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What the Bible Says About Cities

Overview

The Bible addresses cities across 24 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Chronicles, Joshua and Genesis. Closely related themes include Rehoboam, Sieges, Strategy in War and Sciences. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joshua and Rehoboam.

Key Bible verses about cities

Old Testament

Joshua

Joshua 8:3

So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up against Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them away by night.

Joshua 8:4

And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city: go not very far from the city, but be ye all ready:

Joshua 8:5

And I, and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city: and it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them,

Joshua 8:6

(For they will come out after us) till we have drawn them from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: therefore we will flee before them. drawn: Heb. pulled

Joshua 8:7

Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.

People in the Bible and cities

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying cities for yourself

  • Begin with Genesis 10:10, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how 2 Chronicles, Joshua and Genesis each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Joshua and Rehoboam and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Rehoboam, Sieges, Strategy in War and Sciences.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about cities?

The Bible addresses cities across 24 verses, drawn from the Old Testament. These passages cluster most in 2 Chronicles, Joshua and Genesis. Closely related themes include Rehoboam, Sieges, Strategy in War and Sciences. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Joshua and Rehoboam.

How many Bible verses are about cities?

The Bible references cities in 24 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention cities?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Genesis 10:10: “And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Babel: Gr. Babylon”

Which people in the Bible are associated with cities?

Joshua and Rehoboam.

Preach & teach

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