Topical Encyclopedia The term "Broad Wall" refers to a significant architectural feature mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of ancient Jerusalem. This wall is noted for its considerable width and is associated with the efforts to fortify the city against potential invasions and to protect its inhabitants.Biblical References: The Broad Wall is explicitly mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah, which details the rebuilding efforts of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah 3:8 states, "Next to them, Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him, Hananiah, a perfume-maker, made repairs. They restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall." This passage highlights the collaborative effort of various groups in the restoration process, emphasizing the importance of the Broad Wall in the city's defense system. Historical and Archaeological Context: The Broad Wall is believed to have been constructed during the reign of King Hezekiah in the late 8th century BC. This period was marked by the threat of Assyrian invasion, prompting Hezekiah to strengthen Jerusalem's defenses. The wall's construction is thought to have been part of a larger project to expand and protect the city, as described in 2 Chronicles 32:5 : "Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise towers on it. He built another wall outside that one and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David." Archaeological excavations in the Old City of Jerusalem have uncovered remnants of a massive wall that aligns with the biblical description of the Broad Wall. This structure measures approximately 7 meters (23 feet) in width, supporting the notion of its designation as "broad." The discovery of this wall provides tangible evidence of the biblical account and offers insights into the urban development and military strategies of ancient Jerusalem. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the Broad Wall symbolizes the resilience and determination of the Jewish people to restore and protect their sacred city. The rebuilding of the wall under Nehemiah's leadership is often seen as an act of faith and obedience to God's command to reestablish Jerusalem as a center of worship and community life. The Broad Wall serves as a testament to the collective effort and unity required to achieve divine purposes, as well as the importance of physical and spiritual fortification. Cultural and Religious Impact: The Broad Wall holds cultural and religious significance for both historical and contemporary communities. For the ancient Israelites, it represented a tangible manifestation of God's provision and protection. In modern times, the wall serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Jerusalem as a focal point of faith and history. The account of the Broad Wall continues to inspire believers to work together in the face of adversity, trusting in God's guidance and strength. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 51:58Thus said the LORD of hosts; The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire; and the people shall labor in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary. Nave's Topical Index Library The Child Moses. Nineveh. I Saw the City How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid ... The Conquest of Babylon. A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom. Vespasian, when He had Taken the City Gadaea Marches to Jotapata. ... The Temple and Its Dedication A Prince's Bride The Story of a Cup of Water Resources What is the significance of the walls of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Who was Nehemiah 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 Mother-of-pearl (1 Occurrence) Cause-of-fear-on-every-side (1 Occurrence) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) |