Bible Dictionary
Tirza
Tirza was an ancient city in Canaan and later the early royal residence of the northern kingdom of Israel before Samaria became the capital. Tirza was also the name of a daughter of Zelophehad.
Definition
Tirza was an ancient Canaanite city that became a royal residence and early capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Tirza was also the youngest daughter of Zelophehad.
Biblical Usage
The city was conquered by Joshua, served as the residence of several northern kings, and was associated with events involving Jeroboam, Zimri, and Menahem. Solomon compared its beauty with Jerusalem. The woman Tirza appears in the inheritance records.
Historical Background
Tirza preceded Samaria as the capital of Israel. Its location has been disputed, with Telluza, Teiasir, and other sites proposed.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Pleasantness. (1.) An old royal city of the Canaanites, which was destroyed by Joshua (Josh. 12:24). Jeroboam chose it for his residence, and he removed to it from Shechem, which at first he made the capital of his kingdom. It remained the chief residence of the kings of Israel till Omri took Samaria (1 Kings 14:17; 15:21; 16:6, 8, etc.). Here Zimri perished amid the flames of the palace to which in his despair he had set fire (1 Kings 16:18), and here Menahem smote Shallum (2 Kings 15:14, 16). Solomon refers to its beauty (Cant. 6:4). It has been identified with the modern mud hamlet Teiasir, 11 miles north of Shechem. Others, however, would identify it with Telluza, a village about 6 miles east of Samaria. (2.) The youngest of Zelophehad’s five daughters (Num. 26:33; Josh. 17:3).