Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of "counties" as understood in modern administrative terms does not directly appear. However, the Bible does reference various forms of territorial divisions and governance that can be seen as analogous to counties. These divisions were often based on tribal, familial, or regional lines and were integral to the organization of ancient Israelite society and neighboring nations.Tribal Divisions in Israel The most prominent form of territorial division in ancient Israel was the allocation of land to the twelve tribes of Israel. Each tribe, descending from the sons of Jacob, was given a specific portion of the Promised Land, as detailed in the Book of Joshua. These tribal territories functioned similarly to counties, with each tribe responsible for its own governance, justice, and military defense. Joshua 13-21 outlines the distribution of these lands, emphasizing the importance of maintaining tribal boundaries as ordained by God. Judges and Local Governance During the period of the Judges, local governance was primarily tribal, with leaders known as judges arising to deliver Israel from oppression and to administer justice. Judges 2:16 states, "Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them from the hands of these raiders." These judges often operated within specific tribal regions, highlighting the localized nature of governance akin to county administration. Cities and Regions In addition to tribal divisions, the Bible frequently mentions cities and regions that served as centers of administration and commerce. Cities like Jerusalem, Hebron, and Samaria were significant urban centers that influenced the surrounding areas. These cities often had their own local rulers or elders who managed affairs, similar to county officials. For example, 2 Samuel 5:3 describes the elders of Israel coming to David in Hebron to anoint him king, indicating a form of regional governance. Roman Provinces and Governance In the New Testament, the concept of territorial divisions becomes more pronounced with the Roman Empire's influence. The Roman Empire divided its vast territories into provinces, each governed by officials such as procurators or governors. Judea, Galilee, and Samaria were among the regions under Roman control during the time of Jesus. Luke 2:1-3 mentions a census taken by Caesar Augustus, illustrating the administrative reach of Roman governance: "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world." Biblical Principles of Governance The Bible provides principles for governance that can be applied to the concept of counties. Proverbs 29:2 states, "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan." This highlights the importance of just and righteous leadership at all levels of governance. Additionally, Romans 13:1-7 emphasizes the role of governing authorities as servants of God, tasked with maintaining order and justice. Conclusion While the Bible does not explicitly mention counties, the various forms of territorial divisions and governance described in Scripture provide a framework for understanding how ancient societies organized themselves. These divisions, whether tribal, regional, or provincial, played a crucial role in the social, political, and religious life of the biblical world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) Plural of County.Library Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel The Saybrook Platform Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution The Church and Other Rural Agencies Our Reception at Hwochow Home Occupations and Travels in England and Wales. A Period of Transition Labors in a New Field From the End of the Third Continental Journey, in 1834, to the ... To the Right Honourable Thesaurus Counties (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of County. Multi-Version Concordance Counties (1 Occurrence). Joshua 17:11 And Manasseh hath ... /c/counties.htm - 7k Counting (11 Occurrences) Raid (15 Occurrences) Counteth (7 Occurrences) Egypt (596 Occurrences) Resources Were the Salem Witch Trials biblical? | GotQuestions.orgCounties: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Counties (1 Occurrence)Joshua 17:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
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