Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, sieges were a common military strategy employed by various nations to conquer fortified cities. These sieges involved surrounding a city, cutting off its supplies, and waiting for the inhabitants to surrender due to starvation, thirst, or disease. The Bible provides numerous accounts of sieges, reflecting both divine judgment and human conflict.Historical Context and Methodology Sieges in the ancient Near East were complex operations that required strategic planning and resources. The attacking army would typically encircle the city, constructing siege works such as ramps, towers, and battering rams to breach the walls. The defenders, on the other hand, relied on the strength of their fortifications, stockpiled provisions, and sometimes divine intervention. Biblical Examples of Sieges 1. Jericho: One of the earliest and most famous sieges recorded in the Bible is the fall of Jericho. Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites marched around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, the walls miraculously collapsed (Joshua 6:1-20). This event demonstrated God's power and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. 2. Lachish: The siege of Lachish by the Assyrian king Sennacherib is depicted in both biblical and archaeological records. In 2 Kings 18:13-17, Sennacherib's campaign against Judah is described, highlighting the Assyrian military prowess and the threat posed to Jerusalem. 3. Jerusalem: The city of Jerusalem faced several sieges throughout its history. The most notable was the Babylonian siege led by King Nebuchadnezzar, resulting in the city's destruction and the exile of its inhabitants (2 Kings 25:1-21). This event marked a significant turning point in Israel's history, fulfilling prophetic warnings of judgment due to the nation's disobedience. 4. Samaria: The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria, was besieged by the Assyrians under King Shalmaneser V and later Sargon II. The siege lasted three years, culminating in the city's capture and the deportation of the Israelites (2 Kings 17:5-6). This event signified the end of the Northern Kingdom and served as a warning to Judah. Spiritual and Theological Implications Sieges in the Bible often carry spiritual and theological significance. They are frequently depicted as instruments of divine judgment against nations and cities that have turned away from God. The prophets warned of impending sieges as consequences of sin and rebellion, urging repentance and faithfulness to God. For instance, the prophet Isaiah warned Jerusalem of the coming Assyrian threat, calling the people to trust in the Lord rather than in military alliances (Isaiah 31:1-5). Similarly, Jeremiah prophesied the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, emphasizing the need for submission to God's will (Jeremiah 21:4-10). Divine Deliverance and Protection While sieges often resulted in destruction, the Bible also records instances of divine deliverance. In 2 Kings 19:32-36, God miraculously delivered Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege when an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers. This deliverance underscored God's sovereignty and His ability to protect His people against overwhelming odds. Conclusion The accounts of sieges in the Bible serve as powerful reminders of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of reliance on God. They illustrate the historical realities of ancient warfare while also conveying profound spiritual truths about judgment, repentance, and divine intervention. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 18:13Now in the fourteenth year of king Hezekiah did Sennacherib king of Assyria come up against all the fenced cities of Judah, and took them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources What is the history of Masada? | GotQuestions.orgWhen and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ben-Hadad 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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