Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, cities often play a significant role, serving as centers of power, culture, and religious activity. Among these, "royal cities" hold particular importance due to their association with kings and governance. The term "royal city" can refer to various types of cities that are either directly ruled by a king, serve as a capital, or hold strategic importance in a kingdom.1. Capital Cities: · Jerusalem: Perhaps the most significant royal city in the Bible, Jerusalem served as the capital of the united kingdom under King David and King Solomon. It was the political and spiritual center of Israel. David captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites and established it as his capital (2 Samuel 5:6-9). Solomon later built the First Temple there, solidifying its status as a religious hub (1 Kings 6). · Samaria: Established by King Omri, Samaria became the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. It was a royal city known for its idolatry and eventual downfall (1 Kings 16:24). 2. Cities of Refuge: · While not royal in the traditional sense, cities of refuge were designated by God as places where individuals accused of manslaughter could seek asylum (Numbers 35:6-7). These cities were under the jurisdiction of the Levitical priesthood, which held a unique status in Israelite society. 3. Conquered Royal Cities: · Hazor: Known as "the head of all those kingdoms" (Joshua 11:10), Hazor was a significant Canaanite royal city conquered by Joshua. Its king, Jabin, led a coalition against Israel but was defeated, marking a pivotal moment in the conquest of Canaan. · Jericho: Although not a royal city in the traditional sense, Jericho's fall was crucial in Israel's conquest of the Promised Land. Its destruction demonstrated God's power and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel (Joshua 6). 4. Strategic Royal Cities: · Rabbah: The capital of the Ammonites, Rabbah was a royal city that played a strategic role in regional politics. It was captured by King David's forces after a prolonged siege (2 Samuel 12:26-29). · Lachish: A fortified city in the Shephelah region, Lachish was an important royal city in the Kingdom of Judah. It was a key defensive site against Assyrian and Babylonian invasions (2 Kings 18:14). 5. Symbolic Royal Cities: · Babylon: While not an Israelite city, Babylon is often depicted as a royal city symbolizing human pride and opposition to God. It was the capital of the Babylonian Empire and played a significant role in the exile of the Jewish people (2 Kings 24:10-16). In the biblical context, royal cities are not merely political centers but are often imbued with spiritual significance. They serve as settings for divine intervention, judgment, and the unfolding of God's covenantal promises. The narratives surrounding these cities reflect the broader themes of God's sovereignty, justice, and the establishment of His kingdom on earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 21:26For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of his hand, even to Arnon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 10:2 2 Samuel 12:26 Library The Secret of Its Greatness Second Journey through Galilee - the Healing of the Leper. That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired. In Death and after Death From the Flood to Abraham The Paradoxes of Christianity Acts ii. 1, 2 Concerning Balaam the Prophet and what Kind of Man He Was. On the Words Incarnate, and Made Man. The Law of Christian Conscience. 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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