Topical Bible: Foundation: Laid For: Towers

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In biblical times, the construction of towers was a significant architectural endeavor, often symbolizing human ambition, defense, and the desire for security. The laying of a foundation for a tower was a critical step, ensuring the structure's stability and longevity. The Bible provides several references to towers, highlighting their importance and the spiritual lessons they convey.

The Tower of Babel

One of the most notable biblical accounts involving a tower is the Tower of Babel. In Genesis 11:1-9, humanity's unified effort to build a city and a tower "with its top in the heavens" is described. The foundation of this tower was laid with the intent to make a name for themselves and prevent their dispersion across the earth. However, God intervened, confusing their language and scattering them. This narrative underscores the futility of human pride and ambition when it opposes God's will.

Defensive Towers

Towers were also integral to the defense of cities in ancient Israel. They were often part of city walls, providing a vantage point for watchmen and a stronghold against enemies. In 2 Chronicles 26:9-10, King Uzziah is noted for building towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and at the angle of the wall, as well as in the wilderness. These towers were strategically important, and their foundations had to be robust to withstand sieges and attacks.

The Parable of the Tower Builder

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of building a tower to teach about the cost of discipleship. In Luke 14:28-30, He says, "For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’" This parable emphasizes the importance of careful planning and commitment in following Christ, likening it to the prudent laying of a foundation for a tower.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

The laying of a foundation for towers in the Bible often carries deeper spiritual meanings. It serves as a metaphor for the need for a strong spiritual foundation in one's life. Just as a tower requires a solid base to stand firm, so too does a believer need a firm foundation in faith and obedience to God. The imagery of towers and their foundations invites reflection on the strength and purpose of one's spiritual life, urging believers to build their lives on the teachings of Christ, the cornerstone of faith.

In summary, the biblical references to the foundation of towers highlight themes of human ambition, defense, and spiritual preparedness. They serve as reminders of the importance of aligning one's endeavors with God's purposes and the necessity of a strong foundation in faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 14:28,29
For which of you, intending to build a tower, sits not down first, and counts the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How the Entire City of Jerusalem was Demolished, Excepting Three ...
... were to lie in garrison, as were the towers also spared ... rest of the wall, it was
so thoroughly laid even with ... those that dug it up to the foundation, that there ...
/.../chapter 1 how the entire.htm

The Broad Wall
... Its foundation is laid deep in the heart, and its ... Your treasure is laid up in heaven
and available for ... to attack Jerusalem, he counted the towers and bulwarks ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 57 1911/the broad wall.htm

Of the [Temple And] Cities that were Built by Herod and Erected ...
... The cloisters he built from the foundation, but the ... it, with great ambition, and
built round towers all about ... was splendid, but great wealth was laid out on ...
/.../chapter 21 of the temple.htm

Sky, Earth, and Sea: a Parable of God
... But God accepts the cares laid upon Him by His own ... of our thoughts of God, we have
no foundation to rest on ... So the mercy of God towers above us, and stoops down ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/sky earth and sea a.htm

John Wycliffe.
... So broad and deep was laid the foundation, so firm and ... and lowly"who bore fearless
testimony to the truth in dungeon cells, in "Lollard towers," and in ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /5 john wycliffe.htm

John Wycliffe
... So broad and deep was laid the foundation, so firm and ... and lowly"who bore fearless
testimony to the truth in dungeon cells, in "Lollard towers," and in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 5 john wycliffe.htm

Concerning the Famine that Happened in Judea and Syria; and How ...
... beforehand was spent, there was no foundation of hope ... endeavored to rectify this
inconvenience, and laid out such a ... it a wall, with several towers, the largest ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 9 concerning the famine.htm

How Caesar Raised Banks Round About the Upper City [Mount Zion] ...
... they both placed their ensigns upon the towers, and made ... and burnt every soul in
them, and laid waste a ... as much happiness from its first foundation, it would ...
/.../chapter 8 how caesar raised.htm

Psalm XLVIII.
... Be our foundation in Sion: there ought we to be stablished ... of chaff pass to the heap
to be laid up in ... Zion, go round about her: speak in the towers thereof." In ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlviii.htm

Light and Shade.
... In the rear of the city there are three watch towers. ... rather to stave off death till
others were ready to take his place, he laid a good foundation, doing a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/iv light and shade.htm