Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, cities served as central hubs for various activities, including commerce, governance, and religious practices. Among their many functions, cities often housed different kinds of stores or storehouses, which played a crucial role in the economic and social life of the community. These storehouses were essential for the storage and distribution of goods, particularly in an agrarian society where the preservation of food and resources was vital for survival.1. Storehouses for Grain and Food Supplies One of the most common types of storehouses mentioned in the Bible is the granary or storehouse for grain. These were essential for storing surplus harvests, ensuring food security during times of famine or poor harvests. Joseph's management of Egypt's grain during the seven years of plenty and the subsequent famine is a prime example. Genesis 41:48-49 states, "During those seven years, Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities. In every city, he laid up the food from the fields around it. So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance, like the sand of the sea, that he stopped keeping track of it; for it was beyond measure." 2. Royal Storehouses Royal storehouses were used to store the wealth and resources of the kingdom, including treasures, weapons, and provisions for the king's household and army. King Solomon, known for his wealth and wisdom, had extensive storehouses. 1 Kings 9:19 mentions, "all the store cities that Solomon had, the cities for his chariots and for his horses—whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion." 3. Temple Storehouses The temple in Jerusalem also had its own storehouses, which were used to store offerings, tithes, and other contributions made by the people. These resources were used for the maintenance of the temple and the support of the Levites and priests. Nehemiah 10:38 notes, "A priest of Aaron’s line shall accompany the Levites when they collect the tithes, and the Levites shall bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury." 4. Military Storehouses In times of war, cities often had military storehouses to keep weapons, armor, and other supplies necessary for defense and warfare. These storehouses ensured that the city was prepared for any military threat. 2 Chronicles 32:27-28 describes King Hezekiah's efforts to fortify his kingdom: "Hezekiah had very great riches and honor, and he made treasuries for his silver, gold, precious stones, spices, shields, and all kinds of valuable articles. He also made storehouses for the harvest of grain, new wine, and oil, and stalls for all kinds of cattle, and pens for the flocks." 5. Commercial Storehouses Cities also had commercial storehouses, which were used by merchants to store goods for trade. These storehouses facilitated commerce and trade, contributing to the economic prosperity of the city. Ezekiel 27:24 refers to the merchants of Tyre, who traded in "blue and purple fabrics, embroidered work, and multicolored carpets, bound with cords and tightly knotted." In summary, the different kinds of storehouses in biblical cities were integral to the functioning and prosperity of the community. They provided for the needs of the people, supported religious and royal activities, and ensured preparedness in times of scarcity or conflict. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 8:4,6And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Secret of Its Greatness Rom. vi. 5 The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem Sources of the Pentateuch. A Plea Regarding Christians by Athenagoras, the Athenian A Pilgrimage to Rome a Pilgrimage to Rome Chaldaean Civilization Fourth Tractate. On True Happiness. The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Resources Does God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the strange flesh in Jude 1:7? | GotQuestions.org What were the Dark Ages? | 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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