Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, certain cities were designated as "royal cities," signifying their importance and association with monarchy or governance. These cities often held strategic, economic, or political significance and were sometimes directly linked to the reign of a king or a ruling dynasty. The designation of a city as royal could imply its role as a center of administration, military strength, or religious significance.1. Jerusalem: Perhaps the most prominent royal city in the Bible, Jerusalem was established as the capital of Israel by King David. It became the political and spiritual center of the nation. David captured the city from the Jebusites and made it the seat of his kingdom (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Under Solomon, David's son, Jerusalem's significance was further solidified with the construction of the Temple, making it the focal point of Jewish worship (1 Kings 6). The city is frequently mentioned throughout the Bible as the "City of David" and the place where God's presence dwelt. 2. Samaria: Founded by King Omri, Samaria became the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Omri purchased the hill of Samaria and built a city there, which became the center of his dynasty (1 Kings 16:24). As a royal city, Samaria was a hub of political power and often a focal point in the narratives of the prophets, who condemned its idolatry and social injustices (Amos 3:9-10). 3. Hebron: Before Jerusalem, Hebron served as the royal city during the early reign of David. It was in Hebron that David was anointed king over the house of Judah (2 Samuel 2:1-4). The city held historical significance as the burial place of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, adding to its importance as a royal city. 4. Hazor: Known as a royal city in the time of Joshua, Hazor was a significant Canaanite city-state. Joshua 11:10 refers to Hazor as "the head of all those kingdoms," indicating its prominence. It was conquered and burned by Joshua during the Israelite conquest of Canaan, marking its importance in the biblical narrative of the Promised Land. 5. Gibeon: Although not always explicitly labeled as a royal city, Gibeon held a unique status due to its treaty with Israel. The Gibeonites deceived Joshua into making a peace treaty with them, and as a result, their city was spared (Joshua 9:3-15). Later, Gibeon became a significant site during the reign of Solomon, where he offered sacrifices and had a divine encounter (1 Kings 3:4-5). 6. Tirzah: Before Samaria, Tirzah served as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It was a royal city during the reigns of several kings, including Jeroboam I and Baasha. The city is mentioned in 1 Kings 14:17 and 1 Kings 15:33 as a center of royal activity. These cities, among others, played crucial roles in the unfolding of biblical history. Their designation as royal cities underscores their importance in the narrative of God's people, serving as centers of power, worship, and cultural development. The biblical accounts of these cities provide insight into the political and spiritual dynamics of ancient Israel and its neighboring regions. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 10:2That they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the men thereof were mighty. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 27:5 2 Samuel 12:26 1 Chronicles 11:7 Library Chapter xlvii Farewell In Judaea The Old Testament and Archeology The Conquest of Babylon. The Seven Trumpets. Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper. The Jewish World in the Days of Christ - the Jewish Dispersion in ... The Mystery Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ... Resources Does God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the strange flesh in Jude 1:7? | GotQuestions.org What were the Dark Ages? | 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) |
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