Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, walls were primarily constructed for defense and protection, serving as critical components of ancient cities and fortifications. These structures were not only physical barriers but also held significant symbolic and spiritual meanings throughout the Scriptures.Historical and Structural Significance Walls in ancient Israel and surrounding regions were typically made of stone, mud-brick, or a combination of materials, designed to withstand sieges and attacks. The height and thickness of these walls varied, often depending on the wealth and strategic importance of the city. For instance, the walls of Jericho, famously mentioned in the Book of Joshua, were formidable enough to require divine intervention for their collapse (Joshua 6:20: "So the people shouted when the rams’ horns sounded. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it."). Symbolic and Spiritual Implications Walls also carried deep symbolic meanings in the Bible. They often represented security, strength, and the presence of God’s protection. In the Book of Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls was not only a physical restoration but also a spiritual renewal for the people of Israel. Nehemiah 4:6 states, "So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." This rebuilding effort symbolized the reestablishment of the community’s identity and faith. Conversely, the destruction of walls often signified judgment and vulnerability. The fall of Jerusalem’s walls to the Babylonians, as recounted in 2 Kings 25:10 (BSB: "And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem."), marked a period of exile and divine chastisement for the Israelites. Prophetic and Eschatological Contexts Prophets frequently used the imagery of walls to convey messages of hope and future restoration. Isaiah 60:18 prophesies, "No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise." Here, walls symbolize the ultimate peace and security that God promises to His people. In the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21, walls are depicted as part of the heavenly city’s grandeur and perfection. Revelation 21:12 describes, "The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel." These walls signify the eternal security and divine order of God’s kingdom. Moral and Ethical Lessons The concept of walls also extends to moral and ethical teachings in Scripture. Proverbs 25:28 warns, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper." This metaphor highlights the importance of self-control and discipline, likening them to protective walls that guard one’s character and integrity. In summary, walls in the Bible serve as multifaceted symbols of defense, divine protection, and spiritual truths. They reflect the physical and spiritual realities of God’s people, illustrating themes of security, judgment, restoration, and moral fortitude. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 25:16They were a wall to us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ... The Maccabees. Non-Resistants. Extracts No. X. The Sack of Rome Hebrew Captives; Or, Mordecai and Esther. Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence. The Life of Mr. John Welch. The Note of Cheer On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xx. 30, About the Two Blind Men ... Resources Where was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org Who was Artaxerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics of the Cities Walls of Babylon of the Cities Walls of Bashan, Destroyed by the Israelites of the Cities Walls of Beth-Shan of the Cities Walls of Jericho of the Cities Walls of the New Jerusalem of the Cities Walls: Houses Built Upon Walls of Cities were Battered by Besieging Armies Walls of Cities were Broad and Places of Public Resort Walls of Cities were Strongly Manned in War Walls of Cities: Adroitness of Soldiers in Scaling Alluded To Walls of Cities: Custom of Dedicating Walls of Cities: Danger of Approaching Too Near To, in Time of War Walls of Cities: Destruction of, a Punishment and Cause of Grief Walls of Cities: Frequently Laid in Ruins Walls of Cities: had Towers Built on Them Walls of Cities: Houses often Built On Walls of Cities: Houses Sometimes Broken Down to Repair, and Fortify Walls of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed On Walls of Cities: Kept by Watchmen Night and Day Walls of Cities: Often Very High Walls of Cities: Persons Let Down From Walls of Cities: Sometimes Burned Walls of Cities: Strongly Fortified Walls of Cities: The Bodies of Enemies Sometimes Fastened On, As a Disgrace Walls of Cities: The Falling of, Sometimes Occasioned Great Destruction Walls of Houses: Could be Easily Dug Through Walls of Houses: had Nails or Pegs Fastened Into Them when Built Walls of Houses: Liable to Leprosy Walls of Houses: Often Infested With Serpents Walls of Houses: The Seat Next, Was the Place of Distinction Walls of Houses: Usually Plastered Walls of Ordinances As a Protection to the Church Walls of the Church As a Protection to the Nation Walls of the Protection of God Walls of the Wealth of the Rich in his own Conceit Walls of Those Who Afford Protection Walls were Probably often Strengthened With Plates of Iron or Brass Walls: (Bowing or Tottering) of the Wicked Under Judgments Walls: (Brazen) of Prophets in Their Testimony Against the Wicked Walls: (Daubed With Untempered Mortar) of the Teaching of False Walls: (Of Partition) Separation of Jews and Gentiles Walls: Designed for Separation Walls: Frequently Made of Stone and Wood Together Walls: Hyssop Frequently Grew On Walls: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Walls: Miracles Connected With: Handwriting on the Wall of Belshazzar's Palace Walls: Small Towns and Villages Were not Surrounded By Related Terms |
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