Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, sieges were a common military strategy employed by nations to conquer fortified cities. The Bible records numerous instances where cities were besieged, often with the assistance of allies. These events highlight the political and military alliances of the time, as well as the divine interventions that frequently altered the outcomes.Jerusalem and the Assyrian Siege One of the most notable sieges in the Bible is the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Assyrian king Sennacherib had already conquered many fortified cities in Judah and turned his attention to Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 18:13-19:37 and Isaiah 36-37, we read about this siege. Hezekiah sought the help of the prophet Isaiah and prayed fervently to the Lord for deliverance. The Bible records that God intervened by sending an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw. This event underscores the belief in divine protection over Jerusalem, as stated in Isaiah 37:35 : "I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David." The Siege of Samaria The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria, faced a significant siege by the Arameans (Syrians) during the reign of King Jehoram. In 2 Kings 6:24-7:20, the city was besieged, leading to a severe famine. The situation was dire until God miraculously caused the Aramean army to hear the sound of a great army, prompting them to flee, leaving behind their supplies. This deliverance was unexpected and demonstrated God's power to save His people even when human alliances seemed insufficient. The Siege of Lachish Lachish, a fortified city in Judah, was besieged by the Assyrians under Sennacherib, as recorded in 2 Kings 18:13-14 and 2 Chronicles 32:9. The siege of Lachish is also depicted in Assyrian reliefs, highlighting its historical significance. While the Bible does not detail the outcome of this siege, it is known from historical records that Lachish fell to the Assyrians. This event illustrates the vulnerability of even the most fortified cities when faced with a powerful adversary, despite any alliances they might have had. The Siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, led by King Nebuchadnezzar, is a pivotal event in biblical history. This siege, which led to the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 586 BC, is detailed in 2 Kings 25 and Jeremiah 39. Despite attempts by the Judean king Zedekiah to seek help from Egypt, as mentioned in Jeremiah 37:5-10, the city ultimately fell. This siege marked the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, a significant period in Jewish history. Alliances and Divine Intervention Throughout these accounts, the role of alliances is evident. Kings often sought the help of neighboring nations to bolster their defenses against sieges. However, the biblical narrative frequently emphasizes that true deliverance comes from God. In many instances, despite the presence or absence of human allies, it is divine intervention that determines the outcome of a siege. This theme is consistent with the biblical portrayal of God as the ultimate protector and deliverer of His people. Conclusion The sieges recorded in the Bible serve as powerful reminders of the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East and the spiritual lessons regarding reliance on God. Whether through miraculous deliverance or as a consequence of disobedience, these events underscore the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 11:11And it was so on the morrow, that Saul put the people in three companies; and they came into the middle of the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it came to pass, that they which remained were scattered, so that two of them were not left together. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 23:5 Library The Rise of the Assyrian Empire The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Who was Gedaliah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Babylonian captivity/exile? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Zedekiah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Siege: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Siege by Rezin, King of Syria, and Pekah, Son of Remaliah, King of Israel Siege: An offer of Peace Must be Made to the City Before Beginning A Siege: Conducted by Erecting Embankments Parallel to the Walls of the Besieged City Siege: Distress of the Inhabitants During A Sieges: Being Against Round About Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Helped by Allies Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Ambush Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Assault Sieges: Cities Invested by Inhabitants of, Exhorted to be Courageous Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Demanded Terms of Peace Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Famine Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Pestilence Sieges: Cities Invested by Repaired and Newly Fortified Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by Sometimes Used Ambushes or Sorties Sieges: Cities Invested by Supplied With Water Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by The Inhabitants of, Cut off Beforehand Supplies of Water Sieges: Cities Invested by Walls of, Defended by the Inhabitants Sieges: Cities Invested by Were Strictly Shut Up Sieges: Cities of Israel in Galilee Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Broken Down Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Destroyed by Fire Sieges: Cities Taken by Given up to Pillage Sieges: Cities Taken by Inhabitants of, often Put to the Sword Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Called After the Name of the Captor Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Sown With Salt Sieges: Compassing About With Armies Sieges: Extreme Difficulty of Taking Cities By, Alluded To Sieges: Fenced Cities Invested By Sieges: Great Noise and Tumult of, Alluded To Sieges: Often Lasted for a Long Time Sieges: Setting in Array Against Sieges: The Jews Forbidden to Cut Down Fruit Trees for the Purpose of Sieges: The Omnipresence of God Sieges: Those Engaged in Built Forts and Mounts Sieges: Those Engaged in Called Upon the City to Surrender Sieges: Those Engaged in Cast Arrows and Other Missiles Into the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Cut off all Supplies Sieges: Those Engaged in Dug a Trench Round the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Employed Battering Rams Against the Walls Sieges: Those Engaged in Frequently Laid Ambushes Sieges: Those Engaged in Invested the City on Every Side Sieges: Those Engaged in Often Suffered Much During Sieges: Threatened As a Punishment Sieges: Zion in Her Affliction Related Terms Battering-rams (2 Occurrences) Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |
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