast, an influence that stretched out to the Atlantic Ocean.
In short, Egypt and Phoenicia were the economic top dogs during this time.
They controlled the important coastal ports every nation drooled over.
The Philistines eyed these trade routes with great envy, as did David and Solomon.
Alrighty, let’s stop here and transition over to the takeaway.
We can see that economics was the primary motivation behind why nations did what they did.
However, as believers, we’re not to be focused on economics.
We are to be focused on the Kingdom of God, and then all else will be added unto us.
I know this is contrary to how the whole world thinks…
And that it’s easier said than done…
But that’s what Messiah preached.
See ya all next time.
CONNECTING THIS TEACHING TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
“Therefore do not worry, saying,
‘What shall we eat?’ or
‘What shall we drink?’
or ‘What shall we wear?’
For after all these things the Gentiles seek.
For your heavenly Father knows
that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God
and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
-Matthew 6:31-34
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