The City of Salt is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Joshua. It is listed among the cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Judah. The reference to the City of Salt can be found in Joshua 15:62, which states: "Nibshan, the City of Salt, and En Gedi—six cities with their villages."

Geographical Context

The City of Salt is situated in the arid region near the Dead Sea, an area known for its high salinity. This geographical context is significant, as the Dead Sea is one of the saltiest bodies of water on earth, and the surrounding terrain is characterized by salt formations and deposits. The proximity to the Dead Sea likely influenced the naming of the city, emphasizing its association with salt.

Historical and Cultural Significance

In biblical times, salt was a valuable commodity, used for preservation, seasoning, and religious rituals. The City of Salt's location in a region abundant with salt resources would have made it an important site for trade and economic activity. The mention of the City of Salt in the context of Judah's inheritance underscores the tribe's access to essential resources, contributing to their sustenance and prosperity.

Biblical Context

The allocation of the City of Salt to the tribe of Judah is part of the broader narrative of the Israelites' conquest and settlement of the Promised Land. The division of the land among the twelve tribes, as detailed in the Book of Joshua, reflects God's fulfillment of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The City of Salt, along with other cities and their villages, represents the tangible realization of this divine promise.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the City of Salt can be seen as a symbol of God's provision and faithfulness. The allocation of a city with valuable resources to the tribe of Judah highlights God's care for His people, ensuring they have the means to thrive in the land He has given them. Additionally, the presence of salt in biblical symbolism often represents purity, preservation, and covenant, further enriching the spiritual significance of the City of Salt.

Archaeological Considerations

While the exact location of the City of Salt remains uncertain, it is generally believed to be in the vicinity of the southern Dead Sea region. Archaeological efforts in this area have uncovered evidence of ancient settlements and trade routes, providing insights into the historical context of the biblical narrative. However, definitive identification of the City of Salt has yet to be achieved, leaving room for further exploration and discovery.

In summary, the City of Salt is a noteworthy location within the biblical landscape, offering insights into the historical, cultural, and theological dimensions of the ancient Near East. Its mention in the Book of Joshua serves as a reminder of God's provision and the rich heritage of the tribe of Judah.City of Salt

CITY OF SALT

See SALT, CITY OF.

City Of Salt

the fifth of the six cities of Judah which lay in the "wilderness." (Joshua 15:62) Mr. Robinson expresses his belief that it lay somewhere near the plain at the south end of the Salt Sea.

5898. Ir Hammelach -- "city of salt," a place in the Judean desert
... Ir Hammelach. 5899 . "city of salt," a place in the Judean desert. Transliteration:
Ir Hammelach Phonetic Spelling: (eer ham-meh'-lakh) Short Definition: Salt ...
/hebrew/5898.htm - 6k

The Salt and the Light of the World.
... Therefore, having warned the human salt to look to itself that it be indeed salt,
he proceeds: 'Ye are the light of the world, a city, a candle,' and so ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/the salt and the light.htm

The Healing of the Waters
... the city and the surrounding district, was now unfit for use. In response to the
plea of the men of Jericho, Elisha said, "Bring me a new cruse, and put salt ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 18 the healing of.htm

The Kingdom of God and Your Part in It
... but the very place where the salt ought not to be is beside the salt. ... They had studied
the city, and the workingmen were astonished at how much the young ...
/.../stones rolled away and other addresses to young men/vi the kingdom of god.htm

Chapter vi.
... the earth, or even the sinners, for the preserving of whom and for the extinguishing
of whose corruptions the Lord sent the apostolic salt. ... 57] "A city that is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter vi.htm

Lot's Escape from a Wicked City
... and led him and his wife and his two daughters outside the city, for Jehovah ... Lot's
wife, who was following him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/lots escape from a wicked.htm

A Life for a Life
... You put salt upon meat and salt upon fish to prevent them from becoming rotten,
and it is the Christian men and women in the city and in the country who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/a life for a life/a life for a life.htm

The Sin of Unbelief
... The one grain of salt preserved the entire city; the one warrior for God was the
means of the deliverance of the whole beleaguered multitude. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the sin of unbelief.htm

The Sea of Sodom
... doctors one saith, That he devoted the moneys of idolatry into the salt sea." Hence ...
indeed, do mention a certain Zoar, which they also call, "The City of Palms ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 5 the sea of.htm

The Kingdom of Christ
... there. It was to be the salt of the earth, the light of the world, the
city set on a hill, which could not be hid. From Jerusalem ...
/.../kingsley/discipline and other sermons/sermon xxiii the kingdom of christ.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... It also teaches"as does experience"that a disciple may lose those qualities which
make him salt.] 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 3.htm

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