Topical Encyclopedia The Walls of Jerusalem hold significant historical, theological, and symbolic importance within the biblical narrative. These fortifications have been central to the city's defense, identity, and spiritual symbolism throughout the Scriptures.Historical Background The earliest mention of Jerusalem's walls can be traced back to the Jebusites, the original inhabitants of the city, known as Jebus at the time. When King David conquered the city, he established it as the capital of Israel, fortifying it further (2 Samuel 5:6-9). The walls were expanded and strengthened under King Solomon, who built the First Temple, enhancing Jerusalem's status as the spiritual center of Israel (1 Kings 3:1). During the reign of King Hezekiah, the walls were reinforced in response to the Assyrian threat. Hezekiah constructed a broad wall to protect the city from the impending siege by Sennacherib, king of Assyria (2 Chronicles 32:5; Isaiah 22:9-10). Destruction and Rebuilding The walls of Jerusalem faced significant destruction during the Babylonian conquest in 586 BC, when King Nebuchadnezzar's forces razed the city and the First Temple (2 Kings 25:10). This event marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history, leading to the Babylonian exile. Following the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem and began the arduous task of rebuilding the city and its walls. Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the walls were reconstructed despite opposition from surrounding adversaries. Nehemiah's efforts are detailed in the book bearing his name, highlighting the communal dedication and divine assistance in the rebuilding process (Nehemiah 4:6-23). Symbolic Significance The walls of Jerusalem symbolize God's protection and the covenant relationship between God and His people. In the Psalms, the city and its fortifications are often depicted as a place of refuge and divine presence: "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people both now and forevermore" (Psalm 125:2). Prophetically, the walls of Jerusalem are also significant. In the vision of the New Jerusalem described in Revelation, the city is depicted with great walls, symbolizing eternal security and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people (Revelation 21:12-14). Theological Implications Theologically, the walls of Jerusalem represent the strength and resilience of God's people. They serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness in times of trial and His provision for restoration. The rebuilding of the walls under Nehemiah is often seen as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and the importance of communal faithfulness to God's commandments. In the New Testament, the concept of spiritual walls is expanded to include the Church, described as a living temple built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22). This imagery underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. Conclusion The Walls of Jerusalem, both in their physical and symbolic forms, continue to be a powerful testament to God's enduring covenant with His people, His protection, and His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration. 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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