Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, the presence or absence of walls around a settlement was a significant indicator of its size, importance, and vulnerability. In biblical times, walls were primarily associated with larger cities and fortresses, serving as a means of defense against invading armies and marauders. Smaller towns and villages, however, were typically not surrounded by walls, reflecting their lesser strategic importance and the relative peace of their rural settings.Biblical Context and Examples The Bible provides numerous examples of walled cities, such as Jericho, whose walls famously fell after the Israelites marched around them (Joshua 6:20: "So the people shouted when the rams’ horns sounded. When the people heard the sound of the horn, they raised a great shout, and the wall collapsed."). In contrast, smaller settlements like villages and hamlets are often depicted without such fortifications. The lack of walls in smaller towns and villages is implied in various biblical narratives. For instance, in the book of Judges, the account of Gideon highlights the vulnerability of rural areas. Gideon threshes wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites (Judges 6:11), indicating the absence of protective walls that might have offered security from raiding parties. Cultural and Historical Insights In ancient Israel, the construction of walls required significant resources and labor, which smaller communities could not afford. Walls were typically built around cities that held political, economic, or military significance. These cities served as administrative centers and places of refuge during times of conflict. The absence of walls in smaller settlements suggests a reliance on natural defenses, such as terrain, or on the protection offered by nearby fortified cities. The distinction between walled cities and unwalled villages is also evident in the laws and regulations found in the Torah. Leviticus 25:29-31 differentiates between houses in walled cities and those in villages, with specific redemption rights for each: "If a man sells a house in a walled city, his right of redemption shall last a full year after its sale; his right of redemption shall be for a full year. But if it is not redeemed by the end of a full year, then the house in the walled city shall belong permanently to the buyer and his descendants. It shall not be released in the Jubilee. But houses in villages without walls around them are to be considered as open fields. They may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the Jubilee." Theological Implications The absence of walls in smaller towns and villages can also be seen as a reflection of the Israelites' reliance on God for protection. Throughout the Old Testament, God is often depicted as a divine protector, a "fortress" and "shield" for His people (Psalm 18:2: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer."). This theological perspective underscores the belief that ultimate security comes not from human-made structures but from faith in God. In prophetic literature, the imagery of unwalled villages is sometimes used to depict a future time of peace and security. Ezekiel 38:11 describes a vision of Israel dwelling securely: "You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a tranquil people who dwell securely—all of them living without walls or bars or gates.’" This vision contrasts the current state of vulnerability with a promised era of divine protection and peace. Conclusion The absence of walls around small towns and villages in biblical times highlights the socio-economic and strategic realities of ancient Israel. While larger cities were fortified to protect against external threats, smaller communities relied on their faith in God and the natural landscape for security. This distinction serves as a reminder of the Israelites' dependence on divine providence and the hope for a future characterized by peace and safety. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 25:31But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be counted as the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the jubilee. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 3:5 Library Jewish Homes The City of the "Elegant Gate"[*] Mission Tours. Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem. The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes Egypt In Judaea His Journey to South Russia. The French Reformation. The French Reformation Resources Where was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org Who was Artaxerxes in the Bible? | 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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