In biblical times, walls served as critical structures for the protection and fortification of cities, temples, and other significant buildings. The concept of a surrounding wall is frequently mentioned throughout the Bible, symbolizing both physical security and spiritual protection.

Old Testament References

1. Jericho's Walls: One of the most famous accounts of surrounding walls in the Bible is the account of Jericho. The city was heavily fortified with walls that the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, miraculously brought down through divine intervention. As recorded in Joshua 6:20 , "So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. And 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."

2. Nehemiah's Rebuilding: The Book of Nehemiah details the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah's efforts were 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."

3. Solomon's Temple: The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem by King Solomon included surrounding walls that were integral to its design and function. These walls symbolized the sanctity and separation of the holy place from the secular world.

Symbolic Significance

1. Protection and Security: Surrounding walls in the Bible often symbolize God's protection over His people. Psalm 125:2 illustrates this, "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore."

2. Separation from Sin: Walls also represent the separation between the holy and the profane. In Ezekiel's vision of the new temple, the surrounding wall serves to distinguish the sacred space from the common (Ezekiel 42:20).

3. Spiritual Fortification: The imagery of walls is used metaphorically to describe spiritual fortification. Proverbs 25:28 warns, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper," highlighting the importance of self-control as a protective barrier.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus on physical walls as much as the Old Testament, the concept of spiritual walls remains. Ephesians 2:14 speaks of Christ breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing unity and reconciliation through faith.

Eschatological Vision

In the Book of Revelation, the New Jerusalem is described as having a great and high wall, symbolizing the ultimate protection and purity of God's eternal kingdom. Revelation 21:12 describes, "It had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel."

Throughout the Bible, surrounding walls serve as powerful symbols of God's protection, the sanctity of His dwelling places, and the spiritual fortitude required of His people.