Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, cities play a significant role as centers of culture, commerce, governance, and religious activity. The Bible references numerous cities, each with its own historical and theological significance. These cities often serve as the backdrop for key events in the biblical account, reflecting the broader cultural and spiritual dynamics of the ancient Near East.Jerusalem Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history and theology. It is first mentioned in the context of Melchizedek, king of Salem, in Genesis 14:18. Jerusalem later becomes the political and spiritual capital of Israel under King David, who captures the city from the Jebusites (2 Samuel 5:6-9). It is here that Solomon builds the First Temple, establishing Jerusalem as the focal point of Jewish worship (1 Kings 6:1-38). The city is also the site of significant prophetic activity and is frequently mentioned in the context of eschatological visions (Isaiah 2:2-4; Zechariah 14:1-21). Babylon Babylon is emblematic of human pride and rebellion against God. It is first introduced in the narrative of the Tower of Babel, where humanity's attempt to build a city and tower reaching the heavens results in divine judgment and the confusion of languages (Genesis 11:1-9). Babylon later becomes a powerful empire that conquers Jerusalem and exiles the Jewish people (2 Kings 24:10-16). The city is often used symbolically in prophetic literature to represent worldly power and opposition to God (Isaiah 13:19; Revelation 18:2). Nineveh Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, is a city known for its great size and wickedness. The prophet Jonah is famously sent to Nineveh to call its inhabitants to repentance, resulting in a remarkable display of divine mercy when the city repents (Jonah 3:1-10). Despite this moment of repentance, Nineveh is later prophesied to face destruction due to its return to wickedness (Nahum 1:1-3:19). Sodom and Gomorrah Sodom and Gomorrah are cities synonymous with sin and divine judgment. Their destruction by fire and brimstone serves as a powerful warning against immorality and disobedience to God (Genesis 19:24-25). The cities are frequently referenced throughout Scripture as examples of God's righteous judgment (Isaiah 1:9-10; Jude 1:7). Capernaum Capernaum is a significant city in the ministry of Jesus. Located on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, it serves as a base for much of His teaching and healing activities (Matthew 4:13; Mark 2:1). Despite witnessing many miracles, Capernaum is later rebuked by Jesus for its unbelief (Matthew 11:23-24). Ephesus Ephesus is a prominent city in the New Testament, known for its large population and the Temple of Artemis. The Apostle Paul spends considerable time in Ephesus, establishing a strong Christian community (Acts 19:1-41). The city is later addressed in the Book of Revelation as one of the seven churches, commended for its perseverance but admonished for losing its first love (Revelation 2:1-7). Corinth Corinth is a major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and moral challenges. The Apostle Paul writes two epistles to the Corinthian church, addressing issues of division, immorality, and spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31). The city's diverse population and strategic location make it a key site for the spread of the Gospel. These cities, among others, illustrate the complex interplay between human society and divine purpose throughout the biblical narrative. Each city contributes uniquely to the unfolding account of God's interaction with humanity, serving as both literal and symbolic settings for His redemptive work. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 15:21And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur, Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 2:22 Jeremiah 2:28 Library The Coming of Christ was Predicted by the Prophets; and was ... How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ... Visit to Cities in the North-West and to Kumaon --Visit to England ... Concerning John of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems against the ... His Unconscious Preparation for his Work The Fourth Rule of Tichonius. The Fourth Rule of Tichonius is About Species and Genus. ... The Tetrapolitan Confession. Cruelty of Macedonius, and Tumults Raised by Him. A Description Op Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. 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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