Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

TOWN

A relatively small settlement, presumably larger than the village but smaller than the city. Although towns are occasionally distinguished from villages (Josh. 15:45; Matt. 10:11; Luke 13:22; cf. 8:1; Matt. 9:35), precise classification is made difficult because of the town’s designation by the same terms elsewhere used for “village” or “city” (e.g., Heb. ʿîr, Judg. 17:8; Gk. pólis, Luke 2:4; kṓmē, John 7:42). In some cases the term may simply indicate a settlement of any size (cf. Matt. 10:5).

Archaeological evidence suggests that the early Israelites were heavily concentrated in towns throughout the central Palestinian hill country. Unlike villages, towns might be fortified, usually by ramparts or walls with gates and occasionally a moat (1 Sam. 23:7; Prov. 8:3; cf. Tell el-ʿUmeiri). Towns were administered by elders; larger settlements also controlled the economic affairs of surrounding hinterland tribes. Even during the Early Iron Age (12th-10th centuries b.c.e.) the inhabitants remained primarily transhumants. When dependent on larger fortified cities, towns are referred to by the kinship term Heb. baṯ, “daughter” (e.g., Josh. 15:45, 47; NRSV “dependencies”; 1 Chr. 2:49; 7:28), which may also reflect the social and political history of their relationships.

Allen C. Myers

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

TOWN

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)