Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, sieges were a common military strategy employed by various nations and armies to subdue cities and territories. The act of laying siege involved surrounding a city, cutting off its supplies, and often demanding terms of peace or surrender. This tactic is depicted in several accounts throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both the physical and spiritual dimensions of warfare in ancient times.Old Testament Accounts One of the earliest recorded sieges in the Bible is the siege of Jericho, as described in the Book of Joshua. The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, encircled the city for seven days as instructed by God. On the seventh day, the walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites shouted and the priests blew their trumpets (Joshua 6:1-20). This event underscores the divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. Another significant siege is that of Jerusalem by the Assyrian king Sennacherib during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Assyrians demanded the surrender of Jerusalem, but Hezekiah sought the Lord's guidance. In response to Hezekiah's prayer, God sent an angel who struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to the withdrawal of Sennacherib's forces (2 Kings 19:32-36). This account highlights the power of faith and divine protection against overwhelming odds. The siege of Samaria by the Arameans, as recorded in 2 Kings 6-7, presents another example. The city faced severe famine, and the situation seemed hopeless. However, through the prophecy of Elisha, God miraculously provided for the people by causing the Arameans to flee, leaving behind their supplies (2 Kings 7:6-7). This narrative emphasizes God's provision and the importance of trusting in His word. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not focus on physical sieges in the same manner as the Old Testament, the concept of spiritual warfare and the siege of the soul is evident. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often uses military imagery to describe the Christian life. In Ephesians 6:11-17, Paul exhorts believers to "put on the full armor of God" to stand firm against the schemes of the devil . This passage reflects the spiritual siege believers face and the necessity of divine armor for protection and victory. Terms of Peace In the context of sieges, terms of peace were often demanded by the besieging forces. These terms could include surrender, tribute, or allegiance to the conquering power. In Deuteronomy 20:10-12, the Israelites are instructed to offer terms of peace to a city before engaging in battle. If the city accepts, its people become subject to forced labor; if not, the city is besieged . This directive illustrates the balance between mercy and justice in warfare. The concept of peace terms also finds a spiritual parallel in the New Testament. Jesus Christ, referred to as the "Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6), offers terms of peace to humanity through the gospel. In John 14:27, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you" . This peace is not as the world gives but is a reconciliation with God through faith in Christ. Conclusion The biblical accounts of sieges serve as powerful reminders of the physical and spiritual battles faced by God's people. They illustrate the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on divine intervention in times of crisis. Through these narratives, believers are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His peace amidst the sieges of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 11:1-3Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabeshgilead: and all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Resources Who was Sennacherib in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the Branch Davidians? | GotQuestions.org Who was Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz? | 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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