Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, cities furnished with stores refer to urban centers that were equipped with provisions, supplies, and resources necessary for sustaining the population and supporting military endeavors. These cities played a crucial role in the economic and strategic landscape of ancient Israel and its neighboring regions.Biblical References and Historical Context 1. Joseph's Administration in Egypt: One of the earliest examples of a city furnished with stores is found in the account of Joseph in Egypt. Under Pharaoh's authority, Joseph implemented a plan to store surplus grain during the seven years of plenty to prepare for the subsequent seven years of famine. 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." This strategic storage not only saved Egypt but also surrounding nations, highlighting the importance of cities with ample provisions. 2. Solomon's Store Cities: King Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, fortified several cities and equipped them with supplies. 1 Kings 9:19 mentions, "He built all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities for his horsemen, and whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon, and throughout the land of his dominion." These cities served as logistical hubs, supporting Solomon's extensive building projects and military operations. 3. Jehoshaphat's Fortifications: King Jehoshaphat of Judah also recognized the strategic importance of fortified cities with stores. 2 Chronicles 17:12-13 records, "Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah. He had large supplies in the cities of Judah and warriors, mighty men of valor, in Jerusalem." These preparations ensured the kingdom's resilience against potential threats. 4. Hezekiah's Preparations: In anticipation of an Assyrian invasion, King Hezekiah took measures to secure Jerusalem and its resources. 2 Chronicles 32:27-29 describes, "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." These actions reflect the importance of having well-stocked cities to withstand sieges and maintain the welfare of the populace. Theological and Practical Implications The concept of cities furnished with stores underscores the biblical principles of wisdom, foresight, and stewardship. Leaders like Joseph, Solomon, Jehoshaphat, and Hezekiah exemplified prudent management of resources, ensuring the security and prosperity of their people. These accounts encourage believers to exercise wise stewardship in their own lives, preparing for future needs while trusting in God's provision. Moreover, these cities illustrate the interconnectedness of spiritual and material well-being. While reliance on God is paramount, the Bible also acknowledges the practical necessity of planning and resource management. The balance between divine trust and human responsibility is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, offering guidance for both individual and communal life. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 11:11,12And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Preparations for the Invasion of Greece. The Early Dawn of German Sacred Poetry and Song. AD 800-900 The Church and the Young Man. Chapter xli Egypt and Greece. The Spokesman of the City's Conscience The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) Successful Methods of Public Speaking Letter xii. Leo, Bishop of the City of Rome, to all the Bishops of ... Spiritual Culture. 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) |