Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the construction of cities on hills was a common practice, offering both strategic and symbolic significance. The elevated position provided a natural defense against invaders, as well as a vantage point for surveillance of the surrounding area. Additionally, cities on hills often held religious and cultural importance, symbolizing strength, permanence, and divine favor.Jerusalem Jerusalem is perhaps the most notable city built on a hill in the biblical narrative. Known as the "City of David," it was established as the capital of Israel by King David. The city's elevation made it a formidable fortress and a central place of worship. In Psalm 125:2, the psalmist writes, "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people both now and forevermore" . This imagery underscores the city's divine protection and its significance as a spiritual center. Samaria Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was also built on a hill. King Omri purchased the hill of Samaria and established the city, as recorded in 1 Kings 16:24: "He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city on the hill, calling it Samaria, after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill" . The city's location provided a strategic advantage and became a symbol of the Northern Kingdom's identity. Bethel Bethel, meaning "House of God," was another significant city built on elevated terrain. It held religious importance as a site of worship and revelation. In Genesis 28:19, Jacob names the place Bethel after experiencing a divine vision: "He called that place Bethel, though previously the city had been named Luz" . The city's hilltop location made it a prominent place for encountering God. Shechem Shechem, situated between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, was an ancient city with deep historical and religious roots. It served as a central gathering place for the tribes of Israel. In Joshua 24:1, Joshua assembled all the tribes at Shechem, emphasizing its role as a place of covenant renewal: "Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officials of Israel, and they presented themselves before God" . Significance in Jesus' Teachings The imagery of cities on hills is also present in the teachings of Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the metaphor of a city on a hill to describe the visibility and influence of His followers: "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden" (Matthew 5:14). This metaphor highlights the call for believers to live lives that are visible and impactful, reflecting the light of Christ to the world. Conclusion The biblical motif of cities built on hills carries both practical and spiritual connotations. These cities served as centers of power, worship, and community, and their elevated positions symbolized divine protection and presence. The enduring legacy of these cities continues to inspire and instruct believers in their faith journey. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 5:14You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 4:29 Revelation 17:9 Library The Sermon on the Mount. Six Cities Jewish Homes Psalm LXXXVII. In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ... Jehoshaphat A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. The Early Training of a Race. Of Creation In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned 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 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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