Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of cities being named or called for the proprietor of the land is a recurring theme that underscores the significance of land ownership and divine providence in the history of Israel and its surrounding regions. This practice reflects the deep connection between identity, heritage, and divine promise as understood in the biblical context.Biblical Instances and Significance 1. Hebron and the Patriarchs: One of the earliest examples is the city of Hebron, which is closely associated with Abraham, the patriarch. In Genesis 23, Abraham purchases the cave of Machpelah from Ephron the Hittite to bury his wife Sarah. This transaction is significant as it marks the first recorded acquisition of land by Abraham in Canaan, the land promised to him and his descendants by God. The city of Hebron thus becomes a symbol of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. Genesis 23:20 states, "So the field and the cave that was in it were deeded to Abraham by the Hittites as a burial site." 2. Jerusalem and King David: Jerusalem, originally known as Jebus, was captured by King David and became the political and spiritual center of Israel. David's conquest and establishment of Jerusalem as the capital city is a pivotal moment in biblical history, signifying the unification of the tribes of Israel under a divinely appointed king. 2 Samuel 5:7 records, "Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David)." The city's association with David underscores its importance as the seat of the Davidic dynasty and the future site of the Temple. 3. Samaria and King Omri: The city of Samaria was established by King Omri, who purchased the hill from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city on it, naming it Samaria after Shemer, the owner of the hill. This is recorded in 1 Kings 16:24 : "He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city there, calling it Samaria after the name of Shemer, the former owner of the hill." Samaria became the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, highlighting the role of land transactions in shaping the political landscape of the region. 4. Other Examples: Throughout the Old Testament, various cities and regions are named after individuals or families who owned or settled the land. These names often reflect the historical or spiritual significance attributed to the proprietors, serving as a testament to their legacy and God's providential hand in the unfolding of Israel's history. Theological Implications The naming of cities for their proprietors in the biblical narrative is not merely a matter of historical record but carries profound theological implications. It reflects the belief in God's sovereignty over the land and His active role in the affairs of His people. The land is seen as a divine gift, entrusted to individuals and tribes as part of God's covenantal promises. This understanding reinforces the notion of stewardship and the responsibility of the proprietors to honor God through their governance and use of the land. Moreover, these narratives emphasize the continuity of God's promises across generations, as the land serves as a tangible reminder of His faithfulness. The cities named for their proprietors become enduring symbols of God's covenant with His people, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises in the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 16:24And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Thirty Years' War. AD 1618-1650. In Judaea The City of Benares. First Missionary Journey Scripture One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ... The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) Drunkenness. Chaldaean Civilization Of Removing Tithes. His Missionary Travels 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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