Topical Bible: Dedication: Subjects of Walls of Cities

◄ Dedication: Subjects of Walls of Cities ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the dedication of city walls was a significant event, symbolizing not only the physical protection of a city but also its spiritual and communal renewal. The act of dedicating walls was often accompanied by ceremonies that included offerings, prayers, and celebrations, reflecting the community's gratitude and reliance on God's providence.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah's Dedication of Jerusalem's Walls

One of the most detailed accounts of wall dedication in the Bible is found in the Book of Nehemiah. After the Babylonian exile, Nehemiah, a Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, was granted permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. This project was crucial for the security and identity of the Jewish people.

Upon the completion of the walls, Nehemiah organized a grand dedication ceremony. Nehemiah 12:27 states, "At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, they sought out the Levites from all their places to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with hymns of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps, and lyres."

The dedication involved a procession with two large choirs walking on the walls, as described in Nehemiah 12:31-43. This procession was not only a celebration but also a public declaration of God's faithfulness and protection. The Levites, priests, and leaders of the people participated, emphasizing the communal and religious significance of the event.

Spiritual Significance

The dedication of city walls in the Bible often carried a deeper spiritual meaning. It was an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a reminder of His covenant with His people. The walls symbolized not just physical security but also the spiritual boundaries that set the community apart for God's purposes.

In the case of Jerusalem, the dedication of the walls was a renewal of the people's commitment to live according to God's laws. Nehemiah 12:43 notes, "On that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar."

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, city walls were vital for defense against enemies. The construction and dedication of these walls were often seen as acts of divine favor and blessing. The biblical narrative reflects this cultural understanding, portraying the dedication of walls as an act of worship and thanksgiving to God.

The dedication ceremonies often included elements such as sacrifices, music, and communal feasting, which were common in ancient religious practices. These elements served to unite the community and reinforce their collective identity under God's guidance.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the dedication of city walls underscores the theme of restoration and renewal. It highlights God's role as a protector and provider, who enables His people to rebuild and thrive even after periods of desolation and exile. The dedication ceremonies serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of communal worship and obedience.

In summary, the dedication of city walls in the Bible is a multifaceted event that combines elements of physical security, spiritual renewal, and communal celebration. It reflects the deep connection between the people's faith in God and their everyday lives, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, worship, and covenantal faithfulness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Nehemiah 12:27
And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning Silas and on what Account it was that King Agrippa was ...
... he gave festival entertainments to all his subjects, he sent ... leave off the building
of those walls presently. ... a great deal upon their dedication, and exhibited ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 7 concerning silas and.htm

Altar and Temple
... worse when they pull different ways, and subjects are torn ... and of the glories of
Solomon's dedication, and of ... by that altar than if its fallen walls had been ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... chief was Parihu, who was distinguished from his subjects by the ... on the destroyed
part of the walls where Naville ... by a man only, such as the dedication of one ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Putting God to Work
... God, angels and men are subjects of this wonderful law of ... I have set watchmen upon
thy walls, O Jerusalem ... great prayer which he offered at the dedication of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... is the gaining of glory by subjects like this. ... result of self-discipline, for the
dedication to God ... inroad which, instead of destroying walls, cities and houses ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

the life of constantine
... Chapter XXXVI.--Description of the Walls, Roof, Decoration, and Gilding of the ... at
Nic??a was held in the Twentieth, the Dedication of the ... INDEX OF SUBJECTS. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/the life of constantine/

Christian Cemeteries.
... who were put to death after the dedication of the ... design and color, but from the
beautiful subjects chosen by him for the decoration of the walls and ceilings ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

Footnotes:
... there is not much time for a dedication to this ... that they might instruct him and
his subjects in the ... sailed from Richborough, the massive Roman walls of which ...
/.../footnotes .htm

Letter Lx. To Heliodorus.
... I dislike men to delay the complete dedication of themselves to ... For the king rules
over unwilling subjects, the bishop ... of his foe; and your walls, Lyons, still ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lx to heliodorus.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... at Jerusalem, the temple and its dedication: the priesthood ... of Saul and his sons
upon the walls of Bethshan ... some similar understanding with the cities of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm