Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionIn the Bible, walls and doors serve as significant physical and metaphorical elements. They are often used to symbolize protection, division, and access, reflecting both the physical realities of ancient life and deeper spiritual truths. Throughout Scripture, walls and doors are mentioned in various contexts, from the construction of cities and temples to the spiritual barriers and gateways in the lives of believers. Walls 1. Physical Protection and Security: In ancient times, walls were essential for the protection of cities. They provided security against invaders and were a symbol of strength and stability. The walls of Jerusalem, for instance, are frequently mentioned in the Bible. Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile highlight the importance of walls for the restoration and protection of the community (Nehemiah 2:17-18). 2. Symbol of Division and Separation: Walls also represent division and separation. In Ephesians 2:14, Paul speaks of Christ breaking down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jews and Gentiles, symbolizing the removal of barriers that separate people from one another and from God. 3. Spiritual Fortification: Walls can symbolize spiritual fortification. Proverbs 25:28 compares a person without self-control to a city broken into and left without walls, emphasizing the need for spiritual discipline and protection against sin. 4. Judgment and Destruction: The fall of Jericho's walls (Joshua 6:20) serves as a powerful demonstration of God's judgment and the futility of relying solely on human defenses against divine will. Doors 1. Access and Opportunity: Doors in the Bible often symbolize access and opportunity. Jesus refers to Himself as the "door" in John 10:9 , indicating that He is the way to salvation and eternal life. This metaphor underscores the idea that through Christ, believers have access to God. 2. Invitation and Choice: In Revelation 3:20 , Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." This verse illustrates the invitation to fellowship with Christ, emphasizing the personal choice to open one's heart to Him. 3. Protection and Exclusion: Doors also serve as a means of protection and exclusion. The Passover account in Exodus 12:7, 23 describes how the Israelites marked their doors with lamb's blood to protect their households from the angel of death, symbolizing divine protection and the separation of God's people from judgment. 4. Spiritual Readiness: The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 uses the imagery of a door to convey the importance of spiritual readiness. The closed door signifies the finality of missed opportunities for those unprepared for the bridegroom's arrival. Conclusion Walls and doors in the Bible are rich with meaning, serving as tangible elements that convey spiritual truths. They remind believers of the importance of protection, access, division, and readiness in their spiritual lives. Through these symbols, Scripture communicates the necessity of relying on God's strength, the openness of Christ's invitation, and the urgency of spiritual preparedness. 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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