Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, the construction of cities using brick and slime (bitumen) is a notable feature mentioned in the Bible, reflecting both the technological advancements and the cultural practices of early civilizations. This method of construction is particularly highlighted in the account of the Tower of Babel, found in Genesis 11.Biblical Reference: 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.'" Historical and Cultural Context: The use of brick and slime in construction is indicative of the technological innovations of the time. In the Mesopotamian region, where the Tower of Babel narrative is set, natural stone was scarce, prompting the use of baked bricks as a primary building material. The process involved molding clay into bricks and then baking them in kilns to increase their durability. Bitumen, a naturally occurring tar-like substance, was used as mortar due to its adhesive properties and availability in the region. This method of construction was not only practical but also symbolic of human ingenuity and ambition. The decision to build with bricks and slime reflects a shift from reliance on natural resources to human-engineered solutions, showcasing the early development of urbanization and architectural techniques. Theological Implications: The construction of cities using brick and slime, particularly in the context of the Tower of Babel, carries significant theological implications. The narrative illustrates humanity's desire for self-sufficiency and autonomy, as the people sought to build a city and a tower "that reaches to the heavens" to make a name for themselves. This act of defiance against God's command to "fill the earth" (Genesis 9:1) represents a collective attempt to establish human authority and unity apart from divine guidance. God's response to this endeavor was to confuse their language and scatter them across the earth, as described in Genesis 11:7-8 : "Come, let Us go down and confuse their language, so that they will not understand one another’s speech. So the LORD scattered them from there over the face of the whole earth, and they stopped building the city." Archaeological Insights: Archaeological findings in the Mesopotamian region support the biblical account of cities built with brick and slime. Excavations have uncovered numerous ancient cities, such as Ur and Babylon, where baked bricks and bitumen were extensively used. These findings provide a tangible connection to the biblical narrative, offering insights into the construction techniques and urban planning of early civilizations. Significance in Biblical Narrative: The mention of cities built of brick and slime serves as a backdrop for understanding the broader themes of human ambition, divine intervention, and the consequences of disobedience. It highlights the tension between human creativity and the limits imposed by God, reminding readers of the importance of aligning human endeavors with divine will. In summary, the biblical reference to cities built of brick and slime encapsulates a pivotal moment in human history, where technological advancement and spiritual rebellion intersect, offering profound lessons on the nature of human ambition and the sovereignty of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 11:3And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for mortar. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Eternal Name Matt. xxi. 33-44. Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Last Days of the Old Eastern World An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... 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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