Jump to: ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The battering-ram is an ancient siege weapon used to break through walls, gates, and other fortifications during warfare. Its use is documented in various historical and biblical contexts, serving as a symbol of military might and the relentless force of an attacking army.Biblical References: The battering-ram is explicitly mentioned in the book of Ezekiel, where it is used metaphorically to describe the impending siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. In Ezekiel 4:2 , the prophet is instructed to "lay siege against it, build a siege wall against it, raise up a ramp against it, set up camps against it, and place battering rams all around it." This vivid imagery underscores the severity and inevitability of the judgment that was to come upon the city due to its disobedience and idolatry. Further, in Ezekiel 21:22 , the battering-ram is again mentioned: "In his right hand is the divination for Jerusalem: to set up battering rams, to call for slaughter, to lift the voice with a battle cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to build a siege wall, and to construct a ramp." Here, the battering-ram is part of the divinely ordained strategy against Jerusalem, highlighting the instrumentality of foreign nations in executing God's judgment. Historical Context: The battering-ram was a crucial component of ancient warfare, particularly in the Near East. It typically consisted of a large, heavy beam, often capped with metal, that was swung or driven against fortifications to breach them. The design and operation of battering-rams varied, with some being suspended from frames and others mounted on wheels for mobility. The use of battering-rams required significant manpower and coordination, reflecting the organized military efforts of ancient armies. Symbolism and Theological Implications: In the biblical narrative, the battering-ram serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and the consequences of sin. Its presence in the prophetic literature of Ezekiel is not merely a description of military tactics but a theological statement about the sovereignty of God over nations and His use of human instruments to accomplish His purposes. The imagery of the battering-ram conveys the unstoppable nature of God's will and the futility of resisting His decrees. Theologically, the battering-ram can also be seen as a reminder of the spiritual battles faced by believers. Just as physical fortifications can be breached by persistent force, so too can spiritual strongholds be overcome by the power of God. This understanding encourages believers to rely on divine strength and wisdom in their spiritual warfare, trusting in God's ultimate victory over evil. Conclusion: The battering-ram, as depicted in the Bible, is more than a mere tool of war; it is a profound symbol of God's judgment and the fulfillment of His prophetic word. Its presence in the scriptural text invites reflection on the nature of divine justice and the call to repentance and faithfulness in the face of impending judgment. ATS Bible Dictionary Battering-RamA military engine for battering walls. A long and solid beam, armed at one end with a metallic ram's-head, was suspended by the middle, and swung violently and repeatedly against the walls of a city or castle, till a breach was made. It was sometimes in the lower part of a wooden tower built upon wheels, and was worked by more than a hundred men; while the upper part of the tower was filled with archers and slingers, Ezekiel 4:2; 21:22. Easton's Bible Dictionary (Ezek. 4:2; 21:22), a military engine, consisting of a long beam of wood hung upon a frame, for making breaches in walls. The end of it which was brought against the wall was shaped like a ram's head. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An engine used in ancient times to beat down the walls of besieged places.2. (n.) A blacksmith's hammer, suspended, and worked horizontally. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BATTERING-RAMbat'-er-ing-ram. Strong's Hebrew 3733c. kar -- a he-lamb, a battering ram... 3733b, 3733c. kar. 3734 . a he-lamb, a battering ram. Transliteration: kar Short Definition: lambs. Word Origin from karar Definition ... /hebrew/3733c.htm - 5k 3733. kar -- basket-saddle 6904. qebol -- something in front, a military siege engine 4239. mechi -- a smiting Library Vespasian, when He had Taken the City Gadaea Marches to Jotapata. ... The First Theban Empire The Fainting Soul Revived Three Decisive Steps Some Considerations in Reply Eulogistic of the Flesh it was ... The Riot Words from the Cross Of the Different Ways in which Accidie Overcomes a Monk. The Words of Abbot Isaac on the Nature of Prayer. Concerning the Ark of the Covenant, and the Miraculous Signs ... Thesaurus Batteringram... The end of it which was brought against the wall was shaped like a ram's head. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BATTERING-RAM. bat'-er-ing-ram. See SIEGE. ... /b/batteringram.htm - 6k Battering-ram (1 Occurrence) Ram (96 Occurrences) Battering (6 Occurrences) Engines (4 Occurrences) Building (249 Occurrences) Build (242 Occurrences) Battering-rams (2 Occurrences) Placeth (28 Occurrences) Resources What is the Mishnah? What is a midrash? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is Jehovah-Jireh? | GotQuestions.org What were the various sacrifices in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Battering-ram (1 Occurrence)Ezekiel 26:9 Subtopics Battering-Ram: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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