Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, walls served as significant structures both physically and symbolically. They were primarily designed for separation, providing protection, defining boundaries, and establishing identity. Throughout Scripture, walls are mentioned in various contexts, each illustrating their multifaceted role in the ancient world.Protection and Defense One of the primary functions of walls in the Bible was to protect inhabitants from external threats. Cities were often fortified with walls to defend against invading armies and wild animals. The city of Jericho is a notable example, with its formidable walls that the Israelites famously brought down through divine intervention. Joshua 6:20 recounts, "When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city." Similarly, Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile highlight the importance of walls for security and the restoration of national identity. Nehemiah 4:6 states, "So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." Separation and Sanctity Walls also served to separate sacred spaces from the secular world. The walls of the Temple in Jerusalem delineated the holy from the common, creating a physical boundary that underscored the sanctity of the worship space. In Ezekiel's vision of the new temple, the walls are meticulously described, emphasizing their role in maintaining holiness (Ezekiel 40-42). Moreover, the walls of the Tabernacle, constructed from curtains and frames, separated the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, where only the high priest could enter once a year (Exodus 26:33-34). This separation was a constant reminder of the holiness of God and the need for purity among His people. Symbolism of Division and Unity Walls in Scripture also symbolize division and unity. The Apostle Paul speaks of the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jews and Gentiles, which Christ has broken down through His sacrifice, creating one new humanity (Ephesians 2:14). This metaphorical wall represents the separation caused by sin and the reconciliation made possible through Jesus. Conversely, the Book of Revelation envisions a future where walls no longer serve as barriers. Revelation 21:12-14 describes the New Jerusalem with great, high walls, yet its gates are always open, symbolizing the inclusion and unity of all God's people. Moral and Spiritual Implications Walls also carry moral and spiritual implications in the Bible. Proverbs 25:28 warns, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." Here, walls represent self-discipline and the protection it affords against moral failure. In the prophetic literature, walls often symbolize the spiritual state of God's people. Isaiah 60:18 proclaims, "Violence will no longer be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise." This imagery conveys the transformation and security found in God's salvation. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, walls are depicted as essential structures for protection, separation, and identity. They serve as powerful symbols of both division and unity, reflecting the spiritual realities of God's relationship with His people. Whether physical or metaphorical, walls in Scripture underscore the themes of holiness, security, and the transformative power of God's presence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 43:8In their setting of their threshold by my thresholds, and their post by my posts, and the wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy name by their abominations that they have committed: why I have consumed them in my anger. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 2:14 Library The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and ... The Maccabees. Barriers Broken Down 1 Corinthians xi. 26 The Passover visit On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men ... An Exhortation to Peace and Unity The Life of Mr. William Guthrie. The Historical Books. The Old Testament and Modern Science 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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