Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, sieges were a common military strategy employed by nations to conquer fortified cities. The concept of a siege involves surrounding a city or stronghold, cutting off supplies, and waiting for the inhabitants to surrender due to starvation, thirst, or disease. This tactic is frequently mentioned in the Bible, illustrating both divine judgment and human warfare.Biblical Instances of Sieges 1. Siege of Jericho: One of the earliest and most famous sieges recorded in the Bible is the siege of Jericho. Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites encircled the city for seven days as instructed by God. On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times, and the walls of Jericho fell (Joshua 6:1-20). This event underscores the power of divine intervention in warfare. 2. Siege of Samaria: The city of Samaria experienced several sieges, notably by the Arameans. In one instance, the siege led to a severe famine, causing desperate conditions within the city. The prophet Elisha foretold the end of the siege, and the Arameans fled, leaving behind their supplies (2 Kings 6:24-7:20). This account highlights God's provision and deliverance for His people. 3. Siege of Jerusalem: Jerusalem faced numerous sieges throughout its history. The Babylonian siege under King Nebuchadnezzar resulted in the city's destruction and the exile of its inhabitants (2 Kings 25:1-21). This event fulfilled prophetic warnings and served as a judgment for the nation's disobedience to God. 4. Siege of Lachish: The Assyrian king Sennacherib laid siege to the city of Lachish during his campaign against Judah. The siege is depicted in Assyrian reliefs and mentioned in the Bible, illustrating the might of the Assyrian empire and the threat it posed to the region (2 Kings 18:13-17). Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons Sieges in the Bible often symbolize spiritual warfare and the consequences of sin. They serve as reminders of the importance of faithfulness to God and reliance on His protection. The imagery of being "against round about" reflects the encircling nature of sin and the need for divine intervention to break free from its hold. Prophetic and Eschatological Significance Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah used the imagery of sieges to convey messages of impending judgment and the need for repentance. Isaiah warned of a future siege against Jerusalem, urging the people to trust in God rather than in military alliances (Isaiah 29:1-3). In eschatological contexts, sieges foreshadow the ultimate battle between good and evil, culminating in God's final victory. Moral and Ethical Considerations The accounts of sieges in the Bible raise moral and ethical questions about warfare, justice, and divine sovereignty. They challenge believers to consider the righteousness of their actions and the importance of seeking God's guidance in times of conflict. The narratives also emphasize the hope of redemption and restoration for those who turn to God in repentance. In summary, sieges in the Bible serve as powerful illustrations of divine judgment, human conflict, and the spiritual battles faced by believers. They call for a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and the necessity of faithfulness in the face of adversity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 51:2And will send to Babylon fanners, that shall fan her, and shall empty her land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against her round about. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library What Cestius did against the Jews; and How, Upon his Besieging ... Six Cities How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The Concerning Masada and those Sicarii who Kept It; and How Silva ... The Two-Horned Beast. Heresies Extracts No. vii. That the Miseries Still Grew Worse; and How the Romans Made an ... Oracles on the Scythians. (With Some Others: iv. 5-vi. 29. ) The Life of Cassian. Resources What is the history of Masada? | GotQuestions.orgWhen and how was Israel conquered by the Assyrians? | GotQuestions.org Who was Ben-Hadad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Siege: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Siege by Rezin, King of Syria, and Pekah, Son of Remaliah, King of Israel Siege: An offer of Peace Must be Made to the City Before Beginning A Siege: Conducted by Erecting Embankments Parallel to the Walls of the Besieged City Siege: Distress of the Inhabitants During A Sieges: Being Against Round About Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Helped by Allies Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Ambush Sieges: Cities Invested by Frequently Taken by Assault Sieges: Cities Invested by Inhabitants of, Exhorted to be Courageous Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Demanded Terms of Peace Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Famine Sieges: Cities Invested by Often Suffered from Pestilence Sieges: Cities Invested by Repaired and Newly Fortified Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by Sometimes Used Ambushes or Sorties Sieges: Cities Invested by Supplied With Water Beforehand Sieges: Cities Invested by The Inhabitants of, Cut off Beforehand Supplies of Water Sieges: Cities Invested by Walls of, Defended by the Inhabitants Sieges: Cities Invested by Were Strictly Shut Up Sieges: Cities of Israel in Galilee Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Broken Down Sieges: Cities Taken by Frequently Destroyed by Fire Sieges: Cities Taken by Given up to Pillage Sieges: Cities Taken by Inhabitants of, often Put to the Sword Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Called After the Name of the Captor Sieges: Cities Taken by Sometimes Sown With Salt Sieges: Compassing About With Armies Sieges: Extreme Difficulty of Taking Cities By, Alluded To Sieges: Fenced Cities Invested By Sieges: Great Noise and Tumult of, Alluded To Sieges: Often Lasted for a Long Time Sieges: Setting in Array Against Sieges: The Jews Forbidden to Cut Down Fruit Trees for the Purpose of Sieges: The Omnipresence of God Sieges: Those Engaged in Built Forts and Mounts Sieges: Those Engaged in Called Upon the City to Surrender Sieges: Those Engaged in Cast Arrows and Other Missiles Into the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Cut off all Supplies Sieges: Those Engaged in Dug a Trench Round the City Sieges: Those Engaged in Employed Battering Rams Against the Walls Sieges: Those Engaged in Frequently Laid Ambushes Sieges: Those Engaged in Invested the City on Every Side Sieges: Those Engaged in Often Suffered Much During Sieges: Threatened As a Punishment Sieges: Zion in Her Affliction Related Terms Battering-rams (2 Occurrences) Nebuchadrezzar (31 Occurrences) |
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