Topical Bible: Sieges: Great Noise and Tumult of, Alluded To

◄ Sieges: Great Noise and Tumult of, Alluded To ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, sieges are often depicted as events of great noise and tumult, reflecting the chaos and destruction that accompany such military actions. The Bible frequently alludes to the clamor and uproar associated with sieges, using vivid imagery to convey the terror and upheaval experienced by those under siege.

One of the most striking allusions to the noise and tumult of sieges is found in the prophetic literature. In Isaiah 22:2, the prophet describes the city of Jerusalem as a "city full of commotion, a town of revelry," highlighting the contrast between the city's former celebrations and the impending doom of siege warfare. The noise here is not just the sound of battle but also the cries of the people as they face the threat of destruction.

Jeremiah also speaks to the tumult of sieges in his lamentations over Jerusalem. In Lamentations 2:7, the prophet writes, "The Lord has rejected His altar; He has abandoned His sanctuary. He has delivered the walls of her palaces into the hand of the enemy. They have raised a shout in the house of the LORD as on the day of an appointed feast." This passage captures the irony and horror of the enemy's triumphant noise echoing in the sacred spaces of the city, a sound that once signified joy and worship now turned to a symbol of defeat and desecration.

The book of Ezekiel provides another vivid portrayal of the tumult of sieges. In Ezekiel 21:22, the prophet describes the king of Babylon standing at the crossroads, using divination to decide his path of conquest. The passage states, "In his right hand is the lot for Jerusalem, where he is to set up battering rams, to call for slaughter, to lift the battle cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to build a ramp, and to erect siege works." The imagery here is one of organized chaos, with the sounds of battering rams and battle cries filling the air as the city braces for the onslaught.

The Psalms also reflect on the noise and tumult of sieges, often in the context of seeking divine intervention. Psalm 46:6-7 declares, "Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice. The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Here, the psalmist contrasts the clamor of nations and the stability provided by God's presence, offering a sense of hope amidst the chaos of siege warfare.

In the New Testament, while direct references to sieges are less frequent, the imagery of tumult and noise continues to be used metaphorically to describe spiritual battles and the coming of God's kingdom. In Matthew 24:6, Jesus warns His disciples, "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come." The anticipation of noise and conflict serves as a reminder of the spiritual vigilance required of believers.

Throughout the biblical text, the great noise and tumult of sieges serve as powerful symbols of divine judgment, human suffering, and the ultimate hope for deliverance. These allusions remind readers of the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring strength found in faith and reliance on God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joel 2:5
Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devours the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
Torrey's Topical Textbook