Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, cities were frequently established in locations that provided natural fortifications, offering protection against potential invaders. The Bible provides numerous examples of such cities, highlighting the strategic importance of natural defenses in biblical times.Jerusalem: One of the most prominent examples is Jerusalem, a city of profound significance in biblical history. Situated on a series of hills, Jerusalem was naturally fortified by its topography. The Kidron Valley to the east and the Hinnom Valley to the south provided formidable natural barriers. The Bible describes Jerusalem as a city that is "compactly joined together" (Psalm 122:3), emphasizing its strategic and defensible position. Jericho: Another notable example is Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Located near the Jordan River, Jericho was surrounded by natural defenses, including the harsh desert terrain and the Jordan Valley. The city's walls, famously brought down by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership, were an additional man-made fortification that complemented its natural defenses (Joshua 6:1-20). Samaria: The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria, was built on a hill, providing a natural stronghold against enemies. The city's elevated position made it difficult for invaders to launch successful attacks. The Bible recounts several sieges of Samaria, underscoring its strategic importance and the challenges faced by those who sought to conquer it (2 Kings 6:24-25). Hazor: Known as the "head of all those kingdoms" (Joshua 11:10), Hazor was another city fortified by nature. Located in the northern part of Canaan, Hazor was strategically positioned on a tell, or mound, which provided a natural elevation and defense. Its location along major trade routes also contributed to its significance and the need for strong defenses. Lachish: Situated in the Shephelah region, Lachish was a key city in the defense of the Kingdom of Judah. The city's location on a hill made it a natural fortress, and it played a crucial role in the military campaigns of the region. The Bible records the Assyrian siege of Lachish, highlighting its importance as a fortified city (2 Kings 18:13-17). Tyre: The ancient city of Tyre, located on the Mediterranean coast, was renowned for its natural fortifications. Originally situated on an island, Tyre was protected by the sea, making it difficult for enemies to besiege. The prophet Ezekiel speaks of Tyre's strong defenses and its eventual downfall (Ezekiel 26:3-14). These examples illustrate the significance of natural fortifications in the establishment and defense of cities in biblical times. The strategic use of geography provided a critical advantage in the ancient world, as cities sought to protect their inhabitants and maintain their sovereignty against external threats. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 125:2As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from now on even for ever. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 33:16 Library Six Cities The People among whom we Labour (Continued). Jewish Homes God. Results of Transgression The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Guelf and Ghibelline. (I) On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ... Herodotus and Xenophon. Storming the Battlements 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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