Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, cities were often constructed with a square or rectangular layout, a design that provided both practical and symbolic benefits. This architectural style is evident in various biblical references and archaeological findings, reflecting the cultural and historical context of the biblical narrative.Biblical References and Symbolism The square form of cities is notably mentioned in the description of the New Jerusalem in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 21:16 states, "The city lies foursquare, with its length the same as its width." This depiction of the New Jerusalem as a perfect square symbolizes completeness, stability, and divine order, reflecting the heavenly perfection and eternal nature of God's kingdom. The square design was not only a feature of eschatological visions but also a practical aspect of ancient city planning. The uniformity and symmetry of a square layout facilitated defense, as it allowed for the construction of walls and gates that could be easily monitored and fortified. This design also maximized the use of space within the city, accommodating the needs of its inhabitants efficiently. Historical and Archaeological Context Archaeological excavations in the ancient Near East have uncovered several cities with square or rectangular layouts. These findings align with the biblical descriptions and provide insight into the urban planning practices of the time. Cities such as Nineveh and Babylon, though not explicitly described as square in the Bible, were known for their structured layouts, which included straight streets and organized blocks. The square form was also a common feature in the construction of city walls. The walls of Jericho, for example, though not explicitly described as square in the biblical account, were part of a fortified city that likely followed a structured plan. The account of Jericho's walls falling in Joshua 6 highlights the significance of city fortifications in biblical narratives. Theological Implications The use of a square form in city construction carries theological implications, particularly in the context of divine order and perfection. The square shape, with its equal sides and angles, represents balance and harmony, qualities associated with God's creation and governance. In the vision of the New Jerusalem, the square form underscores the idea of a restored creation where God's presence dwells among His people in perfect harmony. Furthermore, the square layout of cities in biblical times reflects the human desire to mirror divine order in earthly structures. By constructing cities with a sense of symmetry and balance, ancient builders sought to create spaces that reflected the orderliness of the cosmos, as understood within their cultural and religious framework. In summary, the square form of cities in biblical times is a testament to the practical, symbolic, and theological dimensions of ancient urban planning. It highlights the interplay between human ingenuity and divine inspiration, as reflected in the biblical narrative and the archaeological record. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 21:16And the city lies foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sources of the Pentateuch. The Conquest of Babylon. Farewell In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned Jewish Homes Canaan Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ... The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The Memphite Empire The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Resources What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Abraham bargain with God in regard to Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18)? | GotQuestions.org Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | 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) |
    |