Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, walls often symbolize strength, protection, and stability. However, when associated with the wicked, walls can also represent the false security and impending downfall of those who oppose God's righteousness. The imagery of walls bowing or tottering under divine judgment serves as a powerful metaphor for the inevitable collapse of the wicked when faced with God's justice.Biblical References and Symbolism 1. Psalm 62:3 · "How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you throw him down like a leaning wall or a tottering fence?" . This verse captures the fragility of the wicked's defenses. The psalmist compares the wicked to a leaning wall or a tottering fence, emphasizing their instability and the certainty of their downfall. Despite their apparent strength, their foundations are weak, and they are vulnerable to collapse under the weight of divine judgment. 2. Isaiah 30:13 · "This iniquity will be to you like a breach ready to fall, a bulge in a high wall, whose collapse will come suddenly—in an instant." . Here, Isaiah warns of the sudden and catastrophic collapse of those who trust in their own strength rather than in God. The imagery of a bulging wall ready to fall illustrates the precarious position of the wicked, whose reliance on false securities will lead to their swift destruction. 3. Ezekiel 13:10-14 · In this passage, God condemns the false prophets who build flimsy walls and cover them with whitewash, giving a false sense of security. "Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: I will cause a windstorm to break forth in My fury, and in My anger, there will be a flooding rain and hailstones to consume it in wrath. I will tear down the wall you whitewashed and level it to the ground, so that its foundation is exposed. It will fall, and you will be destroyed within it. Then you will know that I am the LORD." . This vivid imagery underscores the futility of the wicked's attempts to fortify themselves against God's judgment. Their deceitful practices and false assurances will be exposed and demolished. Theological Implications The concept of tottering walls serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God. The wicked may build their walls high, seeking to insulate themselves from accountability and divine retribution, but their efforts are in vain. God's justice is unyielding, and His judgments are sure. This theme also calls believers to examine their own lives, ensuring that their foundations are built on the solid rock of faith in God rather than the shifting sands of worldly security. As Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24-27, the wise man builds his house on the rock, while the foolish man builds on sand, leading to inevitable ruin when the storms come. Conclusion The imagery of bowing or tottering walls vividly illustrates the fate of the wicked under God's judgments. It serves as a sobering reminder of the futility of opposing God's will and the certainty of His justice. For believers, it is a call to place their trust in the Lord, who is the true and unshakeable foundation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 62:3How long will you imagine mischief against a man? you shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall you be, and as a tottering fence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 30:13 Library Memoir of John Bunyan Resources Why was it important to rebuild the walls around Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat should we learn from the walls of Jericho falling down? | GotQuestions.org What will be the purpose of the walls around the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics of the Cities Walls of Babylon of the Cities Walls of Bashan, Destroyed by the Israelites of the Cities Walls of Beth-Shan of the Cities Walls of Jericho of the Cities Walls of the New Jerusalem of the Cities Walls: Houses Built Upon Walls of Cities were Battered by Besieging Armies Walls of Cities were Broad and Places of Public Resort Walls of Cities were Strongly Manned in War Walls of Cities: Adroitness of Soldiers in Scaling Alluded To Walls of Cities: Custom of Dedicating Walls of Cities: Danger of Approaching Too Near To, in Time of War Walls of Cities: Destruction of, a Punishment and Cause of Grief Walls of Cities: Frequently Laid in Ruins Walls of Cities: had Towers Built on Them Walls of Cities: Houses often Built On Walls of Cities: Houses Sometimes Broken Down to Repair, and Fortify Walls of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed On Walls of Cities: Kept by Watchmen Night and Day Walls of Cities: Often Very High Walls of Cities: Persons Let Down From Walls of Cities: Sometimes Burned Walls of Cities: Strongly Fortified Walls of Cities: The Bodies of Enemies Sometimes Fastened On, As a Disgrace Walls of Cities: The Falling of, Sometimes Occasioned Great Destruction Walls of Houses: Could be Easily Dug Through Walls of Houses: had Nails or Pegs Fastened Into Them when Built Walls of Houses: Liable to Leprosy Walls of Houses: Often Infested With Serpents Walls of Houses: The Seat Next, Was the Place of Distinction Walls of Houses: Usually Plastered Walls of Ordinances As a Protection to the Church Walls of the Church As a Protection to the Nation Walls of the Protection of God Walls of the Wealth of the Rich in his own Conceit Walls of Those Who Afford Protection Walls were Probably often Strengthened With Plates of Iron or Brass Walls: (Bowing or Tottering) of the Wicked Under Judgments Walls: (Brazen) of Prophets in Their Testimony Against the Wicked Walls: (Daubed With Untempered Mortar) of the Teaching of False Walls: (Of Partition) Separation of Jews and Gentiles Walls: Designed for Separation Walls: Frequently Made of Stone and Wood Together Walls: Hyssop Frequently Grew On Walls: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Walls: Miracles Connected With: Handwriting on the Wall of Belshazzar's Palace Walls: Small Towns and Villages Were not Surrounded By Related Terms |
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