Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the besieging of cities is a recurring theme that reflects the turbulent history of the ancient Near East. The practice of besieging cities was a common military strategy employed by various nations to conquer and subdue their enemies. This entry explores the significance of sieges in the Bible, highlighting key instances and their theological implications.Jericho: The First Conquest One of the most famous sieges in the Bible is the fall of Jericho, as recorded in the Book of Joshua. The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, were commanded by God to march around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, the walls of Jericho miraculously collapsed after the Israelites shouted and the priests blew their trumpets (Joshua 6:20). This event demonstrated God's power and faithfulness in delivering the Promised Land to His people. The Siege of Samaria The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria, faced several sieges throughout its history. One notable siege occurred during the reign of King Ahab, when Ben-hadad, king of Aram, besieged the city. Despite the dire circumstances, God delivered Samaria through a miraculous intervention, as prophesied by a prophet (1 Kings 20:28-30). This event underscored God's sovereignty and His ability to protect His people against overwhelming odds. Jerusalem: A City Under Siege Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center of Israel, experienced multiple sieges. The most significant was the Babylonian siege, which culminated in the destruction of the city and the Temple in 586 BC. The prophet Jeremiah warned of this impending judgment due to the people's persistent disobedience and idolatry (Jeremiah 21:10). The fall of Jerusalem marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, leading to the Babylonian exile. The Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem Another notable siege was the Assyrian assault on Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. Sennacherib, the Assyrian king, laid siege to the city, but Hezekiah's faith and prayer led to divine intervention. The angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw (2 Kings 19:35-36). This miraculous deliverance highlighted God's protection over Jerusalem and His response to the prayers of the faithful. Theological Implications The frequent sieges of cities in the Bible serve as a backdrop for demonstrating God's justice, mercy, and power. They often reflect the consequences of sin and disobedience, as well as the faithfulness of God to His covenant promises. The narratives of these sieges reveal the tension between human agency and divine sovereignty, illustrating how God uses historical events to fulfill His purposes. Conclusion The besieging of cities in the biblical narrative is a testament to the complex interplay of divine providence and human history. These events not only shaped the course of Israel's history but also provided profound lessons on faith, obedience, and the nature of God's kingdom. Through the accounts of these sieges, believers are reminded of God's ultimate authority and His unwavering commitment to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 28:52And he shall besiege you in all your gates, until your high and fenced walls come down, wherein you trusted, throughout all your land: and he shall besiege you in all your gates throughout all your land, which the LORD your God has given you. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 19:24,25 Library Babylonia and Assyria Cestius Sends Neopolitanus the Tribune to See in what Condition ... How Trypho after He had Beaten Demetrius Delivered the Kingdom to ... The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty How Antipater Committed the Care of Galilee to Herod, and that of ... The Sixth Book How Herod Slew Sohemus and Mariamne and Afterward Alexandra and ... The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) Translator's Preface. The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements. 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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