Topical Bible: Sieges: Those Engaged in Called Upon the City to Surrender

◄ Sieges: Those Engaged in Called Upon the City to Surrender ►

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In the biblical narrative, sieges were a common military strategy employed by various nations and armies to capture fortified cities. The act of laying siege involved surrounding a city, cutting off its supplies, and often calling upon its inhabitants to surrender. This tactic is depicted in several accounts throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both the physical and spiritual dimensions of warfare in ancient times.

Jericho: The First Siege in the Promised Land

One of the earliest and most notable sieges recorded in the Bible is the fall of Jericho. As the Israelites, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land, they encountered the fortified city of Jericho. The Lord instructed Joshua on a unique strategy that involved marching around the city for seven days. On the seventh day, the priests blew their trumpets, and the people shouted, leading to the miraculous collapse of the city walls (Joshua 6:1-20). This event underscores the divine intervention in Israel's military campaigns and the importance of obedience to God's commands.

The Siege of Samaria

The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria, faced several sieges throughout its history. One significant siege occurred during the reign of King Jehoram, when the Arameans besieged the city, leading to a severe famine. In this dire situation, the king of Israel blamed the prophet Elisha, but Elisha prophesied deliverance. The Lord caused the Arameans to hear the sound of a great army, prompting them to flee and abandon their camp, thus providing the Israelites with much-needed supplies (2 Kings 6:24-7:20). This account highlights God's sovereignty and provision even in desperate circumstances.

The Siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrians

During the reign of King Hezekiah, the Assyrian king Sennacherib laid siege to Jerusalem. The Assyrian field commander, Rabshakeh, called upon the city to surrender, mocking the God of Israel and attempting to demoralize the people (2 Kings 18:17-37). Hezekiah sought the Lord's guidance through the prophet Isaiah, who assured him of divine protection. In a miraculous turn of events, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw (2 Kings 19:35-36). This siege demonstrates the power of faith and prayer in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Babylonian Siege of Jerusalem

The most devastating siege in the history of Israel was the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, which led to the city's destruction in 586 BC. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem, and after a prolonged period, the city fell. The Babylonians called upon the city to surrender, but the inhabitants resisted until the walls were breached. The temple was destroyed, and many were taken into exile (2 Kings 25:1-21). This event marked a significant turning point in Israel's history, fulfilling the prophetic warnings of judgment due to the nation's persistent idolatry and disobedience.

Theological Implications

The biblical accounts of sieges often carry deeper theological implications. They serve as reminders of God's justice and mercy, His faithfulness to His covenant people, and the consequences of sin and rebellion. The calls to surrender during these sieges can be seen as opportunities for repentance and reliance on God's deliverance. Throughout these narratives, the ultimate victory belongs to the Lord, who fights on behalf of His people and accomplishes His purposes in history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 20:2,3
And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said to him, Thus said Benhadad,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 18:18,20
And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... while he on his part was actively engaged in organising ... Sargon in his own eyes and
in those of his ... a city of unrivalled magnificence, which he called by his ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... and profited by the remembrance when called upon to depict ... the Medes had been frequently
engaged against such ... of this epoch probably resembled those whom we ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... as to attract the attention of those who lived ... He next called upon his subjects to
leave their villages, and ... obedient to his orders, built the city now called ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... the occasion to set up a stele beside those of his ... of the people of Nirbu whom he
engaged in the ... the brushwood of Mount Sabua, while he himself called a halt ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... the mountain districts"Camps, battles, sieges; cruelty shown ... which it was composed
were engaged henceforward in ... period, and beneath these those belonging to ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm