Topical Bible: Foundation: Laid For: Cities

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In the biblical context, the laying of a foundation for a city is a significant event, often symbolizing the establishment of a community, the beginning of a new era, or the fulfillment of divine promises. The act of laying a foundation is not merely a physical endeavor but also carries spiritual and covenantal implications.

Jericho:

One of the earliest mentions of a city's foundation in the Bible is Jericho. After the Israelites, led by Joshua, conquered Jericho, Joshua pronounced a curse on anyone who would rebuild the city. In Joshua 6:26 , it is recorded: "At that time Joshua pronounced this solemn oath: 'Cursed before the LORD is the man who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho: At the cost of his firstborn he will lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates.'" This curse was fulfilled during the reign of King Ahab when Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho, losing his sons as foretold (1 Kings 16:34).

Samaria:

The city of Samaria was founded by King Omri, who purchased the hill of Samaria and built a city on it, making it the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In 1 Kings 16:24 , it is stated: "He bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver and built a city there, calling it Samaria after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill." The foundation of Samaria marked a significant development in the history of Israel, as it became a center of political and religious activity.

Jerusalem:

Jerusalem holds a unique place in biblical history as the city chosen by God for His dwelling place. King David captured the city from the Jebusites and established it as the capital of Israel. Later, Solomon, David's son, laid the foundation for the Temple, which became the spiritual heart of the nation. In 1 Kings 6:37 , it is recorded: "The foundation of the house of the LORD was laid in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign, in the month of Ziv." The laying of the Temple's foundation was a momentous event, symbolizing God's presence among His people.

Babylon:

Babylon is another city with significant biblical mention, known for its grandeur and as a symbol of human pride and rebellion against God. The foundation of Babylon is not detailed in the Bible, but its prominence is highlighted in the account of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), where humanity's attempt to build a city and a tower reaching the heavens led to God's intervention and the scattering of people across the earth.

Prophetic Foundations:

In the prophetic literature, the laying of a city's foundation often carries eschatological significance. For instance, Isaiah speaks of the future restoration of Jerusalem, where the foundations will be laid with precious stones (Isaiah 54:11-12): "O afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted, I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise, your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones." This imagery conveys the glory and permanence of God's ultimate plan for His people.

Conclusion:

The laying of foundations for cities in the Bible is a multifaceted theme, encompassing historical, spiritual, and prophetic dimensions. It reflects God's sovereignty over human affairs and His unfolding plan for redemption and restoration.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joshua 6:26
And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the LORD, that rises up and builds this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 16:34
In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ...
... The expenses he laid out upon it were vastly large ... The cloisters he built from the
foundation, but the ... his generosity went as far as entire cities; for when he ...
/.../chapter 21 of the temple.htm

Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How ...
... were spoiled, and whatsoever they had laid up beforehand was spent, there was no
foundation of hope ... in his liberality to those whose cities he had ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the famine.htm

Philosophy Conveys Only an Imperfect Knowledge of God.
... knowledge, if he desires, on "the foundation" laid, to work ... when they have embraced
the foundation of truth ... angels are distributed over the nations and cities. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvii philosophy conveys only an.htm

Psalm CXXII.
... the lowest parts, because the foundation is laid at the ... since we are spiritually
built, our foundation is placed ... curies of the people in those cities, and one ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxii.htm

Commendation of those who had Laid Aside the Practice of Swearing. ...
... the earth, great as it is; and mountains, and hills, and cities, and plants ... the corners
of the earth." [1420] And again: "He hath laid the foundation of it ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ix commendation of those.htm

Altar and Temple
... month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people ... some seven
months were spent in preparation, and then the foundation was laid. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... in resting on Christ as the one foundation laid in Zion ... his sanctuary."[395] Resting
on the one foundation, as a ... The cities of refuge[412]"Kedesh, a holy place ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

The Healing of the Waters
... At the time that the cities of the plain were destroyed, the region round about
became a desolate waste ... Hiel the Bethelite "laid the foundation thereof in ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 18 the healing of.htm

Six Cities
... was the greatest and the grandest of the cities of Palestine ... uttermost."[25] He is
the only "sure foundation" that could ... and when He had found it, He laid it on ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

O Thou that Bringest Good Tidings
... lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah ... and forerunner of the
approaching Deity; and when thus the foundation has been laid, yet another ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/o thou that bringest good.htm