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
Genesis
And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Babel: Gr. Babylon
Out of that land went forth Asshur, and builded Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, went: or, he went out into Assyria the city: or, the streets of the city
And Resen between Nineveh and Calah: the same is a great city.
Numbers
And the cities shall they have to dwell in; and the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and for their goods, and for all their beasts.
And the suburbs of the cities, which ye shall give unto the Levites, shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits round about.
And ye shall measure from without the city on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the south side two thousand cubits, and on the west side two thousand cubits, and on the north side two thousand cubits; and the city shall be in the midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.
Joshua
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.
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:
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,
(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
Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and seize upon the city: for the LORD your God will deliver it into your hand.
2 Chronicles
And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and built cities for defence in Judah.
He built even Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,
And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam,
And Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,
And Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah,
And Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin fenced cities.
And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine.
And in every several city he put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side.
Nehemiah
Jeremiah
Why do we sit still? assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the defenced cities, and let us be silent there: for the LORD our God hath put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the LORD. gall: or, poison
We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health, and behold trouble!
The snorting of his horses was heard from Dan: the whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of his strong ones; for they are come, and have devoured the land, and all that is in it; the city, and those that dwell therein. all: Heb. the fulness thereof
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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