Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, cities frequently serve as monuments to human ambition, legacy, and identity. The construction of cities is often linked to the desire to establish a lasting name or memorialize significant events or individuals. This theme is evident throughout the Scriptures, where cities are not merely places of habitation but symbols of human endeavor and divine interaction.The City of Enoch One of the earliest examples of a city built to perpetuate a name is found in Genesis 4:17. Cain, after being banished for the murder of Abel, "was building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch." This act of naming the city after his son suggests a desire to establish a legacy and perhaps seek redemption through his lineage. The city of Enoch represents the beginning of urbanization in the biblical account, marking a shift from nomadic life to settled communities. The Tower of Babel The account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11:4 illustrates humanity's collective ambition to make a name for themselves. The people said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." This endeavor was not merely about constructing a city but about achieving fame and unity apart from God. The subsequent divine intervention, which resulted in the confusion of languages, underscores the futility of human pride when it seeks to rival divine authority. Jerusalem: The City of David Jerusalem holds a unique place in biblical history as a city that perpetuates the name of King David. In 2 Samuel 5:7, David captures the stronghold of Zion, which becomes the City of David. Jerusalem is not only a political and religious center but also a testament to David's legacy and God's covenant with him. The city's significance is further emphasized in 1 Kings 11:36, where God promises to maintain a lamp for David's lineage in Jerusalem, highlighting the city's role in perpetuating the Davidic line. Samaria: The Capital of the Northern Kingdom Samaria, established by King Omri, serves as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In 1 Kings 16:24, Omri "bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city on the hill, naming it Samaria after Shemer, the owner of the hill." The naming of Samaria reflects the common practice of associating cities with influential figures or events, thereby ensuring their names endure through history. Babylon: A Symbol of Human Pride Babylon is another city that epitomizes the theme of human ambition and the desire to perpetuate a name. Throughout the Bible, Babylon is portrayed as a city of great power and influence, often in opposition to God's people. In Isaiah 14:4, Babylon is referred to as "the oppressor," and its downfall is prophesied as a demonstration of God's sovereignty over human pride. The city's legacy is one of both grandeur and eventual judgment, serving as a cautionary tale of the limits of human achievement. Conclusion In the biblical context, cities are more than mere physical structures; they are embodiments of human aspirations, achievements, and sometimes defiance against divine will. The desire to perpetuate a name through city-building reflects a deep-seated human impulse to seek immortality and significance, often revealing the tension between human ambition and divine purpose. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 11:4And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach to heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad on the face of the whole earth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Jews and Gentiles in "The Land" The Political Constitution of Egypt Chapter iv The Sermon on the Mount. Leadership for Service The Sermon on the Mount Close of the Colonial Era --The German Churches --The Beginnings ... Isaiah The Memphite Empire Covenant Duties. 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) |
    |