Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, cities hold significant importance as centers of culture, commerce, and governance. They are often depicted as places of both great potential and profound moral challenges. The Bible provides numerous examples of cities that are described as "great and goodly," highlighting their grandeur and the opportunities they present, while also cautioning against the spiritual and ethical pitfalls that can accompany urban life.Biblical Descriptions and Significance The term "great and goodly" is used in the Bible to describe cities that are impressive in size, wealth, and fortification. In Deuteronomy 6:10-11 , God promises the Israelites that He will bring them into a land with "great and goodly cities that you did not build," emphasizing the abundance and prosperity awaiting them in the Promised Land. This passage underscores the idea that such cities are gifts from God, meant to be enjoyed and stewarded wisely by His people. Examples of Great and Goodly Cities 1. Jerusalem: Perhaps the most significant city in the biblical narrative, Jerusalem is often depicted as a city of great spiritual and political importance. It is the site of the Temple, the center of Jewish worship, and the capital of the united kingdom under King David and Solomon. Psalm 48:1-2 describes Jerusalem as "the city of our God, His holy mountain, beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth." 2. Nineveh: Known as a great city in the Assyrian Empire, Nineveh is described in the Book of Jonah as "an exceedingly great city, a three-day journey in breadth" (Jonah 3:3). Despite its grandeur, Nineveh is also a place of wickedness, prompting God to send Jonah to call its inhabitants to repentance. 3. Babylon: A symbol of human achievement and pride, Babylon is depicted as a city of immense wealth and power. In the Book of Daniel, it is the setting for the accounts of Daniel and his companions, who remain faithful to God amidst the city's idolatry and decadence. Revelation 18:10 later portrays Babylon as a fallen city, lamenting, "Woe, woe to the great city, the mighty city of Babylon! For in a single hour your judgment has come." Moral and Spiritual Implications While cities are often associated with prosperity and opportunity, the Bible also warns of the moral and spiritual dangers they can pose. Urban centers can become places of idolatry, injustice, and moral decay, as seen in the accounts of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) and the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). These narratives serve as cautionary tales about the potential for human pride and sin to corrupt even the most "goodly" of cities. The biblical perspective on cities encourages believers to seek righteousness and justice within urban environments. Proverbs 11:11 states, "By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is torn down." This highlights the role of the faithful in contributing to the moral and spiritual health of their communities. Conclusion In summary, the Bible presents cities as places of both great potential and significant challenge. They are often depicted as "great and goodly," reflecting their capacity for prosperity and influence. However, the moral and spiritual health of a city depends on the righteousness of its inhabitants and their commitment to God's principles. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 10:12And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 6:10 Daniel 4:30 Jonah 3:3 Library Prayer and Labor for the Gathering of the Great Harvest. "And we all do Fade as a Leaf, and Our Iniquities, Like the Wind ... The Roman Empire at the Time of the Birth of Christ. Upwards of a ... The Life of Salvian The Rock and the Water From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776 Rom. xiv. 14 The Fan-Bearer's Quest The Ark among the Flags The Faith of Moses. 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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