Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, certain cities are recognized for their significant roles in trade and commerce. These cities, often strategically located, served as hubs for the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. Their mention in Scripture highlights the economic and cultural interactions of the ancient world.Tyre Tyre, a prominent Phoenician city, is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a major center of commerce. Its wealth and influence are noted in several passages. Ezekiel 27 provides a detailed account of Tyre's extensive trade network, describing it as a "merchant of the peoples on many coasts" (Ezekiel 27:3). The chapter lists various goods traded by Tyre, including silver, iron, tin, and lead from Tarshish, and horses and mules from Beth Togarmah. Tyre's prosperity and eventual downfall serve as a powerful symbol of the transient nature of earthly wealth. Sidon Sidon, another key Phoenician city, is often mentioned alongside Tyre. Known for its skilled artisans and trade, Sidon played a crucial role in the distribution of goods across the Mediterranean. In Isaiah 23, Sidon is addressed in the context of Tyre's judgment, indicating its close economic ties and shared fate. The city's reputation as a merchant hub is further underscored by its mention in the context of trade with Israel and other nations. Babylon Babylon, while primarily known for its empire and cultural achievements, was also a significant commercial center. The city is depicted in Revelation 18 as a symbol of economic power and moral corruption. The lament over Babylon's fall highlights its role as a marketplace for luxury goods: "The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargo anymore" (Revelation 18:11). This passage lists a variety of commodities, emphasizing Babylon's extensive trade network and its impact on global commerce. Tarshish Tarshish is often associated with distant lands rich in resources. While its exact location remains debated, it is frequently mentioned in the context of trade. Ships of Tarshish are noted for their role in transporting goods, as seen in 1 Kings 10:22: "For the king had the ships of Tarshish at sea with the fleet of Hiram. Once every three years, the ships of Tarshish would arrive bearing gold, silver, ivory, apes, and peacocks" . This highlights Tarshish's importance in the ancient trade routes and its contribution to the wealth of Israel under Solomon. Sheba The kingdom of Sheba, located in the southern Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its wealth and trade in spices, gold, and precious stones. The visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 10, underscores the region's significance as a trading partner. Sheba's merchants are also mentioned in Ezekiel 27:22, where they are noted for trading "the finest of all kinds of spices and all precious stones and gold" . Damascus Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, served as a vital trade center in the ancient Near East. Its strategic location along major trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods between Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. In Ezekiel 27:18, Damascus is mentioned as a trading partner of Tyre, dealing in "wine from Helbon and white wool" , highlighting its role in regional commerce. These cities, designated as merchant hubs, played crucial roles in the economic landscape of the biblical world. Their interactions with Israel and other nations are woven throughout the biblical narrative, providing insight into the complexities of ancient trade and its impact on society. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 23:11He stretched out his hand over the sea, he shook the kingdoms: the LORD has given a commandment against the merchant city, to destroy the strong holds thereof. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 17:4 Ezekiel 27:3 Library The "Little Knife" Insurrection Jewish Homes Introduction. Chapter i. --Life of S. Cyril. The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ... In Judaea Philo of Alexandria, the Rabbis, and the Gospels - the Final ... Egypt and Greece. Homilies on the Statues. The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) The Close of the Theban Empire Resources What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Abraham bargain with God in regard to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18)? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.org Cities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cities of Refuge of the Hope of the Gospel Cities of Refuge: (The Way To) Christ Cities of Refuge: Afforded No Asylum to Murderers Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Easy of Access Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Open to all Manslayers Cities of Refuge: Strangers Might Take Advantage of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to not Protected Outside of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Obliged to Remain In, Until the High Priest's Death Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Were Put on Their Trial Cities were Called For: The Country in Which Built Cities were Called For: The Family of the Founder Cities were Called For: The Proprietor of the Land Cities were Frequently: Besieged Cities were Frequently: Burned Cities were Frequently: Depopulated Cities were Frequently: Made Heaps of Ruins Cities were Frequently: Pillaged Cities were Frequently: Razed and Sown With Salt Cities were Frequently: Stormed Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Famine Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Pestilence Cities: A Great Defence to a Country Cities: Afforded Refuge in Times of Danger Cities: Arranged in Streets and Lanes Cities: Artificial Mode of Supplying Water To Cities: Built in Desert Places Cities: Built in Pleasant Situations Cities: Built of Brick and Mortar Cities: Built of Brick and Slime Cities: Built of Stone and Wood Cities: Built with Compactness Cities: Built: Often of a Square Form Cities: Built: On Solid Foundations Cities: Designated as Merchant Cities: Designated as Treasure Cities: Designed for Habitations Cities: Different Kinds of Chariot Cities: Different Kinds of Commercial Cities: Different Kinds of Fenced Cities: Different Kinds of Levitical Cities: Different Kinds of Refuge Cities: Different Kinds of Royal Cities: Different Kinds of Store Cities: Different Kinds of Treasure Cities: Difficulty of Taking, Alluded To Cities: Government of, by Rulers Cities: Inhabitants of, Called Citizens Cities: Often Built to Perpetuate a Name Cities: Often Deserted on the Approach of an Enemy Cities: Often Fortified by Art Cities: Often Fortified by Nature Cities: Often Founded and Enlarged by Blood and Rapine Cities: Often Great and Goodly Cities: Often of Great Antiquity Cities: Prosperity of, Increased by Commerce Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen Related Terms Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences) Treasure-cities (1 Occurrence) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) |