Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, city walls were a critical component of urban defense, serving as formidable barriers against invading forces. The concept of double walls, or dual layers of fortification, was employed by several cities to enhance their defensive capabilities. This architectural strategy is mentioned in various biblical contexts, reflecting the importance of security and protection in ancient city planning.Jericho: A Notable Example One of the most famous biblical examples of a city with formidable walls is Jericho. While the Bible does not explicitly describe Jericho's walls as double, archaeological evidence suggests that the city had a complex fortification system. The account of Jericho's conquest by the Israelites under Joshua highlights the significance of its walls. According to Joshua 6:20 , "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted, and when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it." This miraculous event underscores the divine intervention required to overcome such strong defenses. Babylon: The Double Walls Babylon is another city renowned for its impressive fortifications, including double walls. The prophet Jeremiah prophesied against Babylon, highlighting its seemingly impregnable defenses. In Jeremiah 51:58 , it is written, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'The broad walls of Babylon will be leveled, and her high gates will be set ablaze. The peoples will labor for nothing; the nations will exhaust themselves only to fuel the flames.'" The double walls of Babylon were part of a sophisticated defense system that included a moat and multiple layers of walls, yet they were ultimately no match for God's judgment. Nineveh: A City of Strength Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire, also boasted formidable walls. The prophet Nahum speaks of Nineveh's defenses in Nahum 3:12 , "All your fortresses are fig trees with the first ripe figs; when shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater." Although the text does not specify double walls, the imagery conveys the city's perceived strength and the ease with which it would fall under divine judgment. Nineveh's walls were part of a larger system of fortifications that included a series of gates and towers, designed to protect the city from external threats. Jerusalem: Fortified for Protection Jerusalem, the city of David, also had significant fortifications. While the Bible does not explicitly mention double walls in Jerusalem, the city's defenses were continually strengthened throughout its history. King Hezekiah, for instance, took measures to fortify Jerusalem against the Assyrian threat. In 2 Chronicles 32:5 , it is recorded, "Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He built another wall outside that one and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he also made large numbers of weapons and shields." This passage suggests a layered approach to defense, akin to the concept of double walls. Symbolism and Spiritual Implications In biblical literature, walls often symbolize protection, security, and divine provision. The presence of double walls in certain cities underscores the human desire for safety and the lengths to which people would go to secure their communities. However, the biblical narrative frequently emphasizes that true security comes from reliance on God rather than human fortifications. As Psalm 127:1 states, "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." The concept of double walls in the Bible serves as a reminder of the balance between human effort and divine sovereignty, illustrating that while physical defenses are important, ultimate protection is found in the Lord. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 25:4And the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king's garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 22:11 Library Some Miscellaneous Matters Respecting the Face of the Land. How Moses Conquered Sihon and Og Kings of the Amorites, and ... A Call to Prayer and Testimony The Song of a City, and the Pearl of Peace A Prince's Bride The Swift Destroyer The Second Part. The Mystery How Herod Rebuilt the Temple and Raised it Higher and Made it More ... Port of Spain Resources Where was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org Who was Artaxerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics of the Cities Walls of Babylon of the Cities Walls of Bashan, Destroyed by the Israelites of the Cities Walls of Beth-Shan of the Cities Walls of Jericho of the Cities Walls of the New Jerusalem of the Cities Walls: Houses Built Upon Walls of Cities were Battered by Besieging Armies Walls of Cities were Broad and Places of Public Resort Walls of Cities were Strongly Manned in War Walls of Cities: Adroitness of Soldiers in Scaling Alluded To Walls of Cities: Custom of Dedicating Walls of Cities: Danger of Approaching Too Near To, in Time of War Walls of Cities: Destruction of, a Punishment and Cause of Grief Walls of Cities: Frequently Laid in Ruins Walls of Cities: had Towers Built on Them Walls of Cities: Houses often Built On Walls of Cities: Houses Sometimes Broken Down to Repair, and Fortify Walls of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed On Walls of Cities: Kept by Watchmen Night and Day Walls of Cities: Often Very High Walls of Cities: Persons Let Down From Walls of Cities: Sometimes Burned Walls of Cities: Strongly Fortified Walls of Cities: The Bodies of Enemies Sometimes Fastened On, As a Disgrace Walls of Cities: The Falling of, Sometimes Occasioned Great Destruction Walls of Houses: Could be Easily Dug Through Walls of Houses: had Nails or Pegs Fastened Into Them when Built Walls of Houses: Liable to Leprosy Walls of Houses: Often Infested With Serpents Walls of Houses: The Seat Next, Was the Place of Distinction Walls of Houses: Usually Plastered Walls of Ordinances As a Protection to the Church Walls of the Church As a Protection to the Nation Walls of the Protection of God Walls of the Wealth of the Rich in his own Conceit Walls of Those Who Afford Protection Walls were Probably often Strengthened With Plates of Iron or Brass Walls: (Bowing or Tottering) of the Wicked Under Judgments Walls: (Brazen) of Prophets in Their Testimony Against the Wicked Walls: (Daubed With Untempered Mortar) of the Teaching of False Walls: (Of Partition) Separation of Jews and Gentiles Walls: Designed for Separation Walls: Frequently Made of Stone and Wood Together Walls: Hyssop Frequently Grew On Walls: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Walls: Miracles Connected With: Handwriting on the Wall of Belshazzar's Palace Walls: Small Towns and Villages Were not Surrounded By Related Terms Mother-of-pearl (1 Occurrence) Cause-of-fear-on-every-side (1 Occurrence) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) |
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