Topical Encyclopedia The Bible frequently references cities established in desert regions, highlighting both the resilience and ingenuity of ancient peoples as well as the divine providence that often accompanied such endeavors. These cities, often situated in arid and inhospitable environments, serve as significant locations in biblical narratives, symbolizing both physical and spiritual sustenance amidst desolation.1. Beersheba Beersheba, located in the Negev desert, is one of the most prominent cities mentioned in the Bible. It is often associated with the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In Genesis 21:31, Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba, and the city becomes a symbol of peace and agreement. The name Beersheba itself means "Well of the Oath" or "Well of Seven," referring to the seven ewe lambs Abraham used to seal the covenant. The city's wells, dug by Abraham and Isaac, provided essential water resources, enabling settlement in the desert. 2. Kadesh-Barnea Kadesh-Barnea is another significant desert location, serving as a major encampment for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. It is here that Moses sent the twelve spies to scout the Promised Land (Numbers 13:26). Despite its harsh environment, Kadesh-Barnea was a place of divine encounter and decision-making. The Israelites' prolonged stay at Kadesh-Barnea underscores the challenges of desert living and the necessity of reliance on God's guidance and provision. 3. Jericho While not a desert city in the strictest sense, Jericho is often associated with the wilderness due to its proximity to the Judean Desert. Known as the "City of Palms," Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Its strategic location near the Jordan River made it a vital oasis and a gateway to the interior of Canaan. The miraculous fall of Jericho's walls, as recounted in Joshua 6, demonstrates God's power to deliver His people and establish them in the land, even in the face of formidable obstacles. 4. Petra Though not directly mentioned in the Bible, Petra is often associated with the biblical Edomites and Nabateans. Located in the rugged desert terrain of modern-day Jordan, Petra is renowned for its rock-cut architecture and advanced water management systems. The city's ability to thrive in such a harsh environment reflects the ingenuity of its inhabitants and serves as a testament to the potential for human settlement in desert regions. 5. Wilderness of Zin The Wilderness of Zin, part of the larger desert region through which the Israelites traveled, is mentioned in several biblical passages. Numbers 20:1-13 describes the Israelites' encampment at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin, where Moses struck the rock to bring forth water. This act of divine provision highlights the theme of God's sustenance in barren places. The Wilderness of Zin serves as a backdrop for testing and revelation, where the faith of the Israelites was both challenged and strengthened. 6. Teman Teman, a city in the desert region of Edom, is mentioned in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. In Obadiah 1:9, Teman is noted for its wise men, and its strategic location made it an important center in the ancient Near East. The city symbolizes both the wisdom and the eventual downfall of Edom, as prophesied by the biblical prophets. These cities, built in desert places, illustrate the interplay between human endeavor and divine intervention. They serve as reminders of the biblical themes of faith, perseverance, and the sustaining power of God in the most challenging of environments. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 8:4And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 107:35,36 Library Concerning Jeroboam King of Israel and Jonah the Prophet; and How ... The Emperor Constantine Abolishes Paganism and Erects Many ... The Third Charge, of Using an Undedicated Church. That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ... Book 1. Whether Christ Should have Associated with Men, or Led a Solitary ... The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert Egypt Palestine under Pagan Kings. Afraid of Giants 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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