Topical Encyclopedia The walls of ancient cities held significant importance in biblical times, serving as both physical and symbolic structures. They provided protection against invaders, defined the boundaries of a city, and represented the strength and stability of its inhabitants. However, throughout the biblical narrative, these walls were frequently laid in ruins, often as a result of divine judgment or military conquest.Jericho: A Testament to Divine Intervention One of the most famous instances of city walls being laid in ruins is the fall of Jericho. As the Israelites, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land, they encountered the fortified city of Jericho. According to the biblical account, the walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites marched around the city for seven days, with the priests blowing trumpets and the people shouting on the seventh day. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this miraculous event: "When the people heard the sound of the trumpet, they shouted with a great shout. And the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they captured the city" (Joshua 6:20). This event underscores the power of God to bring down even the most formidable defenses. Babylon: The Fall of a Great Empire The fall of Babylon is another significant example of city walls being laid in ruins. The prophet Jeremiah foretold the destruction of Babylon, a city renowned for its mighty walls and grandeur. In Jeremiah 51:58, the Berean Standard Bible states, "Thus says the LORD of Hosts: 'The broad walls of Babylon will be utterly demolished, and her high gates will be set on fire; the peoples will labor for nothing, the nations will exhaust themselves only to fuel the flames.'" This prophecy was fulfilled when the Medes and Persians conquered Babylon, demonstrating that no human fortification can withstand the judgment of God. Jerusalem: A City Repeatedly Besieged Jerusalem, the city of David and the spiritual heart of Israel, experienced the destruction of its walls on multiple occasions. The most notable destruction occurred in 586 BC when the Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar, besieged the city. The walls were breached, and the city was burned, as recorded in 2 Kings 25:10: "And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem" . This event marked the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a period of profound significance in Jewish history. Later, in AD 70, the Roman army, led by Titus, once again destroyed the walls of Jerusalem, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy that "not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down" (Matthew 24:2). This destruction signified the end of the Second Temple period and had lasting implications for the Jewish people. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons The frequent destruction of city walls in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of the futility of relying solely on human strength and fortifications. These events remind believers of the sovereignty of God and the importance of spiritual fortitude over physical defenses. As Proverbs 18:10 declares, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." The biblical narrative encourages reliance on divine protection and the pursuit of righteousness as the true source of security. Throughout Scripture, the laying in ruins of city walls illustrates the transient nature of earthly power and the enduring authority of God. These accounts serve as a testament to the belief that ultimate safety and refuge are found not in physical structures, but in the steadfast love and protection of the Almighty. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 25:23And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Bethshemesh, and brought him to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Chronicles 36:19 Jeremiah 50:15 Library 'Over against his House' Concerning the Sabbatic River which Titus Saw as He was Journeying ... Babylonia and Assyria The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) The Old Testament and Archeology The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued) The Last Days of the Old Eastern World The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Resources What is the significance of the walls of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Who was Nehemiah 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 |
    |