Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, cities often featured citadels, which were fortified structures or complexes that served as defensive strongholds and centers of power. These citadels were strategically positioned to protect the inhabitants from invasions and attacks, and they often housed the ruling authorities and military garrisons. The presence of a citadel was a common feature in many biblical cities, reflecting the need for security and governance in a turbulent historical context.Jerusalem: The City of David Jerusalem, one of the most significant cities in the Bible, had a citadel known as the "City of David." This fortress was captured by King David from the Jebusites and became the political and spiritual center of Israel. The Bible records, "David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)" (2 Samuel 5:7). The citadel in Jerusalem not only served as a military stronghold but also as the royal residence and the location of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God's presence among His people. Samaria: The Capital of the Northern Kingdom Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was another city with a prominent citadel. Founded by King Omri, Samaria was strategically located on a hill, making it a formidable fortress. The Bible describes the city's fortifications and its significance as a center of power: "In the thirty-first year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned twelve years, six of them in Tirzah. Then he bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver, built a city on the hill, and named it Samaria after Shemer, the owner of the hill" (1 Kings 16:23-24). The citadel of Samaria played a crucial role in the defense and administration of the Northern Kingdom. Hazor: A Canaanite Stronghold Hazor was a major Canaanite city known for its impressive citadel. It was one of the largest and most fortified cities in the region during the time of Joshua. The Bible recounts Joshua's conquest of Hazor: "At that time Joshua turned back and captured Hazor and put its king to the sword. Hazor had been the head of all these kingdoms" (Joshua 11:10). The citadel of Hazor was a symbol of Canaanite power and influence, and its capture marked a significant victory for the Israelites. Megiddo: A Strategic Military Site Megiddo was another city with a notable citadel, strategically located along the major trade and military routes. Its fortifications made it a key military site throughout biblical history. The Bible mentions Megiddo in the context of various battles and events, highlighting its strategic importance: "The Canaanite king of Megiddo did not come out to fight, for they had chariots of iron" (Judges 1:27). The citadel of Megiddo served as a critical point of defense and control over the surrounding region. Citadels in Prophetic Literature In prophetic literature, citadels are often mentioned as symbols of strength and security, but also as targets of divine judgment. The prophets frequently warned of the destruction of these fortified cities as a consequence of the people's disobedience to God. For example, the prophet Amos declared, "I will send fire upon the walls of Damascus; it will consume the citadels of Ben-Hadad" (Amos 1:4). Such pronouncements underscored the futility of relying solely on human fortifications for protection against divine retribution. Throughout the Bible, citadels are depicted as essential components of ancient cities, serving both practical and symbolic roles. They were centers of power, defense, and administration, reflecting the complex social and political dynamics of the biblical world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 9:51But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither fled all the men and women, and all they of the city, and shut it to them, and got them up to the top of the tower. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ... The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was ... The Conquest of Babylon. The Preparations of the Greeks for Defense. Matt. x. 7, 8, 9 Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Empress Theodora Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) 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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