Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, cities built in pleasant situations often symbolize prosperity, divine blessing, and strategic importance. These cities are frequently depicted as places of refuge, centers of trade, and hubs of cultural and religious activity. The Bible provides numerous examples of such cities, highlighting their geographical advantages and the roles they played in the unfolding of biblical history.Jerusalem Jerusalem stands as a quintessential example of a city built in a pleasant situation. Nestled among the hills of Judea, it is described as a city of great beauty and spiritual significance. Psalm 48:2 refers to Jerusalem as "beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth." Its elevation and natural fortifications made it a strategic stronghold, while its central location in the land of Israel positioned it as a focal point for worship and governance. Hebron Hebron is another city noted for its pleasant situation. Located in the hill country of Judah, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Genesis 13:18 records that Abraham settled by the oaks of Mamre, near Hebron, indicating its desirability as a dwelling place. The city's fertile surroundings and historical significance as the burial site of the patriarchs added to its prominence. Samaria The city of Samaria, established by King Omri, was strategically built on a hill, providing both defense and a commanding view of the surrounding region. 1 Kings 16:24 notes that Omri "bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city on the hill." Its location made it a powerful capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and its pleasant situation contributed to its prosperity and influence. Shechem Shechem, situated in a fertile valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, was a city of great historical and religious importance. It served as a central gathering place for the tribes of Israel and was the site of significant covenant renewals. Joshua 24:1 recounts how Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, underscoring its role as a place of unity and spiritual renewal. Bethlehem Bethlehem, known as the "City of David," is celebrated for its picturesque setting and its role in biblical prophecy. Located in the Judean hills, it is described in Micah 5:2 as a small yet significant town from which a ruler would come forth for Israel. Its pleasant situation and proximity to Jerusalem made it an ideal location for shepherds and travelers alike. Conclusion The cities built in pleasant situations throughout the Bible are more than mere geographical locations; they are integral to the narrative of God's interaction with His people. Their strategic and aesthetic qualities often reflect divine favor and serve as backdrops for pivotal events in biblical history. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 2:19And the men of the city said to Elisha, Behold, I pray you, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees: but the water is naught, and the ground barren. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 48:2 Library Chapter xiii Naparima and Montserrat Chapter iv 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) |
    |