Topics

Walls of the Cities

City walls in Scripture served as both physical fortifications for protection and symbolic representations of God's security and the future glory of His kingdom. From ancient Israel's defensive structures to the New Jerusalem's eternal walls, these architectural features reveal God's care for His people.

Overview

Throughout Scripture, city walls protected inhabitants from enemies and represented a city's strength and stability. Ancient walled cities like those in Canaan were fortified with gates and towers (Deuteronomy 3:5). The walls could be breached in siege warfare (2 Samuel 20:15), yet they also symbolized divine protection. Most significantly, the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem features walls of immense spiritual and architectural beauty, representing God's eternal security for His redeemed people.

Key Scriptures

"The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb" (Revelation 21:14, ESV).

"The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass" (Revelation 21:18, ESV).

"The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl" (Revelation 21:21, ESV).

Application

Trust in God's protection and look forward to the security and glory of eternal communion with Him in the New Jerusalem.

Scripture References 17
Full Topical Reference List 17 total — Nave's Topical Bible

Houses built upon

Of Bashan, destroyed by the Israelites

Of Beth-Shan

Of Jericho