Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the walls of cities were of paramount importance, serving as both physical and symbolic structures. They provided defense against invaders, marked territorial boundaries, and were often seen as a reflection of a city's strength and stability. The construction, maintenance, and significance of city walls are frequently mentioned throughout the Bible, highlighting their critical role in the ancient Near Eastern context.Jericho: The First Conquest One of the most famous biblical accounts involving city walls is the fall of Jericho. As the Israelites, led by Joshua, entered the Promised Land, Jericho was the first city they encountered. The walls of Jericho were formidable, yet they fell miraculously after the Israelites marched around them for seven days, as instructed by God. On the seventh day, the priests blew their trumpets, and the people shouted, causing the walls to collapse (Joshua 6:20). This event demonstrated God's power and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel. Jerusalem: A City of Great Walls Jerusalem, the city of David, is another significant biblical city known for its walls. King David initially captured the city, and his son Solomon later fortified it. The walls of Jerusalem were expanded and repaired by various kings, including Hezekiah, who strengthened them in preparation for the Assyrian siege (2 Chronicles 32:5). The walls symbolized the city's divine protection and its central role in Israel's religious life. After the Babylonian exile, Nehemiah played a crucial role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Despite opposition, Nehemiah's leadership and the people's determination led to the successful reconstruction of the walls, which was completed in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15). This restoration was a testament to God's faithfulness and the renewal of the Jewish community. Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery City walls in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. They represent security, protection, and the separation between the sacred and the profane. In prophetic literature, walls are used metaphorically to describe God's protection over His people. For instance, in Zechariah 2:5 , God declares, "For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it." This imagery emphasizes God's presence as the ultimate safeguard for His people. Conversely, the destruction of city walls is depicted as a sign of judgment and desolation. The fall of Jerusalem's walls to the Babylonians in 586 BC marked a significant moment of divine judgment due to the people's unfaithfulness (2 Kings 25:10). The breach of the walls symbolized the loss of divine protection and the consequences of turning away from God. Walls in the New Testament In the New Testament, the concept of walls takes on a spiritual dimension. The Apostle Paul speaks of the "dividing wall of hostility" being broken down through Christ, referring to the separation between Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14). This metaphorical wall's removal signifies the unity and reconciliation brought about by Jesus' sacrifice, creating one new humanity in Him. The Book of Revelation also features walls in its depiction of the New Jerusalem. The city's walls are described as great and high, with twelve gates, symbolizing the eternal security and glory of God's redeemed people (Revelation 21:12). These walls reflect the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate restoration of His creation. Throughout the Bible, the walls of cities serve as powerful symbols of protection, divine presence, and the consequences of faithfulness or disobedience. They remind believers of God's sovereignty and the spiritual truths that transcend physical structures. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 13:28Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there. Torrey's Topical Textbook Greek 4172. polis -- a city ... a city NASB Word Usage cities (20), city (142). city. Probably from the same as polemos, or perhaps from polus; a town (properly, with walls, of greater or ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4172.htm - 6k Library The Song of Two Cities The Cities of the Levites. A Consecrated Ministry Visit to Cities in the North-West and to Kumaon --Visit to England ... Six Cities Concerning John of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems against the ... Some Miscellaneous Matters Respecting the Face of the Land. How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ... The First Crusade (Ad 1095-1099) The Child Moses. 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 |
    |