### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word **qiryâʼ**, represented by `{{H7149}}`, refers to a **city**. It appears 9 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible, with all occurrences found in the book of Ezra. The term is used to denote a populated center, particularly in a context of political and administrative conflict surrounding its construction and historical reputation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7149}}` is used exclusively in Ezra chapter 4 to refer to Jerusalem during the period of its rebuilding. Opponents of the Jews write to the king, describing Jerusalem as a "rebellious and the bad **city**" [[Ezra 4:12]]. This characterization is reinforced by searching historical records, which reportedly show the **city** has a past of being rebellious and hurtful to kings and provinces [[Ezra 4:15]]. The rebuilding of this **city** is presented as a direct threat to the king's power, with the warning that if it is completed, its inhabitants will no longer pay "toll, tribute, and custom" [[Ezra 4:13]]. The conflict culminates in a royal decree to halt construction, ordering that "this **city** be not builded" [[Ezra 4:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Aramaic words clarify the context surrounding **qiryâʼ**:
* `{{H1124}}` **bᵉnâʼ** (to build): This action is the source of the entire conflict. The primary accusation is that the Jews are **building** a rebellious city and its walls [[Ezra 4:12]].
* `{{H4779}}` **mârâd** (rebellious): This adjective is consistently used to define the nature of the **city** and justify stopping its reconstruction. The official record is consulted to confirm that it is a **rebellious** city [[Ezra 4:15]].
* `{{H7792}}` **shûwr** (wall): The construction of the city's **walls** is a key point of contention, as their completion would signify renewed strength and autonomy [[Ezra 4:16]].
* `{{H4430}}` **melek** (king): The entire discussion about the **city** is addressed to the **king**, highlighting the political and royal implications of its existence [[Ezra 4:19]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7149}}` in its scriptural context is primarily political and historical rather than theological.
* **A Symbol of Rebellion:** The **city** is not just a location but a symbol of past and potential insurrection. Its identity is defined by its historical reputation for making "insurrection against kings" [[Ezra 4:19]].
* **An Economic Asset:** A loyal **city** is a source of revenue for the empire. The argument against rebuilding Jerusalem is framed economically, warning that the king will lose a "portion on this side the river" if the **city** is completed [[Ezra 4:16]].
* **A Test of Authority:** The power to permit or halt the construction of the **city** is an exercise of ultimate imperial authority. The narrative revolves around petitions to the king and his subsequent commands regarding the city's fate [[Ezra 4:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7149}}` is a narrowly used but potent term. While simply meaning **city**, its appearances in Ezra cast it as the focal point of a struggle for autonomy, identity, and control. It illustrates how a physical place can embody a people's aspirations and represent a direct challenge to the authority of an empire, with its very walls and foundations becoming matters of royal concern and historical judgment.
TRV