Topical Bible: Cities: Often Deserted on the Approach of an Enemy

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In the biblical narrative, the desertion of cities upon the approach of an enemy is a recurring theme that underscores the vulnerability and fear experienced by the inhabitants of ancient cities. This phenomenon is depicted in various accounts throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both the physical and spiritual implications of such events.

Jericho
One of the most notable examples is the city of Jericho. As the Israelites, led by Joshua, approached the city, the inhabitants were gripped with fear. Joshua 6:1 states, "Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in." The city's closure reflects the fear and anticipation of the impending attack, leading to a form of desertion as the people hid within its walls.

Samaria
The city of Samaria experienced desertion during the siege by the Arameans. In 2 Kings 7:6-7 , it is recorded, "For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, 'Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.' So they got up and fled at dusk and abandoned their tents, their horses and donkeys. They left the camp as it was and ran for their lives." The divine intervention led to the enemy's flight, leaving the city deserted and allowing the Israelites to find provisions.

Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the heart of Israel, faced desertion during the Babylonian siege. In Jeremiah 4:29 , the prophet describes the scene: "Every city flees at the sound of the horsemen and archers. They enter the thickets and climb among the rocks. Every city is abandoned; no inhabitant is left." The fear of the Babylonian army led to the abandonment of the city, fulfilling the warnings of the prophets regarding the consequences of Israel's disobedience.

Nineveh
The city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, also faced desertion as prophesied by Nahum. In Nahum 3:7 , it is declared, "Then all who see you will flee from you, saying, 'Nineveh is devastated; who will mourn for her?' Where can I find anyone to comfort you?" The impending judgment and destruction led to the city's abandonment, highlighting the fulfillment of divine prophecy against a nation known for its oppression and wickedness.

Spiritual Implications
The desertion of cities in the face of an enemy often serves as a metaphor for spiritual desolation and the consequences of turning away from God. The fear and abandonment reflect a lack of divine protection and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings. These accounts serve as reminders of the importance of faithfulness and reliance on God for security and deliverance.

Throughout the biblical narrative, the desertion of cities upon the approach of an enemy is a powerful illustration of the human response to fear and the consequences of spiritual unfaithfulness. These events are woven into the larger tapestry of God's redemptive history, offering lessons on the importance of trust and obedience to the divine will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 31:7
And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, and they that were on the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelled in them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 4:20
Destruction on destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled: suddenly are my tents spoiled, and my curtains in a moment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Conquest of Babylon.
... of the space which it covered have often been considered ... to a considerable extent,
in Oriental cities, at the ... above it, and the spot became well-nigh deserted. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter viii the conquest of.htm

Again on the Calamity of the City of Antioch. ...
... their orchestra; and the Hippodrome has been left deserted! ... thou walkest on the
battlements of cities." [1624] Oh ... Hence how often do we, from beholding a woman ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xv again on the.htm

The Lord is Risen Indeed
... of others, that there are such cities as Paris ... expected His resurrection, though
He had often foretold it ... in many places the idol temples were almost deserted. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xl the lord is.htm

The Burning of Athens.
... when going forth on great campaigns, often considered their ... There is a catalogue
of twelve cities in this valley ... city itself, since it had been deserted by its ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter x the burning of.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... a nation after an undue strain, often causing its ... it to the first rank among the
Phoenician cities. ... Bit-Dakkuri had invaded the almost deserted territory, and ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Memphite Empire
... these sentinels announced the approach of the foe, the workmen immediately deserted
the mine ... The Pharaohs often peopled their royal cities with prisoners ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... and Nimid-laguda"were also deserted, and no ... of the irregularities of outline
characteristic of ancient cities. ... at long intervals by tiny windows, but often.
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... fled into the mountains at the enemy's approach were sent ... restored to order, and,
as was often customary in ... offensive, most of the Asiatic cities would have ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... and completed the destruction of the half-deserted town; he ... The ancient Chaldaean
cities, Uru, Bagash, Uruk, and ... and vessels of deep draught often ran aground ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Treatise v. An Address to Demetrianus.
... rend you." [3407] For when you used often to come ... And two and three cities shall
be gathered into ... They love pathless ravines and deserted solitudes; and they ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise v an address to.htm