Overview:
Tirzah is a significant city mentioned in the Old Testament, known for its beauty and strategic importance in ancient Israel. It served as a royal residence and played a crucial role in the history of the Northern Kingdom of Israel.

Biblical References:
Tirzah is first mentioned in the context of the conquest of Canaan. In Joshua 12:24, it is listed among the cities whose kings were defeated by Joshua: "the king of Tirzah, one; in all, thirty-one kings" . This indicates its early prominence as a city-state in the region.

Royal Residence:
Tirzah gained further prominence during the period of the divided monarchy. After the division of the united kingdom following Solomon's reign, Jeroboam I became the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Although Jeroboam initially established his capital at Shechem, the royal residence was later moved to Tirzah. This move is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text, but Tirzah's status as a royal city is evident during the reign of Jeroboam's successors.

In 1 Kings 14:17, the city is mentioned in the context of Jeroboam's family: "Then Jeroboam’s wife arose and departed, and she came to Tirzah. As she was crossing the threshold of the house, the child died" . This passage underscores Tirzah's role as a significant location for the royal family.

Significance in the Northern Kingdom:
Tirzah continued to serve as the capital of the Northern Kingdom until the reign of Omri. In 1 Kings 15:33, it is noted that Baasha, who reigned over Israel, made Tirzah his capital: "In the third year of Asa king of Judah, Baasha son of Ahijah became king over all Israel, and he reigned in Tirzah twenty-four years" . The city remained the center of political power until Omri's reign.

Relocation of the Capital:
The strategic importance of Tirzah eventually waned when Omri, seeking a more defensible and strategically advantageous location, moved the capital to Samaria. This move is recorded in 1 Kings 16:23-24: "In the thirty-first year of Asa’s reign over Judah, Omri became king of Israel, and he reigned twelve years, six of them in Tirzah. 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" . This relocation marked the end of Tirzah's status as the royal residence.

Cultural and Historical Context:
Tirzah's mention in the Song of Solomon 6:4 highlights its beauty: "You are as beautiful, my darling, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, majestic as an army with banners" . This poetic reference suggests that Tirzah was renowned not only for its political significance but also for its aesthetic appeal.

Archaeological Insights:
Modern archaeological efforts have sought to identify the location of ancient Tirzah. The site of Tell el-Far'ah (North) is often associated with Tirzah, where excavations have revealed remains that align with the city's historical timeline and significance.

Conclusion:
Tirzah's role as a royal city in the Northern Kingdom of Israel underscores its importance in biblical history. Its transition from a royal residence to a city of lesser prominence reflects the dynamic political landscape of ancient Israel.1 Kings 16:23,24
In the thirty and first year of Asa king of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, twelve years: six years reigned he in Tirzah.
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... incompatible in this statement with the royal dignity elsewhere ... part in the history
of the conquest of Canaan. ... 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 ... 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

Who/what was Tirzah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the daughters of Zelophehad? | GotQuestions.org

Who was King Omri in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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