Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, city walls were vital for protection against invasions and attacks. These fortifications symbolized strength and security for the inhabitants. However, throughout biblical history, there are instances where the walls of cities were burned, often signifying divine judgment or the consequences of disobedience.One of the most notable examples of city walls being burned is found in the account of Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians. In 2 Kings 25:9 , it is recorded, "He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building." This event marked the culmination of God's judgment against Judah for their persistent idolatry and rebellion against His commandments. The burning of the walls and the city itself was a physical manifestation of the spiritual desolation that had already taken place. Similarly, the book of Nehemiah recounts the aftermath of this destruction. Nehemiah 1:3 states, "They said to me, 'The remnant in the province who survived the exile are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.'" This report deeply grieved Nehemiah, prompting him to seek permission from the Persian king to return and rebuild the walls, symbolizing a restoration of both physical and spiritual order. The burning of city walls is also mentioned in the context of divine retribution against foreign nations. In Amos 1:7 , the prophet declares, "So I will send fire upon the walls of Gaza, to consume its citadels." This pronouncement is part of a series of judgments against the nations surrounding Israel, emphasizing that God's justice extends beyond His chosen people to all nations. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet warns of the impending destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, stating in Jeremiah 21:10 , "For I have set My face against this city to bring disaster and not good, declares the LORD. It will be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he will destroy it with fire." This prophecy underscores the seriousness of turning away from God's covenant and the severe consequences that follow. The burning of city walls serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of human fortifications when they stand in opposition to God's will. It highlights the importance of spiritual integrity and obedience to God's commands, as physical defenses are ultimately futile without divine protection. Throughout Scripture, the destruction of city walls by fire is a recurring theme that illustrates the broader narrative of judgment, repentance, and restoration. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 49:27And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Benhadad. Torrey's Topical Textbook Amos 1:7 Library Palestine under Pagan Kings. Jewish Homes Spiritual Culture. The King's Highway Opened and Cleared The Invasion of Greece and the Battle of Marathon. On the Advisableness of Improving Natural Knowledge. The Burning of Athens. The Massacre His Unconscious Preparation for his Work The City of Benares. 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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