Battlements, also known as parapets, are architectural features found on the rooftops of ancient buildings, particularly fortifications and city walls. These structures were designed for defensive purposes, providing protection for defenders while allowing them to observe and repel attackers. In the context of the Bible, battlements are mentioned in relation to the construction of houses and city defenses, reflecting the practical and protective measures taken by the Israelites in accordance with God's laws.

Biblical References

1. Deuteronomy 22:8 · The law concerning the construction of houses includes a specific command regarding battlements: "When you build a new house, you are to construct a parapet around your roof, so that you do not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from it." . This verse highlights the importance of taking precautions to prevent accidents, demonstrating a concern for the safety and well-being of others. The inclusion of this command in the Mosaic Law underscores the value placed on human life and the responsibility of individuals to protect it.

2. Jeremiah 5:10 · In a metaphorical sense, battlements are used to describe the defenses of Jerusalem: "Go up through her vineyards and ravage them, but do not finish them off. Strip away her branches, for they do not belong to the LORD." . Here, the imagery of battlements is employed to convey the idea of divine judgment and the removal of protection due to the people's unfaithfulness. The passage reflects the broader theme of God's sovereignty and the consequences of disobedience.

3. 2 Chronicles 32:5 · The account of King Hezekiah's preparations for the Assyrian siege includes the construction of additional defenses: "Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and erected towers on it. He built another wall outside that one and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David. He also made large numbers of weapons and shields." . Although the term "battlements" is not explicitly used, the description of fortifying the city walls implies the inclusion of such defensive structures. This narrative illustrates the practical measures taken by a faithful leader to protect his people, relying on both divine guidance and human effort.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern architecture, battlements were a common feature of city walls and fortresses. They typically consisted of alternating high and low sections, allowing defenders to shoot arrows or throw projectiles while remaining shielded from enemy attacks. The presence of battlements on private homes, as mandated in Deuteronomy, reflects the flat-roofed design of Israelite houses, where roofs served as additional living space. The requirement to build a parapet was a practical application of the broader principle of loving one's neighbor, ensuring that homes were safe for all who might use them.

Theological Significance

The biblical references to battlements emphasize the importance of vigilance, responsibility, and protection within the community of God's people. The command to build a parapet around one's roof serves as a tangible expression of the love and care that should characterize relationships among believers. Moreover, the metaphorical use of battlements in prophetic literature underscores the themes of divine protection and judgment, reminding the faithful of their dependence on God for security and the consequences of turning away from His covenant.8121. shemesh -- sun
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition sun NASB Word Usage battlements (1),
daylight (1), daylight* (1), east side* (2), east* (7), sun (109), sun's (1 ...
/hebrew/8121.htm - 6k

Storming the Battlements
... Storming the Battlements. A Sermon (No.38). Delivered on Sabbath Morning, September
16, 1855, by the. REV. CH SPURGEON. At New Park Street Chapel, Southwark. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/storming the battlements.htm

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... the other. The walls are concentric, and so arranged that they rise one
above the other by the height of their battlements. The ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

The Description of Jerusalem.
... After this, it was erected with great diligence by the Jews, as high as twenty cubits,
above which it had battlements of two cubits, and turrets of three ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm

The Young Titus
... to the blows and commands of the sentries there mounted, the citizens clambered
up on the fortifications and, with their chins on the battlements that stood ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter ix the young titus.htm

The Blasphemous Troops
... the house; but stood in the yard till I came, and then obliged me to go with him
into the street, where he said, You must pull down the battlements of your ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/the blasphemous troops.htm

The City Without Walls
... impossible that any real evil should pass and get at us, as it would be impossible
that any living thing should pass through the flaming battlements that the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the city without walls.htm

The Adventures of Saint Anthony of Italy.
... that the lovely Rosalinde, one of the daughters of the King of Georgia, who had
been taken captive by the Giant, looked over the battlements, and seeing his ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter seven the adventures of.htm

The First Theban Empire
... The walk round the ramparts was crowned by a slight, low parapet, with rounded
battlements, and was reached by narrow staircases carefully constructed in the ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Unrestrained Communion
... The Bridegroom replies:". If she be a wall,. We will build upon her battlements
of silver; And if she be a door,. We will enclose her with boards of cedar. ...
/.../taylor/union and communion/section vi unrestrained communion.htm

Christ Triumphant
... But chief and head amongst them is Satan; remembering well the ancient day Christ
hurled him from the battlements of heaven, he rushes with all his malice ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ triumphant.htm

Battlements (5 Occurrences)
...Battlements (5 Occurrences). ... Isaiah 54:12 and I will make thy battlements of rubies,
and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of precious stones. ...
/b/battlements.htm - 8k

Window (24 Occurrences)
... The word thus rendered in Isaiah 54:12 ought rather to be rendered "battlements"
(LXX., "bulwarks;" RV, "pinnacles"), or as Gesenius renders it, "notched ...
/w/window.htm - 16k

Siege (63 Occurrences)
... Slingers placed upon the walls hurled stones upon the advancing enemy, and archers
from loopholes and protected battlements discharged arrows against the ...
/s/siege.htm - 51k

Battles (8 Occurrences)

/b/battles.htm - 9k

Corners (56 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by skilful men, to
be on the towers and upon the battlements, wherewith to shoot arrows and great ...
/c/corners.htm - 25k

Invented (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:15 He made in Jerusalem engines, invented by skillful men, to be
on the towers and on the battlements, with which to shoot arrows and great ...
/i/invented.htm - 7k

Engines (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:15 He made in Jerusalem engines, invented by skillful men, to be
on the towers and on the battlements, with which to shoot arrows and great ...
/e/engines.htm - 8k

Defenses (8 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:15 He made in Jerusalem engines, invented by skillful men, to be
on the towers and on the battlements, with which to shoot arrows and great ...
/d/defenses.htm - 8k

Demolished (15 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Zephaniah 3:6 I have cut off nations. Their battlements are desolate.
I have made their streets waste, so that no one passes by. ...
/d/demolished.htm - 11k

Designed (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 26:15 He made in Jerusalem engines, invented by skillful men, to be
on the towers and on the battlements, with which to shoot arrows and great ...
/d/designed.htm - 11k

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