Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, walls serve as significant physical and symbolic structures, representing protection, division, and the strength of a city or nation. They are often mentioned in the context of ancient cities, fortifications, and spiritual metaphors.1. Walls of Jericho: The walls of Jericho are among the most famous in the Bible. According to the Book of Joshua, the Israelites, led by Joshua, conquered the city of Jericho by marching around its walls for seven days. On the seventh day, the priests blew their trumpets, and the people shouted, causing the walls to collapse. This miraculous event is recorded in Joshua 6:20: "So when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, they shouted with a great shout. And the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight ahead, and they captured the city." 2. Walls of Jerusalem: Jerusalem's walls have been built, destroyed, and rebuilt multiple times throughout biblical history. King David initially captured the city, but it was his son Solomon who fortified it. Nehemiah later led the effort to rebuild the walls after the Babylonian exile, as described in Nehemiah 4:6: "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." The walls of Jerusalem symbolize God's protection and the restoration of His people. 3. Symbolic Significance: Walls in the Bible often symbolize security and divine protection. In Isaiah 26:1, the prophet speaks of a strong city with salvation as its walls and ramparts: "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: 'We have a strong city; He sets up salvation as walls and ramparts.'" This imagery conveys the idea that God's salvation provides ultimate security for His people. 4. Walls as Division: Walls can also represent division and separation. In Ephesians 2:14, the Apostle Paul speaks of Christ breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jews and Gentiles: "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility." This metaphorical wall signifies the barriers that separate humanity, which are overcome through Christ's reconciling work. 5. Walls in Prophecy: Prophetic literature often uses walls to describe future events. In Revelation 21:12, the New Jerusalem is depicted with a great and high wall, symbolizing the eternal security and holiness of God's heavenly city: "It had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel." 6. Walls in Personal and Spiritual Life: In a personal and spiritual context, walls can represent the barriers individuals build around their hearts. Proverbs 25:28 warns, "Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper." This suggests that self-control and discipline are necessary to maintain spiritual integrity and protection. Throughout the Bible, walls serve as powerful symbols of God's protection, human division, and the spiritual fortifications necessary for a life of faith. They remind believers of the importance of divine security and the call to break down barriers through the love and reconciliation found in Christ. 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 |