Topical Encyclopedia The prosperity of cities in biblical times was often closely linked to their engagement in commerce and trade. The Bible provides numerous examples of cities that flourished due to their strategic locations and commercial activities. These cities became centers of wealth, culture, and influence, impacting the surrounding regions and peoples.Tyre and Sidon Tyre and Sidon, ancient Phoenician cities, are prime examples of prosperity through commerce. Situated along the Mediterranean coast, these cities were renowned for their maritime trade. Tyre, in particular, was famous for its production of purple dye and its skilled artisans. The prophet Ezekiel describes Tyre's wealth and extensive trade network: "Your wealth, merchandise, and wares, your mariners, seamen, and shipwrights, your merchants and all your soldiers, and everyone else on board will sink into the heart of the sea on the day of your downfall" (Ezekiel 27:27). This passage highlights the city's reliance on commerce for its prosperity. Babylon Babylon, another significant city, achieved great wealth and power partly due to its position as a commercial hub. Located along the Euphrates River, Babylon facilitated trade between various regions, including Mesopotamia, Persia, and the Levant. The city's prosperity is evident in the book of Revelation, which refers to Babylon as a symbol of opulence and excess: "The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her, because there is no one left to buy their cargo" (Revelation 18:11). This lament underscores the city's economic influence and the impact of its downfall on global trade. Jerusalem While Jerusalem is primarily known for its religious significance, it also experienced periods of prosperity through commerce. During the reign of King Solomon, Jerusalem became a center of trade and wealth. Solomon's alliances and trade agreements, such as those with Hiram of Tyre, brought riches and resources to the city. 1 Kings 10:28-29 notes, "Solomon’s horses were imported from Egypt and Kue; the royal merchants purchased them from Kue. A chariot could be imported from Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty." This passage illustrates the commercial activities that contributed to Jerusalem's prosperity. Nineveh Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, also thrived due to its commercial activities. The city's location along major trade routes allowed it to accumulate wealth and power. The prophet Nahum describes Nineveh's prosperity and subsequent judgment: "You increased your merchants more than the stars of the sky. The young locust strips the land and flies away" (Nahum 3:16). This imagery reflects the city's extensive trade network and the eventual consequences of its pride and corruption. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the prosperity of cities is frequently linked to their involvement in commerce. These cities, through their strategic locations and trade activities, became centers of wealth and influence. However, the scriptures also caution against the potential moral and spiritual pitfalls associated with such prosperity, reminding believers of the transient nature of worldly wealth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 49:13Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be to Zidon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 33:18,19 Ezekiel 28:5 Library Pride of Prosperity True Harvest Joy. Results of Transgression The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom The Government of India. Alexandria and Rome - the Jewish Communities in the Capitals of ... The Seventh Book After the War. Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration. Chaldaean Civilization 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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