Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Tirzah is a significant location mentioned in the Old Testament, known for its beauty and historical importance in the narrative of the Israelites. It served as a royal city and played a crucial role during the period of the divided monarchy in 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. Historical Significance: Tirzah gained prominence as the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam I, the first king of the divided northern kingdom. It remained the capital until the reign of Omri, who moved the capital to Samaria (1 Kings 16:23-24). The city's selection as a capital underscores its strategic and possibly aesthetic appeal, as its name is often associated with beauty. Cultural and Symbolic Importance: The name Tirzah itself means "delight" or "pleasantness," which is reflected in its mention in the Song of Solomon. In Song of Solomon 6:4, the beloved is compared to Tirzah: "You are as beautiful as Tirzah, my darling, as lovely as Jerusalem, as majestic as troops with banners" . This comparison highlights the city's renown and the cultural perception of its beauty. Prophetic and Narrative Context: Tirzah is also mentioned in the context of the prophetic narratives. In 1 Kings 14:17, the city is the setting for the fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy against Jeroboam's house. Jeroboam's wife returns to Tirzah, and as she crosses the threshold of her home, her son dies, as foretold by the prophet. Archaeological Insights: While the exact location of ancient Tirzah is debated, it is generally identified with the site of Tell el-Far'ah (North) in the modern-day West Bank. Excavations have revealed significant remains that suggest a city of considerable size and fortification, consistent with its role as a royal city. Conclusion: Tirzah's role in the biblical narrative as a royal city, its mention in poetic literature, and its archaeological remains all contribute to its significance in understanding the history and culture of ancient Israel. Concordance Tir'i-a (1 Occurrence)1 Chronicles 4:16 Thesaurus Tir'ia (1 Occurrence)Tir'ia. Tiria, Tir'ia. Tirshatha . Multi-Version Concordance Tir'ia (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 4:16 And the sons of Jehallelel ... /t/tir'i-a.htm - 6k Tiria (1 Occurrence) Tirshatha (5 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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