Topical Encyclopedia In the context of ancient warfare, a siege involved surrounding and isolating a city or fortress with the intent of capturing it. The term "pitching against" refers to the strategic encampment of an army around a city to lay siege. This tactic is frequently mentioned in the Bible, illustrating both the military strategies of ancient Near Eastern cultures and the theological themes of divine judgment and deliverance.Biblical Instances of Sieges: 1. Siege of Jericho: One of the earliest and most famous sieges in the Bible is the siege of Jericho, as described in the Book of Joshua. The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, encamped against Jericho as God commanded. The unique strategy involved marching around the city for seven days, culminating in the walls falling after the priests blew their trumpets and the people shouted (Joshua 6:1-20). This event underscores the theme of divine intervention in Israel's military conquests. 2. Siege of Samaria: The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria, faced several sieges. One notable instance is the siege by the Arameans during the reign of King Jehoram. The city suffered severe famine, leading to desperate conditions. However, God miraculously delivered Samaria by causing the Arameans to flee, leaving behind their supplies (2 Kings 6:24-7:20). This account highlights God's power to save His people even in dire circumstances. 3. Siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrians: In 701 BC, King Sennacherib of Assyria laid siege to Jerusalem during the reign of King Hezekiah. The Assyrian army encamped against the city, but Hezekiah's faith and prayer led to divine intervention. An angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw (2 Kings 18:13-19:37). This event is a testament to God's protection over Jerusalem and His ability to thwart the plans of powerful empires. 4. Siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians: The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, culminating in its destruction in 586 BC, is a pivotal event in biblical history. King Nebuchadnezzar's forces encamped against the city, leading to its eventual fall and the exile of the Jewish people (2 Kings 25:1-21). This siege is often seen as a fulfillment of prophetic warnings about the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God. Theological Significance: Sieges in the Bible often serve as instruments of divine judgment or deliverance. They are depicted as moments when God either allows His people to face the consequences of their actions or intervenes to save them. The outcomes of these sieges frequently reinforce the themes of covenant faithfulness, repentance, and reliance on God. Military Tactics and Symbolism: The act of "pitching against" a city involved not only military might but also psychological warfare. The besieging army would cut off supplies, instill fear, and attempt to weaken the resolve of the inhabitants. In biblical narratives, these tactics are sometimes used to illustrate the futility of relying on human strength alone and the necessity of trusting in God's provision and protection. Prophetic and Eschatological Dimensions: Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah often used the imagery of sieges to convey messages of impending judgment or future hope. For instance, Isaiah prophesied about the siege and eventual deliverance of Jerusalem, pointing to a future where God's kingdom would be established (Isaiah 29:1-8). Such prophecies carry eschatological significance, foreshadowing the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over the forces of evil. In summary, the concept of "pitching against" in biblical sieges provides rich insights into the historical, theological, and prophetic dimensions of Scripture. These narratives remind believers of God's sovereignty, justice, and mercy throughout history. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 25:1And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Six Cities 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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