Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, cities built of stone and wood are significant both as physical locations and as symbols of human achievement, divine judgment, and spiritual lessons. The construction materials of stone and wood are frequently mentioned in the Bible, reflecting the architectural practices of ancient times and the theological implications associated with these materials.Stone in Biblical Cities Stone was a primary building material in ancient cities due to its durability and abundance. The use of stone is often associated with strength and permanence. For instance, Jerusalem, a central city in biblical history, was renowned for its stone structures, including the Temple built by Solomon. In 1 Kings 6:7 , it is noted, "The temple was constructed using finished stones cut at the quarry, so that no hammer or chisel or any other iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built." This highlights the meticulous care and reverence involved in constructing sacred spaces. The city of Jericho, one of the oldest known cities, was famously fortified with stone walls. In Joshua 6:20 , the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls is described: "When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city." This event underscores the theme of divine intervention overcoming human fortifications. Wood in Biblical Cities Wood was another essential material used in the construction of cities, often for interior structures, roofs, and gates. The use of wood is frequently mentioned in the context of the Temple and other significant buildings. In 1 Kings 6:9-10 , the construction of Solomon's Temple includes the use of cedar wood: "So he built the temple and finished it, roofing it with beams and planks of cedar. He built chambers all along the temple, each five cubits high and attached to the temple with beams of cedar." The choice of wood, particularly cedar from Lebanon, was not only practical but also symbolic of wealth and divine blessing. Cedar was highly prized for its quality and resistance to decay, making it a fitting material for the house of God. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons Cities built of stone and wood in the Bible often carry deeper spiritual meanings. Stone, with its enduring nature, symbolizes the steadfastness and faithfulness of God. In Matthew 16:18 , Jesus refers to Peter as the rock upon which He will build His church, indicating the foundational role of faith and divine truth. Wood, on the other hand, can symbolize humanity and the temporal nature of earthly life. The contrast between stone and wood in biblical architecture can reflect the tension between the eternal and the transient, the divine and the human. Moreover, the destruction and rebuilding of cities serve as powerful metaphors for judgment and redemption. The fall of Babylon, described in Revelation 18, illustrates the ultimate downfall of human pride and sin, while the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 represents the culmination of God's redemptive plan, a city built by God Himself. In summary, cities built of stone and wood in the Bible are not merely historical or architectural references but are imbued with rich theological significance, illustrating themes of divine sovereignty, human endeavor, and the ultimate hope of redemption. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 102:14For your servants take pleasure in her stones, and favor the dust thereof. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 26:12 Library How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid ... Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas, when He came into India, and ... How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ... The City of Benares. Every Inch a King. The Temple and Its Dedication Egypt The Great Stone Face V. ... Jewish Homes 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) |
    |