Definition and Context: Earthworks refer to human-made constructions formed primarily from soil and stone. These structures have been used throughout history for various purposes, including fortifications, religious sites, and agricultural enhancements. In the context of the Bible, earthworks are often associated with military defenses and city fortifications.

Biblical References: The Bible contains several references to earthworks, particularly in the context of warfare and city defenses. One notable example is the construction of walls and ramparts around cities, which were essential for protection against invading armies.

In the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites are instructed on how to approach a besieged city: "When you approach a city to fight against it, you are to make an offer of peace. If they accept and open their gates, all the people there will become forced laborers to serve you. But if they refuse to make peace with you and wage war against you, lay siege to that city" (Deuteronomy 20:10-12). This passage implies the use of earthworks in the form of siege ramps and other fortifications to breach city defenses.

The construction of earthworks is also evident in the account of the conquest of Jericho. Joshua 6 describes the fall of Jericho, where the Israelites marched around the city for seven days. Although the text does not explicitly mention earthworks, the strategic encirclement and eventual collapse of the walls suggest the use of military engineering techniques common in ancient warfare.

Historical and Archaeological Insights: Archaeological findings in the ancient Near East provide evidence of earthworks used in biblical times. Excavations at sites like Jericho, Hazor, and Lachish have uncovered remnants of walls, ramparts, and other defensive structures. These findings corroborate biblical accounts of fortified cities and the use of earthworks in military campaigns.

For instance, the city of Lachish, mentioned in 2 Kings 18:14, was heavily fortified with massive walls and a siege ramp, which the Assyrians used to conquer the city. The archaeological evidence of these earthworks aligns with the biblical narrative of Sennacherib's campaign against Judah.

Symbolic and Theological Significance: Earthworks in the Bible can also carry symbolic meanings. They often represent human efforts to establish security and protection apart from divine reliance. In some instances, the futility of relying solely on physical defenses is highlighted, as seen in the fall of fortified cities despite their strong earthworks.

The Psalms frequently contrast human fortifications with the ultimate security found in God. Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" . This verse emphasizes that while earthworks and physical defenses have their place, true safety and deliverance come from the Lord.

Conclusion: Earthworks in the Bible serve as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient peoples in their quest for security and survival. They also remind believers of the importance of placing trust in God rather than solely in human efforts.

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... for two months in these solitudes between the Ister and the Tanais; he had constructed
on the banks of this latter river a series of earthworks, the remains of ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
... have said""Bury my dead out of my sight." The body is borne upon the bier and consigned
to the silent earth; it is surrounded by the earthworks of death. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/i know that my redeemer.htm

Christ's Question to Each
... The shells that were hurled against the earthworks of Sebastopol broke away the
front surface of the mounds, and then the rubbish protected the fortifications ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christs question to each.htm

Visit to Cities in the North-West and to Kumaon --Visit to England ...
... The earthworks hastily raised for temporary shelter still remained. We were reminded
at every mile of the fierce resistance our soldiers had to encounter. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xix visit to cities.htm

Our Strong City
... operation of His hand keeping us safe at every moment, we shall not ask that these
defences shall be supplemented by the poor feeble earthworks that sense can ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/our strong city.htm

Providence
... Consider those tens of thousands of men, labouring day and night for months at those
deadly earthworks, whose strong arms might have been all tilling God's ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xiii providence.htm

Introduction
... western extremity of the land of Goshen, and the Egyptian "kings found themselves
cut off in the midst of their cities, and surrounded by earthworks, for they ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/introduction.htm

Sennacherib (705-681 BC )
... The work of destruction accomplished, the Rabshakeh brought up all his forces and
threw up a complete circle of earthworks round Jerusalem: Hezekiah found ...
/.../chapter isennacherib 705-681 b c.htm

Down the Islands
... Convention had named her, was swarming with fresh English; and the remaining French
and the drilled made a desperate stand in the earthworks of yonder ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ii down the islands.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... Sometimes, however, the inhabitants when constructing their defences did not confine
themselves to this rudimentary plan, but threw up earthworks round the ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

Earthworks (10 Occurrences)
...Earthworks (10 Occurrences). ... (BBE). Isaiah 29:3 And I will make war on you like David,
and you will be shut in by earthworks, and I will make towers round you. ...
/e/earthworks.htm - 9k

Siege (63 Occurrences)
... In the Monarchy 3. Preliminaries to Siege 4. Siege Operations: Attack (1) Investment
of City (2) Line of Circumvallation (3) Mound, or Earthworks (4) Battering ...
/s/siege.htm - 51k

Earthwork (7 Occurrences)

/e/earthwork.htm - 9k

Well-armed (1 Occurrence)
... Daniel 11:15 So the king of the north will come, and put up earthworks and take
a well-armed town: and the forces of the king of the south will make an attempt ...
/w/well-armed.htm - 6k

Investing (1 Occurrence)
... Luke 19:43 For the time is coming upon thee when thy foes will throw up around thee
earthworks and a wall, investing thee and hemming thee in on every side. ...
/i/investing.htm - 6k

Foes (95 Occurrences)
... Luke 19:43 For the time is coming upon thee when thy foes will throw up around thee
earthworks and a wall, investing thee and hemming thee in on every side. ...
/f/foes.htm - 30k

Engines (4 Occurrences)
... the fate of Jerusalem, to give orders for destruction, to send up the war-cry, to
put engines of war against the doors, lifting up earthworks, building walls. ...
/e/engines.htm - 8k

Earthy (3 Occurrences)

/e/earthy.htm - 7k

Besiege (17 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Isaiah 29:3 And I will make war on you like David, and you will be shut
in by earthworks, and I will make towers round you. (See RSV). ...
/b/besiege.htm - 12k

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