Topical Encyclopedia The term "Pentapolis" refers to a group of five cities, most notably mentioned in the context of the ancient Near East. In the biblical narrative, the most prominent Pentapolis is the cluster of cities located in the region of the Jordan Valley, which includes Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar (also known as Bela). These cities are primarily noted for their association with sin and divine judgment, as recorded in the Book of Genesis.Biblical References and Historical Context The Pentapolis is first introduced in Genesis 10:19, which delineates the borders of Canaan, mentioning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The narrative of these cities is further expanded in Genesis 13:10-13, where Lot, Abraham's nephew, chooses to settle in the well-watered plains of the Jordan, near Sodom, despite the city's notorious wickedness: "Now the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD" (Genesis 13:13). The most significant biblical account involving the Pentapolis is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as described in Genesis 18-19. The LORD reveals to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against these cities due to their grievous sin. Abraham intercedes for the cities, but ultimately, only Lot and his family are spared from the impending judgment. Genesis 19:24-25 recounts the divine retribution: "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and the vegetation of the ground" . The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a powerful symbol of God's judgment against sin and is referenced throughout Scripture as a warning to future generations. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to these cities in Matthew 10:15 and Luke 17:28-30, emphasizing the severity of their judgment as a cautionary example. Archaeological and Geographical Considerations The exact locations of the cities of the Pentapolis have been the subject of much scholarly debate and archaeological investigation. The traditional site for Sodom and Gomorrah is near the southern end of the Dead Sea, where evidence of ancient settlements and destruction layers have been discovered. Some archaeologists propose that the cities were located on the eastern side of the Jordan River, while others suggest they were submerged under the waters of the Dead Sea. Theological Significance The narrative of the Pentapolis, particularly the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, holds significant theological implications. It underscores the themes of divine justice, mercy, and the consequences of sin. The account illustrates God's willingness to spare the righteous, as seen in His deliverance of Lot, while simultaneously affirming His holiness and intolerance of wickedness. The Pentapolis also serves as a typological foreshadowing of future divine judgment, as seen in the prophetic literature and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The apostle Peter, in 2 Peter 2:6, highlights the destruction of these cities as an example of what is to come for the ungodly: "He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly" . In summary, the Pentapolis, particularly through the lens of Sodom and Gomorrah, remains a poignant reminder of the biblical principles of righteousness, judgment, and redemption. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary PentapolisLibrary Let the Ancient Customs in Egypt, Libya and Pentapolis Prevail... Of the Same to the Bishops of Libya and Pentapolis. The Epistles of Dionysius. The Heresy of Sabellius. Index. Introduction to the De Sententia Dionysii. part viii. Introductory Notice to Peter, Bishop of Alexandria. Epistle vi. --To Sixtus, Bishop. Christos Ho Logos Me Theoi Sarkoumenos. 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 |
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