Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, city walls were a critical component of urban defense and a symbol of strength and security. The Bible frequently references the walls of cities, highlighting their importance in both physical and spiritual contexts. These walls were often massive structures, designed to protect inhabitants from invading armies and to assert the power and stability of the city.Jericho: A Paradigm of Fortification One of the most famous examples of fortified city walls in the Bible is Jericho. The city is described as having formidable walls that were miraculously brought down by divine intervention. In Joshua 6:1, the Berean Standard Bible states, "Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites; no one went out and no one came in." The subsequent fall of Jericho's walls, as recounted in Joshua 6:20, underscores the belief that no human fortification can withstand the power of God: "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. And when they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed." Jerusalem: The City of David Jerusalem, the city of David, is another significant example of a strongly fortified city in the Bible. King David captured the city from the Jebusites and established it as the political and spiritual center of Israel. The walls of Jerusalem were expanded and strengthened under subsequent kings, including Solomon and Hezekiah. In 2 Chronicles 32:5 , Hezekiah's efforts to fortify the city are described: "Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise towers on it. He built another wall outside that one and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David." Nehemiah: Rebuilding the Walls The Book of Nehemiah provides a detailed account of the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah, serving as governor, led the effort to restore the city's defenses despite opposition from surrounding enemies. Nehemiah 4:6 records the determination of the people: "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 successful completion of the wall in just 52 days, as noted in Nehemiah 6:15, is a testament to the resolve and faith of the Israelites. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance In addition to their practical function, city walls in the Bible often carry symbolic and spiritual significance. They represent protection, divine favor, and the separation of the holy from the profane. In Isaiah 26:1 , the walls of salvation are metaphorically described: "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.'" The New Testament also alludes to the concept of fortified walls in a spiritual sense. In Revelation 21:12 , the New Jerusalem is depicted with "a great, high wall with twelve gates," symbolizing the eternal security and glory of God's kingdom. Conclusion The walls of cities in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of strength, protection, and divine intervention. They remind believers of the ultimate security found in God's providence and the spiritual fortifications that guard the faithful. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 2:15And on every high tower, and on every fenced wall, Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 25:12 Library Six Cities How Taricheae was Taken. A Description of the River Jordan, and of ... The Israelites Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) Jewish Homes The Conquest of Lydia. The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty The Story of the Baptist, from his Last Testimony to Jesus to his ... Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation 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 |
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