Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Pentapolis" refers to a group of five cities, most notably mentioned in the context of the ancient Near East. In the biblical narrative, the most prominent Pentapolis is the cluster of cities located in the region of the Jordan Valley, which includes Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar (also known as Bela). These cities are primarily noted for their association with sin and divine judgment, as recorded in the Book of Genesis.
Biblical References and Historical ContextThe Pentapolis is first introduced in
Genesis 10:19, which delineates the borders of Canaan, mentioning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The narrative of these cities is further expanded in
Genesis 13:10-13, where Lot, Abraham's nephew, chooses to settle in the well-watered plains of the Jordan, near Sodom, despite the city's notorious wickedness: "Now the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD" (
Genesis 13:13).
The most significant biblical account involving the Pentapolis is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as described in
Genesis 18-19. The LORD reveals to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against these cities due to their grievous sin. Abraham intercedes for the cities, but ultimately, only Lot and his family are spared from the impending judgment.
Genesis 19:24-25 recounts the divine retribution: "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and the vegetation of the ground" .
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a powerful symbol of God's judgment against sin and is referenced throughout Scripture as a warning to future generations. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to these cities in
Matthew 10:15 and
Luke 17:28-30, emphasizing the severity of their judgment as a cautionary example.
Archaeological and Geographical ConsiderationsThe exact locations of the cities of the Pentapolis have been the subject of much scholarly debate and archaeological investigation. The traditional site for Sodom and Gomorrah is near the southern end of the Dead Sea, where evidence of ancient settlements and destruction layers have been discovered. Some archaeologists propose that the cities were located on the eastern side of the Jordan River, while others suggest they were submerged under the waters of the Dead Sea.
Theological SignificanceThe narrative of the Pentapolis, particularly the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, holds significant theological implications. It underscores the themes of divine justice, mercy, and the consequences of sin. The account illustrates God's willingness to spare the righteous, as seen in His deliverance of Lot, while simultaneously affirming His holiness and intolerance of wickedness.
The Pentapolis also serves as a typological foreshadowing of future divine judgment, as seen in the prophetic literature and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. The apostle Peter, in
2 Peter 2:6, highlights the destruction of these cities as an example of what is to come for the ungodly: "He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly" .
In summary, the Pentapolis, particularly through the lens of Sodom and Gomorrah, remains a poignant reminder of the biblical principles of righteousness, judgment, and redemption.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Pentapolisfive cities
Library
Let the Ancient Customs in Egypt, Libya andPentapolis Prevail...
... Canon VI. Let the ancient customs in Egypt, Libya andPentapolis prevail?... The Bishop
of Alexandria shall have jurisdiction over Egypt, Libya, andPentapolis....
Of the Same to the Bishops of Libya andPentapolis.
... Of the Same to the Bishops of Libya andPentapolis. There is another Epistle of
the same father, complaining to the bishops of Libya andPentapolis....
The Epistles of Dionysius.
... 3. Moreover, in a letter to Basilides, [2372] bishop of the parishes inPentapolis,
he says that he had written an exposition of the beginning of Ecclesiastes....
The Heresy of Sabellius.
... "For concerning the doctrine now agitated in Ptolemais ofPentapolis,"which is impious
and marked by great blasphemy against the Almighty God, the Father...
Index.
... of Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria, which he sent year by year, to the several
cities and all the provinces subject to him; that is, fromPentapolis, and on...
Introduction to the De Sententia Dionysii.
... The Arians found material for their appeal to the latter in a letter addressed by
him to certain bishops inPentapolis, called Ammon and Euphranor....
part viii.
... Accordingly, being now emboldened in an extreme degree, that most abandoned Secundus
[1726] ofPentapolis, and Stephanus [1727] his accomplice, conscious that...
Introductory Notice to Peter, Bishop of Alexandria.
... the school of Antioch (circa ad350), I have regarded the whole Orient as dominated
and formed by the brain of the grand metropolis of Egypt and thePentapolis....
Epistle vi. --To Sixtus, Bishop.
... 3. For since of the doctrine, which lately has been set on foot at Ptolemais, a
city ofPentapolis, impious and full of blasphemy against Almighty God and the...
Christos Ho Logos Me Theoi Sarkoumenos.
... a close rendering of a hymn to Christ The Word, taken from a collection of hymns
to The Three One God, by Bishop Nektarios, Metropolitan ofPentapolis (vide [80...
Resources
Does God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the strange flesh in Jude 1:7? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were the Dark Ages? | GotQuestions.orgCities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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