Topical Encyclopedia
A battlement, in biblical terms, refers to a protective parapet or wall built on the roof of a house or a city wall. The primary purpose of a battlement was to prevent people from falling off the roof, which was a common living and working space in ancient Near Eastern architecture. The concept of a battlement is rooted in the practical and moral obligations of ensuring safety and preventing harm.
Biblical Reference:The most direct biblical reference to battlements is found in
Deuteronomy 22:8, which states: "When you build a new house, you are to construct a parapet around your roof, so that you do not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from it." . This commandment is part of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and community welfare. It reflects the broader biblical principle of loving one's neighbor and taking proactive steps to prevent harm to others.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Israel, houses typically had flat roofs that were used for various activities, including drying produce, social gatherings, and even sleeping during hot weather. The construction of a battlement was a practical measure to ensure the safety of those using the roof. This requirement highlights the value placed on human life and the duty of care expected from property owners.
The concept of a battlement can also be extended metaphorically to the spiritual realm, where believers are called to build protective measures around their lives to guard against spiritual dangers. Just as a physical battlement prevents physical harm, spiritual safeguards help prevent moral and spiritual failings.
Theological Implications:The instruction to build a battlement underscores the biblical theme of stewardship. Believers are called to be stewards not only of their possessions but also of the well-being of others. This principle is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love, care, and responsibility towards one's neighbor (
Matthew 22:39).
Furthermore, the battlement serves as a reminder of the fallen nature of humanity and the need for vigilance. In a world where accidents and mishaps can occur, the battlement symbolizes the proactive steps believers must take to protect themselves and others from harm, both physically and spiritually.
Application for Today:While the specific command to build a battlement may not directly apply in modern architectural practices, the underlying principle remains relevant. Christians are encouraged to consider the safety and well-being of others in all aspects of life, whether in the workplace, community, or home. This includes creating safe environments, being mindful of potential hazards, and taking responsibility for the welfare of others.
In a broader sense, the concept of a battlement can inspire believers to establish boundaries and safeguards in their spiritual lives. By doing so, they can protect themselves and others from spiritual dangers and maintain a life that honors God and reflects His love and care for humanity.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A parapet wall or balustrade surrounding the flat roofs of the houses, required to be built by a special law (
Deuteronomy 22:8). In
Jeremiah 5:10, it denotes the parapet of a city wall.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One of the solid upright parts of a parapet in ancient fortifications.
2. (n.) pl. The whole parapet, consisting of alternate solids and open spaces. At first purely a military feature, afterwards copied on a smaller scale with decorative features, as for churches.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BATTLEMENTbat'-'-l-ment.
SeeFORTIFICATION;HOUSE.
Greek
4419. pterugion -- a little wing, hence (anything like a wing) a...... a little wing, hence (anything like a wing) a
battlement. Part of Speech: Noun,
Neuter Transliteration: pterugion Phonetic Spelling: (pter-oog'-ee-on) Short
...Strong's Hebrew
2918. tirah -- encampment,battlement... 2917, 2918. tirah. 2919 . encampment,
battlement. Transliteration: tirah
Phonetic Spelling: (tee-raw') Short Definition: camps.
...5189. netishah -- a twig, tendril
...battlement, branch, plant. From natash; a tendril (as an offshoot) --battlement,
branch, plant. see HEBREW natash. 5188, 5189. netishah. 5190 ....
4624. maaqeh -- a parapet
... parapet (1).battlement. From an unused root meaning to repress; a parapet --
battlement. 4623, 4624. maaqeh. 4625 . Strong's Numbers.
8121. shemesh -- sun
... From an unused root meaning to be brilliant; the sun; by implication, the east;
figuratively, a ray, ie (arch.) A notchedbattlement -- + east side(-ward), sun...
Library
Storming the Battlements
... She shall not have them. I am herbattlement.... 4. But I think that the worstbattlement
the churches have now, is an earthwork of great and extreme caution....
From the Two Books on the Promises.
... Accordingly, when they had brought this book before us, as though it were a kind
of weapon or impregnablebattlement, I sat with them for three days in...
The Pinnacle of the Temple.
... as if to try whether he will work a miracle to save thee from a peril that might
be avoided by natural means" (ie, by coming down from thebattlement in the...
Our Stronghold
... of the law of God and of the justice of his character, we soon discover that
self-righteousness is no hiding-place for us, a crumblingbattlement which will...
The Temptation of Christ
... And not only so, but "he setteth him on a pinnacle," abattlement or wing, "of the
temple," the top of which was so very high, that, as Josephus observes, it...
Israel the Beloved
... Here is one of their triumphant utterances: 'Thou wilt bless the righteous; with
favour wilt Thou compass him as with a shield.' That crystalbattlement, if I...
Deuteronomy
... The law providing for thebattlement on the roof of a new house, xxii.8, shows that
the book contemplates the later settled life of cities or villages, not the...
The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among...
... Let there be abattlement round the tops of your houses instead of a wall, that
may prevent any persons from rolling down and perishing. 38....
Thesaurus
Battlement (2 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BATTLEMENT. bat'-'-l-ment. See FORTIFICATION;
HOUSE. Multi-Version Concordance
Battlement (2 Occurrences).
...Architecture
... of a distinctive kind, not even an eave, simply a "coping." The use of a coping
suggests that the walls were topped by parapets, "battlement" (Deuteronomy 22:8...
Parapet (3 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 22:8 When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make abattlement
for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thy house, if any man fall from...
Battlements (5 Occurrences)
Buildest (7 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 22:8 When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make abattlement
for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall...
Battlefield (2 Occurrences)
Roof (55 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 22:8 When you build a new house, then you shall make abattlement for
your roof, that you don't bring blood on your house, if any man fall from...
Homicide (1 Occurrence)
... If a man failed to build abattlement to his house, and anyone fell over and was
killed, blood-guiltiness came upon that man's house (Dr 22:8). He who killed a...
Thence (152 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 22:8 When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make abattlement
for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall...
Build (242 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 22:8 When you build a new house, then you shall make abattlement for
your roof, that you don't bring blood on your house, if any man fall from...
Resources
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