Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, cities played a crucial role in the defense and military strategies of ancient Israel and its neighboring nations. The concept of garrisoning cities during times of war is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, reflecting the strategic importance of fortified locations in maintaining control over territories and ensuring the safety of inhabitants.Definition and Purpose A garrisoned city refers to a fortified urban center where troops are stationed to defend against enemy attacks and maintain order. These cities often featured walls, gates, and towers, providing a stronghold for military forces. The presence of a garrison served both as a deterrent to potential invaders and as a base for launching military operations. Biblical Examples 1. Jerusalem: One of the most significant garrisoned cities in the Bible is Jerusalem. King David captured the city from the Jebusites and established it as the political and spiritual center of Israel. Under King Solomon, Jerusalem's fortifications were expanded, and it became a key military stronghold. In 2 Samuel 5:7, it is recorded, "Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)." The city's defenses were further strengthened by subsequent kings, including Hezekiah, who prepared for the Assyrian siege by reinforcing the walls and securing the water supply (2 Chronicles 32:2-5). 2. Samaria: The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria, was another prominent garrisoned city. Omri, the king of Israel, purchased the hill of Samaria and built a fortified city (1 Kings 16:24). Samaria's strategic location and fortifications made it a focal point in the conflicts between Israel and its adversaries, including the Assyrians, who eventually captured the city after a prolonged siege (2 Kings 17:5-6). 3. Lachish: This city in the Shephelah region of Judah was heavily fortified and served as a military outpost. Lachish played a significant role during the Assyrian invasion under King Sennacherib. The Bible records the siege of Lachish in 2 Kings 18:13-14, where it states, "In the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them." 4. Hazor: Known as "the head of all those kingdoms" (Joshua 11:10), Hazor was a major Canaanite city that Joshua conquered during the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land. It was later rebuilt and fortified by King Solomon as part of his efforts to strengthen Israel's defenses (1 Kings 9:15). Strategic Importance Garrisoned cities were vital for several reasons: · Defense: They provided protection against invading armies, allowing inhabitants to seek refuge within their walls. · Control: Fortified cities enabled rulers to maintain control over their territories and project power. · Administration: These cities often served as administrative centers, where military and civil governance were coordinated. · Trade and Economy: The security offered by garrisoned cities facilitated trade and economic activities, contributing to the prosperity of the region. Spiritual Significance In addition to their military and political roles, garrisoned cities held spiritual significance for the Israelites. Jerusalem, in particular, was not only a military stronghold but also the location of the Temple, the center of Jewish worship and the symbol of God's presence among His people. The fortification of Jerusalem and other cities was seen as a reflection of divine protection and favor. The concept of garrisoned cities in the Bible underscores the importance of preparedness, vigilance, and reliance on God's provision for security and victory in times of conflict. As Psalm 127:1 reminds us, "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain." Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 17:2,19And he placed forces in all the fenced cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had taken. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) Egypt Down the Islands The Close of the Theban Empire Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Reaction against Egypt The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Iranian Conquest The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus 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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