Topical Encyclopedia Cities in the biblical context are often depicted as centers of human habitation, culture, and governance. They serve as focal points for the unfolding of God's plan throughout the Scriptures. From the earliest mentions in Genesis to the prophetic visions in Revelation, cities play a significant role in the narrative of the Bible.Early Cities and Their Significance The concept of cities begins early in the biblical narrative. The first city mentioned is Enoch, built by Cain after he was exiled for the murder of Abel (Genesis 4:17). This city represents the beginning of urban development and the human inclination to gather in communities for mutual support and protection. Cities as Centers of Civilization Throughout the Old Testament, cities are depicted as centers of civilization and power. They are often associated with the rise and fall of empires. For example, Babel (later Babylon) is noted for its tower and as a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God (Genesis 11:4-9). The city of Babylon later becomes a significant power in the ancient world, representing both the height of human achievement and the depths of human depravity. Jerusalem, on the other hand, is portrayed as the city chosen by God. It becomes the political and spiritual center of Israel. King David captures Jerusalem and makes it the capital, and his son Solomon builds the Temple there, establishing it as the focal point of Jewish worship (2 Samuel 5:6-9; 1 Kings 6:1-38). Cities as Places of Refuge and Judgment Cities also serve as places of refuge and judgment. The cities of refuge, as described in Numbers 35:9-15, were established to provide sanctuary for those who committed unintentional manslaughter. These cities illustrate God's provision for justice and mercy within the community. Conversely, cities are often the focus of divine judgment due to their wickedness. Sodom and Gomorrah are prime examples, destroyed by God for their grievous sins (Genesis 19:24-25). The prophets frequently pronounce judgments against cities like Nineveh and Tyre, highlighting their moral and spiritual failings (Nahum 1:1-3; Ezekiel 26:1-21). The New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, cities continue to be significant. Jesus conducts much of His ministry in and around cities such as Capernaum, Jerusalem, and Jericho. These urban centers provide a backdrop for His teachings, miracles, and interactions with diverse groups of people. The early church also spreads rapidly through cities. The Apostle Paul focuses his missionary efforts on urban centers like Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome, recognizing their strategic importance for the dissemination of the Gospel (Acts 18:1-11; 19:1-10; Romans 1:7). The Eschatological City The Bible culminates with the vision of a new city, the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21:1-4. This city represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell with His people. It is depicted as a place of perfect peace, righteousness, and communion with God, contrasting with the fallen cities of the world. Conclusion Cities in the Bible are multifaceted, serving as places of human achievement, centers of worship, and symbols of both divine judgment and redemption. They reflect the complexities of human society and the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 107:7,36And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Acts XVII Concerning Sanballat and Manasseh, and the Temple which they Built ... Paul in Malta and Rome. Farewell part iii. Of the Three Woe Trumpets. The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ... An Account of the Organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church ... Christian Churches. 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) |
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