Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, cities often held significant importance not only for their inhabitants but also for their symbolic and strategic roles within the narrative of Scripture. The naming and identification of cities frequently included references to the country or region in which they were built, providing context and clarity for the events described in the Bible. This entry explores several key cities mentioned in the Bible, highlighting their geographical and historical significance.Babylon (Babylonia): Babylon, located in the region of Babylonia, is one of the most frequently mentioned cities in the Bible. It was a major center of power and culture in the ancient world. The city is famously associated with the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) and later became the capital of the Babylonian Empire. In the Book of Daniel, Babylon is depicted as a place of exile for the Israelites, where Daniel and his companions were taken captive (Daniel 1:1-7). The city symbolizes human pride and opposition to God, as seen in the prophetic literature, particularly in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 17-18). Jerusalem (Judah/Israel): Jerusalem holds a central place in biblical history and theology. It is located in the region of Judah, later becoming the capital of the united kingdom of Israel under King David. Jerusalem is the site of the Temple, the spiritual heart of Israelite worship. The city is frequently mentioned in the Psalms and prophetic writings as the dwelling place of God and the focal point of His covenant with Israel. In the New Testament, Jerusalem is the setting for many key events in the life of Jesus, including His crucifixion and resurrection (Matthew 27-28). Nineveh (Assyria): Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire, located in the region of Assyria. It is most notably mentioned in the Book of Jonah, where God commands Jonah to go to Nineveh and call the city to repentance (Jonah 1:1-2). Despite its reputation for wickedness, the people of Nineveh respond to Jonah's message and repent, leading to God's mercy upon the city (Jonah 3:5-10). Nineveh's eventual destruction is prophesied in the Book of Nahum, symbolizing divine judgment against sin (Nahum 1-3). Sodom and Gomorrah (Canaan): Sodom and Gomorrah were cities located in the region of Canaan, known for their extreme wickedness and immorality. Their destruction by divine judgment is recounted in Genesis 19, serving as a powerful warning against sin and disobedience to God. The cities are frequently referenced throughout Scripture as examples of God's righteous judgment (2 Peter 2:6; Jude 1:7). Tyre and Sidon (Phoenicia): Tyre and Sidon were prominent cities in the region of Phoenicia, known for their wealth and maritime trade. In the Old Testament, they are often mentioned in the context of their interactions with Israel, both as allies and adversaries. The prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel pronounce judgments against Tyre for its pride and idolatry (Isaiah 23; Ezekiel 26-28). In the New Testament, Jesus visits the region of Tyre and Sidon, performing miracles and teaching (Mark 7:24-30). Damascus (Aram/Syria): Damascus, located in the region of Aram (Syria), is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is mentioned in the context of various military and political events in the Old Testament, often as an adversary of Israel (2 Kings 16:9). In the New Testament, Damascus is significant as the place where Saul (later Paul) experiences his dramatic conversion to Christianity (Acts 9:1-19). These cities, among others, are integral to the biblical narrative, each contributing to the unfolding account of God's interaction with humanity. Their mention alongside the countries or regions in which they were built provides valuable context for understanding the historical and theological significance of the events recorded in Scripture. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 4:29,30At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ... Now Herod and Philip Built Several Cities in Honor of Caesar. ... How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ... The Death of Salome. The Cities which Herod and Philip Built. ... Nero Adds Four Cities to Agrippas Kingdom; but the Other Parts of ... How the Hebrews Fought with the Midianites, and Overcame Them. How the Kings of Asia Honored the Nation of the Jews and Made them ... How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants. The Story of Hagar and Ishmael Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How ... 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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