Topical Bible: Towers

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, towers were significant architectural structures that served various purposes, including defense, watchfulness, and symbolism. They are mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, reflecting their importance in ancient society.

1. Defensive Structures:

Towers were often part of city fortifications, providing a vantage point for watchmen to observe approaching enemies and to defend the city. In the Book of Judges, the tower of Shechem is mentioned as a place of refuge: "Abimelech went to the tower and fought against it, and he approached the entrance of the tower to burn it with fire" (Judges 9:52). Similarly, the tower of Thebez was a defensive structure where the inhabitants sought protection (Judges 9:51).

2. Watchtowers:

Watchtowers were erected in vineyards and fields to guard against thieves and wild animals. Isaiah 5:2 describes a vineyard with a watchtower: "He dug it up, cleared the stones, and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle of it and dug out a winepress as well." These towers were essential for ensuring the safety and productivity of agricultural endeavors.

3. Symbolic Significance:

Towers also held symbolic meaning in the Bible. The Tower of Babel is a notable example, representing human pride and the desire to reach the heavens. Genesis 11:4 recounts, "And they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of all the earth.'" This narrative illustrates the consequences of human arrogance and the divine intervention that led to the dispersion of languages.

4. Towers in Prophecy and Parables:

Prophetic literature and parables sometimes use towers metaphorically. In Isaiah 2:15, towers are mentioned in the context of human pride and the day of the Lord: "Against every high tower, against every fortified wall." Jesus also used the imagery of a tower in His teachings. In Luke 14:28-30, He speaks of counting the cost of discipleship: "Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it?"

5. Towers as Symbols of Strength and Refuge:

In the Psalms, towers are often used metaphorically to describe God's protection and strength. Psalm 61:3 declares, "For You have been my refuge, a tower of strength against the enemy." This imagery conveys the security and safety found in God's presence, likening Him to a strong and unassailable tower.

6. Historical and Archaeological Context:

Archaeological findings have uncovered numerous ancient towers, confirming their widespread use in biblical times. These structures varied in size and design, often constructed with stone or mud bricks. They were strategically placed in cities, along walls, and in rural areas to serve their intended purposes.

In summary, towers in the Bible are multifaceted structures that served practical, symbolic, and spiritual roles. They were integral to the defense and surveillance of cities, represented human ambition and pride, and symbolized divine protection and strength.

Topical Bible Verses

Revelation 18:10
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is your judgment come.
Topicalbible.org

ATS Bible Dictionary

Towers

Were erected not only in the outer walls and on the heights within cities, Jud 9:47-49 Psalm 48:12 Luke 13:4, but along the frontiers of a country, at points where the approach of an enemy could be descried at a distance, Jud 9:17 Isaiah 21:6-9 Ezekiel 33:2-6. A tower afforded a refuge to the surrounding inhabitants, in case of invasion; and often, when most of a city was subdued, the tower or citadel remained impregnable.

So God is a strong and safe protector of his people, Psalm 18:2 61:8 Proverbs 18:10. A slight tower or look-out was often erected for the keeper of a vineyard or flock, 2 Chronicles 26:10 Isaiah 5:2 Micah 4:8 Matthew 21:33; and travelers in Palestine see them in use at this day.

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Of Babel (Genesis 11:4), Edar (Genesis 35:21), Penuel (Judges 8:9, 17), Shechem (9:46), David (Cant. 4:4), Lebanon (7:4), Syene (Ezek. 29:10), Hananeel (Zechariah 14:10), Siloam (Luke 13:4). There were several towers in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 26:9; Psalm 48:12). They were erected for various purposes, as watch-towers in vineyard (Isaiah 5:2; Matthew 21:33) and towers for defence.

Strong's Hebrew

759. armon -- a citadel
... of uncertain derivation Definition a citadel NASB Word Usage castle (1), citadel
(2), citadels (13), fortified buildings (1), fortified towers (1), palace (3 ...
/hebrew/759.htm - 6k

969a. bachun -- a tower
... a tower. Transliteration: bachun Short Definition: towers. Word Origin from bachan
Definition a tower NASB Word Usage siege towers (1). 969, 969a. ...
/hebrew/969a.htm - 5k

4694. metsurah -- siegeworks, rampart
... Word Origin from tsur Definition siegeworks, rampart NASB Word Usage battle
towers (1), fortified (5), fortress (1), fortresses (1). ...
/hebrew/4694.htm - 6k

6438. pinnah -- a corner
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a corner NASB Word Usage chiefs
(2), corner (16), corner towers (2), corners (7), cornerstone (3), cornerstone ...
/hebrew/6438.htm - 6k

4026. migdal -- a tower
... Word Origin from gadal Definition a tower NASB Word Usage banks (1), podium (1),
Tower (8), tower (23), towers (14), watchtower (2). castle, flower, tower. ...
/hebrew/4026.htm - 6k

5375. nasa -- to lift, carry, take
... 1), support (1), supported (1), sustain (2), swore* (12), sworn* (2), take (49),
take away (1), taken (7), takes (3), took (37), towers (1), transporters* (1 ...
/hebrew/5375.htm - 8k

Library

How one of the Towers Erected by the Romans Fell Down of Its Own ...
... CHAPTER 7. How One Of The Towers Erected By The Romans Fell Down Of Its Own Accord;
And How The Romans After Great Slaughter Had Been Made Got Possession Of ...
/.../chapter 7 how one of.htm

How the Entire City of Jerusalem was Demolished, Excepting Three ...
... CHAPTER 1. How The Entire City Of Jerusalem Was Demolished, Excepting Three Towers;
And How Titus Commended His Soldiers In A Speech Made To Them, And ...
/.../chapter 1 how the entire.htm

I am a Wall, and My Breasts Like Towers; Then was I in his Eyes as ...
... CHAPTER VIII. 10. I am a wall, and my breasts like towers; then was I in
his eyes as one that found favor. The Spouse, in ecstasies ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/10 i am a wall.htm

The Description of Jerusalem.
... hindering the security that arose from its superior elevation; for which reason
also that depth of the ditch made the elevation of the towers more remarkable. ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm

How Caesar Raised Banks Round About the Upper City [Mount Zion] ...
... Now as soon as a part of the wall was battered down, and certain of the towers yielded
to the impression of the battering rams, those that opposed themselves ...
/.../chapter 8 how caesar raised.htm

The Early Life of St. Joseph
... A broad gallery ran round the upper part of the house, with little towers at each
of its four corners, like short, thick pillars, ending in big balls or domes ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/v the early life of.htm

The Buildings of More Eminent Note in Sion.
... He saith plainly, that the towers built by Herod,"the Psephin tower,
the Hippic tower, &c."were on the north. "Titus (saith ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 23 the buildings of.htm

How Pompey had the City of Jerusalem Delivered up to Him but Took ...
... But as soon as Pompey had filled up the valley, he erected high towers upon the
bank, and brought those engines which they had fetched from Tyre near to the ...
/.../chapter 7 how pompey had.htm

What Injunctions Caesar Gave when He was Come Within the City. The ...
... 1. Now when Titus was come into this [upper] city, he admired not only some other
places of strength in it, but particularly those strong towers which the ...
/.../chapter 9 what injunctions caesar.htm

The Young Titus
... rod of the slowly rising ground he traversed; rod after rod of the tall fortification
passed under his inspection, and now the twin Women's Towers rose upon ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter ix the young titus.htm

Thesaurus

Towers (38 Occurrences)
... 29:10), Hananeel (Zechariah 14:10), Siloam (Luke 13:4). There were several towers
in Jerusalem (2 Chronicles 26:9; Psalm 48:12). ...Towers (38 Occurrences). ...
/t/towers.htm - 18k

Watch-towers (1 Occurrence)
Watch-towers. Watchtowers, Watch-towers. Water . Multi-Version
Concordance Watch-towers (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 23:13 ...
/w/watch-towers.htm - 6k

Siege-towers (1 Occurrence)
Siege-towers. Siegetowers, Siege-towers. Siegeworks . Multi-Version
Concordance Siege-towers (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel ...
/s/siege-towers.htm - 6k

Palaces (37 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 27:4 and cities he hath built in the hill-country of Judah, and in
the forests he hath built palaces and towers. (YLT). ... They set up their towers. ...
/p/palaces.htm - 17k

Fortification (5 Occurrences)
... for-ti-fi-ka'-shun (including): I. IN RECENT EXCAVATIONS 1. Excavation of Tells
2. Sites 3. Primitive Character 4. Walls 5. Towers 6. Acropolis or Castle 7 ...
/f/fortification.htm - 40k

Fort (8 Occurrences)
... for-ti-fi-ka'-shun (including): I. IN RECENT EXCAVATIONS 1. Excavation of Tells
2. Sites 3. Primitive Character 4. Walls 5. Towers 6. Acropolis or Castle 7 ...
/f/fort.htm - 41k

Cities (427 Occurrences)
... for-ti-fi-ka'-shun (including): I. IN RECENT EXCAVATIONS 1. Excavation of Tells
2. Sites 3. Primitive Character 4. Walls 5. Towers 6. Acropolis or Castle 7 ...
/c/cities.htm - 91k

Uzzi'ah (26 Occurrences)
... the king's treasuries was Azmaveth the son of Adiel; and over the treasuries in
the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan ...
/u/uzzi'ah.htm - 13k

Gammadim (1 Occurrence)
... valorous men;" others interpret this word as meaning "short-swordsmen," or "daring
ones", the name of a class of men who were defenders of the towers of Tyre. ...
/g/gammadim.htm - 7k

Watchtowers (1 Occurrence)
... the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the treasures in the
fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan ...
/w/watchtowers.htm - 6k

Resources

What is the Shemitah? | GotQuestions.org

What is a bulwark in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is gaslighting? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Towers (38 Occurrences)

2 Corinthians 10:5
For we overthrow arrogant 'reckonings,' and every stronghold that towers high in defiance of the knowledge of God, and we carry off every thought as if into slavery--into subjection to Christ;
(WEY)

Genesis 25:16
these are sons of Ishmael, and these their names, by their villages, and by their towers; twelve princes according to their peoples.
(YLT)

Numbers 31:10
and all their cities, with their habitations, and all their towers, they have burnt with fire.
(YLT)

1 Chronicles 6:54
And these 'are' their dwellings, throughout their towers, in their borders, of the sons of Aaron, of the family of the Kohathite, for theirs was the lot;
(YLT)

1 Chronicles 27:25
Over the king's treasures was Azmaveth the son of Adiel: and over the treasures in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan the son of Uzziah:
(WEB JPS DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 14:7
For he said to Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars; the land is yet before us, because we have sought Yahweh our God; we have sought him, and he has given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 17:12
Jehoshaphat became greater and greater, and made strong towers and store-towns in Judah.
(BBE)

2 Chronicles 26:9
Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 27:4
Moreover he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and towers.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 32:5
He took courage, and built up all the wall that was broken down, and raised it up to the towers, and the other wall outside, and strengthened Millo in the city of David, and made weapons and shields in abundance.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 48:12
Walk about Zion, and go around her. Number its towers.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Psalms 89:40
All his walls are broken down; you have given his strong towers to destruction.
(BBE)

Psalms 122:7
May peace be inside your walls, and wealth in your noble houses.
(See RSV)

Song of Songs 5:13
His cheeks are like a bed of spices with towers of perfumes. His lips are like lilies, dropping liquid myrrh.
(WEB YLT)

Song of Songs 8:9
If she is a wall, we will make on her a strong base of silver; and if she is a door, we will let her be shut up with cedar-wood.
(See NIV)

Song of Songs 8:10
I am a wall, and my breasts like towers, then I was in his eyes like one who found peace.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 13:22
And wolves will be answering one another in their towers, and jackals in their houses of pleasure: her time is near, and her days of power will quickly be ended.
(BBE NAS RSV)

Isaiah 23:13
Behold, the land of the Chaldeans. This people was not. The Assyrians founded it for those who dwell in the wilderness. They set up their towers. They overthrew its palaces. They made it a ruin.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 26:1
In that day will this song be made in the land of Judah: We have a strong town; he will make salvation our walls and towers.
(BBE)

Isaiah 29:3
And I will make war on you like David, and you will be shut in by earthworks, and I will make towers round you.
(BBE NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 29:7
And all the nations making war on Ariel, and all those who are fighting against her and shutting her in with their towers, will be like a dream, like a vision of the night.
(BBE)

Isaiah 30:25
There shall be brooks and streams of water on every lofty mountain and on every high hill in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 32:14
Because the palaces shall be forsaken; the multitude of the city shall be left; the forts and towers shall be for dens for ever, a joy of wild asses, a pasture of flocks;
(KJV WBS)

Isaiah 33:18
Your heart will meditate on the terror. Where is he who counted? Where is he who weighed? Where is he who counted the towers?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 34:13
And thorns will come up in her fair houses, and waste plants in her strong towers: and foxes will make their holes there, and it will be a meeting-place for ostriches.
(BBE NAS)

Isaiah 54:12
I will make your towers of rubies, and your doors of carbuncles, and the wall round you will be of all sorts of beautiful stones.
(BBE)

Jeremiah 49:27
I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall devour the palaces of Ben Hadad.
(See NAS)

Jeremiah 50:15
Shout against her all around: she has submitted herself; her bulwarks are fallen, her walls are thrown down; for it is the vengeance of Yahweh: take vengeance on her; as she has done, do to her.
(See NIV)

Jeremiah 51:9
We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go everyone into his own country; for her judgment reaches to heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.
(See NAS)

Lamentations 4:17
While we exist -- consumed are our eyes for our vain help, In our watch-tower we have watched for a nation 'that' saveth not.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 19:7
And he sent destruction on their widows and made waste their towns; and the land and everything in it became waste because of the loud sound of his voice.
(See NAS)

Ezekiel 21:22
In his right hand is the lot of Jerusalem to appoint battering-rams, to open the mouth for bloodshed, to lift up the voice with shouting, to appoint battering-rams against the gates, to cast mounds, to build siege-towers.
(DBY RSV)

Ezekiel 25:4
Therefore, lo, I am giving thee to sons of the east for a possession, And they set their towers in thee, And have placed in thee their tabernacles. They eat thy fruit, and they drink thy milk,
(YLT)

Ezekiel 26:4
They shall destroy the walls of Tyre, and break down her towers: I will also scrape her dust from her, and make her a bare rock.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 26:9
He shall set his battering engines against your walls, and with his axes he shall break down your towers.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ezekiel 27:11
The men of Arvad with your army were on your walls all around, and valorous men were in your towers; they hanged their shields on your walls all around; they have perfected your beauty.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Zephaniah 1:16
A day of the trumpet and alarm against the fenced cities, and against the high towers.
(KJV JPS BBE WBS NAS NIV)

Zephaniah 3:6
I have cut off the nations: their towers are desolate; I made their streets waste, that none passeth by: their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is none inhabitant.
(KJV BBE WBS NAS)

Subtopics

Towers

Towers of Jerusalem Remarkable for Number, Strength, and Beauty

Towers of the Furnaces

Towers were Built in Cities

Towers were Built in the Deserts

Towers were Built in the Forests

Towers were Built in Vineyards

Towers were Built: On the Walls of Cities

Towers were Used As Armouries

Towers were Used As Citadels in Time of War

Towers: Babel