Topical Encyclopedia The concept of cities in the Bible often carries a dual significance, representing centers of human civilization and culture, as well as potential hubs of moral and spiritual decline. The theme of apostasy, or the abandonment of faith and devotion to God, is frequently associated with cities throughout the biblical narrative. This entry explores the role of cities as settings for apostasy, drawing on various scriptural accounts.Sodom and Gomorrah Perhaps the most infamous examples of cities associated with apostasy are Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities are depicted as epitomes of wickedness and moral corruption. In Genesis 18:20-21 , the Lord says, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and their sin is so grievous." The cities' eventual destruction by divine judgment serves as a stark warning against the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Babel The city of Babel, later known as Babylon, is another significant example. In Genesis 11:4 , the people said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." This act of defiance against God's command to fill the earth (Genesis 9:1) illustrates the pride and self-sufficiency that often accompany apostasy. Babel becomes a symbol of human rebellion and the futility of opposing God's will. Jerusalem Jerusalem, the city chosen by God as the center of worship and the location of His temple, also experienced periods of apostasy. Despite its sacred status, the city frequently turned away from God, embracing idolatry and injustice. The prophet Jeremiah laments this spiritual decline, stating in Jeremiah 2:13 , "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns—broken cisterns that cannot hold water." Jerusalem's repeated apostasies ultimately led to its destruction and exile, as foretold by the prophets. Nineveh Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, is another city associated with apostasy, though it also serves as a testament to God's mercy. Initially, Nineveh was known for its wickedness, prompting God to send the prophet Jonah to proclaim its impending judgment. Jonah 1:2 records God's command: "Arise, go to the great city of Nineveh, and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before Me." Remarkably, Nineveh repented at Jonah's preaching, demonstrating that even cities steeped in apostasy can find redemption through genuine repentance. Babylon In the New Testament, Babylon is used symbolically to represent the ultimate city of apostasy and opposition to God. Revelation 17:5 describes Babylon as "a mystery: 'Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth.'" This imagery portrays Babylon as the culmination of human rebellion and spiritual adultery, destined for divine judgment. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, cities serve as powerful symbols of both human achievement and spiritual failure. They are often depicted as places where apostasy flourishes, yet they also offer opportunities for repentance and redemption. The biblical narrative consistently warns against the dangers of turning away from God, using cities as vivid illustrations of the consequences of such choices. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 16:10And the fifth angel poured out his vial on the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 17:18 Library National Apostasy Of the Metropolis of Christian Apostasy, the Mystic Babylon. The Rending of the Kingdom Hezekiah Light through Darkness Manasseh and Josiah The Call of Isaiah A Kingdom's Epitaph Elijah the Tishbite The Healing of the Waters 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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