Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Tirzah is a significant location and name found within the Old Testament of the Bible. It holds historical, geographical, and theological importance, particularly in the narratives concerning the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The name Tirzah is also associated with beauty and delight, which is reflected in its usage in biblical texts. Biblical References and Historical Context: Tirzah first appears in the Bible as a personal name. In the Book of Numbers, Tirzah is listed as one of the daughters of Zelophehad, a member of the tribe of Manasseh. These daughters are noted for their appeal to Moses regarding inheritance rights, which led to a significant legal precedent for the inheritance rights of women (Numbers 27:1-11). As a city, Tirzah is mentioned in the context of the conquest of Canaan. Joshua 12:24 lists the king of Tirzah among the thirty-one kings defeated by Joshua during the Israelite conquest of the Promised Land. This indicates that Tirzah was a notable city-state during this period. Tirzah gains prominence as a royal city in the narrative of the divided monarchy. After the division of the united kingdom of Israel following Solomon's reign, Jeroboam I became the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Tirzah served as the capital of the Northern Kingdom before the establishment of Samaria by King Omri. The city is mentioned in 1 Kings 14:17, where it is recorded that Jeroboam's wife returned to Tirzah after visiting the prophet Ahijah. The city continued to play a role in the political and military events of the Northern Kingdom. In 1 Kings 15:21, Baasha, who became king after assassinating Nadab, the son of Jeroboam, made Tirzah his capital. The city remained the capital until Omri moved the capital to Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-24). Geographical Significance: Tirzah is believed to have been located in the central region of ancient Israel, though its exact location is a matter of scholarly debate. It is often associated with the modern archaeological site of Tell el-Far'ah (North), situated in the Samaria region. The city's strategic location contributed to its role as a political and military center during the early years of the Northern Kingdom. Theological and Symbolic Aspects: In addition to its historical and geographical significance, Tirzah is used symbolically in the Song of Solomon. In Song of Solomon 6:4, the beloved is compared to Tirzah, highlighting the city's association with beauty and delight: "You are as beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, majestic as an army with banners." This poetic usage underscores the city's reputation and the cultural memory of its past splendor. Conclusion: Tirzah's role in biblical history as a city and as a symbol of beauty reflects its multifaceted significance in the narrative of Israel. Its mention in various contexts—from the inheritance rights of Zelophehad's daughters to its status as a royal city—demonstrates its importance in the unfolding account of God's people in the Old Testament. Easton's Bible Dictionary Pleasantness. (1.) An old royal city of the Canaanites, which was destroyed by Joshua (Joshua 12:24). Jeroboam chose it for his residence, and he removed to it from Shechem, which at first he made the capital of his kingdom. It remained the chief residence of the kings of Israel till Omri took Samaria (1 Kings 14:17; 15:21; 16:6, 8, etc.). Here Zimri perished amid the flames of the palace to which in his despair he had set fire (1 Kings 16:18), and here Menahem smote Shallum (2 Kings 15:14, 16). Solomon refers to its beauty (Cant. 6:4). It has been identified with the modern mud hamlet Teiasir, 11 miles north of Shechem. Others, however, would identify it with Telluza, a village about 6 miles east of Samaria. (2.) The youngest of Zelophehad's five daughters (Numbers 26:33; Joshua 17:3). Library The Gladness of the Man of Sorrows Thesaurus Tirza/t/tirza.htm - 7k Tirshatha (5 Occurrences) Tirzah (17 Occurrences) Omri (16 Occurrences) Israel (27466 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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