Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, cities constructed of brick and mortar were significant both architecturally and symbolically. The Bible provides several references to such cities, highlighting their importance in the narrative of God's people and their interactions with surrounding cultures.1. The Tower of Babel: One of the earliest mentions of brick and mortar construction is found in the account of the Tower of Babel. Genesis 11:3-4 states, "They said to one another, 'Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.' They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.'" This passage illustrates the human ambition to create a unified society through impressive architectural feats, ultimately leading to divine intervention and the scattering of peoples. 2. Egypt and the Israelites: The Israelites' bondage in Egypt involved the construction of cities using brick and mortar. Exodus 1:11 notes, "So they appointed taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. As a result, they built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh." The use of brick in these cities underscores the harsh conditions and the labor-intensive nature of the Israelites' servitude, which God would later deliver them from through the Exodus. 3. Babylon: Babylon, a city renowned for its grandeur and strength, was also constructed using brick and mortar. The prophet Jeremiah refers to the city's walls and gates, emphasizing its formidable nature. Jeremiah 51:58 declares, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'The broad walls of Babylon will be leveled, and her high gates will be set ablaze. The peoples labor for nothing; the nations exhaust themselves only to fuel the flames.'" Babylon's reliance on brick and mortar symbolizes human pride and the eventual futility of opposing God's will. 4. The Symbolism of Brick and Mortar: Throughout the Bible, cities built of brick and mortar often symbolize human achievement, pride, and rebellion against God. These materials, while durable and strong, are ultimately subject to God's sovereign plans. The construction of such cities frequently serves as a backdrop for divine intervention, whether through judgment or deliverance. 5. Archaeological Insights: Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the use of brick and mortar in ancient city construction, providing context for biblical narratives. Excavations in Mesopotamia and Egypt reveal the widespread use of sun-dried and kiln-fired bricks, often bound with bitumen or other mortars. These findings corroborate the biblical descriptions and enhance our understanding of the historical and cultural settings of these cities. In summary, cities built of brick and mortar in the Bible are emblematic of human endeavor and divine interaction. They serve as reminders of the limits of human power and the ultimate authority of God over the affairs of nations and peoples. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 1:11,14Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sources of the Pentateuch. The Boyhood and Training of Moses Four Shaping Centuries Refutation of Another Argument Adduced by the Marcionites, that ... Chapter xi The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea The Political Constitution of Egypt The Memphite Empire The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria 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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