Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, the practice of razing cities and sowing them with salt was a symbolic act of utter destruction and desolation. This practice is mentioned in the Bible and reflects the severity of divine judgment or military conquest. The act of sowing a city with salt was intended to render the land barren, symbolizing a curse upon the city and its inhabitants.Biblical References One of the most notable biblical references to this practice is found in the account of Abimelech in the Book of Judges. After capturing the city of Shechem, Abimelech destroyed it and sowed it with salt. Judges 9:45 states, "All that day Abimelech pressed his attack against the city until he had captured it and killed its people. Then he destroyed the city and scattered salt over it." This act was a demonstration of total conquest and a warning to others who might oppose him. Symbolism and Significance The sowing of salt was not merely an agricultural act but carried deep symbolic meaning. Salt, a preservative and purifying agent, was used here to signify a curse, ensuring that the city would remain uninhabitable and its fields unproductive. This act was a declaration that the city was devoted to destruction, a concept known as "herem" in Hebrew, where something is irrevocably given over to God, often through destruction. Historical Context In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, the destruction of cities and the salting of their ruins were not uncommon. This practice served as a psychological weapon, instilling fear and discouragement among potential adversaries. It was a demonstration of power and a warning against rebellion or resistance. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the razing and salting of cities can be seen as a manifestation of divine judgment. In the biblical narrative, God often used nations as instruments of His judgment against cities that had turned away from His commandments. The destruction of these cities served as a reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience. Moral and Ethical Considerations The destruction of cities and the subsequent salting of their lands raise moral and ethical questions about warfare and divine justice. While these acts were part of the historical and cultural context of the time, they also reflect the seriousness with which God views sin and rebellion. The Bible presents these events as part of God's sovereign plan, emphasizing His holiness and justice. Conclusion The practice of razing cities and sowing them with salt, as depicted in the Bible, serves as a powerful symbol of judgment and desolation. It underscores the severity of divine retribution and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Through these acts, the biblical narrative communicates the seriousness of sin and the ultimate authority of God over the nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 9:45And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that was therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Theban Empire The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest 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) |
    |