Topical Encyclopedia Tirzah, a city of ancient Canaan, is noted for its beauty and significance in biblical history. The name "Tirzah" itself means "delight" or "pleasantness," reflecting its esteemed status. This city is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the conquest of Canaan, and it later became an important political and cultural center in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.Biblical References and Historical Context Tirzah is first introduced in the Book of Joshua as one of the cities conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. In Joshua 12:24 , it is listed among the thirty-one kings defeated by the Israelites: "the king of Tirzah, one; in all, thirty-one kings." This indicates its prominence among the Canaanite city-states. The city gained further prominence during the period of the divided monarchy. After the death of King Solomon, the kingdom of Israel split into two: the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Tirzah became the capital of the Northern Kingdom under King Jeroboam I. It remained the capital until the reign of Omri, who moved the capital to Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-24). Symbol of Beauty Tirzah's beauty is poetically celebrated in the Song of Solomon, where it is used as a metaphor for the beloved's attractiveness. In Song of Solomon 6:4 , the lover declares, "You are as beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, majestic as an army with banners." This comparison to both Tirzah and Jerusalem underscores the city's aesthetic and cultural allure, placing it alongside the revered city of Jerusalem. Archaeological and Geographical Insights The exact location of ancient Tirzah is debated among scholars, but it is generally identified with the archaeological site of Tell el-Far'ah (North), located in the Samaria region. Excavations have revealed significant remains, including fortifications and structures that suggest its importance as a fortified city and administrative center. Cultural and Theological Significance Tirzah's role as a capital city and its mention in the poetic literature of the Bible highlight its cultural and theological significance. As a capital, it was a center of political power and religious activity in the Northern Kingdom. Theologically, its beauty and prominence serve as a reminder of the blessings and responsibilities associated with leadership and governance in the biblical narrative. In summary, Tirzah stands out in biblical history as a city of beauty and significance, both politically and poetically. Its legacy is preserved in the biblical text as a symbol of delight and splendor, reflecting the broader themes of beauty and divine favor in the Scriptures. Nave's Topical Index Songs 6:4You are beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners. Nave's Topical Index Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Resources Who/what was Tirzah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were the daughters of Zelophehad? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Omri in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Tirzah: A City of Canaan: Base of Military Operations of Menahem Tirzah: A City of Canaan: Beauty of Tirzah: A City of Canaan: Becomes the Residence of the Kings of the Northern Kingdom (Israel) Tirzah: A City of Canaan: Captured by Joshua Tirzah: A City of Canaan: Royal Residence Moved From Tirzah: A Daughter of Zelophehad Tirzah: A Daughter of Zelophehad: Special Legislation in Regard to the Inheritance of Related Terms War-carriages (76 Occurrences) |