Topical Encyclopedia In ancient biblical times, city walls were not only defensive structures but also served as integral parts of urban life, often supporting residential and commercial activities. The construction of houses on or within city walls is a notable feature in several biblical narratives, reflecting the practical and strategic use of these fortifications.Jericho and Rahab's House One of the most well-known instances of a house built on a city wall is the account of Rahab in the city of Jericho. In the Book of Joshua, Rahab, a harlot, provides shelter to Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout the city. Her house was strategically located on the city wall, which allowed her to assist the spies in their escape. Joshua 2:15 states, "Then she let them down by a rope through the window, since the house where she lived was built into the wall of the city." This positioning not only facilitated the spies' escape but also played a crucial role in the Israelites' conquest of Jericho. Strategic and Practical Considerations The construction of houses on city walls was often driven by strategic and practical considerations. Living on the wall provided inhabitants with a vantage point for observing approaching threats and offered a means of quick escape or communication with the outside world. Additionally, space within ancient cities was limited, and building on the walls maximized the use of available land. Historical and Archaeological Context Archaeological evidence supports the biblical accounts of houses built on city walls. Excavations in ancient cities such as Jericho and other Near Eastern sites have revealed structures integrated into or abutting the city walls. These findings corroborate the biblical descriptions and provide insight into the urban planning and architectural practices of the time. Symbolic and Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the presence of houses on city walls can also be seen as symbolic. In the case of Rahab, her dwelling on the wall signifies her liminal position between the city of Jericho and the people of Israel. Her faith and actions led to her inclusion in the lineage of Jesus Christ, as noted in the genealogy presented in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:5). Other Biblical References While Rahab's account is the most explicit example, the concept of houses on city walls is implicit in other biblical narratives. The walls of Jerusalem, for instance, were central to the city's defense and daily life, as seen in Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild them. Although the text does not specifically mention houses on the walls, the integration of living spaces within the city's fortifications was a common practice. In summary, the construction of houses on city walls in biblical times reflects a blend of practicality, strategy, and symbolism. These structures served as both protective and residential spaces, playing significant roles in the narratives and theological themes of the Bible. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 2:15Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was on the town wall, and she dwelled on the wall. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Six Cities Jewish Homes An Exhortation to Peace and Unity The Conquest of Babylon. The "Little Knife" Insurrection Palestine under Pagan Kings. Luke's Attitude Towards the Roman World The Secret of Its Greatness The City of Benares. 'Over against his House' 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 |
    |