Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, cities under governors refer to urban centers that were administratively managed by appointed officials or governors. These cities often held significant political, economic, and military importance within the ancient Near Eastern and Roman worlds. The role of governors in these cities was crucial for maintaining order, implementing the decrees of higher authorities, and ensuring the prosperity and security of the region.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the concept of cities under governors is evident in the administrative structures of various empires that interacted with Israel and Judah. For instance, during the Persian period, the empire was divided into satrapies, each overseen by a governor. Nehemiah, a prominent Jewish leader, served as the governor of Judah under Persian rule. Nehemiah 5:14 states, "Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah, from his twentieth year until his thirty-second year—twelve years—I and my brothers did not eat the food allotted to the governor." The role of governors was not only administrative but also involved the protection and fortification of cities. Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem highlight the governor's responsibility for the city's defense and infrastructure (Nehemiah 2:17-18). New Testament Context In the New Testament, the Roman Empire's administrative system prominently featured cities under governors. These governors, known as procurators or prefects, were responsible for maintaining Roman law and order in their respective provinces. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, is a well-known figure due to his involvement in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In John 19:10-11 , Pilate questions Jesus, saying, "Do You refuse to speak to me? Pilate said. Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?" Jesus answered, "You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above." The presence of governors in these cities also facilitated the spread of the Gospel, as seen in the Apostle Paul's missionary journeys. Paul often traveled to major cities under Roman governance, such as Corinth, Ephesus, and Philippi, where he preached and established churches. The Roman infrastructure and governance provided a relatively stable environment for the early Christian movement to grow. Significance in Biblical Narrative Cities under governors played a pivotal role in the unfolding of biblical history. They were centers of power where significant political and religious events occurred. The governance of these cities often reflected the broader geopolitical dynamics of the time, influencing the lives of the Israelites and early Christians. The biblical narrative frequently highlights the tension between divine authority and human governance. While governors wielded considerable power, the Bible consistently affirms that ultimate authority belongs to God. This theme is evident in the interactions between biblical figures and the governors of their time, underscoring the belief that earthly governance is subject to divine sovereignty. In summary, cities under governors were integral to the biblical world, serving as hubs of administration, culture, and religious activity. The governance of these cities by appointed officials is a recurring theme that illustrates the complex interplay between human authority and divine providence throughout the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 33:14Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 11:32 Library Nero Adds Four Cities to Agrippas Kingdom; but the Other Parts of ... The Jews Greatly Complain of Archelaus and Desire that they May be ... The Misfortunes which Happened in Connection with These Things, in ... The Memorials against Us. An Embassage in Cyrene and Asia to Caesar, Concerning the ... How He Displayed his Zeal for the Extirpation of Heresies. Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How ... The Pretended Relaxation. The Dutch Calvinist Colony on the Hudson and the Swedish Lutheran ... How Aristobulus and Hyrcanus came to Pompey in Order to Argue who ... 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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