Topical Encyclopedia
Jerusalem, the ancient and sacred city, holds a significant place in biblical history and theology. One of the notable achievements during the reign of King Hezekiah was the construction of an aqueduct, known as Hezekiah's Tunnel, which played a crucial role in the city's defense and survival.
Historical ContextHezekiah, the son of Ahaz, reigned as the king of Judah from approximately 715 to 686 BC. His reign is marked by religious reforms and efforts to strengthen the kingdom against the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrian king Sennacherib posed a significant threat to Jerusalem, prompting Hezekiah to take measures to secure the city's water supply.
Hezekiah's AqueductThe construction of the aqueduct is detailed in
2 Kings 20:20: "As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he made the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?" . This engineering feat involved channeling water from the Gihon Spring, located outside the city walls, into the Pool of Siloam within the city. This ensured a continuous water supply during sieges, a critical factor for the city's endurance.
Archaeological EvidenceHezekiah's Tunnel, also known as the Siloam Tunnel, is an impressive archaeological site that confirms the biblical account. The tunnel stretches approximately 1,750 feet (533 meters) through solid rock, a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Hezekiah's engineers. An inscription discovered within the tunnel, known as the Siloam Inscription, provides a firsthand account of the construction process, describing how two teams of diggers worked from opposite ends and met in the middle.
Theological SignificanceHezekiah's actions reflect his reliance on divine guidance and his commitment to protecting Jerusalem, the city chosen by God. His efforts to secure the water supply demonstrate a practical application of faith, combining trust in God with responsible stewardship and preparation. The successful completion of the aqueduct is seen as a manifestation of God's providence and favor upon Hezekiah's reign.
Biblical ReferencesIn addition to
2 Kings 20:20, the construction of the aqueduct is also mentioned in
2 Chronicles 32:30: "It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the waters of the Gihon and channeled them down to the west side of the City of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all that he did." . These passages highlight the strategic importance of the aqueduct and its role in the broader narrative of Hezekiah's reign.
LegacyHezekiah's Tunnel remains a symbol of Jerusalem's resilience and the enduring legacy of a king who sought to align his leadership with God's will. The aqueduct not only served a practical purpose in its time but also stands as a historical witness to the biblical account, affirming the reliability of Scripture and the faithfulness of God in preserving His people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Kings 20:20And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
How the War of the Jews with the Romans Began, and Concerning ...
... in the state of a king to Jerusalem; he became ... in an aqueduct; he was slain, together
with Hezekiah his brother ... any one rather than to him; they made an assault ...
/.../chapter 17 how the war.htm
Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... as a Being superior to other beings, but made like unto ... Astarte, and in Jahveh's
own temple at Jerusalem they had ... in existence in the time of Hezekiah, at the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm
Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... that the main body of the building is made to rest ... Siloam, which goes back perhaps
to the time of Hezekiah. ... Jerusalem, possibly in part to be attributed to the ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm
Resources
How many times has Jerusalem been destroyed? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Kingdom of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgJerusalem: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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