Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, city walls were a critical component of urban defense, serving as formidable barriers against invading forces. The Bible frequently references the walls of cities, highlighting their significance in both military and spiritual contexts. The adroitness of soldiers in scaling these walls is alluded to in several passages, underscoring the skill and bravery required to overcome such defenses.One notable example is found in the account of the conquest of Jericho. The Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, faced the daunting task of capturing a city fortified with imposing walls. While the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls is attributed to divine intervention (Joshua 6:20: "So when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, they shouted a loud war cry. And when the people gave a great shout, the wall collapsed."), the narrative underscores the strategic importance of walls and the challenge they posed to attackers. The adroitness of soldiers in scaling walls is further illustrated in the exploits of King David's mighty men. In 2 Samuel 5:6-8, David captures the stronghold of Zion, later known as the City of David. The Jebusites, confident in their defenses, taunted David, believing their walls to be impregnable. However, David's men demonstrated remarkable skill and courage, breaching the city's defenses and securing a pivotal victory. Another example is found in the account of Joab, David's military commander, who led an assault on the Ammonite city of Rabbah. In 1 Chronicles 20:1, Joab besieges the city, and the narrative implies the necessity of scaling its walls to achieve victory. The text highlights the tactical prowess required to overcome such fortifications, reflecting the broader theme of military ingenuity in biblical warfare. The prophetic literature also alludes to the scaling of walls, often as a metaphor for divine judgment or deliverance. In Joel 2:7-9, the prophet describes an invading army with imagery that evokes the skill of soldiers in overcoming city defenses: "They charge like mighty men; they scale walls like men of war. Each one marches in formation, not swerving from the course." This passage emphasizes the disciplined and relentless nature of the attackers, drawing a parallel to the adroitness required in physical combat. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul uses the imagery of walls to convey spiritual truths. In Ephesians 2:14, he speaks of Christ as the one who "has made both one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility." While not a direct reference to physical walls, the metaphor underscores the significance of overcoming barriers, whether physical or spiritual, through divine intervention. Throughout the biblical narrative, the adroitness of soldiers in scaling city walls serves as a testament to human courage and ingenuity, while also pointing to the ultimate reliance on divine power for victory. The walls of cities, both literal and metaphorical, remind readers of the challenges faced by God's people and the faith required to surmount them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joel 2:7-9They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: Torrey's Topical Textbook 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 |
    |