Topical Bible: Galilee: Twenty Cities of, Given to Hiram

◄ Galilee: Twenty Cities of, Given to Hiram ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The "Twenty Cities of Galilee" refers to a specific transaction recorded in the Old Testament, where King Solomon gave twenty cities in the region of Galilee to Hiram, the king of Tyre. This event is documented in 1 Kings 9:10-14 and is a significant moment in the history of Israel's relationship with its neighboring kingdoms.

Biblical Context

The account of the transaction is found in 1 Kings 9:10-14 :

"At the end of the twenty years during which Solomon built these two houses, the house of the LORD and the royal palace, King Solomon gave twenty cities in the land of Galilee to Hiram king of Tyre, who had supplied him with cedar, cypress, and gold as much as he desired. So Hiram went out from Tyre to look over the cities that Solomon had given him, but he was not pleased with them. 'What are these cities you have given me, my brother?' he asked. And he called them the Land of Cabul, as they are called to this day. And Hiram sent the king 120 talents of gold."

Historical and Geographical Significance

Galilee, located in the northern part of ancient Israel, was a fertile and strategically important region. It was known for its rich soil and abundant resources, making it a valuable asset for any ruler. The cities given to Hiram were part of this region, although the exact locations of these cities are not specified in the biblical text.

The transaction between Solomon and Hiram highlights the political and economic alliances of the time. Hiram, king of Tyre, was a significant ally of Solomon, providing materials and skilled labor for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem and Solomon's palace. In return, Solomon compensated Hiram with these cities, although the text suggests that Hiram was dissatisfied with their quality, referring to them as "Cabul," a term that may imply worthlessness or displeasure.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, this event underscores the complexities of human governance and the fulfillment of God's promises through imperfect means. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, engaged in international diplomacy that sometimes led to contentious outcomes. The giving of the cities can be seen as a reflection of the broader narrative of Israel's interactions with surrounding nations, which often involved both cooperation and conflict.

The passage also serves as a reminder of the limitations of earthly wealth and power. Despite Solomon's grand achievements, the dissatisfaction of Hiram with the cities suggests that human endeavors, even those of a wise king, can fall short of expectations. This narrative invites reflection on the ultimate sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and the transient nature of human alliances and possessions.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights

While the exact identification of the "Twenty Cities" remains uncertain, archaeological studies in the region of Galilee have provided insights into the cultural and economic conditions of the time. The area was known for its diverse population and interactions with neighboring cultures, including the Phoenicians, of whom Hiram was a prominent leader.

The term "Cabul" has intrigued scholars and has been the subject of various interpretations. Some suggest it may have been a derogatory term used by Hiram to express his disappointment, while others propose it could have been a local name or designation for the region.

In summary, the account of the "Twenty Cities of Galilee" given to Hiram is a multifaceted narrative that reflects the historical, theological, and cultural dynamics of ancient Israel and its neighbors. It provides a glimpse into the complexities of Solomon's reign and the broader biblical themes of covenant, kingdom, and the interplay between divine providence and human agency.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 9:11
(Now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all his desire,) that then king Solomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Wife of Solomon; Concerning his Wisdom and Riches ...
... had under him the sixty great and fenced cities [of Og ... Mount Tabor, and Carmel, and
[the Lower] Galilee, as far ... meal; as also ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 concerning the wife.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... palace, or not very long after the twenty-fourth of ... the lake Scmochonitis to the
Sea of Galilee, and so ... about them, their country, or maritime cities, two of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... carried by storm three royal castles, twenty-three cities ... Borsippa, Kuta, Kishu,
Dilbat, and Uruk, "cities without peer ... from the very scanty details given in the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... taken up enabled them to protect Galilee for centuries ... course some similar understanding
with the cities of the ... be a prophet of the Lord." Twenty years after ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... And now, after a lapse of about twenty-five centuries ... The two cities Sion and Jerusalem,
were such as sometimes set ... was the whole pattern of it given from heaven ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm