In the biblical narrative, the concept of "surrounding cities" often refers to the towns and settlements that are located around a central city or region. These cities play significant roles in the historical, cultural, and theological contexts of the Bible. They are frequently mentioned in relation to the central cities of Israel, such as Jerusalem, and are integral to understanding the geopolitical landscape of the biblical world.

Jerusalem and Its Surrounding Cities

Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of ancient Israel, is frequently mentioned alongside its surrounding cities. These cities often served as strategic military outposts, trade centers, or places of refuge. For instance, in the book of Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls is a central theme, and the surrounding cities are mentioned as part of the broader community involved in this effort. Nehemiah 11:25-30 lists several of these towns: "As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba and its villages, in Dibon and its villages, in Jekabzeel and its villages; in Jeshua, Moladah, and Beth-pelet; in Hazar-shual, in Beersheba and its villages; in Ziklag, in Meconah and its villages; in En-rimmon, Zorah, Jarmuth, Zanoah, Adullam, and their villages; in Lachish and its fields; and in Azekah and its villages. So they settled from Beersheba all the way to the Valley of Hinnom."

The Cities of the Plain

The cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah, are among the most infamous surrounding cities mentioned in the Bible. These cities are noted for their wickedness and subsequent destruction by divine judgment. Genesis 19:24-25 recounts this event: "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." The narrative of these cities serves as a moral and theological lesson on the consequences of sin and the righteousness of God's judgment.

The Cities of Refuge

In the Mosaic Law, certain surrounding cities were designated as cities of refuge. These cities provided asylum for individuals who had committed unintentional manslaughter, allowing them to escape the avenger of blood until a fair trial could be conducted. Joshua 20:7-9 lists these cities: "So they set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. And beyond the Jordan east of Jericho, they designated Bezer in the wilderness on the plateau from the tribe of Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead from the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan from the tribe of Manasseh. These were the cities designated for all the Israelites and for any foreigner residing among them, so that anyone who killed another unintentionally could flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood prior to standing trial before the assembly."

The Philistine Cities

The Philistines, perennial adversaries of Israel, occupied several key cities along the coastal plain. These cities, including Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron, are frequently mentioned in the context of Israel's battles and interactions with the Philistines. Judges 16:1 notes one such city: "One day Samson went to Gaza, where he saw a prostitute and went in to spend the night with her." The Philistine cities were centers of military and cultural influence and often posed significant challenges to Israel's security and faithfulness to God.

The Cities of the Decapolis

In the New Testament, the Decapolis refers to a group of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire in the region of the Levant. These cities were centers of Greek and Roman culture and are mentioned in the context of Jesus' ministry. Mark 5:20 states, "So the man went away and began to proclaim throughout the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed." The Decapolis cities highlight the cultural and religious diversity present during the time of Jesus and the early church.

The surrounding cities in the biblical narrative provide a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and theological insights. They illustrate the complex interactions between God's people and the broader world, serving as backdrops for divine intervention, judgment, and redemption.