Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the burning of cities is a recurring theme, often symbolizing divine judgment, warfare, and the consequences of sin. The destruction by fire serves as a powerful image of purification and the eradication of evil, as well as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and justice.Sodom and Gomorrah: Perhaps the most infamous example of cities being burned is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities were consumed by fire and brimstone as a direct act of divine judgment due to their grievous sins. Genesis 19:24-25 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." Jericho: The city of Jericho was burned after its miraculous fall to the Israelites. Following God's instructions, the Israelites marched around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, the walls collapsed. Joshua 6:24 records, "Then they burned up the whole city and everything in it. But they put the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron into the treasury of the LORD’s house." Ai: Another city that faced destruction by fire was Ai. After an initial defeat due to Achan's sin, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, captured Ai through a strategic ambush. Joshua 8:28 notes, "So Joshua burned Ai and made it a permanent heap of ruins, a desolation to this day." Hazor: During the conquest of Canaan, Joshua also burned the city of Hazor. Joshua 11:11 states, "They struck down everyone in it with the sword, devoting them to destruction. Not a single person was left, and Joshua burned Hazor itself." Ziklag: In a different context, the city of Ziklag was burned by the Amalekites during the time of David. 1 Samuel 30:1 recounts, "Before David and his men arrived in Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag and burned it." Jerusalem: The burning of Jerusalem is a significant event in biblical history, marking the Babylonian conquest and the beginning of the exile. 2 Kings 25:9 describes, "He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building." Symbolism and Theology: The burning of cities in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for divine judgment and the purging of sin. It reflects the seriousness with which God views sin and rebellion. The destruction by fire is not only a physical act but also a spiritual lesson, emphasizing the need for repentance and obedience to God's commandments. Throughout the biblical narrative, the burning of cities underscores the themes of judgment, redemption, and the ultimate triumph of God's righteousness over wickedness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 20:38,40Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the liers in wait, that they should make a great flame with smoke rise up out of the city. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 1:7 Library The Sermon on the Mount. The Angels of the Seven Churches. Chapter xix The Indestructibility of the Bible is a Proof that Its Author is ... The Life. Covenanting According to the Purposes of God. The Sixth Book Letter cviii. To Eustochium. The Cross as a Social Principle The Eighth Book 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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