Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, it was a common practice for cities to be named after their founders or significant figures within the founder's family. This tradition is reflected in several instances within the biblical narrative, where cities bear the names of their founders or their descendants, serving as a testament to their legacy and influence.Cain and the City of Enoch One of the earliest examples of this practice is found in the Book of Genesis. After Cain was banished for the murder of his brother Abel, he settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. There, he built a city and named it after his son, Enoch. Genesis 4:17 states, "Cain had relations with his wife, and she conceived and gave birth to Enoch. Then Cain built a city and named it after his son Enoch." This act of naming the city after his son signifies Cain's attempt to establish a lasting legacy despite his earlier transgressions. Nimrod and the Cities of Babel, Erech, and Accad Nimrod, a mighty hunter and a great-grandson of Noah, is credited with the founding of several significant cities in the land of Shinar. Genesis 10:10 notes, "The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar." While the text does not explicitly state that these cities were named after Nimrod or his family, his association with their founding underscores his prominence and the expansion of his influence. The City of Dan The city of Dan, originally known as Laish, was renamed by the tribe of Dan after they conquered it. Judges 18:29 records, "They named it Dan, after their forefather Dan, who was born to Israel—though the city was formerly named Laish." This renaming reflects the tribe's desire to honor their ancestor and establish their identity in the newly acquired territory. Jerusalem and the Jebusites While not directly named after a family member, the city of Jerusalem was originally known as Jebus, after the Jebusites who inhabited it. The city's eventual capture by King David and its establishment as the capital of Israel marked a significant shift in its identity and importance. 2 Samuel 5:7 states, "Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)." The renaming of the city to the "City of David" highlights the personal and dynastic significance attributed to the city by its new ruler. Conclusion The practice of naming cities after founders or their family members in the biblical narrative serves as a reflection of the cultural and historical context of the time. It underscores the importance of legacy, identity, and the enduring influence of key figures within the biblical account. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 4:17And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bore Enoch: and he built a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 18:29 Library From the Flood to Abraham Cain's Family and their Inventions. Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs. Gregory the Patriarch and the Society at Kunwald, 1457-1473. What Cain's Reason was for Building a City So Early in the History ... Egypt The City of Benares. The Israelites John the Baptist's Person and Preaching. Imperial Tombs. 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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