Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, walls often symbolize protection, security, and the strength of a community or individual. The concept of walls as protective barriers is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, serving both literal and metaphorical purposes. These walls are not merely physical structures but also represent divine protection and the safeguarding of God's people.Jericho's Walls One of the most famous accounts of walls in the Bible is the account of Jericho. In Joshua 6, the Israelites, led by Joshua, conquer the city of Jericho by divine intervention. The walls of Jericho, which were formidable and seemingly impenetrable, fell after the Israelites marched around them for seven days, as instructed by God. This event underscores the theme that true protection and victory come from obedience to God's commands rather than reliance on human fortifications. Nehemiah's Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls The Book of Nehemiah provides another significant example of walls as a symbol of protection and restoration. After the Babylonian exile, Nehemiah is moved to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed. Nehemiah 2:17-18 records his call to action: "Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.' And I told them how the hand of my God had been upon me for good, and what the king had said to me. 'Let us start rebuilding,' they replied, and they set their hands to this good work." The rebuilding of the walls was not just a physical act but a spiritual renewal, signifying God's favor and protection over His people. Metaphorical Walls In a metaphorical sense, walls in the Bible can also represent the spiritual and moral boundaries that protect believers from sin and corruption. Proverbs 25:28 states, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control." Here, the absence of walls signifies vulnerability to external threats, illustrating the importance of self-discipline and spiritual vigilance. God as a Wall of Protection The Scriptures frequently depict God Himself as a protective wall for His people. In Zechariah 2:5 , the Lord 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 role as the ultimate protector, surrounding His people with His presence and safeguarding them from harm. Walls in the New Jerusalem The Book of Revelation describes the New Jerusalem, a city with great and high walls, symbolizing eternal security and divine protection for the redeemed. Revelation 21:12 describes the city: "The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel." These walls signify the fulfillment of God's promises and the eternal safety of His people in His presence. Throughout the Bible, walls serve as powerful symbols of protection, divine intervention, and the spiritual boundaries that preserve the integrity of God's people. Whether through the miraculous fall of Jericho's walls, the rebuilding efforts of Nehemiah, or the metaphorical walls of self-control and divine protection, the theme of walls underscores the importance of relying on God's strength and guidance for true security. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 25:16They were a wall to us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 2:15 Library The Conquest of Babylon. The Purification of Mary The Good Shepherd. The Gospel Refuge. Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ... With the Rev. William Burns Of the Loosing of the Devil, and of the Second and Greatest ... Epistle i. To Donatus. "The Prophets of God Helping Them" Vespasian, when He had Taken the City Gadaea Marches to Jotapata. ... 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 |