Topical Encyclopedia Cities in the biblical narrative are frequently depicted as centers of human civilization, culture, and power. They are often of great antiquity, with many having histories that predate the biblical accounts themselves. These cities serve as the backdrop for numerous events in the Bible, reflecting both the achievements and the moral failings of humanity.Jericho One of the oldest known cities in the world, Jericho is famously known for its conquest by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. The city was heavily fortified, yet it fell after the Israelites marched around its walls for seven days, as described in Joshua 6:20: "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. And when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it." Babylon Babylon is a city of great significance in the Bible, symbolizing human pride and rebellion against God. It is first mentioned in Genesis 11 with the Tower of Babel, where humanity's attempt to build a tower to the heavens led to God confusing their language. Babylon later becomes a powerful empire, as seen in the Book of Daniel, where it is the setting for the accounts of Daniel and his companions. The city is also prophesied against in Isaiah 13:19: "And Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory and pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah." Jerusalem Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history as the city of David and the location of Solomon's Temple. It is the spiritual heart of Israel and the site of many significant events, including the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Psalm 122:3-4 highlights its importance: "Jerusalem is built up as a city united together, where the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as a testimony for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD." Nineveh The capital of the Assyrian Empire, Nineveh is known for its size and wickedness, which led to the prophet Jonah being sent to call it to repentance. Jonah 3:4-5 records the city's response: "On the first day of his journey, Jonah set out into the city and proclaimed, 'Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned!' And the people of Nineveh believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least." Sodom and Gomorrah These cities are synonymous with sin and divine judgment. Their destruction is recounted in Genesis 19, where God rains down sulfur and fire due to their grievous sins. This event serves as a warning throughout Scripture, as seen in Jude 1:7: "In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire." Ephesus A prominent city in the New Testament, Ephesus was a major center of early Christianity. The Apostle Paul spent considerable time there, and it is the recipient of one of his epistles. Acts 19:17-20 describes a significant event in Ephesus: "When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many who had believed now came and openly confessed what they had done." These cities, among others, illustrate the complex interplay between divine providence and human agency, serving as both literal and metaphorical settings for God's unfolding plan throughout biblical history. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 10:11,12Out of that land went forth Asshur, and built Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of Images, and the Ornaments of Temples, and the Contempt in which ... The Progress of Prelacy. The First and Great Commandment Conclusion, the Romans Owe not their Imperial Power to their Gods ... Since this is So, and Since no Strange Influence Has Suddenly ... Paul's Second Imprisonment, and Martyrdom; Peter, his Epistles ... Afraid of Giants The Doctrinal Position of the Anglican Church and Her Relation to ... The Evidences of Christianity Briefly Stated, and the New ... Preface 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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