Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, fortified cities played a crucial role in the defense and survival of nations and peoples. The Bible frequently references such cities, highlighting their strategic importance, architectural features, and symbolic significance.Definition and Purpose Fortified cities were urban centers surrounded by walls and other defensive structures designed to protect inhabitants from enemy attacks. These fortifications often included thick walls, towers, gates, and sometimes moats. The primary purpose of these cities was to provide security and a refuge during times of war or invasion. Biblical Examples 1. Jericho: One of the earliest and most famous fortified cities mentioned in the Bible is Jericho. Known for its formidable walls, Jericho was the first city conquered by the Israelites under Joshua's leadership. The miraculous fall of its walls is recorded in Joshua 6:20: "When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city." 2. Jerusalem: As the capital of Israel, Jerusalem was heavily fortified and became a symbol of divine protection and presence. King David captured the city, and his son Solomon expanded its fortifications. Nehemiah later rebuilt its walls after the Babylonian exile, as described in Nehemiah 6:15-16: "So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God." 3. Lachish: Another significant fortified city was Lachish, which served as a military and administrative center in the Kingdom of Judah. The Assyrian king Sennacherib famously besieged and captured Lachish, an event depicted in both biblical and archaeological records (2 Kings 18:13-14). 4. Samaria: The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria was a well-fortified city that withstood several sieges. Its fall to the Assyrians in 722 BC marked the end of the Northern Kingdom, as recorded in 2 Kings 17:5-6. Symbolic Significance Fortified cities in the Bible often symbolize strength, security, and divine protection. They serve as metaphors for God's protection over His people. For instance, Proverbs 18:10 states, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." This imagery underscores the belief that true security comes from reliance on God rather than human fortifications. Architectural Features The construction of fortified cities involved advanced engineering and architectural techniques. Walls were typically made of stone or mud-brick and could be several feet thick. Towers provided vantage points for defense and surveillance, while gates controlled access and were often the most vulnerable points of entry. The Bible describes various construction methods and materials, reflecting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient builders. Historical Context The prevalence of fortified cities in biblical times reflects the constant threat of warfare and the need for protection against hostile forces. These cities were often located on strategic trade routes or elevated positions, enhancing their defensive capabilities. The fortifications not only served military purposes but also facilitated trade, governance, and religious activities within their walls. Conclusion Fortified cities in the Bible illustrate the interplay between human effort and divine intervention. While they represent human attempts to secure safety and stability, the biblical narrative consistently emphasizes that ultimate security is found in God alone. Through the accounts of these cities, the Bible teaches lessons about faith, reliance on God, and the transient nature of human power. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 32:36And Bethnimrah, and Bethharan, fenced cities: and folds for sheep. Nave's Topical Index Deuteronomy 9:1 Joshua 10:20 Joshua 14:12 2 Chronicles 8:5 2 Chronicles 11:10-12 2 Chronicles 17:2,19 2 Chronicles 21:3 Isaiah 23:11 Strong's Hebrew 4013. mibtsar -- fortification... Word Origin from batsar Definition fortification NASB Word Usage besieged (1), fortifications (5), fortified (17), fortified cities (1), fortified city (1 ... /hebrew/4013.htm - 6k Library How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ... Tiberias. Visit to Cities in the North-West and to Kumaon --Visit to England ... But when I had Dismissed My Fellow Legates... Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ... Six Cities The Rending of the Kingdom The Surrender of Gischala; While John Flies Away from it to ... How Jonathan Took the Government after his Brother Judas; And Jehoshaphat Resources Does God killing people make Him a murderer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the strange flesh in Jude 1:7? | GotQuestions.org What were the Dark Ages? | GotQuestions.org Cities: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Cities of Refuge of the Hope of the Gospel Cities of Refuge: (The Way To) Christ Cities of Refuge: Afforded No Asylum to Murderers Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Easy of Access Cities of Refuge: Required to Be: Open to all Manslayers Cities of Refuge: Strangers Might Take Advantage of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to not Protected Outside of Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Obliged to Remain In, Until the High Priest's Death Cities of Refuge: Those Admitted to Were Put on Their Trial Cities were Called For: The Country in Which Built Cities were Called For: The Family of the Founder Cities were Called For: The Proprietor of the Land Cities were Frequently: Besieged Cities were Frequently: Burned Cities were Frequently: Depopulated Cities were Frequently: Made Heaps of Ruins Cities were Frequently: Pillaged Cities were Frequently: Razed and Sown With Salt Cities were Frequently: Stormed Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Famine Cities were Frequently: Wasted by Pestilence Cities: A Great Defence to a Country Cities: Afforded Refuge in Times of Danger Cities: Arranged in Streets and Lanes Cities: Artificial Mode of Supplying Water To Cities: Built in Desert Places Cities: Built in Pleasant Situations Cities: Built of Brick and Mortar Cities: Built of Brick and Slime Cities: Built of Stone and Wood Cities: Built with Compactness Cities: Built: Often of a Square Form Cities: Built: On Solid Foundations Cities: Designated as Merchant Cities: Designated as Treasure Cities: Designed for Habitations Cities: Different Kinds of Chariot Cities: Different Kinds of Commercial Cities: Different Kinds of Fenced Cities: Different Kinds of Levitical Cities: Different Kinds of Refuge Cities: Different Kinds of Royal Cities: Different Kinds of Store Cities: Different Kinds of Treasure Cities: Difficulty of Taking, Alluded To Cities: Government of, by Rulers Cities: Inhabitants of, Called Citizens Cities: Often Built to Perpetuate a Name Cities: Often Deserted on the Approach of an Enemy Cities: Often Fortified by Art Cities: Often Fortified by Nature Cities: Often Founded and Enlarged by Blood and Rapine Cities: Often Great and Goodly Cities: Often of Great Antiquity Cities: Prosperity of, Increased by Commerce Cities: Protected at Night by Watchmen Related Terms Chariot-cities (3 Occurrences) Treasure-cities (1 Occurrence) Kiriath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) |
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