Topical Bible: Tirzah: A City of Canaan: Beauty of

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Tirzah, a city of ancient Canaan, is noted for its beauty and significance in biblical history. The name "Tirzah" itself means "delight" or "pleasantness," reflecting its esteemed status. This city is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the conquest of Canaan, and it later became an important political and cultural center in the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Biblical References and Historical Context

Tirzah is first introduced in the Book of Joshua as one of the cities conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. In Joshua 12:24 , it is listed among the thirty-one kings defeated by the Israelites: "the king of Tirzah, one; in all, thirty-one kings." This indicates its prominence among the Canaanite city-states.

The city gained further prominence during the period of the divided monarchy. After the death of King Solomon, the kingdom of Israel split into two: the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Tirzah became the capital of the Northern Kingdom under King Jeroboam I. It remained the capital until the reign of Omri, who moved the capital to Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-24).

Symbol of Beauty

Tirzah's beauty is poetically celebrated in the Song of Solomon, where it is used as a metaphor for the beloved's attractiveness. In Song of Solomon 6:4 , the lover declares, "You are as beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, majestic as an army with banners." This comparison to both Tirzah and Jerusalem underscores the city's aesthetic and cultural allure, placing it alongside the revered city of Jerusalem.

Archaeological and Geographical Insights

The exact location of ancient Tirzah is debated among scholars, but it is generally identified with the archaeological site of Tell el-Far'ah (North), located in the Samaria region. Excavations have revealed significant remains, including fortifications and structures that suggest its importance as a fortified city and administrative center.

Cultural and Theological Significance

Tirzah's role as a capital city and its mention in the poetic literature of the Bible highlight its cultural and theological significance. As a capital, it was a center of political power and religious activity in the Northern Kingdom. Theologically, its beauty and prominence serve as a reminder of the blessings and responsibilities associated with leadership and governance in the biblical narrative.

In summary, Tirzah stands out in biblical history as a city of beauty and significance, both politically and poetically. Its legacy is preserved in the biblical text as a symbol of delight and splendor, reflecting the broader themes of beauty and divine favor in the Scriptures.

Nave's Topical Index

Songs 6:4
You are beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem, terrible as an army with banners.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... among them, and played an important part in the history of the conquest of Canaan. ...
turned out to be his youngest brother Othniel, who captured the city, and at ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... not only to capitals, like Jerusalem, Tirzah, and Samaria ... of Noah build a tower and
a city, He draws ... to confuse Jahveh with the idols of Canaan, and encouraged ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... with hands, eternal in the heavens, of that city whose builder ... she is said to be
beautiful as Tirzah, and to ... in the day that God gave the land of Canaan to his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm