Topical Bible: Sieges: Cities Invested by Supplied With Water Beforehand

◄ Sieges: Cities Invested by Supplied With Water Beforehand ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the ancient Near East, the practice of besieging cities was a common military strategy. A siege involved surrounding a city to cut off supplies and force surrender. One critical aspect of preparing for a siege was ensuring a reliable water supply within the city. The Bible provides several accounts of cities that were strategically supplied with water to withstand sieges, highlighting the importance of foresight and resourcefulness in ancient warfare.

Jerusalem and Hezekiah's Tunnel

One of the most notable examples of a city preparing for a siege by securing its water supply is Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. Anticipating an Assyrian attack, Hezekiah took measures to protect the city's water source. The Bible records in 2 Kings 20:20, "As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, all his might, and how he made the pool and the tunnel and brought water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?" . This tunnel, known as Hezekiah's Tunnel, redirected water from the Gihon Spring into the city, ensuring that the inhabitants had access to water even during a prolonged siege.

Lachish and Its Water Systems

Another example is the city of Lachish, which was fortified with an advanced water system. Although the Bible does not provide specific details about the water supply of Lachish, archaeological findings have revealed a sophisticated system of cisterns and channels. This infrastructure would have been crucial during the Assyrian siege led by Sennacherib, as described in 2 Kings 18:13-14, "In the fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign, Sennacherib king of Assyria attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them. So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish..." . The ability to store and manage water resources was vital for the city's defense.

Hazor and Its Water Reservoirs

The city of Hazor, mentioned in Joshua 11:10, "Then Joshua turned back and captured Hazor and put its king to the sword, because Hazor had been the head of all these kingdoms" , was another city known for its water management. Archaeological excavations have uncovered large water reservoirs and channels that would have supported the city during times of siege. These systems allowed Hazor to maintain a steady water supply, demonstrating the strategic importance of water in ancient city defenses.

Megiddo and Its Water Tunnel

Megiddo, a strategically located city, also had an impressive water system. The Bible references Megiddo in several contexts, including in Judges 5:19, "Kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no plunder of silver" . The city's water tunnel, similar to Hezekiah's Tunnel in Jerusalem, was designed to bring water from a spring outside the city walls into the city itself. This ensured that the inhabitants could withstand sieges without succumbing to thirst.

Conclusion

The biblical accounts of sieges and the archaeological evidence of water systems in ancient cities underscore the critical role of water in military strategy. By securing a reliable water supply, cities like Jerusalem, Lachish, Hazor, and Megiddo could endure prolonged sieges, demonstrating the wisdom and foresight of their leaders. These examples reflect the broader biblical theme of preparation and reliance on God's provision in times of trial.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nahum 3:14
Draw you waters for the siege, fortify your strong holds: go into clay, and tread the mortar, make strong the brick kiln.
Torrey's Topical Textbook