Topical Bible: Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: A City of Refuge In

◄ Galilee: The Northern District of Palestine: A City of Refuge In ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Galilee, a significant region in biblical history, is located in the northern part of ancient Palestine. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the west, the Jordan River to the east, and Samaria to the south. Known for its fertile land and diverse population, Galilee played a crucial role in both the Old and New Testaments.

Historical and Geographical Context

Galilee is divided into Upper and Lower Galilee. Upper Galilee is characterized by its mountainous terrain, while Lower Galilee is known for its rolling hills and valleys. The region's fertile soil and abundant water sources made it an ideal location for agriculture, contributing to its prosperity and dense population.

Galilee as a City of Refuge

In the Old Testament, cities of refuge were designated places where individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter could seek asylum from the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. Although Galilee itself is not a single city of refuge, it is home to Kedesh, one of the six cities of refuge mentioned in the Bible. Joshua 20:7 states, "So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah."

Kedesh, located in Upper Galilee, served as a sanctuary for those seeking protection under the Mosaic Law. This provision underscores the importance of justice and mercy in the legal system established by God for the Israelites.

Galilee in the New Testament

Galilee holds a prominent place in the New Testament as the primary setting for much of Jesus Christ's ministry. It is in Galilee that Jesus called His first disciples, performed numerous miracles, and delivered profound teachings. The towns of Nazareth, Capernaum, and Cana, all located in Galilee, are frequently mentioned in the Gospels.

Matthew 4:12-16 highlights the significance of Galilee in Jesus' ministry: "When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: 'Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.'"

Cultural and Religious Significance

Galilee's diverse population included Jews and Gentiles, which is reflected in its moniker "Galilee of the Gentiles." This cultural diversity is significant in understanding the inclusive nature of Jesus' message and His outreach to all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background.

The region's synagogues served as centers for teaching and worship, where Jesus often taught and engaged with the people. The Sermon on the Mount, one of Jesus' most famous discourses, was delivered in Galilee, further cementing its importance in Christian teachings.

Conclusion

Galilee's rich history and its role as a city of refuge, along with its prominence in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, make it a vital area of study for understanding biblical narratives and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 20:7
And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.
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Joshua 21:32
And out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Hammothdor with her suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs; three cities.
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1 Chronicles 6:76
And out of the tribe of Naphtali; Kedesh in Galilee with her suburbs, and Hammon with her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs.
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Library

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... But the sixth and great road, which passed through Galilee, was not ... the supervisors
of these tax-gatherers in the district of Jericho ... [15] Northern Africa alone ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

The Great Confession - the Great Commission - the Great ...
... northwards from the Lake of Galilee, a distance ... and his confederates, by which Northern
Palestine was gained ... was into this chiefly Gentile district, that the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxvii the great confession.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of nearly the whole of the mountain district separating the ... at the same time the
tribes in Galilee had a ... the north of the Yarmuk and its northern affluents in ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... and Lauisa, situated in the marshy district at the ... monuments that the Khati dwelt
in Northern Syria, the ... shores of the Lake of Tiberias in Galilee, others had ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... The whole of this district forms a little world ... North of this range extends Galilee,
abounding in refreshing ... The governors of the northern cities, on the other ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... Mardia corresponds to the mountainous district of Bebahan ... Mesopotamia to Northern
Syria, from Northern Syria to ... of Judah; it flowed over Galilee, Samaria, and ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm