Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, cities served as vital hubs for commerce, trade, and economic activity. The Bible provides numerous examples of cities that played significant roles in the commercial landscape of the ancient Near East. These cities were often strategically located along trade routes, near water sources, or at crossroads, facilitating the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas.1. Port Cities: Port cities were crucial for maritime trade, serving as gateways for goods and people. One prominent example is the city of Tyre, known for its skilled artisans and vibrant trade. Tyre's wealth and influence are highlighted in Ezekiel 27, where the prophet describes its extensive trade network: "Tarshish was your trading partner because of your abundant wealth of every kind; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your merchandise" (Ezekiel 27:12). The city's strategic location on the Mediterranean coast made it a central hub for commerce. 2. Caravan Cities: Caravan cities were located along major land trade routes and served as resting and resupply points for traders. Damascus, for instance, was a key caravan city due to its position on the trade routes connecting Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Arabian Peninsula. Isaiah 7:8 mentions Damascus as the capital of Aram, highlighting its political and economic significance: "For the head of Aram is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin" (Isaiah 7:8). 3. Administrative and Commercial Centers: Some cities functioned as both administrative and commercial centers, often serving as capitals or regional seats of power. Jerusalem, while primarily known for its religious significance, also played a role in commerce. As the capital of Israel, it was a center for trade and governance. In 1 Kings 10:28-29, the Bible notes Solomon's trade in horses and chariots: "Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. A chariot could be imported from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty" (1 Kings 10:28-29). 4. Market Cities: Market cities were known for their bustling marketplaces where local and regional goods were exchanged. These cities often had designated areas for trade, such as bazaars or marketplaces. The city of Shechem, for example, was a significant market city in the hill country of Ephraim. Genesis 34:21 references the economic activity in Shechem: "These men are peaceful toward us. Let them live and trade in our land; indeed, the land is large enough for them. We can take their daughters in marriage and give our daughters to them" (Genesis 34:21). 5. Industrial Cities: Certain cities were known for specific industries or crafts. For instance, the city of Laodicea was famous for its textile industry, particularly its production of black wool. Revelation 3:18 alludes to this industry when addressing the church in Laodicea: "I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich; white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see" (Revelation 3:18). These various types of commercial cities illustrate the diverse economic landscape of the biblical world. Each city, with its unique characteristics and contributions, played a role in the broader narrative of trade and commerce in ancient times. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 23:11He stretched out his hand over the sea, he shook the kingdoms: the LORD has given a commandment against the merchant city, to destroy the strong holds thereof. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 27:3 Library Chaldaean Civilization The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea The First Theban Empire The Sixth vision "On Earth" The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned Estimate of the Scope and Value of Jerome's Writings. Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Problem of Foreign Missions Arrival 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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