Topical Bible: Sieges: Those Engaged in Cut off all Supplies

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In the ancient world, sieges were a common military strategy employed to conquer fortified cities. The Bible provides several accounts of sieges, highlighting the tactics used by besieging armies, including the cutting off of supplies to force a city into submission. This method was not only a test of military might but also a psychological and spiritual trial for those under siege.

Biblical Examples of Sieges:

1. Siege of Jericho:
The siege of Jericho is one of the earliest and most famous biblical sieges. Although the Bible does not explicitly mention the cutting off of supplies, the Israelites encircled the city for seven days, as instructed by God. The miraculous fall of Jericho's walls (Joshua 6:1-20) demonstrates divine intervention rather than traditional siege tactics. However, the encirclement itself would have naturally restricted the city's access to external resources.

2. Siege of Samaria:
The siege of Samaria by the Arameans is a vivid example of a city being cut off from supplies. The Bible describes a severe famine in the city, leading to desperate conditions (2 Kings 6:24-25). The situation became so dire that the inhabitants resorted to extreme measures for survival. The siege was lifted miraculously when the Lord caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, prompting them to flee and leave their supplies behind (2 Kings 7:6-7).

3. Siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar:
The Babylonian siege of Jerusalem under King Nebuchadnezzar is another significant event where the city was cut off from supplies. The siege lasted for an extended period, leading to severe famine and hardship within the city (2 Kings 25:1-3). The Bible records that the city eventually fell, and the inhabitants were taken into exile (2 Kings 25:8-11).

4. Siege of Jerusalem by the Assyrians:
During the reign of King Hezekiah, the Assyrian king Sennacherib laid siege to Jerusalem. The Assyrians attempted to demoralize the inhabitants by cutting off supplies and taunting them with the futility of resistance (2 Kings 18:13-37). However, Hezekiah's faith and prayer led to divine intervention, resulting in the destruction of the Assyrian army (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Spiritual and Moral Implications:

The cutting off of supplies during a siege often served as a test of faith and reliance on God. In many instances, the besieged were driven to seek divine intervention, highlighting the belief that ultimate deliverance comes from the Lord. The Bible frequently portrays God as a refuge and strength for His people, even in the direst circumstances.

Prophetic and Symbolic Significance:

Sieges in the Bible also carry prophetic and symbolic meanings. They often symbolize God's judgment against a rebellious nation or city. The prophets frequently warned of impending sieges as a consequence of disobedience to God's commandments (e.g., Jeremiah 19:9). Conversely, the lifting of a siege or miraculous deliverance often symbolizes God's mercy and faithfulness to His covenant people.

Conclusion:

The accounts of sieges in the Bible serve as powerful reminders of the physical and spiritual battles faced by God's people. They underscore the importance of faith, obedience, and reliance on divine providence in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 19:24
I have dig and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet have I dried up all the rivers of besieged places.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Mother of Xerxes.
... from the march of their armies, their sieges, their invasions ... death had been kept
profoundly secret by those who had ... a war in which he was engaged, formed the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter i the mother of.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... past the Medes had been frequently engaged against such ... but His protection was not
extended to those places where ... of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm