Topical Encyclopedia Tirzah, an ancient city in the northern kingdom of Israel, holds a significant place in biblical history, particularly during the period of the divided monarchy. The city is first mentioned in the Bible as a Canaanite city conquered by Joshua (Joshua 12:24). It later became the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam I, following the division of the united monarchy after Solomon's reign.Historical Context Tirzah's prominence as a capital city is noted during the reigns of several kings of Israel. It served as the royal residence until the time of Omri, who moved the capital to Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-24). The city's strategic location and fortifications made it a focal point during various military campaigns and sieges. Siege of Tirzah One of the most notable sieges of Tirzah occurred during the reign of King Baasha of Israel. Baasha, who came to power by assassinating Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, fortified Tirzah and used it as his base of operations. The biblical narrative in 1 Kings 15:27-28 describes Baasha's rise to power and his subsequent reign from Tirzah. The city faced a significant siege during the reign of Zimri, a commander in the army of Elah, the son of Baasha. Zimri assassinated Elah and declared himself king, but his reign was short-lived. The army, led by Omri, besieged Tirzah to overthrow Zimri. The account in 1 Kings 16:15-18 details the siege: "In the twenty-seventh year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Zimri reigned in Tirzah seven days. Now the troops were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines. When these troops heard that Zimri had conspired and had also killed the king, they proclaimed Omri, the commander of the army, king over Israel that very day in the camp. Then Omri and all the Israelites with him withdrew from Gibbethon and besieged Tirzah. When Zimri saw that the city was taken, he went into the citadel of the royal palace and set the palace on fire around him. So he died." This dramatic event marked the end of Zimri's brief rule and paved the way for Omri's ascension to the throne. The siege of Tirzah underscores the political instability and frequent power struggles that characterized the northern kingdom of Israel during this period. Archaeological Insights Archaeological excavations at the site believed to be ancient Tirzah, identified with Tell el-Far'ah (North), have provided insights into the city's layout and fortifications. The findings suggest that Tirzah was a well-fortified city with significant defensive structures, which aligns with its role as a capital and a site of military conflict. Theological Significance The sieges and political turmoil associated with Tirzah reflect the broader themes of covenant faithfulness and divine judgment found throughout the biblical narrative. The rise and fall of kings, often marked by violence and betrayal, serve as a backdrop for the prophetic calls to repentance and adherence to God's commandments. The events at Tirzah, particularly the siege involving Zimri and Omri, illustrate the consequences of disobedience and the transient nature of human power in contrast to the enduring sovereignty of God. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 16:17And Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with him, and they besieged Tirzah. Nave's Topical Index Library How Zerah, King of the Ethiopians, was Beaten by Asa; and How Asa ... How Zachariah Shallum, Menahem Pekahiah and Pekah Took the ... Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Who was Gedaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Babylonian captivity/exile? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Siege: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Siege by Rezin, King of Syria, and Pekah, Son of Remaliah, King of Israel Siege: An offer of Peace Must be Made to the City Before Beginning A Siege: Conducted by Erecting Embankments Parallel to the Walls of the Besieged City Siege: Distress of the Inhabitants During A Sieges: Being Against Round About Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Helped by Allies Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Ambush Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Assault Sieges: Cities Invested by Inhabitants of, Exhorted to be Courageous Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Demanded Terms of Peace Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Famine Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Pestilence Sieges: Cities Invested by Repaired and Newly Fortified Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by Sometimes Used Ambushes or Sorties Sieges: Cities Invested by Supplied With Water Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by The Inhabitants of, Cut off Beforehand Supplies of Water Sieges: Cities Invested by Walls of, Defended by the Inhabitants Sieges: Cities Invested by Were Strictly Shut Up Sieges: Cities of Israel in Galilee Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Broken Down Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Destroyed by Fire Sieges: Cities Taken by Given up to Pillage Sieges: Cities Taken by Inhabitants of, often Put to the Sword Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Called After the Name of the Captor Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Sown With Salt Sieges: Compassing About With Armies Sieges: Extreme Difficulty of Taking Cities By, Alluded To Sieges: Fenced Cities Invested By Sieges: Great Noise and Tumult of, Alluded To Sieges: Often Lasted for a Long Time Sieges: Setting in Array Against Sieges: The Jews Forbidden to Cut Down Fruit Trees for the Purpose of Sieges: The Omnipresence of God Sieges: Those Engaged in Built Forts and Mounts Sieges: Those Engaged in Called Upon the City to Surrender Sieges: Those Engaged in Cast Arrows and Other Missiles Into the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Cut off all Supplies Sieges: Those Engaged in Dug a Trench Round the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Employed Battering Rams Against the Walls Sieges: Those Engaged in Frequently Laid Ambushes Sieges: Those Engaged in Invested the City on Every Side Sieges: Those Engaged in Often Suffered Much During Sieges: Threatened As a Punishment Sieges: Zion in Her Affliction Related Terms Battering-rams (2 Occurrences) Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |
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