Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, city walls were a common and essential feature of urban life, serving as formidable barriers against invading forces and as symbols of strength and security. The Bible frequently references the walls of cities, highlighting their height and significance in various narratives and teachings.Jericho's Walls One of the most famous biblical accounts involving city walls is the fall of Jericho. The city was renowned for its formidable defenses. According to Joshua 6:1, "Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites; no one went out and no one came in." The walls of Jericho were so significant that their miraculous collapse, as described in Joshua 6:20, served as a powerful demonstration of God's intervention: "So 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." Babylon's Walls The city of Babylon is another example of a city with imposing walls. The prophet Jeremiah prophesied about the strength of Babylon's defenses in Jeremiah 51:58: "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 underscores the futility of relying solely on physical defenses when opposed by divine judgment. Jerusalem's Walls Jerusalem's walls held both practical and symbolic importance. Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile are detailed in the book of Nehemiah. The rebuilding project was not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal for the people of Israel. Nehemiah 4:6 states, "So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." The completion of the walls was a testament to God's faithfulness and the people's perseverance. Symbolism of Walls In biblical literature, walls often symbolize protection and divine favor. Psalm 122:7-8 expresses a prayer for peace and security within Jerusalem's walls: "May there be peace within your walls, and prosperity inside your fortresses. For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you.'" The imagery of walls conveys a sense of safety and well-being, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God as a refuge and fortress for His people. Prophetic Imagery The prophets also used the imagery of walls to convey spiritual truths. In Isaiah 26:1, the prophet declares, "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: 'We have a strong city; He sets up salvation as walls and ramparts.'" Here, the walls represent God's salvation and protection, emphasizing the spiritual security found in Him. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the walls of cities are depicted as significant structures, both in their physical presence and in their symbolic meaning. They serve as reminders of human ingenuity and strength, yet also of the ultimate sovereignty and protection of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 1:28Where shall we go up? our brothers have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 3:5 Library The First Crusade (Ad 1095-1099) In the Borders of Canaan. The Song of Two Cities Storming the Battlements Six Cities The City of Gold The Form and Spirit of Religion The Child Moses. Preface November was Now Drawing to a Close, and St. ... 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 |
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