Topical Bible: Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Pestilence

◄ Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Pestilence ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient world, sieges were a common military strategy used to conquer fortified cities. The Bible provides numerous accounts of sieges, highlighting the dire consequences faced by the inhabitants of besieged cities, including the outbreak of pestilence. The prolonged encirclement by enemy forces often led to severe shortages of food and water, unsanitary conditions, and the spread of disease.

One of the most notable sieges in the Bible is the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, led by King Nebuchadnezzar. This event is detailed in the book of 2 Kings, where the city endured extreme hardship. The prophet Jeremiah, who witnessed the siege, lamented the suffering of the people, as recorded in Lamentations 4:9-10 : "Those slain by the sword are better off than those who die of hunger, who waste away, pierced with pain because the fields produce no food. The hands of compassionate women have cooked their own children, who became their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people."

The siege of Samaria by the Arameans, as described in 2 Kings 6:24-25 , also illustrates the devastating impact of sieges: "Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram mobilized his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria. So there was a great famine in Samaria, and they besieged it until a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver." The extreme scarcity of food led to desperate measures, and the conditions were ripe for the spread of disease.

The siege of Jerusalem by the Romans in AD 70, although not directly recorded in the Bible, is a significant historical event that aligns with the prophetic warnings of Jesus. In Matthew 24:7 , Jesus foretold, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places." The Roman siege resulted in widespread famine and pestilence, as documented by the historian Josephus.

The Bible also provides insight into the spiritual dimensions of sieges. In Deuteronomy 28:52-53 , God warns the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience: "They will besiege all the cities throughout the land that the LORD your God is giving you. Then you will eat the fruit of your womb, the flesh of the sons and daughters the LORD your God has given you, in the siege and distress with which your enemies will afflict you." This passage underscores the belief that sieges and their accompanying hardships were often seen as divine judgment.

Throughout biblical history, sieges served as a test of faith and endurance for God's people. The accounts of sieges in the Bible remind believers of the importance of reliance on God during times of trial and the consequences of turning away from His commandments. The physical and spiritual challenges faced during sieges highlight the need for steadfast faith and obedience to God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 21:6
And I will smite the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast: they shall die of a great pestilence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 32:24
Behold the mounts, they are come to the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans, that fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence: and what you have spoken is come to pass; and, behold, you see it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... in the eyes of the many, invested its predecessor ... graves beneath the ashes of their
cities, their prowess ... extorted tribute to the utmost as often as occasion ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm