Topical Bible: Sieges: Those Engaged in Dug a Trench Round the City

◄ Sieges: Those Engaged in Dug a Trench Round the City ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In ancient warfare, sieges were a common military strategy employed to capture fortified cities. One of the tactics used during a siege was the construction of a trench or embankment around the city, effectively cutting off supplies and reinforcements, and isolating the inhabitants. This method is documented in several biblical accounts, illustrating both the physical and psychological pressures exerted on a besieged city.

Biblical Instances:

1. Siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians:
The siege of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, is one of the most significant events in the Old Testament. The Babylonians laid siege to Jerusalem, eventually leading to its fall and the subsequent Babylonian exile. Although the specific mention of a trench is not detailed in the biblical text, the comprehensive nature of the siege implies the use of such tactics. The prophet Jeremiah records the dire conditions within the city: "The city was kept under siege until the eleventh year of King Zedekiah" (Jeremiah 52:5).

2. Siege of Samaria by the Arameans:
In 2 Kings 6:24-25, the Arameans besieged Samaria, leading to a severe famine. While the text does not explicitly mention a trench, the complete encirclement and isolation of the city suggest similar siege tactics. The narrative describes the desperation within the city, highlighting the effectiveness of the siege: "So there was a great famine in Samaria, and they besieged it until a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung for five shekels of silver" (2 Kings 6:25).

3. Prophecy of the Siege of Jerusalem by the Romans:
Jesus Christ, in His prophetic discourse, foretold the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans, which occurred in 70 A.D. He described the encirclement of the city, a tactic that would have included the digging of a trench: "For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side" (Luke 19:43). This prophecy was fulfilled when the Roman general Titus besieged Jerusalem, leading to its destruction.

Historical and Strategic Context:

The construction of a trench or embankment around a city during a siege served multiple purposes. It acted as a physical barrier to prevent the escape of the city's inhabitants and to stop any external aid. Additionally, it allowed the besieging army to control the flow of resources, leading to starvation and weakening the resolve of those inside. The psychological impact of being completely surrounded and cut off from the outside world often led to surrender or internal collapse.

In the biblical context, sieges were not only military confrontations but also moments of divine judgment or deliverance. The outcomes of these sieges were often seen as manifestations of God's will, either as punishment for disobedience or as a means of deliverance for the faithful. The accounts of sieges in the Bible serve as reminders of the sovereignty of God over nations and the fulfillment of His prophetic word.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 19:43
For the days shall come on you, that your enemies shall cast a trench about you, and compass you round, and keep you in on every side,
Torrey's Topical Textbook