Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, city walls were not only defensive structures but also significant cultural and religious symbols. The Bible provides several instances where idolatrous practices were associated with these walls, reflecting the spiritual apostasy of the people.One of the most notable references to idolatrous rites performed on city walls is found in the book of Ezekiel. The prophet Ezekiel, during his visions, was shown the abominations committed by the Israelites, which included idolatrous practices. In Ezekiel 8:7-10 , the prophet describes being brought to the entrance of the court, where he saw a hole in the wall. Upon digging through the wall, he discovered a doorway to a chamber filled with engravings of detestable creatures and idols, indicating the extent of idolatry practiced by the elders of Israel. The walls of cities often served as platforms for public displays of idolatry. In 2 Kings 23:12 , King Josiah, in his reforms, is noted to have torn down the altars on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made. These altars, likely visible from the city walls, were used for worshiping celestial bodies, a practice condemned by the Mosaic Law. Jeremiah 32:29 also highlights the idolatrous practices associated with city walls. The Chaldeans, who were besieging Jerusalem, are described as setting fire to the city, including the houses on whose roofs incense had been burned to Baal and drink offerings poured out to other gods. The rooftops, part of the city's architectural structure, were extensions of the walls and were used for these idolatrous rites. The association of city walls with idolatry is further emphasized in the narrative of the fall of Jericho. Although the primary focus is on the miraculous collapse of the walls (Joshua 6:20), the city's destruction was also a divine judgment against its idolatrous practices. The walls, in this context, symbolized the spiritual fortifications of a city steeped in pagan worship. In the prophetic literature, the walls of cities often symbolize the spiritual state of the people. Isaiah 2:15 speaks against the high towers and fortified walls, which can be interpreted as symbols of human pride and self-reliance, often accompanied by idolatrous practices. The prophets frequently called for the tearing down of these physical and spiritual strongholds as a metaphor for returning to the worship of the one true God. The idolatrous rites performed on city walls serve as a stark reminder of the Israelites' recurring unfaithfulness and the allure of pagan practices. These acts of apostasy were met with prophetic rebuke and divine judgment, underscoring the biblical theme of the need for spiritual purity and exclusive devotion to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 3:27Then he took his oldest son that should have reigned in his stead, and offered him for a burnt offering on the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel: and they departed from him, and returned to their own land. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Paul and Barnabas in Lystra. The Absurdity and Impiety of the Heathen Mysteries and Fables ... The Case of all the Protestant or Reformed Churches, With The Ecclesiastical History of Scholasticus The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ... The Puritan Innovations Covenant Duties. A Discourse The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert 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 |
    |