Topical Bible: Tirzah: A City of Canaan: Base of Military Operations of Menahem

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Historical and Biblical Context:

Tirzah is a significant city mentioned in the Old Testament, located in the region of Canaan. It is first introduced in the Bible as a city conquered by Joshua during the Israelite conquest of Canaan. The city is noted for its beauty and strategic importance, which is reflected in its name, meaning "delight" or "pleasantness."

Biblical References:

Tirzah is mentioned in several passages throughout the Old Testament. In Joshua 12:24, it is listed among the thirty-one kings defeated by Joshua: "the king of Tirzah, one; in all, thirty-one kings" . This indicates its status as a significant city-state during the time of the conquest.

The city gains further prominence during the period of the divided monarchy. After the death of Solomon, the kingdom of Israel split into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Tirzah became an important city in the northern kingdom of Israel.

Base of Military Operations of Menahem:

Tirzah's strategic importance is highlighted during the reign of Menahem, one of the kings of Israel. Menahem, the son of Gadi, is noted for his violent rise to power. According to 2 Kings 15:14, Menahem launched his military operations from Tirzah: "Then Menahem son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, came to Samaria, and struck down Shallum son of Jabesh there. He killed him and reigned in his place" . This passage underscores Tirzah's role as a military base and a center of political maneuvering during this tumultuous period.

Cultural and Theological Significance:

Tirzah's mention in the Song of Solomon further emphasizes its cultural significance. In Song of Solomon 6:4, the city is used metaphorically to describe beauty: "You are as beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, as lovely as Jerusalem, as majestic as troops with banners" . This comparison highlights the city's renowned beauty and its esteemed place in the cultural consciousness of ancient Israel.

From a theological perspective, Tirzah serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and beauty. Despite its initial splendor and strategic importance, the city eventually fades from prominence, illustrating the biblical theme that human achievements are temporary compared to the eternal nature of God's kingdom.

Archaeological Insights:

Modern archaeological efforts have sought to identify the location of ancient Tirzah. While its exact site remains a subject of debate, some scholars suggest that it may be located at Tell el-Far'ah in the West Bank. Excavations in this area have uncovered remains that provide insights into the city's historical significance and its role during the biblical period.

In summary, Tirzah stands as a testament to the complex history of the ancient Near East, serving as a backdrop for significant biblical events and offering insights into the cultural and theological narratives of the Old Testament.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 15:14,16
For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and smote Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew him, and reigned in his stead.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... not only to capitals, like Jerusalem, Tirzah, and Samaria ... promised them that they
should occupy Canaan so long ... Bit-Zabdadani, the Bit-Ishtar, the city of Zakruti ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm