Topical Encyclopedia The destruction of city walls in biblical times was a significant event, often symbolizing divine judgment and resulting in profound grief for the inhabitants. In the ancient Near East, city walls were not only physical structures providing defense against enemies but also symbols of strength, security, and divine favor. The tearing down of these walls was thus a powerful act of punishment and a cause of deep lamentation.Biblical Instances of Wall Destruction 1. Jericho: One of the most famous instances of wall destruction is the fall of Jericho. As the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God commanded them to march around the city, and on the seventh day, the walls collapsed. This event is recorded in Joshua 6:20: "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted, and when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it." The fall of Jericho's walls was a direct act of divine intervention, demonstrating God's power and judgment against the Canaanites. 2. Jerusalem: The destruction of Jerusalem's walls is another poignant example. In 586 BC, the Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, besieged Jerusalem, leading to the eventual breach and destruction of its walls. This event is chronicled in 2 Kings 25:10: "And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem." The fall of Jerusalem's walls was a devastating punishment for the Israelites' persistent disobedience and idolatry, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets. 3. Nehemiah's Lament: The grief associated with the destruction of city walls is vividly expressed in the book of Nehemiah. Upon hearing of Jerusalem's broken walls, Nehemiah mourned deeply. Nehemiah 1:3-4 states, "They told me, 'The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.' When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven." Nehemiah's response underscores the sorrow and disgrace felt by the Jewish people due to the destruction of their city's defenses. Symbolism and Theological Implications The destruction of city walls in the Bible often symbolizes God's judgment against sin and rebellion. Walls, as protective barriers, represent God's provision and blessing. Their destruction signifies the removal of divine protection due to the people's unfaithfulness. This theme is evident in the prophetic literature, where the breach of walls is frequently depicted as a consequence of Israel's covenantal unfaithfulness. Moreover, the grief associated with the destruction of walls reflects the loss of identity and security for the people. In ancient Israel, the city was not just a physical location but a community bound by covenant with God. The fall of its walls was a tangible sign of broken relationship and divine displeasure. Restoration and Hope Despite the sorrow associated with the destruction of city walls, the Bible also offers hope for restoration. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership is a testament to God's faithfulness and the possibility of renewal. Nehemiah 6:15 records the completion of the wall: "So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul." This restoration symbolizes God's mercy and the restoration of His people when they return to Him in repentance and faith. In summary, the destruction of city walls in the Bible serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment and human grief, while also pointing to the hope of restoration through God's grace and covenantal faithfulness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 28:52And he shall besiege you in all your gates, until your high and fenced walls come down, wherein you trusted, throughout all your land: and he shall besiege you in all your gates throughout all your land, which the LORD your God has given you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 1:3 Nehemiah 2:12-17 Library God's People Delivered. God's People Delivered Discussion of the Subject of Permission The Sixth Book The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was ... Epistle i. To Donatus. The Exhortation of the Last HomilyIs Continued in This. ... Letter Lx. To Heliodorus. The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles). Again on the Calamity of the City of Antioch. ... 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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