Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Description:A battering ram is a siege engine that was historically used to break through fortifications, such as city walls or gates. It typically consisted of a large, heavy log, often capped with metal, that was swung or rammed against a structure to cause damage and create an entry point for attacking forces. The battering ram was a crucial tool in ancient warfare, allowing armies to breach the defenses of fortified cities. Biblical References: The concept of a battering ram is mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of military sieges and the destruction of cities. The prophet Ezekiel provides a vivid depiction of siege warfare, including the use of battering rams, in his prophecies against Jerusalem and other nations. In Ezekiel 4:2 , the prophet is instructed to enact a siege against Jerusalem as a symbolic act: "Then lay siege against it: build a siege wall, erect a ramp, set up camps, and place battering rams all around it." This passage illustrates the comprehensive nature of ancient siege tactics, with battering rams being a key component in the assault on city defenses. Ezekiel 21:22 further references the use of battering rams in the context of divine judgment: "In his right hand is the divination for Jerusalem: to set up battering rams, to call for slaughter, to lift the battle cry, to set battering rams against the gates, to build a ramp, and to erect a siege wall." Here, the battering ram is part of the imagery used to convey the impending destruction and judgment upon Jerusalem. Historical and Cultural Context: Battering rams were a common feature of ancient Near Eastern warfare, employed by various civilizations, including the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Romans. These devices were often mounted on wheels and covered with protective structures to shield the operators from enemy attacks. The use of battering rams required significant manpower and coordination, reflecting the organized military strategies of ancient armies. In the biblical context, the mention of battering rams underscores the severity of the sieges faced by cities like Jerusalem. The imagery of a battering ram breaking through defenses serves as a powerful metaphor for divine judgment and the unstoppable nature of God's will when He decrees the downfall of a city or nation. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the use of battering rams in biblical narratives can be seen as a symbol of God's sovereignty and the execution of His judgment. The destruction of fortified cities, often depicted with the aid of battering rams, serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the fulfillment of prophetic warnings. The imagery of a battering ram also highlights the futility of relying solely on human strength and fortifications for protection. In the face of divine judgment, no earthly defense can withstand the power and authority of God. This serves as a call to trust in the Lord and seek His protection and guidance rather than relying on human means alone. Smith's Bible Dictionary Batteringram(Ezekiel 4:2; 21:22) a large beam with a head of iron which was sometimes made to resemble the head of a ram. It was suspended by ropes to a beam supported by posts, and balanced so as to swing backward and forward, and was impelled by men against the wall. In attacking the walls of a fort or city, the first step appears to have been to form an inclined plane or bank of earth, comp. (Ezekiel 4:2) "cast a mount against it," by which the besiegers could bring their battering-rams and other engines to the foot of the walls. "The battering-rams," says Mr. Layard "were of several kinds. Some were joined to movable towers which held warriors and armed men. The whole then formed one great temporary building, the top of which is represented in sculptures as on a level with the walls, and even turrets, of the besieged city. In some bas-reliefs the battering-ram is without wheels: it was then perhaps constructed upon the spot and was not intended to be moved." 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. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BATTERING-RAMbat'-er-ing-ram. Thesaurus Batteringram/b/batteringram.htm - 6k Battering (6 Occurrences) Battering-ram (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |