Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, cities often serve as significant centers of defense, governance, and culture. The strategic importance of cities in ancient times is evident throughout the Scriptures, where they are frequently depicted as bastions of security and power for the nations and peoples who inhabit them.Biblical Examples of Cities as Defense 1. Jerusalem: Perhaps the most prominent example is Jerusalem, the city of David, which served as the political and spiritual heart of Israel. Its fortifications and strategic location made it a formidable defense against invading forces. In 2 Samuel 5:7, we read, "Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)." The city's defenses were further enhanced by King Hezekiah, who constructed a tunnel to secure the water supply during the Assyrian siege (2 Kings 20:20). 2. Jericho: Known for its formidable walls, Jericho was a city of great defense. The account of its conquest by the Israelites under Joshua highlights the city's strategic importance. Joshua 6:1 states, "Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites; no one went out and no one came in." The miraculous fall of Jericho's walls demonstrated the power of God over even the most fortified cities. 3. Samaria: As the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria was a city of significant military strength. Its defenses were tested during the siege by the Assyrians, as recorded in 2 Kings 17:5-6. Despite its eventual fall, Samaria's fortifications initially provided a strong defense against its enemies. 4. Babylon: In the broader biblical context, Babylon is depicted as a city of immense strength and grandeur. Its walls and gates were legendary, symbolizing the might of the Babylonian Empire. Isaiah 13:19 refers to Babylon as "the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans." Theological Implications Cities in the Bible are not only physical strongholds but also represent centers of human achievement and divine interaction. They are places where God's people gather, worship, and govern. The strength of a city often reflects the spiritual state of its inhabitants. For instance, the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians is portrayed as a consequence of the people's disobedience to God (2 Chronicles 36:15-20). Moreover, cities are frequently used as metaphors for spiritual truths. The "City of God" in Revelation 21 symbolizes the ultimate defense and refuge for believers, where God Himself is the protector and light. Revelation 21:2 describes it as "the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Conclusion Throughout the Bible, cities serve as critical components of a nation's defense and identity. They are places where the physical and spiritual realms intersect, offering protection and serving as centers of worship and governance. The biblical portrayal of cities underscores their importance in God's redemptive plan and the unfolding of His purposes in history. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 11:5And Rehoboam dwelled in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library And if Celsus Would have us to Lead Armies in Defence of Our ... Visit to Cities in the North-West and to Kumaon --Visit to England ... Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome. Defence against the Arians. The Cities of Refuge The Prodigal and his Father On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ... Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ... Prologue Of the Chief Good and virtue, and or Knowledge and Righteousness. Resources What were the cities of refuge in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were Admah and Zeboiim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus mention Tyre and Sidon in Luke 10:14? | 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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