Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of building cities on solid foundations is both a literal and metaphorical theme that underscores the importance of stability, security, and divine wisdom. The Bible frequently uses the imagery of construction and foundations to convey spiritual truths about faith, obedience, and the character of God.Biblical Foundations and Wisdom The Bible emphasizes the importance of building on a solid foundation through the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus uses the parable of the wise and foolish builders to illustrate this principle: "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock" (Matthew 7:24-25). This passage highlights the necessity of grounding one's life in the teachings of Christ, ensuring spiritual resilience against life's challenges. Old Testament Examples In the Old Testament, the construction of cities and their foundations often reflects the strength and permanence desired by their builders. For instance, the city of Jerusalem, chosen by God as the dwelling place for His name, is frequently depicted as a city with strong foundations. Psalm 87:1 states, "His foundation is on the holy mountains" , signifying the divine establishment and protection of the city. The account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 also touches on the theme of foundations, albeit with a cautionary note. The people sought to build a city and a tower "with its top in the heavens" to make a name for themselves (Genesis 11:4). However, their efforts were not grounded in obedience to God, leading to confusion and dispersion. This narrative serves as a reminder that human endeavors, when not aligned with divine will, lack true stability. Spiritual Implications The metaphor of building on solid foundations extends beyond physical cities to the spiritual lives of believers. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, writes about the foundation of the Christian faith: "For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11). This underscores the centrality of Christ as the cornerstone of faith, upon which all spiritual growth and community are built. Furthermore, the imagery of a solid foundation is used to describe the church, the body of believers. Ephesians 2:19-20 states, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone" . This passage highlights the unity and strength derived from a shared foundation in Christ and the teachings of the apostles. Eschatological Vision In the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem, the theme of solid foundations reaches its culmination. Revelation 21:14 describes the city's wall with twelve foundations, "and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb" . This imagery conveys the eternal and unshakeable nature of God's kingdom, built upon the testimony and sacrifice of the apostles and anchored in the redemptive work of Christ. Throughout Scripture, the theme of cities built on solid foundations serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning one's life with divine truth and wisdom. Whether in the context of ancient cities or the spiritual lives of believers, the call to build on a firm foundation remains a timeless and vital exhortation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezra 6:3In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be built, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof three score cubits, and the breadth thereof three score cubits; Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 21:14 Library Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ... The City of Benares. The Israelites The First Theban Empire Protest of the Princes. Protest of the Princes Book 15 Footnotes The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures. Altar and Temple 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) |
    |