Topical Encyclopedia The Bible frequently addresses the transient and perishable nature of cities, emphasizing their vulnerability and the futility of placing ultimate trust in human achievements. Throughout Scripture, cities are depicted as centers of human civilization, culture, and power, yet they are also portrayed as temporary and subject to divine judgment and decay.Biblical Examples and Themes 1. Sodom and Gomorrah: Perhaps the most striking example of the perishable nature of cities is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities, known for their wickedness, were obliterated by divine judgment. Genesis 19:24-25 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." This account serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of cities that defy God's righteousness. 2. Jericho: The fall of Jericho illustrates the vulnerability of even the most fortified cities. Joshua 6 recounts how the walls of Jericho collapsed after the Israelites, following God's instructions, marched around the city for seven days. This event underscores the idea that no human construction can withstand the power of God. 3. Babylon: The city of Babylon is another example of a once-great city that faced divine judgment. Isaiah 13:19 prophesies, "And Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the pride of the Chaldeans, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah." Despite its grandeur and influence, Babylon's downfall was inevitable due to its pride and idolatry. 4. Jerusalem: Even Jerusalem, the city chosen by God, experienced destruction due to the people's disobedience. In Lamentations 1:1 , the prophet mourns, "How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become like a widow." Jerusalem's fall serves as a sobering reminder that divine favor does not exempt a city from the consequences of sin. Theological Reflections The perishable nature of cities in the Bible reflects a broader theological theme: the contrast between the temporal and the eternal. Human cities, no matter how impressive, are ultimately temporary and subject to decay. Psalm 127:1 declares, "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain." This verse highlights the futility of human efforts apart from God's blessing and purpose. Furthermore, the Bible points believers toward a heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, as described in Revelation 21. This eternal city, built by God, stands in stark contrast to earthly cities. Hebrews 13:14 reminds Christians, "For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come." This perspective encourages believers to place their hope not in the transient achievements of this world but in the eternal promises of God. Moral and Spiritual Implications The perishable nature of cities serves as a caution against pride, self-reliance, and the pursuit of worldly power. It calls individuals and societies to humility, repentance, and dependence on God. The biblical narrative urges believers to seek righteousness and justice, knowing that human endeavors are fleeting without divine guidance. In summary, the Bible's portrayal of cities as perishable entities underscores the transient nature of human achievements and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Through the examples of Sodom, Jericho, Babylon, and Jerusalem, Scripture teaches that cities, like all human constructs, are subject to divine judgment and decay, pointing believers toward the eternal city of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 13:14For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Persons Upon whom a Benefit is to be Conferred. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Psalm IX. John i. 14 1 Timothy iv. 3-Jan Swedenborgians, Or, the New Jerusalem Church. Letters to Olympias. The Service Common to the Holy Angels and Other Bodiless Ones. Of the Kinds of Beneficence, and Works of Mercy. The So-Called Letter to Diognetus 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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