Topical Encyclopedia Throughout the biblical narrative, cities are frequently depicted as centers of human ambition, power, and, at times, moral corruption. The establishment and expansion of cities often involved violence, conquest, and exploitation, reflecting the fallen nature of humanity and the consequences of sin.Founding of Cities: The Bible's first mention of city-building is associated with Cain, who, after murdering his brother Abel, built a city and named it after his son Enoch (Genesis 4:17). This act of city-building by Cain, a fugitive and wanderer, sets a precedent for cities being linked with human defiance and moral decay. Conquest and Expansion: The expansion of cities in the biblical context often involved warfare and bloodshed. The Israelites' conquest of Canaan under Joshua is a prime example. The city of Jericho, one of the first to fall, was taken through divine intervention, but its destruction was total, as the Israelites were commanded to devote the city to destruction (Joshua 6:21). This pattern of conquest continued as the Israelites took possession of the Promised Land, with cities like Ai and Hazor also falling to their armies (Joshua 8:28; 11:11). The prophet Habakkuk condemns the building of cities through bloodshed and injustice, declaring, "Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshed and establishes a town by iniquity!" (Habakkuk 2:12). This prophetic denunciation highlights the moral and spiritual consequences of founding cities on violence and exploitation. Cities as Centers of Idolatry and Sin: Cities in the Bible are often portrayed as centers of idolatry and moral corruption. Babylon, a city synonymous with pride and rebellion against God, is depicted as a place of great wickedness and is prophesied to fall due to its iniquities (Isaiah 13:19; Revelation 18:2). Similarly, Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, is described as a "city of blood" full of lies and plunder (Nahum 3:1). Sodom and Gomorrah serve as archetypal examples of cities whose sins led to divine judgment. Their destruction by fire and brimstone is a testament to the severity of their wickedness (Genesis 19:24-25). Divine Judgment and Redemption: While cities are often associated with sin and judgment, the Bible also presents a vision of redemption and restoration. The New Jerusalem, described in Revelation, represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan—a city where righteousness dwells, free from the corruption and violence that marred earthly cities (Revelation 21:2-4). In summary, the biblical portrayal of cities reflects the complex interplay between human ambition, sin, and divine justice. Cities founded and expanded through bloodshed and rapine serve as a cautionary tale of the consequences of turning away from God's righteous standards. Torrey's Topical Textbook Micah 3:10They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Habakkuk 2:12 Library The Sibylline Oracles. Seances Historiques De Geneve --The National Church. Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Rise of the Assyrian Empire A Traveler's Note-Book Memoir of John Bunyan Resources Does God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the strange flesh in Jude 1:7? | GotQuestions.org What were the Dark Ages? | 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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