Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, rivers were vital for the sustenance and development of civilizations. Cities built beside rivers benefited from fertile land, trade routes, and a steady water supply. The Bible provides numerous examples of such cities, highlighting their strategic and economic importance.1. Babylon Babylon, one of the most renowned cities of the ancient world, was situated on the Euphrates River. This location was crucial for its prosperity and influence. The river provided irrigation for agriculture, which supported the city's large population. Babylon's prominence is noted in the Bible, particularly in the context of its power and eventual downfall. In Jeremiah 51:13 , the prophet declares, "You who dwell by many waters, rich in treasures, your end has come, the thread of your life is cut." 2. Nineveh Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, was located on the eastern bank of the Tigris River. The river's proximity facilitated trade and communication, contributing to Nineveh's status as a major center of power. The prophet Nahum speaks of Nineveh's impending judgment, emphasizing its location: "Are you better than Thebes, situated by the Nile, with water around her?" (Nahum 3:8). This rhetorical question underscores the city's reliance on its riverine position. 3. Jerusalem While not directly beside a major river, Jerusalem's proximity to the Gihon Spring and its strategic location near the Kidron Valley provided essential water resources. The city's water supply was crucial during sieges, as seen in the construction of Hezekiah's Tunnel, which redirected water from the Gihon Spring into the city (2 Kings 20:20). The Psalmist reflects on the spiritual significance of water in Jerusalem: "There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells" (Psalm 46:4). 4. Egypt's Cities Egyptian cities, such as Thebes and Memphis, were built along the Nile River, which was the lifeblood of the nation. The Nile's annual flooding deposited rich silt on the land, enabling agriculture to flourish. In Ezekiel 30:16 , the prophet speaks of Egypt's cities: "I will set fire to Egypt; Pelusium will writhe in anguish. Thebes will be taken by storm, and Memphis will face distress daily." The mention of these cities highlights their dependence on the Nile for survival and prosperity. 5. Antioch Antioch, an influential city in the early Christian church, was located on the Orontes River. This river facilitated trade and communication, making Antioch a hub for cultural and religious exchange. The Book of Acts records that believers were first called Christians in Antioch (Acts 11:26), underscoring the city's significance in the spread of the Gospel. 6. Corinth Corinth, a prominent city in the New Testament, was strategically positioned near the Isthmus of Corinth, with access to both the Aegean and Ionian Seas. While not directly beside a river, its location near water routes was crucial for trade and travel. The Apostle Paul spent considerable time in Corinth, addressing the church there in his epistles (1 Corinthians 1:2). These cities, built beside rivers or near significant water sources, played pivotal roles in biblical history. Their locations provided economic advantages and strategic benefits, shaping their development and influence in the ancient world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 46:4There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 137:1 Library Of Creation The Earliest Chapters in Divine Revelation Appendices The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Against the Arians, and Concerning Himself. Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) Introduction Deliverance from Assyria the Legendary History of Egypt Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ... 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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