Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, cities built in plains often hold significant historical and theological importance. These cities, situated in flat and fertile regions, were typically centers of commerce, culture, and sometimes conflict. The plains provided ample space for expansion and agriculture, making them ideal locations for settlement and development.Babel (Babylon): One of the earliest and most notable cities built in a plain is Babel, later known as Babylon. Genesis 11:2-4 describes how the people settled in a plain in the land of Shinar and began to build a city with a tower reaching to the heavens. This endeavor was marked by human pride and ambition, leading to God's intervention and the subsequent scattering of the people by confusing their language. Babel symbolizes human attempts to achieve greatness apart from God, and its legacy is echoed throughout Scripture as a representation of worldly power and opposition to divine authority. Sodom and Gomorrah: These infamous cities were located in the plain of the Jordan, described as well-watered and fertile, akin to the garden of the LORD (Genesis 13:10). The prosperity of the region, however, was overshadowed by the moral depravity of its inhabitants. The cities became synonymous with sin and divine judgment, as God ultimately destroyed them with fire and brimstone due to their wickedness (Genesis 19:24-25). The narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of turning away from God's righteousness. Jericho: Situated in the plains of the Jordan Valley, Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It holds a prominent place in the biblical account of the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 6, the fall of Jericho is recounted as a miraculous event where the walls of the city collapsed after the Israelites, led by Joshua, marched around them for seven days. Jericho's strategic location made it a key target in the Israelites' campaign to claim the Promised Land, and its conquest demonstrated God's power and faithfulness to His people. Nineveh: Although not explicitly described as being in a plain, Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, was located in the fertile region of Mesopotamia. The city is most famously associated with the prophet Jonah, who was sent by God to call the Ninevites to repentance. Jonah 3:3 describes Nineveh as an exceedingly great city. The narrative highlights God's mercy and willingness to forgive even the most wicked of cities when they turn from their evil ways. Megiddo: Located in the Jezreel Valley, Megiddo was a significant city in ancient Israel due to its strategic position on the trade routes connecting Egypt and Mesopotamia. It is mentioned in several biblical accounts, including the battles fought by King Solomon and King Josiah. The plains of Megiddo are also prophetically significant, as they are associated with the final battle of Armageddon in Revelation 16:16 , symbolizing the ultimate confrontation between good and evil. These cities, built in plains, reflect the complex interplay between human ambition, divine intervention, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan throughout history. They serve as reminders of the blessings and challenges that come with prosperity and the importance of aligning with God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 11:2,4And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelled there. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 13:12 Library From the Flood to Abraham Abraham --The Father of the Faithful. A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. Six Cities Abraham's Four Surrenders Canaan A Living Book The Nations of the South-East The Big Road The Godhood of God 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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