Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the depopulation of cities is a recurring theme, often serving as a manifestation of divine judgment or as a consequence of warfare and conquest. The depopulation of cities is depicted as a significant event, reflecting the broader themes of sin, judgment, and redemption that permeate the Scriptures.Divine Judgment and Prophecy The depopulation of cities is frequently portrayed as a direct result of divine judgment. In the prophetic literature, God often declares the desolation of cities as a consequence of the inhabitants' sins and idolatry. For instance, the city of Jerusalem faced depopulation as a result of its disobedience to God. The prophet Jeremiah warned of this impending judgment: "I will make Jerusalem a heap of ruins, a haunt of jackals; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without inhabitant" (Jeremiah 9:11). Similarly, the city of Nineveh, the capital of Assyria, was prophesied to be laid waste due to its wickedness. The prophet Nahum declared, "The LORD has issued a command concerning you: 'Your name will no longer be perpetuated. I will destroy the carved images and cast idols from the house of your gods. I will prepare your grave, for you are contemptible'" (Nahum 1:14). This prophecy was fulfilled when Nineveh was eventually destroyed and left uninhabited. Warfare and Conquest The depopulation of cities also occurred as a result of warfare and conquest. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites engaged in battles to claim the Promised Land, leading to the destruction and depopulation of several Canaanite cities. The Book of Joshua recounts the fall of Jericho, where the city was utterly destroyed, and its inhabitants were put to the sword: "They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, and donkeys" (Joshua 6:21). The conquest of Ai is another example, where the city was captured and its population annihilated: "When Israel had finished killing all the inhabitants of Ai in the open wilderness where they had pursued them, and all had fallen by the sword, all Israel returned to Ai and struck it down with the sword" (Joshua 8:24). Symbolism and Theological Implications The depopulation of cities in the Bible often carries symbolic and theological implications. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and the seriousness of divine judgment. The desolation of cities is a tangible expression of God's holiness and justice, underscoring the need for repentance and obedience. Moreover, the restoration and repopulation of cities are also significant themes, reflecting God's mercy and the hope of redemption. The prophets often spoke of a future time when desolate cities would be rebuilt and inhabited once more. Isaiah prophesied, "Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets of Dwelling" (Isaiah 58:12). In conclusion, the depopulation of cities in the biblical narrative serves as a powerful motif, illustrating the consequences of sin, the reality of divine judgment, and the hope of restoration through God's redemptive plan. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 17:9In that day shall his strong cities be as a forsaken bough, and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel: and there shall be desolation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 26:19 Library Additional Evidences of Christianity, and Reflections on the Whole ... Palestine under Pagan Kings. Moral Characteristics. Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome. St. Gregory the Great. the Legendary History of Egypt The Iranian Conquest Memoir of John Bunyan 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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