Topical Encyclopedia Rabbah, also known as Rabbath-Ammon, was the capital city of the Ammonites, an ancient people frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. The city is located in the modern-day region of Amman, Jordan. The walls of Rabbah are significant in biblical history, particularly in the context of King David's military campaigns.Biblical References: The most notable biblical account involving the walls of Rabbah is found in 2 Samuel 11-12. During the spring, the time when kings typically went to war, King David sent Joab and his army to besiege Rabbah. The narrative is intertwined with the account of David and Bathsheba, as David remained in Jerusalem while his forces were engaged in battle. Eventually, Joab captured the water supply of the city, a strategic move that led to the fall of Rabbah. Joab then sent messengers to David, urging him to come and claim the victory himself to avoid the city being named after Joab. David complied, and the city was taken. 2 Samuel 12:26-28 states: "Meanwhile, Joab fought against Rabbah of the Ammonites and captured the royal fortress. Then Joab sent messengers to David to say, 'I have fought against Rabbah and have captured the water supply of the city. Now, therefore, assemble the rest of the troops, besiege the city, and capture it. Otherwise, I will take the city myself, and it will be named after me.'" The capture of Rabbah marked a significant victory for Israel, as it demonstrated the military prowess of David's forces and expanded Israel's influence over the region. The walls of Rabbah, therefore, symbolize both the strength of the Ammonite defenses and the might of Israel under David's leadership. Historical and Archaeological Context: Rabbah's fortifications were typical of ancient Near Eastern cities, designed to protect against invasions and sieges. The walls would have been constructed from stone and mudbrick, with towers and gates providing additional defense. Archaeological excavations in the area have uncovered remnants of these ancient structures, offering insights into the city's layout and defensive capabilities. The strategic importance of Rabbah is underscored by its location along major trade routes and its access to water resources, which were crucial for sustaining a large population and withstanding prolonged sieges. The capture of the city's water supply by Joab was a decisive factor in the fall of Rabbah, highlighting the tactical considerations of ancient warfare. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the account of Rabbah's capture illustrates themes of divine providence and judgment. The victory over the Ammonites is seen as part of God's plan to establish Israel as a dominant power in the region. However, the narrative also serves as a backdrop to David's moral failings, particularly his sin with Bathsheba and the subsequent consequences. The juxtaposition of military success and personal failure offers a profound reflection on the complexities of leadership and the need for righteousness. In summary, the walls of Rabbah represent both a historical and theological landmark within the biblical narrative, serving as a testament to the military achievements of King David and the enduring lessons of faith and morality. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 11:20And if so be that the king's wrath arise, and he say to you, Why approached you so near to the city when you did fight? knew you not that they would shoot from the wall? Nave's Topical Index Library Appendices The Prophet Amos. 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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