Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, a "Royal City" refers to a city that serves as the seat of power for a king or a ruling dynasty. These cities often held significant political, economic, and religious importance in the ancient Near East. The concept of a royal city is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, where various cities are identified as centers of monarchical rule.Jerusalem: The Archetypal Royal City Jerusalem is perhaps the most prominent example of a royal city in the Bible. It became the capital of the united kingdom of Israel under King David, who captured it from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-9). David established his throne there, and it remained the political and spiritual center of Israel. The city gained further prominence when Solomon, David's son, built the First Temple, making it the focal point of Jewish worship (1 Kings 6:1-38). The significance of Jerusalem as a royal city is underscored by its frequent mention in the Psalms and prophetic literature. For instance, Psalm 48:2-3 describes it as "beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King." This highlights its status not only as a political capital but also as a spiritual center. Samaria: The Capital of the Northern Kingdom After the division of the united monarchy, Samaria became the royal city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Founded by King Omri, it served as the capital until the kingdom's fall to the Assyrians in 722 BC (1 Kings 16:24). Samaria's role as a royal city is evident in its frequent mention in the prophetic books, where it is often criticized for idolatry and injustice (Amos 3:9-10). Other Royal Cities Several other cities are identified as royal cities in the biblical narrative. For example, Hebron was initially a royal city under King David before he moved his capital to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 2:1-4). Additionally, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer are mentioned as royal cities in the context of Solomon's administrative districts (1 Kings 9:15). Royal Cities in Canaan The conquest narratives in the Book of Joshua also refer to several Canaanite cities as royal cities. These include Jericho, Ai, and Lachish, which were ruled by local kings before being conquered by the Israelites (Joshua 10:3, 12:7-24). The term "royal city" in this context underscores the organized political structures that existed in Canaan prior to Israelite settlement. Symbolism and Theology The concept of a royal city carries rich theological symbolism. In biblical prophecy, Jerusalem is often depicted as the ultimate royal city, representing God's eternal kingdom. The Book of Revelation envisions a New Jerusalem, descending from heaven, as the culmination of God's redemptive plan (Revelation 21:2). This eschatological vision underscores the enduring significance of the royal city as a symbol of divine rule and eternal peace. In summary, the notion of a royal city in the Bible encompasses both historical and theological dimensions, serving as a focal point for understanding the interplay between divine sovereignty and human governance. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Royal CityROYAL CITY See ROYAL, (2), (4). Strong's Hebrew 4068. Madon -- a royal city of the Canaanites... 4067, 4068. Madon. 4069 . a royal city of the Canaanites. Transliteration: Madon Phonetic Spelling: (maw-dohn') Short Definition: Madon. ... /hebrew/4068.htm - 6k Library Ep. Lxxxviii. It was Needful that the Royal Image Should Adorn the ... How the Same Aidan, by his Prayers, Saved the Royal City when it ... How St. Augustine in Kent Followed the Doctrine and Manner of Life ... Once in Royal David's City At this Time, that Is, in the Year of Our Lord 605... A Royal Progress History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2 Royal Murderers Select Letters of Saint Gregory Nazianzen of the Woman driven into the Wilderness. Resources What does it mean that Esther was appointed “for such a time as this”? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does 1 Peter 2:9 mean when it refers to believers as peculiar people? | GotQuestions.org Who was Vashti in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Royal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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