Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the New Jerusalem, as described in the Book of Revelation, represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people. The city's walls are a significant feature, symbolizing protection, divine order, and the glory of God.Biblical Description: The New Jerusalem is vividly described in Revelation 21. The Apostle John, in his vision, sees the holy city descending from heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (Revelation 21:2). The walls of the city are described in detail, emphasizing their grandeur and divine craftsmanship. Revelation 21:12-14 states: "The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb." Symbolism and Significance: 1. Protection and Security: The high walls symbolize the ultimate security and protection provided by God. In ancient times, city walls were essential for defense against enemies. In the New Jerusalem, the walls signify that nothing impure or harmful can enter, as stated in Revelation 21:27 : "But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." 2. Divine Order and Perfection: The structure of the walls, with twelve gates and twelve foundations, reflects divine order and completeness. The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often representing God's authority and governmental perfection. The gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and the foundations with the names of the twelve apostles signify the unity and continuity of God's covenant people, both Old and New Testament believers. 3. Glory and Beauty: The materials used for the construction of the walls further emphasize the city's splendor. Revelation 21:18-21 describes the wall as being made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls are adorned with every kind of precious stone, showcasing the beauty and glory of God's eternal kingdom. 4. Access and Invitation: The twelve gates, each attended by an angel, signify access and invitation to all who are redeemed. The gates being open in all directions (east, north, south, and west) symbolize the universal call to salvation and the gathering of God's people from every corner of the earth. Theological Implications: The walls of the New Jerusalem are not merely architectural features but carry profound theological implications. They represent the fulfillment of God's promises, the establishment of His eternal kingdom, and the ultimate reconciliation of humanity with the divine. The imagery of the walls serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness, the hope of eternal life, and the assurance of His presence among His people. In summary, the walls of the New Jerusalem encapsulate the themes of divine protection, order, beauty, and inclusivity, reflecting the consummation of God's redemptive plan for creation. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 21:12,14,17-21And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: Nave's Topical Index Library The Song of Two Cities I Saw the City Six Cities Swedenborgians, Or, the New Jerusalem Church. The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: He Contends that These Testimonies Already Alleged Cannot be ... The Gospel Refuge. In the Sunless Crypt The People of the New Earth Concerning Silas and on what Account it was that King Agrippa was ... Resources Why was it important to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from the walls of Jericho falling down? | GotQuestions.org What will be the purpose of the walls around the New Jerusalem? | 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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