Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, cities surrounded with walls were a common feature, serving as a primary means of defense against invading armies and marauders. The Bible provides numerous references to such cities, highlighting their strategic importance, architectural features, and symbolic significance.Historical and Strategic Importance Walled cities were vital for the protection of inhabitants and resources. The walls served as a deterrent against enemy attacks and provided a vantage point for defenders. In the biblical narrative, the city of Jericho is one of the most famous examples of a walled city. The account in the Book of Joshua describes how the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, conquered Jericho by divine intervention, causing its walls to collapse (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; the people advanced into the city, each man straight ahead, and they captured the city."). Architectural Features The construction of city walls varied, but they were typically made of stone or mud bricks. These walls often included towers and gates, which were crucial for both defense and commerce. The gates served as places of gathering, judgment, and trade. For instance, the city of Jerusalem had several gates, each with its own significance and function (Nehemiah 3:1-32). Symbolic Significance Walled cities in the Bible also carry symbolic meanings. They often represent security, strength, and divine protection. Psalm 48:12-13 speaks of the strength and beauty of Zion's walls: "March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers, consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation." This imagery underscores the idea of God's protection over His people. Conversely, the destruction of a city's walls symbolized defeat and vulnerability. The Book of Lamentations mourns the destruction of Jerusalem, including its walls, as a sign of divine judgment (Lamentations 2:8: "The LORD determined to destroy the wall of Daughter Zion. He stretched out a measuring line and did not withhold His hand from swallowing her. He made the ramparts and walls lament; together they wasted away."). Covenantal and Eschatological Themes In the context of covenant theology, walled cities can be seen as a metaphor for the covenant community's relationship with God. The walls signify the boundaries of the community that is set apart for God. In eschatological terms, the New Jerusalem is described as having a great and high wall, symbolizing eternal security and divine presence (Revelation 21:12: "The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel."). Conclusion Walled cities in the Bible are multifaceted in their significance, serving as physical fortifications, symbols of divine protection, and metaphors for spiritual truths. They reflect the historical realities of ancient warfare and urban planning while also conveying deeper theological messages about God's relationship with His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 1:28Where shall we go up? our brothers have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 3:5 Library Jewish Homes The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... Six Cities The Emperor Constantine Having Enlarged the Ancient Byzantium ... In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned Luke's Attitude Towards the Roman World Temples Built by Constantine the Great; the City Called by his ... The Early Training of a Race. Storming the Battlements 1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ... Resources What were the cities of refuge in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.orgWhat were Admah and Zeboiim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus mention Tyre and Sidon in Luke 10:14? | 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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