Topical Encyclopedia In ancient biblical times, the fortification of city walls was a critical aspect of military strategy and defense. The walls of cities were not merely physical barriers but were also manned by soldiers who played a crucial role in the protection and defense of the inhabitants. The Bible provides numerous accounts and references to the strategic importance of these walls during times of war.Jericho: A Paradigm of Fortified Defense One of the most famous biblical accounts of a strongly manned city wall is the account of Jericho. In Joshua 6, the city of Jericho is described as being "tightly shut up because of the Israelites" (Joshua 6:1). The walls of Jericho were not only a physical defense but were also guarded by soldiers who were prepared to defend the city against the Israelites. The miraculous fall of Jericho's walls after the Israelites' obedience to God's command underscores the significance of divine intervention in overcoming human fortifications. Nehemiah's Rebuilding Efforts The book of Nehemiah provides insight into the importance of city walls for protection and the need for them to be manned. Nehemiah 4:13-14 describes how Nehemiah stationed people by families with their swords, spears, and bows at the exposed places along the wall. This strategic positioning of defenders highlights the necessity of having a well-manned wall to protect against enemy attacks. Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls was not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual and communal renewal, emphasizing the walls' role in the security and identity of the people. The Siege of Jerusalem The siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, as recorded in 2 Kings 25, illustrates the critical role of manned walls in a city's defense. The Babylonians laid siege to Jerusalem, and the city's walls were the primary line of defense against the invading forces. Despite the strength and manning of the walls, the prolonged siege eventually led to the city's fall, demonstrating that even the most fortified walls could be overcome by persistent and overwhelming force. Prophetic Imagery and Symbolism In prophetic literature, the imagery of walls often symbolizes protection and divine security. Isaiah 26:1 speaks of a "strong city" with "salvation as its walls and ramparts," indicating that the ultimate security comes from God. This metaphorical use of walls underscores the belief that while physical defenses are important, true protection is found in divine providence. Conclusion Throughout the biblical narrative, the walls of cities serve as a testament to the importance of strategic defense and the role of human agency in warfare. They are depicted as both physical structures and symbols of divine protection, reflecting the dual reliance on human effort and God's sovereignty in the security of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 18:26Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, to Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray you, to your servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that are on the wall. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty The First Theban Empire The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Ancient Chaldaea From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ... The Reaction against Egypt The Close of the Theban Empire Down the Islands Moody's Stories 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 |
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